Nicholas the Traveler/Past Dialogues

2009

 * April 23: Red Iris Flower (Regent Valley)
 * For years, my nightmares have lingered on this place, the place where I lost my Mary. She meant the world to me, but I have mourned her loss long enough. I'm sure if Mary were here today, she’d no sooner want to see those spiders back in her orchard than she would want to see me imprisoned by grief. In just a few short years, deepest despair shocked my beard and hair with white and almost finished what the Charr started when they destroyed my home, my parents, and my Mary. Now I know that I can't let them win like that. I must live on to keep the memory of my beloved alive and find a new home, find happiness again. There is still much work for me to do in this world.
 * And so my travels begin again with new purpose: to take Yakkington and I to the far corners of the globe and back again. But before my journey continues I feel the need to ask my love for her blessing and pay tribute to her, though I suppose the only thing fitting would be Red Iris Flowers. A bunch of at least 3 would do, but the only Ascalonian flora collector I know of has moved far to the north. She was so young the last time I saw her! It makes me worry that she won't remember me. Although, she was quite fond of the Professor, even if he did eat all those flowers.... I don't suppose you have any, do you?


 * April 27: Bolt of Linen (Traveler's Vale)
 * Did you know that dolyaks will abandon a calf if they perceive it to be weak? Yup, it's true, and it's actually extremely common among their species. I know it seems cruel by our standards, but I imagine that they believe it keeps their bloodlines strong. And who would argue?
 * It's also the most likely explanation for why Yakkington was alone when I found him, here in this very place. He was as white as the snow itself, but that was hardly surprising, since all dolyak calves are born that way. The poor thing was huddled up against these rocks, but he wasn't actually the one in trouble; I was. I had been nearly blinded by a blizzard for hours and couldn't make heads or tails of where Yak's Bend was. Luckily I stumbled past him before succumbing to the elements!
 * I approached carefully, because I knew wild dolyaks were particularly dangerous. As I got closer, he held my gaze with those warm blue eyes, and I felt completely safe. Though I couldn't explain it, I knew we had an instant connection. So to honor that night, I wish to craft us a nice, warm blanket, hah! Would you, by chance, have 3 Bolts of Linen that I could take off your hands?


 * May 4: Branch of Juni Berries (Bukdek Byway)
 * I just found out that my old friend Yileng is now an imperial chef. What an achievement! You know, I would expect that when a man reaches a status such as his, that he would live each day with a smile from ear to ear, but he actually seemed troubled when I ran into him.
 * Apparently the fruit he uses for the emperor's favourite dish has been hard to aquire since the plague hit, and he doesn't want to have to tell the emperor that they no longer have the ingredients to make it. I had some spare time, so I offered to scour the city for 3 Branches of Juni Berries, but I've had little luck so far. So I ask you, friend, will you help me? I would like to say I knew where you could start looking, but other than having Chuno ship some here from Ronjok, I can't think of a way.


 * May 11: Mandragor Root Cake (Arkjok Ward)
 * Oh, thank the gods, help has come at last! My bullheaded companion here refuses to budge an inch, because he hasn't had his daily allotment of sweets. I swear he is as stubborn as, well, as stubborn as a dolyak, I suppose. Do you have time to swing by Yohlon Haven and talk to Yajide? See if he still makes that wonderful Mandragor Root Cake. I bet that would get Yakkington going again.


 * May 18: Chromatic Scale (Ice Cliff Chasms)
 * Forgive me. It may seem like I'm hiding out here, but it's not from you. You see, there are people within these walls that I have not seen since the Searing, and for all they know I've been dead these last few years. I think I'll feel a bit sheepish when I show up at such a late hour, especially alive, don't you? Of course, I'm also nervous about showing up empty-handed, especially when I see Gwen. Are you willing to track down a Chromatic Scale for me? I could probably make a nice wind chime out of it for my old friend to put in this garden. Hopefully between that and a reunion with the Professor, I can have a nice visit without having to fully explain why I've been gone so long!


 * May 25: Gloom Seed (The Falls)
 * By the gods, what an amazing place! Yakkington and I were on the way to visit Zinn when we detoured to the west to avoid a large group of trolls, and what a sight to be rewareded with! You know, I've heard tales of something called a Gloom Seed. They say it comes from a realm beyond ours, a realm that has something to do with the statues of the gods. I know not how to enter such a place if this is indeed it, nor would I if I could. I dare not travel where Yakkington can't follow, but if you could somehow return with one for me, then I would forever be in your debt! I've always wanted to behold what kind of plant could come from such a seed of legend.


 * June 1: Dessicated Hydra Claw (The Scar)
 * How fortuitous to run into a friendly face out here! Yakkington and I were nearly chomped to bits by some hydras when they backed us in a corner near some strange runic circle. I was doing my best to keep them at bay when all of a sudden we arrived at another location with an identical runic circle. I could only figure that something the Professor was doing caused the runes to activate. I don't know how he did it, but I sure am glad I have my buddy here. Would you by chance be willing to make sure the coast is clear out there, and let us know? Oh, and if you find 2 Dessicated Hydra Claws while you're at it, would you mind giving them to me? They seem like prime bone for carving tools out of.


 * June 8: Margonite Mask (Poisoned Outcrops)
 * ''What a bleak place to meet your end. Bones are scattered everywhere, and the only creatures I recognize are ravens. I find neither of these things to be the best of omens, though a Norn might disagree. I would like to leave with the fleetest of strides that Yakkington and I can muster, and I'm sure you do too. Would you mind hastening my retreat by finding me 2 Margonite Masks? I hope they have clues that'll help Durmand reveal the secret origin of these monsters.


 * June 15: Sapphire Djinn Essence (Resplendent Makuun)
 * Ahh, I see that you, too, must have buisness with Prince Bokka. I am here on behalf of local villages that clearly need his aid, but I am not sure that he will hear what I say unless there is something in it for him. Do you happen to have a Sapphire Djinn Essence on you? Such a gift would surely get him to hear my plea in full.


 * June 22: Parchment (Zen Daijun (explorable))
 * Ahh yes, well met, friend! I am here working on a piece of writing to add to the library at Durmand's request, but I am rapidly running out of Rolls of Parchment. Would you be able to pick up 5 pieces of it for me ? I have much recording to do of the circumstances leading up to the searing, and the years following. Perhaps you may even get to read it someday! I am thinking of entitling it "There with Yakkington: A Traveler's Tale", what do you think, pretty catchy, huh?


 * June 29: Stone Carving (Arborstone (explorable)
 * "The Stone Carvings found in these hallowed walls are legendary for their quality amongst the people of Kryta. Goods from a foreign land such as this are always of great value to trade, but ones of these particular quality are a rarity even by the standards of a city as proserous as Lion's Arch. I need to return to Kryta with something worth bartering so that I can continue to feed my big lummox of a friend here! So if you have the time to spare, would you mind helping me find 1 of them?"


 * July 6: Feathered Avicara Scalp (Mineral Springs)
 * The Avicara of these parts are as fierce as they are feathery, and they do have quite fine feathers indeed. Have you managed to retrieve any of their Feathered Avicara Scalps while doing battle with them? I have need for 3 of them, as I wish to make a fine feathered headdress for Yakkington to wear. He may be a beast of burden by birthright, but he also wants a little pampering from time to time as a reward, and I like to keep the big lug as happy as possible. For now, let's just say his quirks are worth putting up with since the only alternative involves me carrying all the luggage on his back!


 * July 13: Charr Hide (The Breach)
 * I spent much time around the wall, cooling myself in its shadow and walking alongside it on the way to Ascalon. And now I wonder how we're going to rebuild it, and if we're even going to rebuild it. Doesn't seem likely, does it? And that makes me sad. Maybe it would comfort me if I had some Charr Hides. I mean, it is their fault, after all. And Charr Hides are quite useful! I could make all kinds of things and not feel like I'm doing this just for the sake of revenge. Perhaps 1 would be enough to make a warm blanket for the refugees. If you have 1, I'm willing to barter for it!


 * July 20: Skelk Claw (Verdant Cascades)
 * Well met, friend! If there's one thing I learned about myself, it's that I like working with my hands. Putting things together and the like. Take Skelk Claws, for example. Did you know I can make excellent digging implements out of them? I may not look like a farming expert, but there was a time in my life I would have given anything to settle down on a farm with the right woman. Oh, I may sound nostalgic, but I'm being practical too. Farmers these days have enough to contend with. Come to think of it, with 3 Skelk Claws, I can make them some tools, maybe feel like I'm a farmer too.


 * July 27: Herring (Twin Serpent Lakes)
 * You don't walk the world without picking up a few culinary tricks here and there. Spices, berries, sugar cane-I've tasted so much! In fact, I've even become quite the gourmet chef, as the galloping girth of my friend here will surely testify. I've an excellent stew recipe I'm working on-excellent, I tell you-and, while Yakkington's in the mood for veggies (if you'll pardon a parlance), I feel like something with a meatier flavor. If you have any Herring, that would be quite a tasty and substantial addition. I'd only need 1. And I'd bet my best boots I could probably find something useful to do with the head...


 * August 3: Bowl of Skalefin Soup (Zehlon Reach)
 * That storm was insane! Did you see it? What craziness! Lightning bolts and huge, painful thunderclaps, over and over again, like we had a swarm of mages pursuing us. And I'd swear I saw Destroyers in the waves that night. Yakkington and I finally made it to Istan this morning, but now he refuses to budge. I think that wild storm made him seasick. Food is the safest way to calm him down, even when he's sick, so maybe you could find some Bowl of Skalefin Soup for my friend while I tend to him?


 * August 10: Behemoth Hide (Wilderness of Bahdza)
 * Quite the amazing architectural feat, isn't it? I rather enjoy find [sic] beautiful vistas like this to fill my gaze while I mull over the day's more mundane tasks. Speaking of which, I am on the hunt for 2 Behemoth Hides today! A few of Yakkington's packs have worn thin at the bottom. Leaving them alone would just invite a truly frustrating moment into my life, so I'd like to head it off at the pass and fix him up some new ones with all the Behemoth Hides I can get.


 * August 17: Rot Wallow Tusk (Pongmei Valley)
 * Oh, dear, I'm in a predicament, friend. Yakkington got himself into a scuffle earlier today, and while the big guy emerged victorious, he did not come out unscathed. Yakkington's dealt with this sort before, you understand, so it didn't concern me at first. Then he got a little woozy and I got to thinking: what if Rot Wallow Tusks have venom in them after all? It would make sense because he came back with so many scratches this time-more than I've seen before. I can't leave his side in his condition, but I can't be sure of what happened until I examine the Rot Wallow Tusks myself. Could you bring me 2 of them while I watch over my infirm friend? If I'm correct, I can extract their internal essences and prepare an antidote.


 * August 24: Jade Bracelet (Tahnnakai Temple)
 * Hello, friend! Have you seen the craftsmanship of the local Jade Bracelets? What amazing quality, indeed! And highly coveted across all the lands, I can assure you. When I hold these exquisitely well-crafted objects in my hand, I try to imagine what sort of people would adorn their persons with such finery. I imagine hushed halls, exotic pillars, huge turtles looming on the horizon...but enough of my meandering thoughts. I have to restock my best bartering tool, so I could really use 3 Jade Bracelets. Now that you know how much I want them (which, I admit may not be the best negotiating tactic), you must know I'll offer you something quite nice in return.


 * August 31: Quetzal Crest (Alcazia Tangle)
 * Have you met Vael? The last time I saw him, he sprang out of the bushes and gave Yakkington such a fright that he bolted straight into a Siege Devourer! After untangling that mess, Vael told me he's planning to go back in and spy on the Tengu. He wants to make sure they're not plotting another war. Granted, he's paranoid. But the Tengu did suffer a lot at Cantha's hands, so I'm inclined to partially believe his suspicions. I know his last covert operation with the Tengu didn't end well, so I want 2 Quetzal Crests, which I'll use to design a completely different disguise for him. Maybe if he's dressed as one of these wild Tengu, it won't be quite so bad when his beak falls off.


 * September 7: Jungle Troll Tusk (Tangle Root)
 * Good day, friend. The Professor may seem amicable to strangers; I mean, he does seems to like everyone he meets, even though I can personally assure you that he finds certain people distasteful. Like that fellow Crispin. Now there's even a guy whom he dislikes more than trolls! Actually, they both hate trolls quite a bit. Maybe there's some common ground there. But Crispin, who is not the most pleasant fellow in the first place, seems to have no love of people, either. The only thing I've seen him happy about is fashioning weapons out of Jungle Troll Tusks. Perhaps if I bring him some as a gift, he'd warm up to us. Do you have 3 that I could take to him? He's not far from here, so I'd like to visit him soon.


 * September 14: Forest Minotaur Horn (Kessex Peak)
 * I've heard disturbing things about this area, and from what little I've seen, I believe it. I tried to strike up a friendly conversation with those Verata cultists, but they turned into an unsavory mob and chased us into the swamp. The Professor bravely blazed the trail ahead of me, but the poor guy ended up with more than a few scrapes and cuts for his effort. Tromping your way through Spined Aloes and Reed Stalkers takes its toll. I'm worried that next time we won't be quite as lucky, so I'd like to equip him with more defensive measures. With 2 Forest Minotaur Horns strapped to his head, Yakkington will have no trouble leading the way.


 * September 21: Frostfire Fang (Anvil Rock)
 * Such a shame, don't you think? Dryder attacks. I've seen this before. Ugly business, just ugly. This is a proud village, full of sturdy Dwarves with good hearts. They don't deserve Dryders. When the villagers fight back, many of them get bitten. It gives them a strange illness, invisible to the eye but slowly killing them from the inside. You could help us; I just need a couple of Frostfire Fangs to study. I'm quite handy with all sorts of herbs and medicines, so I'm sure I can come up with some remedy to counteract the poison. I think 2 would be enough.


 * September 28: Scorched Lodestone (Old Ascalon)
 * I've always had a particular fondness for geological trinkets, and Scorched Lodestones are especially compelling. They bear a striking similarity to the enchanted ones I used to collect. In fact, I'm fairly certain that these used to be a common-variety lodestone, but that the Searing has fundamentally altered their internal structures. Almost as if they've lost some part of their former selves, like something has been burned out of them. Come to think of it, they'd be the perfect material for me to construct a modest cairn somewhere to honor all those who lived through the Searing and have suffered long after. The cairn I have in mind shouldn't take more than 3, if you're interested in helping.


 * October 5: Topaz Crest (Diviner's Ascent)
 * Hail, friend! We've traveled extensively across this desert and seen creatures that boggle the imagination. I was just discussing drakes with my favorite companion here, because I've noticed how fast those things can move. Their speed astounds me. As soon as I made this observation, the Professor suggested we approach for a closer examination, but then refused to go near them. Normally I'd sneak in alone for a better look, but I'll trust the Professor's judgement. He's got a good sense of what I can handle. You, on the other hand, look like a capable sort. Maybe you've even slain the drakes already! If you've have, perhaps you came back with some Topaz Crests I might examine? Actually, I think just 1 will do.


 * October 12: Luminous Stone (Crystal Overlook)
 * All the spirits around here have spooked Yakkington a bit, so he's been restless at night, keeping me up with his fidgeting. It would be a great comfort to us both if you could find a Luminous Stone to help him sleep. I had hoped to stay here a few more nights before traveling back to the Crystal Desert, but without something to calm him down, I'm afraid the Professor may not hold together long enough for me to finish my business.


 * October 19: Water Djinn Essence (Turai's Procession)
 * Ahai, good friend! How fortunate it is that I have encountered such a bold adventurer today! Theese good people were just telling me that their well has run dry, and I had to explain that the only way to avoid digging deeper was to sprinkle some magical Water Djinn Essence into the well since it attracts water from far and wide. If you feel as bold as you look, would you hunt one down? I am sure theese people would forever remember such a magnanimous gesture.


 * October 26: Forgotten Trinket Box (Minister Cho's Estate)
 * Do you know Mi Fai? She has inspired me to action, as I share her boundless compassion for the families of those poor unfortunates. I know from personal experience how hard it is to loose someone you love; Mi Fai evidently understands that too. I'd like to relieve some of her burden before she wears out from working so hard to comfort others. I plan to visit the families myself and make deliveries, so if you have gathered 5 Forgotten Trinket Boxes, I would see that they make it to the right hands.


 * November 2: Tempered Glass Vial (Mourning Veil Falls)
 * Every romantic in Cantha knows that the water from these falls has special properties, and I have the dubious honor of knowing many romantics. Sometimes my good nature can attract too many friends! Anyway, I constantly get requests to bring back water samples. If only I had more Tempered Glass Vials within which to carry the panacean fluid. Friend, do you have 5 I could use? All the heartbroken poets of Cantha would be grateful.


 * November 9: Guardian Moss (Maishang Hills)
 * I thought the sea air would do him some good, but the Professor here still has a case of the sniffles. He began sneezing violently as soon as I started to read aloud from my favorite book. One would think he's allergic to literature! Hah! Wouldn't that be something? Before this progresses into a full-fledged illness, I need to get Guardian Moss and make some medicine, but the big baby won't let me leave his side to get it. Would you pick up 1 for me?


 * November 16: Plague Idol (Wajjun Bazaar)
 * I'll let you in on an interesting secret I've learned here: the Jade Brotherhood will actually welcome you if you offer them a few Plague Idols to smash into pieces. It may seem like an odd practice, but I try not to judge. Who knows? Perhaps it'll even be useful survival tip for you. They've let me into this trader's paradise and I intend to stay until I've bartered so much I can barter no more. I hope they extend my visit, so would you find me 3 more Plague Idols?


 * November 23: Mursaat Token (Ice Floe)
 * Sometimes I question whether my curiosity will be my undoing. Take Mursaat Tokens, for example. I think they're utterly fascinating, like they have an untapped inner power, a power you can sense, waiting to detonate and ruin all life. Yes, I'm concerned that it might be dangerous, but Yakkington adores them. Whenever he sees Mursaat Tokens, his eyes light up like little dancing candles, and I swear he whimpers, just loud enough for me to think I heard it but not be sure. How can I say no to that? If you come across 3, I know the big lummox would be grateful.


 * November 30: Frosted Griffon Wing (Snake Dance)
 * Snowy slopes make for dangerous hopes. That doesn't sound quite right, does it? No matter: I know firsthand that the slopes here are slippery and treacherous. Used to be I wouldn't go anywhere near them. But I befriended the locals and familiarized myself with their ways. Watch and learn, I always say. In time, I discovered that Frosted Griffon Wings, scavenged from the fallen, are the ideal material for traction on snowy paths and frozen hills. If you come across any, I need 2 to make adequate footwear, even though my friend will rightly insist that nothing compares to dolyak feet.


 * December 7: Shiverpeak Mane (Deldrimor Bowl)
 * I can trust you, can't I, friend? I have a dwarven associate, and he is in an unfortunate situation that his people won't understand and that requires the utmost discretion. You see, the poor chap can't grow a proper beard. He's gotten downright fanatic about it. Lately, he's taken to cobbling together fake beards made from Shiverpeak Manes. Since he has no real reason to hunt them down, he's afraid that he'll draw attention to himself if he keeps doing it. He's appealed to me for help, figuring that I go all over the world and could easily acquire them. If I remember correctly, 3 are needed for a full beard, so while more are always welcome, I'll accept no less.


 * December 14: Stone Grawl Necklace (Sacnoth Valley)
 * Good to see you out here. These lands are awfully inhospitable to man and beast alike. The inhabitants aren't very charitable, either. Nevertheless, Durmand insists that grawl have religious tendencies. He claims to have found proof in their Stone Grawl Necklaces. Judging by his excitement, I'm sure he intends to include them in whatever treatise he writes about the natural history of this area. Perhaps if I had 2 of my own to study, I could assist in the research. Two minds are better than one, as they say, and I've always had a fondness for history.


 * December 21: Ancient Kappa Shell (The Undercity)
 * My friend Yileng, the imperial chef, has sent me down here to acquire Ancient Kappa Shells. He says they make for an amazing presentation of some of his more elaborate meals, and I believe him. Unfortunately, I am afraid I didn't realize quite how fierce the creatures are that they come attached to. Would you help me scrounge up 3 of them? I'm hoping Yileng will be so delighted that he'll whip up one of those famous dishes for me.


 * December 28: Gold Doubloon (Barbarous Shore)
 * The Corsairs around here are very interesting people to do business with, especially when you want passage on one of their ships. I must admit that the exchange rate they give me for most currencies is bothersome, so if you happen to acquire a Gold Doubloon, would you trade it to me before I have to pay for the charter?

2010

 * January 4: Roaring Ether Heart (The Mirror of Lyss)
 * Wow, now that's a gorgeous view! It's truly astounding that such a place can exist amid such a parched landscape. That reminds me: desert nights feel like they're chilly enough to freeze one's innards, and tonight will surely be one of the colder ones. Maybe there's a chance you can find me a Roaring Ether Heart before nightfall? They're quite reliable fire starters, and I know I will be in desperate need of the warmth.


 * January 11: Ruby Djinn Essence (The Alkali Pan)
 * "Have you ever heard of the great artificer Zinn? Well, he has me out here searching for a Ruby Djinn Essence. I don't know why,but for some reason I empathize with the little guy. The last time we met he was muttering about running out of something, and he was fretting about the power core redesign of his latest construct. I'm not entirely sure what the Ruby Djinn Essence has to do with it, or what a "power core" even is, but I figured I'd help anyway. You let me know if you find one before I do, won't you?"


 * January 18: Decayed Orr Emblem (Cursed Lands)
 * "I've been corresponding with Durmand quite frequently of late. It's clear to both of us that if we can understand the mysteries of our past, we can gain perspective on the present and possibly predict our future. Currently, Durmand's interested in Decayed Orr Emblems, which he theorizes have some bearing on Kryta's future. Their tattered state makes them hard to research, so he's asked me to procure 3 more of them. What do you say? Feeling archeological?"


 * January 25: Thorny Carapace (Majesty's Rest)
 * "Oh, hello! How fare you, friend? All this mud and wind and luggage have left Yakkington's fur a bit on the untidy side. I know Thorny Carapaces make some really strong brushes that would be sure to clean up my shaggy friend here. If you have 2, that would be even better; these snarls look particularly troublesome."


 * February 1: Maguuma Spider Web (Reed Bog)
 * "Oh, hello there! Surprising to see another traveler out and about. Even I've gotten lost out here, but thanks to the Professor's unerring nose, we found the path again. I know some people find the heat and the heavy air depressing, but I think it's quite peaceful, even with all the bugs. Speaking of which, have you seen all the Maguuma Spider Webs around here? I bet 1 would be immensely useful for fastening down all these knick-knacks I insist on piling on top of the Professor. I'm willing to barter for it, of course."


 * February 8: Saurian Bone (Riven Earth)
 * "Excellent timing, friend! The Professor and I are on the hunt and would welcome any assistance. See, Zinn is always going on about Saurian Bones. If he had a choice, he'd build everything with them. Just the other day, he told me "the weight-to-strength ratio makes Saurian Bones superior to metallic or arboreal sources for truss material." Then he lamented about how he'd never get a chance to prove it to me, because Saurian Bones are so "hard" to get. I could just find him one, but I'd love to hand him 5 and watch him stand there speechless! Can you imagine Zinn speechless? Makes me snicker just thinking about it. So if you find any, be sure to let me know!"


 * February 15: Bone Charm (Rhea's Crater)
 * "I doubt we'll ever know exactly how the Outcasts see this world, or how far has their insanity driven them. Obviously they have gone too far from salvation, but they still cling to their Bone Charms. That's quite fascinating, because it suggests that they have retained some rudimentary behaviors, probably deep-seated memories of their childhood combined with a basic tribalism. These Bone Charms interest me, and I'd love to add 3 of them to my collection. They'll remind me of all the madness out there on the edges of the world."


 * February 22: Amber Chunk (Ferndale)
 * "I've stayed with the zu Heltzers on many occasions and, as long as no one mentions Cavalon, I find them perfectly gracious hosts. I've particularly enjoyed this week's stay: wine, dancers, feasting, intellectual board games, and political debate! Seriously, this humble man can't ask for much more than that. The zu Heltzers also try to interest me in the arcane arts and their geological manipulations, but I have more pressing business. Maybe someday I'll stick around long enough to learn about making Amber Chunks, but for now I'd like to trade you for 3 of them so I can make a personal gift to the Count."