Ancient Artifact

Ancient Artifacts can be traded at the Gate of Desolation mission outpost, with any of the three Wandering Scribes. Their appearance is that of small idols of Grenth.

Like most quest items, Ancient Artifacts cannot be sold to merchants, and cannot be salvaged.

"I cannot cross into the Desolation, but I must collect ancient artifacts for my order. There's no end to the number of Fallen Dynasty relics hidden beneath the Sulfurous Wastes. If you can manage to find any (1,3,5) Ancient Artifacts, I will give you this in return:"

5 Ancient Artifacts: Superior Salvage Kit, Scroll of Hero's Insight, Scroll of Berserker's Insight, Scroll of Slayer's Insight.

3 Ancient Artifacts: Ancient Elonian Key, Expert Salvage Kit, Superior Identification Kit, Rune of Holding, Scroll of Rampager's Insight, Scroll of Hunter's Insight.

1 Ancient Artifact: Identification Kit, Salvage Kit, Hunter's Ale, Scroll of Adventurer's Insight, Bag.

Acquisition
Most of the quests in The Desolation offer Ancient Artifacts as rewards:

Quests in the Bone Palace (Outpost)
 * Awata: Sticks and Stones
 * Bonesmith Rokel: She Hungers
 * Palawa Joko: Return of the Undead King
 * Palawa Joko: Strange Bedfellows

Quests in Crystal Overlook (Explorable Area)
 * Shanrah: Family Soul

Quests in Poisoned Outcrops (Explorable Area)
 * Curator Ruras: A New Guide

Quests in The Alkali Pan (Explorable Area)
 * General Farrund: Under New Management

Quests in The Ruptured Heart (Explorable Area)
 * Charen: Vanishing Spirits
 * Ganji: Pilgrimage
 * Jehner: The Growing Threat

Quests in The Shattered Ravines (Explorable Area)
 * Primeval King Jahnus: Destroy the Ungrateful Slaves
 * Primeval King Jahnus: Refuse the King
 * Curator Ruras: Wayward Guide
 * Kane: Getting Even

Quests in The Sulfurous Wastes (Explorable Area)
 * Infantryman Hareh: Requiem for a Brain
 * Infantryman Hareh: Raising an Army