An Unwelcome Visitor

An Unwelcome Visitor

Quest giver

Claudien

Location

Labyrinthos (X:8.6, Y:27.5)

Quest line

Pandaemonium Quests

Level

90

Gil

 1,000

Previous quest

Who Wards the Warders?

Next quest

Masks of the Father

Patch

6.2

“

Claudien's eyes are brimming with the excitement of discovery.

— In-game description

Steps

• Speak with the archivist at Peripeteia Krystalline.
• Speak with Themis.
• Speak with Themis at the neus to Pandæmonium.
• Speak with Erichthonios.

Journal

• Claudien's eyes are brimming with the excitement of discovery.

• Professor Claudien can scarcely contain his excitement as he informs you that the crystal has guided him to signs of another such memory repository that yet exists in the present day. He hastily departs to search for it, but not before asking you to make sure no further danger has visited Pandæmonium. A somewhat miffed Nemjiji, however, suggests first scouring the archives of Elpis for information on the failed creations interred within, that you might gain the upper hand in any future encounters.

• You arrive at Peripeteia Krystalline to see Themis speaking with one of the archivists, seemingly for the same purpose as you. He offers to share his findings, but first asks that you accompany him to the beacon in Lethe, where he intends to meet an acquaintance that might shed further light upon the facility's mysteries.

• Themis's acquaintance is in fact a member of the Words of Lahabrea, and their conversation reveals that while at first, Pandæmonium's researchers received creations from Elpis, over the years their focus shifted toward creations too flawed even to be considered for submission. Furthermore, the researcher informs you that a recent report from a keyward indicated that nothing is amiss in the facility. Knowing this to be a lie, Themis hurries to Asphodelos, where Erichthonios keeps a lone vigil.

• As you reach the Gates of Pandæmonium, you are met with the sight of Erichthonios being held aloft by some unknown force. Themis dispels the bindings, and you observe their maker to be a familiar, who makes vaguely threatening utterances before vanishing, though thankfully without Erichthonios in tow.

• Only the troubled-but-determined Erichthonios knows what transpired between him and Lahabrea moments ago. Fortunately, he seems more than happy to share the conclusion to which it has led him, should you but ask.

Walkthrough

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Dialogue

Claudien: [Forename], [Forename]! I've made a breakthrough! After uncountable days and nights, I finally hearkened to the crystal's whispers, and I must say─

Nemjiji: Professor Claudien, where are your manners? While I understand all too well your enthusiasm, I must remind you that even the most academically inclined prefer a composed recounting of events.

Claudien: Ah... Yes, of course! My apologies, [Forename]. Being consumed by my research for so long, I am afraid I have quite forgotten how to engage in civilized conversation.

Claudien: Ahem. In that case, perhaps we should start from the beginning─with a crystal set adrift upon the aetherial tides, containing the memories of a party yet unknown...

Claudien: They cried out for deliverance from Pandæmonium, where the ancients kept volatile creations under lock and key. You yourself witnessed the power devouring the facility from within, and the advent of a divine monstrosity wrought of mythic beast and powerful mage...

Claudien: Fortunately, your martial prowess and the combined magical talents of your companions Themis and Erichthonios was sufficient to restore order to the circles of Asphodelos, but the greater threat remains.

Claudien: In the depths of Pandæmonium, a presence yet stirs, its intentions and identity shrouded in mystery. That is the issue at hand, is it not?

Claudien: Since you returned to us, we worked tirelessly to discern the nature of the crystal. In the process, I detected an anomalous aetheric signature, which I believe arose from the memories stored within.

Claudien: Analysis of this pattern suggested a feeling of loss or yearning─specifically, the yearning to be made whole. And indeed, ambient readings have revealed a faint but identical signature! This can only mean that another such crystal exists in our time.

Claudien: So, my friend, I must depart to search for it forthwith. By tracing the matching aetheric signature to its source, I believe it will be a simple matter to find our crystal's twin.

Ruissenaud: ...Professor, will this expedition be carried out only by us? Or will [Forename] grace us with her protection?

Claudien: I'm afraid she has more pressing matters to attend to, my dear Ruissenaud. Namely, to seek out the secrets which lie nestled within Pandæmonium, where this all began.

Claudien: From all that we have heard, it appears that time traversal from the Crystal Tower is not fluid. That is to say, one can but travel in predetermined intervals. It would be prudent to check in on occasion, in case there are any unanticipated changes.

Claudien: As for you, my loyal assistants, I would ask you to remain here and continue cataloging the ancient creations.

Ruissenaud: You can't mean... Do you intend to search for the crystal on your own?

Claudien: Why yes, that would be the most efficient use of resources, would it not? In fact, I have already commissioned a ship and pilot for that very purpose. I trust you to take good care of the laboratory in my absence.

Ruissenaud: ...I apologize for that somewhat abrupt departure. When progress is in sight, Professor Claudien tends to become blind to all else.

Nemjiji: Indeed, and he has been worse than usual. While I cannot fault him for his excitement, I do wish he would spare a thought for those around him...

Nemjiji: For reasons unknown, the crystal seems loath to be overheard. Much as it spoke only to you last time, none but the professor has been able to capture its aetherial “yearning”...which has served only to convince him that he can solve this puzzle on his own!

Ruissenaud: Surely after some time alone he'll come to remember how valuable we are. The search for this crystal seemed to be a simple enough matter─let him have his adventure, and upon his return I'm certain he'll be back to his usual self.

Ruissenaud: As for you, [Forename], it may be best to return to Pandæmonium, as Professor Claudien suggested.

Nemjiji: Speaking of which, I did have a request of my own to make. Traveling to Pandæmonium requires you to pass through Elpis, correct? There is something I would have you investigate in my stead.

Nemjiji: While those creations confined within Pandæmonium are considered to be failures, I doubt that's their whole story.

Nemjiji: Barring exceptional cases, they must have been under observation in Elpis before being consigned to their shackles. And if we know anything about the ancients, it's that they would have kept thorough records of the results.

Ruissenaud: Ah, brilliant... Delving into these records may shed light on creatures Bunne has yet to encounter. If your theory proves correct, that is.

Nemjiji: While there are no guarantees, it certainly beats the current strategy of rushing forward blindly with only her strength to carry the day. For your own sake as well as ours, please unearth what information you can.

“An Unwelcome Visitor” accepted.