Post by Gomer Sting on Apr 22, 2010 21:40:44 GMT -5
Source:
loz.l33th4x0r.de/a-wizard-and-his-cocoa-level-30-t213.html
Reward: 300,000 Zorkmids
This Spoiler is brought to you by Gethralkin. Thanks
[Obscure] Spoiler: Quest started (a new message is in your inbox)
A mail from Windcat Ltd.:
A Matter of Great Urgency
Greetings Detective Softly, We have heard you are capable of great deeds. You are just the adventurer we need to resolve our family's little difficulty.
I will be waiting for you in Gurth.
Jack Daniels Flathead, XIII - Wizard 8th Form
[Obscure] Spoiler: Next step
Go to Gurth.
[Obscure] Spoiler: Clue #1
You wander through the quaint, vaguely medieval farmer's markets, looking for the powerful wizard who requested your assistance, taking in the nearly empty auction houses, the slowly decaying wooden wagons awaiting their next load of grain, and near the back - the line of grain silos that have been converted into economy cottages for commuting students.
A pointy hat with patches near the tip peers out of one tiny window, followed by a languidly waving hand. Oh dear. You do your best to act nonchalant as you hurry past toward the nearest open shop, trying hard to look like you have pressing business at Carter's Extraordinary Livery and Overalls Emporium. The pale young wizard rushes out of his bungalow after you, spins dizzily, and falls in slow motion toward a pile of old burlap grain sacks. You do your best to avoid looking at the scene until you hear a well-bred accent demand, "Will no one help my poor boy?!"
Glancing sideways at the tailored linen suit, restrained make-up and enormous gems on the distressed woman's accessories, you express concerned shock at seeing the poor boy a-laying in the rye. You rush over. Her Ladyship follows at a more sedate pace, and you both seek to revive the scholar. His mother gently holds his head while you wave the wizard's well-worn velvet hat over his tousled, ginger hair. Finally the young Collegiate is able to sit up. You roll out the barrels until everyone has a place to sit, even flourishing your own fancy cape over the dirty lid for her ladyship, but she just smiles and remains standing nearby.
"Thanks for getting help, Mum," whispers the young magician. "Has Father come round yet?"
"He still wants you in the family business. Pass your exams, and we'll talk about it." She stares imploringly at you "you will help my darling, won't you?"
In all the histories of all the requests ever made, this one sounds the most demanding, the most exciting (Just ONE of her smallest gems would buy you the finest armor in Frostham), and -yet the most pure. After all, she is a mother caring for her young…and you - well, how can you say no to that?
After you murmur your assent, 'Mum' kisses the young man on his forehead and ambles away.
"Thank you, Detective Derek…err Dirk Softly for meeting me here. My Uncle Zipathormus spoke highly of your investigation skills. If you succeed, I will richly reward you"
You look deeply into his anxious, pale, round face, and your skepticism shows. "I am well connected, as you see, and soon I shall be a most powerful wizard. You shan't regret it. You know - I would be a full wizard now if I hadn't tried to reverse an ancient family curse in my last year at Uni. The Dread Kobold of Jearr needed for the rite bit me, and the cursed infection still had me bed bound by exam week. I have studied - but the poisonous effects still ache. It weakens my concentration. I need but one thing to be assured of my place in the Enchanter's Guild."
"What is it you need, Master Wizard? Hair from the Kobold that bit you?"
He winces a little, but continues. "I need cocoa."
You start rummaging in your backpack, pleased to have this over so quickly.
"No, no, no. Not the Miss Griff packets from FrobozzCo. You know, the real thing. I have need of Frobozz's Magic Cocoa of Concentration…the kind Dungeonmaster Dalboz is said to have perfected…"
You look blank. You could draw this look on a piece of paper and everyone would agree you drew a blank.
The black magical sheep of Flatheadia's most exclusive clan waves a gilt-edged cookbook at you. "It's right here in the special Atrii edition of Gluttonous Recipes of the Fat and Unemployed, you know?"
An ornate bookmark marks the relevant spell. Now you know, and you're not happy. In fact you are already exasperated, "And you know that digging for Flatheadia Fudge is still very illegal, right?"
"It's still technically illegal to loot Pheebor too"
"It's a ruin! Everyone's looking through it!"
"Laws in GUE haven't kept up with the times. We both know that…You know- It's a sad business but even if everyone else is scavenging for treasure in Pheebor or Antharia you can still be arrested if the guardsmen catch you at it…"
He's right, of course. The vast majority of GUE's laws are still hopelessly outdated, probably because the updating committee still hasn't got through backlog from Dimwit Flathead's reign. This is a point you could easily argue if you got caught with the illicit fudge, which probably won't happen anyway. Besides, his Mum is counting on you… and those were pretty huge gems on her rings…
You know you will go. What you know best is that you don't want to hear the phrase "you know" one more time…
"Fine, fine. What else am I looking for…"
"Please -just look for Frobozz's Fudge. That's the one we can't send the servants to get. They won't go near Flatheadia. Family curse, you know. Nothing for you to worry about. I am pretty sure its expired by now. Mum will be scouring the markets for ingredients too, so just return the items as you get them and I will send you a message if we need anything else."
"Okay, sure." You submit to the double whammy of promise of riches and extortion.
"Thank you, generous adventurer from the bottom of my heart. Concentrating my magic before the next exams will make all the difference. When I win glory - you will win riches. My family will be most grateful"
You certainly hope so...
[Obscure] Spoiler: Solution of clue #1
Searching the Encyclopedia Frobozzica, you discover that Flatheadian Fudge (sometimes called Frobozz's Fudge) is the street name for the fudge that the Wizard of Frobozz turned Flatheadia into, which once had been called Aragain. Since the Aragain Falls would not likely be a site for a city, the Frigid River Valley below it would be the obvious choice to go next.
[Obscure] Spoiler: Clue #1 solved
No success could be sweeter than chocolate, and you've stumbled into the mother lode! You were just walking along when the washed out earth beneath you gave way. The sinkhole left you in the lap of luxury. Its dark, rich sweetness commanded your complete attention for a long, long time. Finally you lay back exhausted, but happy, looking into the beneficent night sky. You may have a stomachache tomorrow, but you are one happy adventurer tonight. You briefly consider keeping this place for yourself, slowly devouring its delicacies as the decades pass, but then a vision of J.D.'s mother's delicate bejeweled hand gently supporting her ill son's brow prompts you to put aside your unworthy thoughts. You pack up as much of the fudge as you can carry, mark directions to this wondrous place in your secret journal with Invisiclue ink and head back toward civilization.
[Obscure] Spoiler: Clue #2 (a new message is in your inbox)
A mail from Windcat Ltd.:
A Matter of Tact
I cannot thank you enough for the gift of chocolate, dear friend. You know, there is enough to do all I hoped! Mum even baked me delicious fudge cake brownies with the extra. (I shall send you a piece). Sadly, Whithers, Mum's manservant has been less successful. He has heard of some underground witches who obtained a rather large jar of Hotbugs but refuses to negotiate with 'scarlet women.' I must say, I found his attitude presumptuous as I found he has not met them before and, therefore, can have no idea what color their dresses might be. In any case, we still have need of your services.
Gratefully Yours,
J.D.F. XIII Wizard 8th Form
[Obscure] Spoiler: Solution of clue #2
The description for the Antharia Caves indicates that it is the home of the "legendary Antharia Cave Witches", likely the underground witches that the message was referring to, so that is where you should go next.
[Obscure] Spoiler: Clue #2 solved
You finally stumble into the Antharian Witches' community just as they were sitting down to tea. To your considerable relief, they are pleased to see you and invite you to partake of the goodies. You begin negotiations as soon as the last sponge cakes are eaten.
They listen carefully to your story. Afterward they draw aside into a veiled cave, and you hear a vigorous but indistinct debate. Finally, they return to the table, and their leader, Izah responds in her silky voice, "Traveler, we have little need of your zorkmids or treasures. The Cavern provides all we need…" your face begins to fall at these words, but Izah puts her white little hand on yours and smiles as you look up. "However, we know of ways you could be of service to us. If we are pleased with your work, perhaps you will receive what you seek."
Within a few minutes you find yourself running up ladders changing glass 'bulbs' to make light 'flowers' - nailing up loose shelves, repairing sinks, and generally doing an amazing amount of maintenance all over the cavern.
As you bustle around, moving furniture, and chopping wood, you note that several of the witches do indeed have red as a prominent color in their apparel. It looks rather nice on them. You wonder why Whithers disliked red dresses so much. You shrug to yourself. It's not your problem.
At the end of your labours, the cavern is much brighter, the elevator works, and the Antharian witches are openly suggesting to their leader that the no-outsiders rule was more of a guideline really. Witch Izah looks sufficiently upset by this to give you the entire jar of Hotbugs, staving off any chance of your remaining to earn more of them.
You are blind-folded again and led up, up, up… and through the darkness… the blindfold melts away on its own as you take in your new surroundings. It seems you have been deposited at the end of a tourist group, exploring a safer end of the cavern. You enjoy the lecturer's explanation of the difference between stalagmites (g = ground) and stalactites (c = ceiling), and afterward a quite decent lunch in the cavern cafeteria, covered by the tourism agent leading the party who seems to have been magicked into thinking you had pre-paid.
If quests were always this pleasant, you'd go on them all the time!
[Obscure] Spoiler: Clue #3 (a new message is in your inbox)
A mail from Windcat Ltd.:
Sitting on the Stench
Thank you again, worthy adventurer! The jar of Hotbugs is keeping my cottage warm and snug. Already my health is much improved. I hope I shall not have to use all of them when the time comes. Regrettably, we are not yet at our goal. None of the markets here or near Mum's have Hungus Lard. You know the stuff. Merchants here in Gurth have heard of it too, but aside from mentioning that it's not truly from a Hungus, they have not been able to give us many leads. One waterman at the local bar volunteered his finding of some unusually smelly 'ambergrease.' I quote the worthy sailor below:
"Usually it be smellin' better by the third week, but not this goop. Must be from the Gar Banzo whale. Their gas problem be summat fierce, I hear. Blows 'em plain onto the shoreline mud! That be where I'd found it. Ya, and where I left it too. Phew! Mebbe t'is what you landlubbers be looking' for?"
Not much of a lead, I fear, but it's the best I have been able to obtain.
Hopefully Yours,
J.D.F. XIII Wizard 8th Form
[Obscure] Spoiler: Solution of clue #3
The message says that the whale blows hungus lard onto the shoreline mud, so you need to go to the Tidal Flats near Greater Borphee.
[Obscure] Spoiler: Clue #3 solved
Whew! What a smell! You thought you were close before, but when that warm breeze hit just right, you thought you'd lose your lunch. You thank the deity of your choice for that Anti-Nausea Charm salesperson you encountered early in the day. It's got to be Hungus Lard too, because every Quelbee in the area has been fleeing inland.
The stinking mound lays in the tidal pool, extinguishing any small life form that dares to creep, crawl or slide near. You have found a mysterious pile of Hungus Lard! It's obviously rare stuff - and magically potent -so here's a question - do you take just enough for the recipe or take extra to sell to magic merchants?
Suddenly your stomach churns again. Oh no! It's been hours! You forgot to ask how long the charm lasts. You scoop up a bunch - guessing generously at what the recipe required and start running for the nearest mailbox.
[Obscure] Spoiler: Clue #4 (a new message is in your inbox)
A mail from Windcat Ltd.:
Once Stung, Twice Shy
Dear Detective,
Thank you for coming through once again. Find enclosed a portion of the Hungus Lard you so thoughtfully mailed to us express. You should be able to return it by mail. We have persuaded the postman to continue bringing packages, though it took a substantial tip and the last of my brownies. Any chance you could…you know…well…never mind for now. We are almost there! Just an ingredient or two more!
As you know, Quelbees have not been hard to find, but after scores of servants and employees have returned with hands empty of all but welts, we are forced to call upon your legendary expertise once again. As to where to look, a delirious Whithers had a note in his pocket. It seems clear enough. I have wrapped it around the chunk of Hungus Lard.
Impatiently Yours,
J.D.F. XIII, Wizard 8th Form
The note has been largely eaten away by the lard, but what you can still read says:
"Found the hive ___ __ minds if you get clos_. _ ___ __ tacked by ___ __elbe__ in F___ ie___ meadow: The smoker no good for Quelb__ __ __ese old lungs, __ilad_ Suggest you send the y___ f_ol"
[Obscure] Spoiler: Solution of Clue #4
The message originally read:
"Found the hive and it minds if you get close. I was attacked by all Quelbees in Frotzen Fields meadow: The smoker no good for Quelbees or these old lungs, Milady Suggest you send the young fool."
loz.l33th4x0r.de/a-wizard-and-his-cocoa-level-30-t213.html
Reward: 300,000 Zorkmids
This Spoiler is brought to you by Gethralkin. Thanks
[Obscure] Spoiler: Quest started (a new message is in your inbox)
A mail from Windcat Ltd.:
A Matter of Great Urgency
Greetings Detective Softly, We have heard you are capable of great deeds. You are just the adventurer we need to resolve our family's little difficulty.
I will be waiting for you in Gurth.
Jack Daniels Flathead, XIII - Wizard 8th Form
[Obscure] Spoiler: Next step
Go to Gurth.
[Obscure] Spoiler: Clue #1
You wander through the quaint, vaguely medieval farmer's markets, looking for the powerful wizard who requested your assistance, taking in the nearly empty auction houses, the slowly decaying wooden wagons awaiting their next load of grain, and near the back - the line of grain silos that have been converted into economy cottages for commuting students.
A pointy hat with patches near the tip peers out of one tiny window, followed by a languidly waving hand. Oh dear. You do your best to act nonchalant as you hurry past toward the nearest open shop, trying hard to look like you have pressing business at Carter's Extraordinary Livery and Overalls Emporium. The pale young wizard rushes out of his bungalow after you, spins dizzily, and falls in slow motion toward a pile of old burlap grain sacks. You do your best to avoid looking at the scene until you hear a well-bred accent demand, "Will no one help my poor boy?!"
Glancing sideways at the tailored linen suit, restrained make-up and enormous gems on the distressed woman's accessories, you express concerned shock at seeing the poor boy a-laying in the rye. You rush over. Her Ladyship follows at a more sedate pace, and you both seek to revive the scholar. His mother gently holds his head while you wave the wizard's well-worn velvet hat over his tousled, ginger hair. Finally the young Collegiate is able to sit up. You roll out the barrels until everyone has a place to sit, even flourishing your own fancy cape over the dirty lid for her ladyship, but she just smiles and remains standing nearby.
"Thanks for getting help, Mum," whispers the young magician. "Has Father come round yet?"
"He still wants you in the family business. Pass your exams, and we'll talk about it." She stares imploringly at you "you will help my darling, won't you?"
In all the histories of all the requests ever made, this one sounds the most demanding, the most exciting (Just ONE of her smallest gems would buy you the finest armor in Frostham), and -yet the most pure. After all, she is a mother caring for her young…and you - well, how can you say no to that?
After you murmur your assent, 'Mum' kisses the young man on his forehead and ambles away.
"Thank you, Detective Derek…err Dirk Softly for meeting me here. My Uncle Zipathormus spoke highly of your investigation skills. If you succeed, I will richly reward you"
You look deeply into his anxious, pale, round face, and your skepticism shows. "I am well connected, as you see, and soon I shall be a most powerful wizard. You shan't regret it. You know - I would be a full wizard now if I hadn't tried to reverse an ancient family curse in my last year at Uni. The Dread Kobold of Jearr needed for the rite bit me, and the cursed infection still had me bed bound by exam week. I have studied - but the poisonous effects still ache. It weakens my concentration. I need but one thing to be assured of my place in the Enchanter's Guild."
"What is it you need, Master Wizard? Hair from the Kobold that bit you?"
He winces a little, but continues. "I need cocoa."
You start rummaging in your backpack, pleased to have this over so quickly.
"No, no, no. Not the Miss Griff packets from FrobozzCo. You know, the real thing. I have need of Frobozz's Magic Cocoa of Concentration…the kind Dungeonmaster Dalboz is said to have perfected…"
You look blank. You could draw this look on a piece of paper and everyone would agree you drew a blank.
The black magical sheep of Flatheadia's most exclusive clan waves a gilt-edged cookbook at you. "It's right here in the special Atrii edition of Gluttonous Recipes of the Fat and Unemployed, you know?"
An ornate bookmark marks the relevant spell. Now you know, and you're not happy. In fact you are already exasperated, "And you know that digging for Flatheadia Fudge is still very illegal, right?"
"It's still technically illegal to loot Pheebor too"
"It's a ruin! Everyone's looking through it!"
"Laws in GUE haven't kept up with the times. We both know that…You know- It's a sad business but even if everyone else is scavenging for treasure in Pheebor or Antharia you can still be arrested if the guardsmen catch you at it…"
He's right, of course. The vast majority of GUE's laws are still hopelessly outdated, probably because the updating committee still hasn't got through backlog from Dimwit Flathead's reign. This is a point you could easily argue if you got caught with the illicit fudge, which probably won't happen anyway. Besides, his Mum is counting on you… and those were pretty huge gems on her rings…
You know you will go. What you know best is that you don't want to hear the phrase "you know" one more time…
"Fine, fine. What else am I looking for…"
"Please -just look for Frobozz's Fudge. That's the one we can't send the servants to get. They won't go near Flatheadia. Family curse, you know. Nothing for you to worry about. I am pretty sure its expired by now. Mum will be scouring the markets for ingredients too, so just return the items as you get them and I will send you a message if we need anything else."
"Okay, sure." You submit to the double whammy of promise of riches and extortion.
"Thank you, generous adventurer from the bottom of my heart. Concentrating my magic before the next exams will make all the difference. When I win glory - you will win riches. My family will be most grateful"
You certainly hope so...
[Obscure] Spoiler: Solution of clue #1
Searching the Encyclopedia Frobozzica, you discover that Flatheadian Fudge (sometimes called Frobozz's Fudge) is the street name for the fudge that the Wizard of Frobozz turned Flatheadia into, which once had been called Aragain. Since the Aragain Falls would not likely be a site for a city, the Frigid River Valley below it would be the obvious choice to go next.
[Obscure] Spoiler: Clue #1 solved
No success could be sweeter than chocolate, and you've stumbled into the mother lode! You were just walking along when the washed out earth beneath you gave way. The sinkhole left you in the lap of luxury. Its dark, rich sweetness commanded your complete attention for a long, long time. Finally you lay back exhausted, but happy, looking into the beneficent night sky. You may have a stomachache tomorrow, but you are one happy adventurer tonight. You briefly consider keeping this place for yourself, slowly devouring its delicacies as the decades pass, but then a vision of J.D.'s mother's delicate bejeweled hand gently supporting her ill son's brow prompts you to put aside your unworthy thoughts. You pack up as much of the fudge as you can carry, mark directions to this wondrous place in your secret journal with Invisiclue ink and head back toward civilization.
[Obscure] Spoiler: Clue #2 (a new message is in your inbox)
A mail from Windcat Ltd.:
A Matter of Tact
I cannot thank you enough for the gift of chocolate, dear friend. You know, there is enough to do all I hoped! Mum even baked me delicious fudge cake brownies with the extra. (I shall send you a piece). Sadly, Whithers, Mum's manservant has been less successful. He has heard of some underground witches who obtained a rather large jar of Hotbugs but refuses to negotiate with 'scarlet women.' I must say, I found his attitude presumptuous as I found he has not met them before and, therefore, can have no idea what color their dresses might be. In any case, we still have need of your services.
Gratefully Yours,
J.D.F. XIII Wizard 8th Form
[Obscure] Spoiler: Solution of clue #2
The description for the Antharia Caves indicates that it is the home of the "legendary Antharia Cave Witches", likely the underground witches that the message was referring to, so that is where you should go next.
[Obscure] Spoiler: Clue #2 solved
You finally stumble into the Antharian Witches' community just as they were sitting down to tea. To your considerable relief, they are pleased to see you and invite you to partake of the goodies. You begin negotiations as soon as the last sponge cakes are eaten.
They listen carefully to your story. Afterward they draw aside into a veiled cave, and you hear a vigorous but indistinct debate. Finally, they return to the table, and their leader, Izah responds in her silky voice, "Traveler, we have little need of your zorkmids or treasures. The Cavern provides all we need…" your face begins to fall at these words, but Izah puts her white little hand on yours and smiles as you look up. "However, we know of ways you could be of service to us. If we are pleased with your work, perhaps you will receive what you seek."
Within a few minutes you find yourself running up ladders changing glass 'bulbs' to make light 'flowers' - nailing up loose shelves, repairing sinks, and generally doing an amazing amount of maintenance all over the cavern.
As you bustle around, moving furniture, and chopping wood, you note that several of the witches do indeed have red as a prominent color in their apparel. It looks rather nice on them. You wonder why Whithers disliked red dresses so much. You shrug to yourself. It's not your problem.
At the end of your labours, the cavern is much brighter, the elevator works, and the Antharian witches are openly suggesting to their leader that the no-outsiders rule was more of a guideline really. Witch Izah looks sufficiently upset by this to give you the entire jar of Hotbugs, staving off any chance of your remaining to earn more of them.
You are blind-folded again and led up, up, up… and through the darkness… the blindfold melts away on its own as you take in your new surroundings. It seems you have been deposited at the end of a tourist group, exploring a safer end of the cavern. You enjoy the lecturer's explanation of the difference between stalagmites (g = ground) and stalactites (c = ceiling), and afterward a quite decent lunch in the cavern cafeteria, covered by the tourism agent leading the party who seems to have been magicked into thinking you had pre-paid.
If quests were always this pleasant, you'd go on them all the time!
[Obscure] Spoiler: Clue #3 (a new message is in your inbox)
A mail from Windcat Ltd.:
Sitting on the Stench
Thank you again, worthy adventurer! The jar of Hotbugs is keeping my cottage warm and snug. Already my health is much improved. I hope I shall not have to use all of them when the time comes. Regrettably, we are not yet at our goal. None of the markets here or near Mum's have Hungus Lard. You know the stuff. Merchants here in Gurth have heard of it too, but aside from mentioning that it's not truly from a Hungus, they have not been able to give us many leads. One waterman at the local bar volunteered his finding of some unusually smelly 'ambergrease.' I quote the worthy sailor below:
"Usually it be smellin' better by the third week, but not this goop. Must be from the Gar Banzo whale. Their gas problem be summat fierce, I hear. Blows 'em plain onto the shoreline mud! That be where I'd found it. Ya, and where I left it too. Phew! Mebbe t'is what you landlubbers be looking' for?"
Not much of a lead, I fear, but it's the best I have been able to obtain.
Hopefully Yours,
J.D.F. XIII Wizard 8th Form
[Obscure] Spoiler: Solution of clue #3
The message says that the whale blows hungus lard onto the shoreline mud, so you need to go to the Tidal Flats near Greater Borphee.
[Obscure] Spoiler: Clue #3 solved
Whew! What a smell! You thought you were close before, but when that warm breeze hit just right, you thought you'd lose your lunch. You thank the deity of your choice for that Anti-Nausea Charm salesperson you encountered early in the day. It's got to be Hungus Lard too, because every Quelbee in the area has been fleeing inland.
The stinking mound lays in the tidal pool, extinguishing any small life form that dares to creep, crawl or slide near. You have found a mysterious pile of Hungus Lard! It's obviously rare stuff - and magically potent -so here's a question - do you take just enough for the recipe or take extra to sell to magic merchants?
Suddenly your stomach churns again. Oh no! It's been hours! You forgot to ask how long the charm lasts. You scoop up a bunch - guessing generously at what the recipe required and start running for the nearest mailbox.
[Obscure] Spoiler: Clue #4 (a new message is in your inbox)
A mail from Windcat Ltd.:
Once Stung, Twice Shy
Dear Detective,
Thank you for coming through once again. Find enclosed a portion of the Hungus Lard you so thoughtfully mailed to us express. You should be able to return it by mail. We have persuaded the postman to continue bringing packages, though it took a substantial tip and the last of my brownies. Any chance you could…you know…well…never mind for now. We are almost there! Just an ingredient or two more!
As you know, Quelbees have not been hard to find, but after scores of servants and employees have returned with hands empty of all but welts, we are forced to call upon your legendary expertise once again. As to where to look, a delirious Whithers had a note in his pocket. It seems clear enough. I have wrapped it around the chunk of Hungus Lard.
Impatiently Yours,
J.D.F. XIII, Wizard 8th Form
The note has been largely eaten away by the lard, but what you can still read says:
"Found the hive ___ __ minds if you get clos_. _ ___ __ tacked by ___ __elbe__ in F___ ie___ meadow: The smoker no good for Quelb__ __ __ese old lungs, __ilad_ Suggest you send the y___ f_ol"
[Obscure] Spoiler: Solution of Clue #4
The message originally read:
"Found the hive and it minds if you get close. I was attacked by all Quelbees in Frotzen Fields meadow: The smoker no good for Quelbees or these old lungs, Milady Suggest you send the young fool."
Go to the Fields of Frotzen.
[Obscure] Spoiler: Clue #4 solved
You knew when you heard the buzzing like a swarm of…well, it's pretty obvious you've found the nest. The Quelbees have found you too, but thanks to the wonders of Hungus Lard, they don't dare come anywhere close. Now- you could throw the whole lard chunk into the nest, but how to remain unstung when the last defenders flee from it?
You sit and ponder the point…and the points on the stingers those Quelbees sport.
Aha! You have it! Using only half the lard, you add it to the smoker you found earlier. The ponderously stench-y smoke proves to be very effective, and you are able to thoroughly plunder the nest and retreat with your precious cargo with no trouble - as long as you don't count the damage to your lungs and your nasal passages, and the fact that every bit of clothing you own now smells as though a thousand hunguses have been your constant companions since your early childhood.
[Obscure] Spoiler: Clue #5 (a new message is in your inbox)
A mail from Windcat Ltd.:
The Final Touch
Dear Detective Softly,
We are almost done! But- as you may have surmised, there has been a slight hitch. The test batch of cocoa was not entirely successful. Since the only substitution was the mossy growth from my bathing room, instead of the usual Borphee blue-green moss from the great aqueduct pipes of yore, this must be the culprit. I would go and get it - but the altered cocoa has filled my cottage with friendly purple yipples, visible only to myself. While these powers are enjoyable, I must be here to let the little darlings out every hour or so or my cottage would soon be ruined. You understand. Please bring the moss back to Gurth as soon as possible. Exams begin again on Mud Day next.
J. D. F. XIII, Wizard 8th Form
[Obscure] Spoiler: Solution for clue #5
Looking around in Greater Borphee, you will discover that the Ruins of Pheebor was the site of "a magnificent city with mighty aqueducts", so there is where you should go.
[Obscure] Spoiler: Quest solved
It took some digging (and several outhouse breaks) to follow a trickle of water back from an aqueduct to where the small stream cascaded onto another broken pipe, but you've found it at last!
In fact, the heavy blue moss has nearly hidden the drain pipe. The spores alone are making you dizzy. There is no doubt that this is the good stuff, man. You scrape some off with your helmet (storing some in a side pocket for later) and stumble back to Gurth.
[Obscure] Spoiler: Last Step
Return to Gurth.
[Obscure] Spoiler: Clue #4 solved
You knew when you heard the buzzing like a swarm of…well, it's pretty obvious you've found the nest. The Quelbees have found you too, but thanks to the wonders of Hungus Lard, they don't dare come anywhere close. Now- you could throw the whole lard chunk into the nest, but how to remain unstung when the last defenders flee from it?
You sit and ponder the point…and the points on the stingers those Quelbees sport.
Aha! You have it! Using only half the lard, you add it to the smoker you found earlier. The ponderously stench-y smoke proves to be very effective, and you are able to thoroughly plunder the nest and retreat with your precious cargo with no trouble - as long as you don't count the damage to your lungs and your nasal passages, and the fact that every bit of clothing you own now smells as though a thousand hunguses have been your constant companions since your early childhood.
[Obscure] Spoiler: Clue #5 (a new message is in your inbox)
A mail from Windcat Ltd.:
The Final Touch
Dear Detective Softly,
We are almost done! But- as you may have surmised, there has been a slight hitch. The test batch of cocoa was not entirely successful. Since the only substitution was the mossy growth from my bathing room, instead of the usual Borphee blue-green moss from the great aqueduct pipes of yore, this must be the culprit. I would go and get it - but the altered cocoa has filled my cottage with friendly purple yipples, visible only to myself. While these powers are enjoyable, I must be here to let the little darlings out every hour or so or my cottage would soon be ruined. You understand. Please bring the moss back to Gurth as soon as possible. Exams begin again on Mud Day next.
J. D. F. XIII, Wizard 8th Form
[Obscure] Spoiler: Solution for clue #5
Looking around in Greater Borphee, you will discover that the Ruins of Pheebor was the site of "a magnificent city with mighty aqueducts", so there is where you should go.
[Obscure] Spoiler: Quest solved
It took some digging (and several outhouse breaks) to follow a trickle of water back from an aqueduct to where the small stream cascaded onto another broken pipe, but you've found it at last!
In fact, the heavy blue moss has nearly hidden the drain pipe. The spores alone are making you dizzy. There is no doubt that this is the good stuff, man. You scrape some off with your helmet (storing some in a side pocket for later) and stumble back to Gurth.
[Obscure] Spoiler: Last Step
Return to Gurth.