Study of the Solen Hive
Study of the Solen Hive is a quest given by the Naturalist, a scholar interested in researching the ant-like Solen creatures. He asks you to enter the Solen Hive and study the Solen Egg Nests hidden within. The quest involves no combat — instead you must locate each nest area and stand still long enough to complete your observations.
Starting the Quest
Speak with the Naturalist found near the Solen Hive entrances. He explains that he is a scholar studying insects and arachnids who has become fascinated by the Solen, a race of ant-like creatures that recently appeared in the world. He needs you to enter the hive and examine the Solen Egg Nests for him, since he is "not much of the adventuring type."
Note: The Naturalist will not offer the quest if you already have another quest active. Complete your current quest first, then return.
Quest Walkthrough
Study 4 Solen Egg Nests
Enter the Solen Hive and locate the Solen Egg Nests scattered throughout. There are 4 regular nests that you must study plus 1 hidden special nest that provides a bonus reward if found.
To study a nest, simply walk into the nest area and stand still. The study process works as follows:
- Enter the nest area — You receive the message: "You begin studying the Solen Egg Nest to gather information." A sound effect plays as you begin taking notes.
- Stay in the area for 15 seconds — You receive: "You begin recording your completed notes on a bit of parchment."
- Stay for a total of 30 seconds — You receive: "You have completed your study of this Solen Egg Nest. You put your notes away." Your nest counter advances by one.
If you leave the nest area before the 30 seconds are up, your study is abandoned and you receive: "You abandon your study of the Solen Egg Nest without gathering the needed information." You will need to return and start the 30-second timer over from the beginning.
If you enter a nest you've already studied, you receive: "You glance at the Egg Nest, realizing you've already studied this one." — no time is wasted.
Your quest log tracks your progress (e.g. "Solen Nests Studied: 2 / 4"). Once all 4 regular nests are studied, the quest advances to the return step.
The Secret Nest (Bonus)
In addition to the 4 regular nests, there is a 5th special nest hidden within the hive. It is not required to complete the quest, but studying it earns you a significantly better reward.
When you enter the special nest area, you receive a unique message: "You notice something very odd about this Solen Egg Nest. You begin taking notes." The study timer works the same way (30 seconds), and upon completion: "You complete your examination of this bizarre Egg Nest. The Naturalist will undoubtedly be quite interested in these notes!"
The special nest does not count toward your 4/4 progress counter — it is tracked separately as a bonus.
Return to the Naturalist
Once you have studied all 4 regular nests, return to the Naturalist. The ending you receive depends on whether you also found the special nest:
Standard ending (4 regular nests only): The Naturalist thanks you and explains that he has a botanist friend who has discovered mutant colored seeds through science and sorcery. He rewards you with a rare colored seed.
Bonus ending (4 regular nests + the special nest): The Naturalist is ecstatic about your notes on the "Secret Solen Egg Nest" and explains that while he usually gives out his botanist friend's seeds, he keeps the rarest stock for himself. Because of your exceptional work, he rewards you with a rare fire-red seed instead of the standard one.
Note: Make sure you have room in your backpack before turning in. If your pack is full, the Naturalist will ask you to free up space before he can give you the reward.
Rewards
| Condition | Reward |
|---|---|
| Studied 4 regular nests | Rare colored seed |
| Studied 4 regular nests + the special nest | Rare fire-red seed (upgraded reward) |
Tips
- The quest has no cooldown and can be repeated immediately after completion. This makes it a reliable way to farm rare seeds.
- You must stand still in each nest area for a full 30 seconds without leaving. If you step outside the area even briefly, the timer resets completely.
- The Solen Hive can be accessed from both Trammel and Felucca — the nest areas work on either facet.
- The special nest is worth finding every run for the upgraded fire-red seed. Explore the hive thoroughly — the special nest is in a different section from the regular four.
- You do not need to fight anything to complete this quest, but the Solen Hive is full of hostile Solen creatures. Come prepared to defend yourself or bring the ability to hide/stealth while you study.
- Each nest area covers a moderate zone (not just a single tile), so you have some room to maneuver while staying within bounds. If you receive the "begin studying" message, you are in the right area — just don't move too far.