Banethorn: Created page with "{{DISPLAYTITLE:Dark Tides Quest Guide}} TOC '''Dark Tides''' is a Necromancer tutorial quest that introduces players to the core skills and mechanics of the Necromancy profession. The quest follows a linear story in which you serve Mardoth, guildmaster of the Necromantic Brotherhood, as he works to summon the elder daemon Kronus from the Well of Tears. Along the way, you'll learn to use Animate Dead, Summon Familiar, Spirit Speak, and navigate the political landscap..."

2026-06-12T03:14:01Z

Created page with "{{DISPLAYTITLE:Dark Tides Quest Guide}} __TOC__ '''Dark Tides''' is a Necromancer tutorial quest that introduces players to the core skills and mechanics of the Necromancy profession. The quest follows a linear story in which you serve Mardoth, guildmaster of the Necromantic Brotherhood, as he works to summon the elder daemon Kronus from the Well of Tears. Along the way, you'll learn to use Animate Dead, Summon Familiar, Spirit Speak, and navigate the political landscap..."

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Dark Tides Quest Guide}}
__TOC__

'''Dark Tides''' is a Necromancer tutorial quest that introduces players to the core skills and mechanics of the Necromancy profession. The quest follows a linear story in which you serve Mardoth, guildmaster of the Necromantic Brotherhood, as he works to summon the elder daemon Kronus from the Well of Tears. Along the way, you'll learn to use Animate Dead, Summon Familiar, Spirit Speak, and navigate the political landscape between the Necromancers and Paladins in Malas.

This quest can only be completed '''once per character''' — it does not reset.

== Overview ==

Mardoth, the guildmaster of the Necromantic Brotherhood, needs help summoning Kronus — an elder daemon who will crush the Paladin forces that have plagued the Necromancers. To summon Kronus, the Well of Tears must be charged with dark rituals, but the ritual scrolls have been lost. Your job is to recover a Scroll of Calling by any means necessary, perform the ritual at the Well of Tears, and return to claim your reward.

The quest takes place primarily in the Malas facet, moving between Mardoth's tower, the Tomb of Maabus, the Paladin City of Light, the Crystal Cave, and the Well of Tears. Mardoth gives you a '''Horn of Retreat''' at the start — use it at any time to open a gateway back to his tower if you get lost or into trouble.

== Getting Started ==

Locate '''Mardoth''' in his tower in the Malas facet. Speak with him to receive the quest offer. He introduces himself as the guildmaster of the Necromantic Brotherhood and offers to train you in the dark arts in exchange for a few services.

== Quest Walkthrough ==

=== Step 1: Find the Tomb of Maabus ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Objective || Step onto the teleporter near Mardoth and follow the path of glowing runes to the Tomb of Maabus
|}

Upon accepting the quest, Mardoth gives you a bag containing a '''Horn of Retreat''' (a magical horn that opens a gateway back to his tower — hand it to Mardoth to recharge when it runs out). He then directs you to use the teleporter to the west of where he stands.

After teleporting, follow the path of glowing runes. It leads directly to the Tomb of Maabus, an ancient Necromancer burial site.

=== Step 2: Find the Corpse of Maabus ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Objective || Enter the tomb and find the corpse of the ancient Necromancer Maabus
|}

Enter the tomb and make your way to the inner chamber where Maabus' corpse lies in a coffin.

=== Step 3: Animate the Corpse of Maabus ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Objective || Re-animate the corpse of Maabus using your '''Animate Dead''' spell and question him about the Kronus rituals
|}

This is your first practical lesson in Necromancy. Open your spellbook and cast '''Animate Dead''' on Maabus' corpse. The reanimated Maabus is initially furious at being awakened, but once you explain your purpose, he cooperates.

Maabus reveals that he once owned a Scroll of Calling needed for the summoning, but he lost it when he was killed in a Paladin ambush. He believes it was hidden in the '''Crystal Cave''' near the Paladin City of Light. He points you to a teleporter in the corner of his tomb.

=== Step 4: Travel to the Crystal Cave ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Objective || Take the teleporter in the corner of Maabus' tomb to the Crystal Cave
|}

Use the teleporter in the tomb to travel near the Crystal Cave. Upon arrival, you encounter '''Horus''', a blind Paladin guard standing watch at the cave entrance.

=== Step 5: Deal with Horus the Guard ===

Horus guards the Crystal Cave and the Scroll of Calling within. Despite being blind, he is suspicious of you — he says you reek of death like a Necromancer. He demands that you speak the '''secret password''' contained in the '''Scroll of Abraxus''', which is kept in the '''Vault of Secrets''' inside the Paladin City of Light.

Horus explains that Necromancers cannot enter the Vault due to powerful protective magic, so in his mind, anyone who knows the password must be a legitimate Paladin. You'll need to find another way in.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Objective || Infiltrate the City of the Paladins and figure out a way into the Vault — see Mardoth for help
|}

=== Step 6: Consult Mardoth About the Vault ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Objective || Return to Mardoth for advice on getting into the Vault of Secrets
|}

Return to Mardoth (use your Horn of Retreat or the teleporter). He confirms that the Vault's anti-Necromancer magic makes it impossible for you to enter personally, but he has a solution: your '''Horde Minion familiar''' is not a Necromancer and won't be affected by the protective wards.

Mardoth teaches you the '''Summon Familiar''' spell and instructs you to travel to the Paladin City of Light via his western teleporter, follow the road of glowing runes to the Vault, and send your familiar in to steal the scroll.

=== Step 7: Travel to the Paladin City of Light ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Objective || Use the teleporter near Mardoth to travel to the Paladin City of Light
|}

Take the teleporter to be transported to the city. Be careful not to reveal yourself as a Necromancer while in the city.

=== Step 8: Find the Vault of Secrets ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Objective || Follow the road paved with glowing runes to find the Vault of Secrets
|}

Follow the glowing rune road through the Paladin City until you reach the Vault of Secrets. You can feel the protective magic pressing against you as you enter.

=== Step 9: Use Your Familiar to Fetch the Scroll ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Objective || '''Summon your Horde Minion familiar''' to fetch the Scroll of Abraxus for you
|}

Inside the Vault, you can see the '''Scroll of Abraxus''' among a collection of scrolls and books, but it's out of your reach due to the anti-Necromancer wards. Cast '''Summon Familiar''' and select the '''Horde Minion'''. Your familiar is unaffected by the protective magic and will automatically move to fetch the scroll when you're close enough.

You'll see the message: ''"You instinctively will your familiar to fetch the scroll for you."''

=== Step 10: Retrieve the Scroll from Your Familiar ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Objective || Double-click your Horde Minion to open his pack and retrieve the Scroll of Abraxus
|}

Once the familiar has the scroll, double-click it to open its pack and take the '''Scroll of Abraxus''' from its inventory.

=== Step 11: Read the Scroll of Abraxus ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Objective || Double-click the Scroll of Abraxus to read it and learn the Crystal Cave password
|}

Read the scroll by double-clicking it. This reveals the secret password that Horus requires for entry into the Crystal Cave.

=== Step 12: Return to the Crystal Cave ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Objective || Return to the Crystal Cave to speak with Horus — use the teleporter outside the Vault if needed
|}

Travel back to the Crystal Cave. You can use the teleporter located just outside the Vault to get there quickly.

=== Step 13: Speak the Password to Horus ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Objective || Speak the secret password to Horus using his '''context menu''' (single left-click on Horus)
|}

Left-click Horus to bring up his context menu and select the option to speak the password. Horus accepts it and grants you passage. He also mentions the cave has been infested with vermin called '''Skittering Hoppers''' and asks if you'd be willing to clear out at least 5 of them for a reward.

=== Step 14: Find the Scroll of Calling ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Objective || Enter the Crystal Cave and find the Scroll of Calling
|}

The energy barrier drops and you may enter the Crystal Cave. Inside, you'll encounter '''Skittering Hoppers''' — insect-like creatures that attack on sight.

==== Optional: Kill 5 Skittering Hoppers ====

This is an optional side objective. If you slay '''5 Skittering Hoppers''' while inside the cave, you can claim a bonus reward from Horus on your way out. The first time you kill one, you'll also receive a tutorial message about using '''Spirit Speak''' to heal yourself — Necromancers recover hit points by communing with the spirit world through this skill.

After killing 5, speak to Horus on your way out. He rewards you with '''500 gold''' and a '''magical artifact'''.

Find the Scroll of Calling deeper in the cave and collect it.

=== Step 15: Return to Mardoth with the Scroll ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Objective || Bring the Scroll of Calling to Mardoth for further instructions
|}

Return to Mardoth's tower with the scroll. He's thrilled and explains that you can now perform the ritual at the Well of Tears.

{{Note|If you lose the Scroll of Calling at any point, you'll be directed to return to the Crystal Cave and fetch another one. Mardoth will be disappointed but will send you back.}}

=== Step 16: Travel to the Well of Tears ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Objective || Follow the red lanterns outside Mardoth's tower to the Well of Tears
|}

Exit Mardoth's tower and follow the path lined with '''red lanterns'''. This leads to the Well of Tears where you will perform the calling ritual.

{{Note|If you arrive at the Well without the scroll (lost or dropped), you'll receive a message directing you back to the Crystal Cave to fetch another.}}

=== Step 17: Use the Scroll of Calling ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Objective || Double-click the Scroll of Calling near the Well of Tears to perform the ritual
|}

Stand near the Well of Tears and double-click the Scroll of Calling. This charges the waters and begins the summoning ritual for Kronus. Be prepared — performing the ritual triggers a fight with a '''Summoned Paladin''' who arrives to stop you.

You may either defeat the Paladin (victory) or be slain yourself — either way, the ritual is completed. The quest continues regardless of the outcome, though your completion message will differ.

=== Step 18: Return to Mardoth ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Objective || Return to Mardoth for your reward
|}

Whether you triumphed over the Paladin or fell in battle, the ritual is done. Return to Mardoth's tower. If you won the fight, loot as much as you can carry from your defeated foe before heading back.

Mardoth congratulates you, releases you from his service, and gives you your reward: a '''magical weapon''' and a '''2,000 gold bank check'''.

=== Step 19: Cash the Bank Check ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Objective || Use the enchanted sextant in your pack to locate the nearest bank, then go there and speak with the Banker
|}

Mardoth gives you an '''enchanted sextant''' that guides you to the nearest bank. Travel there and speak with the Banker.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Objective || Open your bank box and cash the check
|}

Open your bank box (say "bank" near a Banker) and double-click the check to cash it. The Banker explains how the banking system works — items stored in any bank box can be retrieved from any other bank in the land. Your gold is now deposited and you're free to explore the world.

== Rewards ==

{| class="wikitable"
! Reward !! When Received
|-
| '''Horn of Retreat''' || Quest start (reusable, rechargeable by Mardoth)
|-
| '''Ninja/Necro Clothing''' || After first trial (placed in your pack automatically)
|-
| '''500 Gold + Magical Artifact''' || Optional — from Horus for killing 5 Skittering Hoppers
|-
| '''Magical Weapon''' || Quest completion (from Mardoth)
|-
| '''2,000 Gold Bank Check''' || Quest completion (from Mardoth)
|}

== Tips ==

* '''Keep your Horn of Retreat handy.''' If you get lost or overwhelmed, play the horn to open a gateway back to Mardoth's tower. Hand the horn to Mardoth to recharge it when it runs out of charges.
* '''Don't forget the Skittering Hoppers.''' Killing 5 of them in the Crystal Cave earns you a bonus 500 gold and a magical artifact from Horus — easy extra loot on your way to the Scroll of Calling.
* '''Learn Spirit Speak early.''' The quest teaches you that Necromancers heal via Spirit Speak rather than Healing or bandages. Practice this skill as you fight Skittering Hoppers.
* '''Use the Radar Map''' (ALT+R) to navigate the paths between locations. The quest areas are spread out and glowing rune paths can be hard to follow on the main screen.
* '''Don't lose the Scroll of Calling.''' If you arrive at the Well of Tears without it, you'll have to go all the way back to the Crystal Cave for another one.
* '''The Paladin fight at the Well is optional to win.''' Whether you slay the Summoned Paladin or are defeated, the ritual completes either way. Victory just gives you loot to carry back.

== Quest Flow Summary ==

<pre>
1. Accept the quest from Mardoth — receive Horn of Retreat
2. Teleport to the Tomb of Maabus (follow glowing runes)
3. Find Maabus' corpse inside the tomb
4. Cast Animate Dead on the corpse — learn about the Scroll of Calling
5. Teleport to the Crystal Cave — meet Horus the blind guard
6. Horus demands the Vault password — return to Mardoth for advice
7. Mardoth teaches you Summon Familiar — teleport to the Paladin City of Light
8. Follow the glowing rune road to the Vault of Secrets
9. Summon your Horde Minion familiar to fetch the Scroll of Abraxus
10. Retrieve the scroll from your familiar's pack
11. Read the Scroll of Abraxus to learn the password
12. Return to the Crystal Cave
13. Speak the password to Horus via his context menu
14. Enter the Crystal Cave — find the Scroll of Calling
(Optional: Kill 5 Skittering Hoppers → claim reward from Horus)
15. Return the Scroll of Calling to Mardoth
16. Follow the red lanterns to the Well of Tears
17. Use the Scroll of Calling at the Well — fight the Summoned Paladin
18. Return to Mardoth — receive magical weapon + 2,000 gold check
19. Find the nearest bank (use enchanted sextant) → cash the check
</pre>

== Key NPCs ==

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
! NPC !! Role !! Location
|-
| '''Mardoth''' || Quest giver, Necromantic Brotherhood guildmaster || Mardoth's Tower, Malas
|-
| '''Maabus''' || Ancient Necromancer (reanimated corpse) || Tomb of Maabus, Malas (via teleporter)
|-
| '''Horus''' || Blind Paladin guard at the Crystal Cave || Crystal Cave entrance, Malas
|-
| '''Summoned Paladin''' || Antagonist at the Well of Tears || Appears during the calling ritual
|}

[[Category:Quests]]
[[Category:Necromancer]]
[[Category:Tutorial Quests]]

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