@0    = ~Hello, stranger. Hmm, it doesn't take long to realize that you're an adventurer. An experienced adventurer, perhaps. I'm Mairo Mudclapper - an arcanist, a librarian and a cleric of Deneir. I'm looking for some help. I can pay.~ [L#NDMAI1]
@1    = ~Greetings, Mairo. My name is <CHARNAME>. What sort of help might you require?~
@2    = ~Gold, eh? You've got my ear, halfling. Tell me more.~
@3    = ~I'm far too busy to listen to someone else's matters. Goodbye.~
@4    = ~Ah, we meet again. I trust you still remember me? Mairo Mudclapper, priest of Deneir. As I said before, I'm looking for experienced help and have gold to offer. Do you have the time to listen?~ [L#NDMAI2]
@5    = ~No, not really. Goodbye.~
@6    = ~Then allow me to begin - once upon a time, I myself was an adventurer as well, so I knew you were the type that might be able to assist me. A few years ago, I dedicated a part of my life to a library in faraway Daggerdale. I swore to defend it and destroy any being that might pose a threat to it and the treasures it contained.~
@7    = ~As you might have suspected, something happened not long ago that brought me here. A thief managed to steal an item from the library. With a few of my fellows we tracked him down, but it was already too late - he had sold the spoils of his theft, among which was an item that contained an evil thing that should never have left the library's walls.~
@8    = ~We of the library know little of its origins, but in layman's terms, it is a parasite that takes the form of a book in its disguised form, and feeds on those careless enough to read its words. It controls its prey with an addiction towards it, which leads to a desire to read the book over and over again.~
@9    = ~When it has drained enough energy from its victims, it changes its form and forces its readers to write new stories, allowing it to reproduce. As such, time is of the essence, and therefore we must find the parasite before it forces others to write further cursed tales. However, what makes it difficult is that the parasite has an ability to disguise itself. At the moment, we have no clues on what the parasite might look like or be named as.~
@10   = ~A creation of foul magic, no doubt. We must find and destroy this creature, <CHARNAME>, lest it roam free and infect those within the city as well.~
@11   = ~Such a creature will surely put all at risk should it be left uncontained. I would advise that we assist this kinsman with his task.~
@12   = ~I suppose you want me to...~
@13   = ~You know, I don't think I'm interested in this line of work. Sorry, but you're on your own.~
@14   = ~... to find the parasite, yes. As I said, time is of the essence, and I cannot possibly find it myself in time. It must be found and recaptured as quickly as possible.~
@15   = ~I would advise helping this halfling, <CHARNAME>. Such an unnatural creature cannot be allowed to roam free, especially if it is as dangerous as he suggests.~
@16   = ~It doesn't sound that difficult. I'll help you, Mairo.~
@17   = ~I expect to be compensated well for my trouble.~
@18   = ~Sorry, but I don't think I'll be able to help you.~
@19   = ~Do you have no magic that can find this creature?~
@20   = ~Certainly. I don't expect you to help for no reward. We all have our needs, and many are paid in gold, after all. Especially those of your profession. I have a respectable amount of gold to give to you upon your success.~
@21   = ~Very well. I will help you.~
@22   = ~Unfortunately, I do not. The creature is cunning, and whether knowingly or not, has the power to protect itself from common divinations. Our only way of finding it is by mundane means.~
@23   = ~Bah! How fortunate for us! Must we continue to run around blindly searching for some otherworldly vermin? (Though, should we discover it, some research into its nature could be fascinating...)~
@24   = ~Sorry, but no. I won't help you, halfling.~
@25   = ~Excellent! Please, look for it wherever you might find a clue. Find those that might be easily influenced by the parasite. One of them must hold the text. It may be a book, but we think it may also transform into letters and other forms of written word.~
@26   = ~When you find the text, bring it here and I will pay you five thousand gold pieces. Perhaps I'll even have something more for you. Now, good hunting, my friend, and may your efforts lead to success.~
@27   = ~You may be our last hope. I'll be at my tent awaiting your return.~
@28   = ~Very well... if you change your mind, please return to me. You'll find me here in the district, next to my tent.~
@29   = ~You've returned! Have you found the book- I mean, of course, the parasite. The parasite that transformed into- eh, you know what I mean!~ [L#NDMAI3]
@30   = ~I'm still investigating the matter.~
@31   = ~I found this journal from a talking cat. It belonged to a merchant that only died recently. Is it the parasite?~
@32   = ~A strange man gave this book to a little girl who lives nearby. Is it what we're looking for?~
@33   = ~I found a suicide note from a house to the north. Is it the writing you're looking for?~
@34   = ~There was a bard that wrote a macabre play. Could it be the text you're looking for?~
@35   = ~A journal? Unusual for the creature, but... well, it's possible. Let me see... yes! This-- oh, by Deneir's thumbs...~
@36   = ~A picturebook? The parasite has always manifested through words, but I cannot ignore the possibility. Let me see... yes! This-- oh, by Deneir's thumbs...~
@37   = ~A suicide note? That would be the first time it took up such a shape, but let me see... yes! This-- oh, by Deneir's thumbs...~
@38   = ~A play? Hmm, it has never taken such a shape to my knowledge, but let me see... yes! This-- oh, by Deneir's thumbs...~
@39   = ~We have a HUGE problem on our hands, <CHARNAME>.~
@40   = ~What? What's wrong?~
@41   = ~Please don't say what I think you're about to say.~
@42   = ~Oh, just say it already...~
@43   = ~This item... it's only a part of the creature we seek.~
@44   = ~Unfortunately, yes. This item... it's only a part of the creature we seek.~
@45   = ~I have never seen the parasite act so quickly, but... it has somehow used its energy to divide itself into... four pieces. What's worse, it has already influenced at least a few people.~
@46   = ~The symptoms vary, but they follow a common theme - fear, depression, rage, madness... the signs are not always apparent, not immediately. If the creature has realized that we are pursuing it, it may choose to spread its 'gifts' to a few specific people that already hold such emotions. If that is the case, then it will become even more difficult to catch. However... there is still hope.~
@47   = ~I'm all ears.~
@48   = ~What do you mean by that?~
@49   = ~Firstly, we'll need to find all four pieces of the parasite. That's the most vital part - we must find and contain the before they start to influence more innocents, unaware of their presence.~
@50   = ~That's not all, however...~
@51   = ~What else is there?~
@52   = ~Oh, how fortunate. How many more damn things will we need?~
@53   = ~Never you mind for the moment, it is unimportant right now. There's no point thinking about future steps when the current one is the most important of all.~
@54   = ~Please find the other pieces of the parasite. Bring them to me one by one, if possible.~
@55   = ~Additionally... thank you for your assistance, <CHARNAME>. I'll be preparing for what comes next.~
@56   = ~I see. Please, godspeed.~
@57   = ~You've returned, <CHARNAME>! Does that mean you have found another piece of the parasite?~ [L#NDMAI4]
@58   = ~I'm afraid I'm still investigating the matter.~
@59   = ~Let me see that...~
@60   = ~Yes, that's it! You've found it!~
@61   = ~You've found them all. All four pieces of the parasite... but it can still try to influence others so long as it's exists like this.~
@62   = ~Now comes the next step which I mentioned. We must prepare a box capable of containing its energy, and it must be made of a specific type of wood called dark purewood. Unfortunately, such a type of wood cannot be found here in Athkatla.~
@63   = ~Of course not. That would be too easy.~
@64   = ~I guess that means I'll have to find it outside of the city.~
@65   = ~But surely it must exist somewhere out in the wild, right?~
@66   = ~Of course. Heh. Luckily for us, I brought a book with me that contains knowledge of where purewood trees can be found. I can send you to the exact area, but you'll need to walk back alone. I'll mark the route so you won't get lost.~
@67   = ~Hmm... here you are. As you can see, it's not far. But since we're in a race against time, I'll use my magic to teleport you close to it.~
@68   = ~It could be worse.~
@69   = ~I'll need a pair of tougher boots if I'm going to do this...~
@70   = ~Sound like fun...~
@71   = ~Just try to stay positive and it'll all be over before you know it.~
@72   = ~True enough. Here, take these. I've little use for them anyways, and they wouldn't have fetched me much gold otherwise.~
@73   = ~Anyways, just be sure to have everything you need. Potions, wands, clean socks... anything you'll miss. When you're ready, return here and I'll teleport you to the location where dark purewood may be found.~
@74   = ~Good work, but that's not the end of it. Another piece of the parasite roams free. Find it and bring it back as quickly as you can.~
@75   = ~Please come back when you've made further progress with this task.~
@76   = ~Are you ready? I'll teleport you to where dark purewood may be found.~ [L#NDMAI5]
@77   = ~Yes, do it.~
@78   = ~Not yet. I've still things I must gather first.~
@79   = ~Oh, I was wondering when you'd return. Did you find what we need?~ [L#NDMAI6]
@80   = ~Yes. Here's the wood you were looking for. Is there enough?~
@81   = ~Not yet. I'll keep looking for that wood.~
@82   = ~Excellent! Yes, this is just enough. I've no idea how I could've made this much progress without you.~
@83   = ~Please bring that wood to a local carpenter with these instructions. Hopefully they'll be capable of crafting the prison we need to seal the parasite's energy.~
@84   = ~I'll be waiting for you here.~
@85   = ~Yes, quickly.~
@86   = ~Is the box ready, <CHARNAME>?~ [L#NDMAI7]
@87   = ~Yes. I have it here.~
@88   = ~Not yet. I need more time.~
@89   = ~You are amazing, my friend. Now, there is only one more thing left to do. We must summon the parasite in its true, undisguised form and kill it.~
@90   = ~Perhaps this is too late to mention, but... I cannot fight anymore. During my past adventuring days, I suffered a great injury and almost died. All I can do is use the prison to cage the creature's power to weaken it, and ensure that it remains in its natural form. You'll have to be the one to kill it.~
@91   = ~I... should have told you this sooner, but I was afraid you'd change your mind and refuse to help. Now that there is no choice... I can only raise the stakes. Before, I offered you five thousand gold with a bonus, but for your tireless assistance, I'll increase the reward to seven thousand and five hundred gold. Hopefully you can understand how much I appreciate all your help.~
@92   = ~Thank you, but you really don't have to. I wouldn't want to let such a being torment others if I can help it.~
@93   = ~Very generous of you. You have my thanks and my complete co-operation.~
@94   = ~Now that's a reasonable reward for my time.~
@95   = ~I understand. But you deserve as much as I can offer. All 7,500 gold will be yours once this is over.~
@96   = ~You deserve every coin that I can offer, <CHARNAME>.~
@97   = ~Anyway, we mustn't summon the parasite here. It's too dangerous with all the innocents close by. Come with me to a private place when you're ready, so that we may put this evil to an end.~
@98   = ~Then I'll keep waiting.~
@99   = ~You're back. Are you ready to finally face the monster?~ [L#NDMAI8]
@100  = ~Yes.~
@101  = ~No, not yet.~
@102  = ~Good. Follow me.~
@103  = ~Alright. I'll keep waiting, but please hurry and get what you need. We're so close now.~
@104  = ~You... you've done it! I knew you could! I'm so relieved...~ [L#NDMAI9]
@105  = ~Come, let's leave here as soon as you're ready. Make sure you haven't left anything behind and I'll teleport us back when you give the order.~
@106  = ~Are you ready, my brave friend? I shall take us back to the Southern Edge when you command.~ [L#NDMAIA]
@107  = ~Yes. I'm ready.~
@108  = ~No. Give me a second.~
@109  = ~And... we're back.~ [L#NDMAIB]
@110  = ~It's the Southern Edge alright.~
@111  = ~Finally...~
@112  = ~Listen, <CHARNAME>... I couldn't have done anything without all of your help. So... thank you. I'd give you even more if I could, but... all I have that is valuable is yours. 7,500 gold and this - a book that I'm sure you'll make good use of.~
@113  = ~As for what's left of the parasite... I will take it back to the library and ensure that it never surfaces again.~
@114  = ~One last thing I should say... it was my honor to work with you, my friend.~
@115  = ~And I will respond likewise, friend Mairo.~
@116  = ~As tiresome as this quest was, I'm glad it's done.~
@117  = ~Thank you, <CHARNAME>. It gladdens me to hear you say that.~
@118  = ~Indeed it is. If you can find the time, take all the rest you deserve... heh.~
@119  = ~You are truly a great adventurer, <CHARNAME>. I still owe you much for your time. I can offer little more than my prayers to Deneir for your protection and success.~
@120  = ~I wish you luck, no matter where you must go or what foes you have yet to face. Farewell!~
