Crystal Caverns #1: An Abundance of Orcs  

Quest Started By:Description:
Where:
Who:
Rating:
*****
(From 1 rating)
Information:
Level:95
Maximum Level:125
Monster Mission:No
Repeatable:Yes
Can Be Shrouded?:No
Quest Type:Task
Quest Goal:
  • Advancement
  • Experience
  • Money
Quest Items:
Related Creatures:
Related Quests:
Era:Rain of Fear
Recommended:
Group Size:Solo
Min. # of Players:1
Max. # of Players:1
Appropriate Classes:
  • All
Appropriate Races:
  • All
Entered: Wed Nov 28 20:44:48 2012
Modified: Tue Dec 5 05:21:04 2023
Rain of Fear Information & Guides: An Overview | Group Progression & Task List | Raid Progression | Visible Armor



This is the first task in a series of three. It is a solo task that begins with Captain Dunstan Coldheart (map - full zone map) in the Crystal Caverns (located in a room in the center of the Coldain city, Froststone at -255, 230, -400).

Pre-Requisites:
- Level 85
- No tasks

You say, 'Hail, Captain Dunstan Coldheart'

Captain Dunstan Coldheart says 'It's a rare day indeed when an outsider makes their way safely to our keep. Welcome, _____, to Froststone, stronghold of the coldain dwarves. For many generations we have defended these walls of ice and stone from intruders, mainly clan Ry`Gorr. We've recently had to bolster our defenses due to a rising number of [incidents].'

You say, 'What incidents?'

Captain Dunstan Coldheart says 'Although the location of our fortress is mostly unknown, it's not unusual for an orc miner to stumble upon our keep by accident. My guards have no trouble cutting these strays down, preventing them from reporting back to their clan. Recently however, the orc presence has grown. The Ry`Gorr have sent scouts our way, and new [mining camps] have been spotted not far from our stronghold.'

You say, 'Mining camps?'

Captain Dunstan Coldheart says 'Froststone's defenses are already spread too thin. I cannot afford to send more scouts out to investigate the mining camps. Since you have already proven your ability to deftly navigate these caverns, I wonder if you would be [willing] to investigate what the Ry`Gorr are up to?'

You say, 'I am willing'

Captain Dunstan Coldheart says 'My scouts have informed me that the orcs have three active mining camps within the caverns. Two of these are long-standing quarries near the central pit. The third is a new mining site near the crystal ravine, not too far from Froststone. You can see why I worry, _____. The Ry`Gorr are too close for comfort. I hope that you can find some evidence of why they are increasing in numbers and expanding their mining operations. I will remain here in Froststone, awaiting your full report.'

You have been assigned the task 'An Abundance of Orcs'.

Captain Dunstan Coldheart is concerned about the increase number of Ry'Gorr orcs. He has asked for your help in investigating what the orc miners are up to.

There are currently three known active mining camps. You need to investigate all of them.



Investigate the mining site at the base of the open pit 0/1 (Crystal Caverns)

This updates in the Ry'Gorr mining area at around 430, 480, -399 (bottom of the pit).

Investigate the mining site near the crystal ravine 0/1 (Crystal Caverns)

This updates at around 360, 630, -399. If you use levitate and float down the pit from the top, about halfway down is a tunnel that extends south. This location is found through that tunnel.

Investigate the mining site at the top of the open pit 0/1 (Crystal Caverns)

This updates at around 390, 490, -170.

Note: The last of these three location updates triggers the spawn of a Ry`Gorr miner, which attacks (even through invisibility).

Small clusters of unusual crystals are scattered around the mining site.

Defeat a Ry`Gorr miner 0/1 (Crystal Caverns)

Any miner will do (not just the spawned mob).

a Ry`Gorr miner has been slain by _____!
a Ry`Gorr miner's corpse crashes to the ground with a loud thud.

Loot a Chipped Feymetal Mining Pick 0/1 (Crystal Caverns)

Task Window Says: The Ry`Gorr orcs are using unusual mining equipment.

Loot this from a miner's corpse.



Return to Captain Dunstan Coldheart 0/1 (Crystal Caverns)

You say, 'Hail, Captain Dunstan Coldheart'

Captain Dunstan Coldheart listens carefully to your report before responding, 'So the Ry`Gorr have set up camps to mine unusual crystal clusters within the caverns? That would explain the new mining equipment. It's possible these crystal formations can't be chipped at with a standard pickaxe. Perhaps our smithy can make some repairs so we can do some mining of our own.'

Take the pick to Dirk Coldsmith 0/1 (Crystal Caverns)

Task Window Says: Captain Dunstan would like you to take the pickaxe to Dirk Coldsmith for repairs. He can be found within Froststone.

Dirk Coldsmith (map - full zone map) is found at -185, 295, -382 (in the same small room as the banker, Kramble Gemshard -- this room has a door).

You say, 'Hail, Dirk Coldsmith'

Dirk Coldsmith says 'Hail, adventurer. Congratulations on finding Froststone, last keep of the Coldain. It must have been a hard fight down those tunnels, eh? There are monster's crawling everywhere!'

Dirk Coldsmith examines the pickaxe carefully, taking note of areas that need repairs. 'I believe I can fix this unique piece of mining equipment, but I'll have to be creative. We don't have access to standard supplies here in Froststone, so you'll need to collect a few items from the creatures that dwell within the caverns. With any luck, I'll have this pickaxe looking like new in no time.'



Kill geonids and recover a smooth stone 0/1 (Crystal Caverns)

Kill Ry`Gorr orcs and recover a chunk of velium 0/1 (Crystal Caverns)

Kill crystal spiders and recover crystal fibers 0/1 (Crystal Caverns)

Task Window Says: Dirk needs some non-standard supplies that can be found on creatures within the caverns.

Note: The above three updates are automatic random on kills (no item looting involved). Spiders and Ry`Gorr orcs will be easy enough to find; geonids are found in the tunnel leading to the zone-out in the far southern part of the zone.

You find a smooth stone on the geonid's corpse.
You find a chunk of velium on the orc's corpse.
You find crystal fibers on the spider's corpse.



Speak to Dirk Coldsmith 0/1 (Crystal Caverns)

Task Window Says: Return to Dirk Coldsmith so that he can make the proper repairs.

You say, 'Hail, Dirk Coldsmith'

Dirk Coldsmith takes the items you've collected and begins making the necessary repairs. 'This pickaxe won't be pretty, but it should be sturdy enough to mine those strange crystal clusters around the caverns. Captain Dunstan has asked that you retrieve some samples and deliver them to Elsa Icegem for study.' With the finishing touches complete, the coldain smithy places the repaired pickaxe in your grasp.

You receive a Repaired Feymetal Mining Pick.

Use the repaired pickaxe to mine crystal deposits around the caverns 0/3 (Crystal Caverns)

Task Window Says: Use the pickaxe on any of the small, purple clusters of crystals found near the mining sites.

Around the area are crystal clusters. Target these and right-click the pick to receive a Cavern Crystal Sample.

You shatter the crystal cluster with your pickaxe and retrieve a sample.



Take the samples to Elsa Icegem 0/3 (Crystal Caverns)

Task Window Says: The Captain has asked that you deliver all samples found to Elsa Icegem.

Elsa Icegem (map - full zone map) spawns in the northcentral part of the lower level of Froststone.

Speak to Elsa Icegem 0/1 (Crystal Caverns)

Task Window Says: Elsa looks like she needs to speak with you.

The hail triggers the spawn of 2x "a Ry`Gorr invader".

You say, 'Hail, Elsa Icegem'

Elsa Icegem brings a crystal sample to eye level and peers at it curiously, 'This is unlike anything I have ever seen before. The crystal itself is translucent; its color appears to come from the violet essence that swirls...' The gemologist is cut off by nearby shouts from the guard.

Guard Kevin shouts 'Arm yourselves! Ry`Gorr invaders are attempting to breach the keep. Defend Froststone at all costs!'

a Ry`Gorr invader senses an enemy nearby and readies for battle!
a Ry`Gorr invader senses an enemy nearby and readies for battle!

Defend Froststone from the Ry`Gorr invaders 0/2 (Crystal Caverns)

Task Window Says: Ry`Gorr orcs have invaded Froststone!

These hit for a max ~7,000.

a Ry`Gorr invader has been slain by _____!
a Ry`Gorr invader crashes to the ground with a loud thud.



Speak to Captain Dunstan Coldheart 0/1 (Crystal Caverns)

You say, 'Hail, Captain Dunstan Coldheart'

Captain Dunstan Coldheart takes a moment to collect his thoughts before speaking, 'This overt attack can only mean one thing. The location of Froststone is now known. Our defenses are no match for the increased Ry`Gorr forces. We must attempt to make peace with the orcs, or face the possibility of losing our stronghold.

With your help, the coldain dwarves have learned that clan Ry`Gorr have been mining strange crystals within the caverns.


Rewards:
225 platinum
Experience (3 AAs + 2-3% experience in Level 96)
Rewards:
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Warning!
# Dec 31 2023 at 11:05 AM Rating: Excellent
*
112 posts
I figure if you are here you are probably planning to do all the quests for this zone. Here is the warning. Do every step 1 toon at a time. Don't try to batch action anything. You will either get swamped with spawns or you won't get enough drops or will have 1 toon that doesn't get credit for a step and have to restart the whole thing. It has been a nightmare pulling 5 toons through all this.
TRUE POST
# Nov 04 2022 at 4:18 PM Rating: Default
Real and logical info to help

** if you get lost or can't find an NPC or destination with find, then always go back to the quest giver Captain Dunstan Coldheart.
** just about every NPC required for this quest are in the Coldain city even if not on the map. Forget about the name of the city because it is NOT on the map so,
it does NOT matter, all you have to know is Captain Dunstan Coldheart is in the center.
Dirk Coldsmith and Elsa Icegem are both in Coldian City.
** ALL NPC's can be tracked but not all can be found with find button.
**** Crystal Spiders can be found in different areas of zone but, you leave city heading south thru Dark Green tunnel to the NPC Bronigan, and Bronigan can be found
with find button from city. Then cross the water and head into purple tunnel. As you go down tunnel watch both sides because you will come to an ice bridge with 2
crystal spiders on each side thus after killing you will have what you need.
**** Orcs you can find almost everywhere but to make it easy go back to who? Captain Dunstan Coldheart in city by using find button. If you can't get find to work,
then use find and go to Bronigan and then use find to Captain Dunstan Coldheart. From there find way to center to any mining site where you can kill orcs or
even faster drop down and exit area into tunnels where plenty of orcs are.
**** Geonids, well some posts say they are hard to get to or find, and I say bull! Can you guess where to start? That's right Captain Dunstan Coldheart!
Do exactly what you did to find the Crystal Spiders. Yes, head into purple tunnel again. Continue straight thru tunnel until it forks, that means tunnel spits and
goes both left and right but, Do NOT Enter either. Instead look south on map and you will see purple tunnel that zig zags up to entrance/exit. In that tunnel as
you climb to entrance/exit you will encounter those hard-to-find Geonids.

Hopefully this helps to clarify both quest writeup and all those genius scholars and wanna be scholar writeups!










Edited, Nov 11th 2022 5:53am by Gidono
do ravine last
# Jun 08 2020 at 4:18 PM Rating: Excellent
Avatar
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65 posts

Do this one LAST Investigate the mining site near the crystal ravine 0/1 (Crystal Caverns)!! Start at the top do the one at the top, don't go roaming around because if you do this one in any other order, you will really just have a problem with adds. I did this on my PALADIN no problem. The update for this one is in a hallway with no ads. The two invaders, they will come right to where you are so i just FD on my nec and let them hit the tanks . They are extremely easy. no hitpoints hardly.
____________________________
Lady Aivei Veil of Tarew Marr . Now Xegony
crystal clusters
# Aug 07 2014 at 9:51 AM Rating: Good
from the zone in i killed one single mob and a pair of mobs. your find two crystal clusters where the pair are. and you can look over the side and target more of the crystal clusters.
geonid
# Aug 05 2014 at 1:56 AM Rating: Decent
12 posts
Where and the heck are these stupid things. been wondering around for hours and havent seen a damn one !!
geonid
# Aug 07 2014 at 9:42 AM Rating: Good
they are in the Southen tunnels past the dwarfn town.
they are around the Quest Giver: Kodik who has a quest to kill the geonids.

you can search for npc's and items using http://eq.magelo.com and can have maps that show where the mobs been killed at.
http://eq.magelo.com/npc/95028

warning -- dont go to far up that ramp they are on - its a one way exit out of the zone.



Edited, Aug 7th 2014 10:43am by Larth
Third update
# Jan 06 2013 at 1:40 PM Rating: Decent
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7 posts
Floating down and going up the stair ramp and around you get the update. Heads up where the spawns from the update stack up and don't despawn. Doing the wifes there were I believe about 30+ Orcs stacked up there. LOL I thought it looked like about 4 or 5 and I was thinking I will just train them away and FD, and have the wife run through. To my supprise. Hehe
Repeatedly ambushed
# Dec 29 2012 at 1:54 AM Rating: Decent
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202 posts
I've been repeatedly ambushed as I passed through the Ry'Gorr areas, with perfected invisibility on me. I suspect that because I've never survived their attacks, they just keep spawning on me as I pass through the trigger points.
Chipped Feymetal Mining Pick
# Dec 19 2012 at 10:41 AM Rating: Decent
Scholar
*
137 posts
These don't only drop from the miners or the spawned mobs. A few dropped from watchmen near the entrance and one from an orc shaman too I believe.
If you don't have crowd control you can still avoid a lot of deaths by teaming with a druid or wiz and evacing as soon as you get the loc updates. If you are a FD class it can still be hard to pop up and get out of there without a lot of aggro by the ravine so works great to have a mage in the group to CoH you out of there.

Good luck!

-Baradinus
AoH Xegony
Crystal Ravine
# Dec 15 2012 at 8:04 PM Rating: Decent
Scholar
45 posts
Been searching for

Investigate the mining site near the crystal ravine 0/1 (Crystal Caverns)

This updates at around 360, 630, -399.

Cant seem to find it or figure out where that is, anyone know and willing to help plz?

Thanks
Crystal Ravine
# Dec 18 2012 at 4:27 AM Rating: Decent
15 posts
When you have floated all the way to the bottom you start to look South East.....You will find spiral stairs going up....Follow that up until you get to the next bridge and go over.....When you get around the corner and down the ramp a bit,is where you will get the update........


*****BEWARE*****

There are THREE a Ry'Gorr miners waiting for you at the update spot....Once you get this update you either appear from invis or they SI because if these 3 mobs are not tended to,killed,mezzed,etc,then you will most likely die..
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Zaleric Dacleric
105 Cleric
Povar
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