I decided to try my luck with Basher Nanrum's quest in Grobb, which sometimes gives the same brass earring as a reward. I used Illusion: Troll, but this could also be done using another character's help if needed. I gave Nanrum 30 fire beetle eyes, and received 8 hematites, a Chunk of Metal Ore...and a Brass Earring! I returned to Crushbone, found a female High Elven slave, donned Illusion: High Elf so my faction with her was Amiable (just to make sure I wouldn't have to find another brass earring), and handed the brass earring to her. Her response:
an elven slave says 'You killed the taskmaster?! Absolutely amazing! The orcs will be fighting among themselves for power now and I can disappear in the commotion. Thanks, friend! Take this for your deeds!'
You say 'Correction: I killed the taskmaster twice.' (Just kidding.) There were no faction modifications upon turn-in. She gave me a note called Torn Drawing, which reads:
Quote:
Mistress Niola - My research is close to, if not completely, finished. Our suspicions may not have been as well founded as thought. I will be back within our halls soon.
When I handed the note to Niola Impholder in Southern Felwithe (which appears to be north of Northern Felwithe, by the way):
Niola Impholder says 'What? Not as supposed? What can he... Well, that's all well and good. You, I assume, wish a reward for your 'valiant work'? Well, here you go, adventurer.'
You gain experience!
She gave me a Gossamer Robe. Again, there were no faction modifications.
Questions: Does anyone know how this quest is supposed to start, or if there's some dialog that leads into it? I only know about it because I read about it here on Allakhazam. Also, what 'research' and 'suspicions' are these High Elves referring to?