Lyssa
Stand back! If you be with the evil of this place, you will soon lie dead at my feet! Oh, I'm sorry! I mistook you for one of those foul creatures. I am Lyssa, an adventurer, and I was on my way to Arhok to visit my brother and his family. While making my way through the woods I saw a dark, skeletal figure scrambling through the brush, clutching something in its claw-like hands. I followed it to the mouth of this cave only to be set upon by spiders and undead creatures.

The walking corpses slavered about serving the Lost Queen, whom I can only assume is the monster behind their twisted resurrection. Apparently the Lost Queen has nested and is spawning vile offspring. She may be easier to destroy if the dark spawning can be stopped... If you need help in clearing this cave of the creatures and the monster which spawned them, or following the dark creature that preceded them, I offer you my bow.

Jondar
I thank you, stranger, for fighting your way here! My name is Jondar. I was tasked to guard the Staff of Stars, and I was traveling with the trade caravan of Khale Fenstor, who is, I am sad to say, no longer among the living. We were ambushed several days ago by an army of creatures, whose leader is a thing of massive size, a giant to be sure.

We fought hard, but many fell and were devoured on the spot. Worse, as the monsters attacked the caravan, a dark, skeletal creature appeared as from nowhere and destroyed the cart where the Staff was stored. It stole the artifact and fled into the woods. Those who survived the attack were dragged into the recesses of the cave. I managed to escape only moments ago. Allow me to join you and help recover the staff!

Najj
Greetings, small one. You're not from the island, are you? My name is Najj and I am of the Arammar–The Children of the Mountain. My people came to this island long ago. You seek a dark, skeletal creature? Indeed, such a creature passed by here not more than a few hours ago. If you would take me along, I could show you to Illicor, the City of Wizards. The Utraeans may know more of this creature...

And then perhaps you will aid me with a task as well... I have traveled much, and had decided to return to my people with the bounty of my adventures. Last night, my ship was overtaken by an unseasonably violent storm and was wrecked. Now I am lost, as is all my gold. In your search for this dark creature, could you help me find my way to my people? I would be most grateful.

Nardulo
I greet you with honor and would speak with you plainly, outlander. My name is Nardulo, an artist and singer of songs. Now I seek another path. The Zaurask have gone too far, and killed my beloved Teeza. Now I seek their deaths.

I have spent my time studying the ancient tomes and magics of my people and to you I will grant this knowledge in exchange for the chance to journey with you. What say you? Will you take me as a member of your company in your adventure?

Kraal Yellowtalon
I thank ye fer yer aid, though I was sure to finish them off. Don't take me rough look fer one who be a simpleton, friend. I choose this look. It has saved me on more than one occasion from the vicious creatures that roam these woods. My name be Kraal. I have lived here among these beasts for nigh on ten year now, since me ship was lost on the rocks on the south coast of the island.

You seek the Dark One who leads the Zaurask, eh? Aye, 'tis sure he was the one that passed by here no more than a half day ago, he and that big brute Nosirrom, the Zaurask King. I ain't much fer company, but if what you say is true, then I must ask ta join ye.

Algher Mhankur
Did that crazy old ditch-digger send you down after me? Figures - I knew he wouldn't come down here himself. I had the Stone of Lhaoc in my hands! My partner Jharmaya and I were jumped by these relentless Hassat. They must have taken the stone. After we discovered the Shadowjumper and his minions down here, Jharmaya quit! She said she was going on ahead to The Ruined City. She was going to find the Staff of Stars, and 'set things right.' You should find her; she's very wise and may know more about how to stop the Shadowjumper.

As long as you are going after her, do you need a hand? I've had it with all this digging and excavating! Besides, it's about time that my people try to repair some of the damage that has been done!

Mheagan
Well, what have we here? An adventurer... It's about time something interesting happened around here. While my sister Jaelyan is quite content with a trader's life - I am not! My arm is strong, my mind clear. Listen - I'm bored to tears living here. Take me along, will you? I'm handy with a bow, the best you've seen. Maybe we'll even make it back to the mainland!

Konus
Quiet, fool! Do you want the whole Mount of the Dead down on our heads!? Who be you then? Ah, an adventurer is it? Then we are of one mind. I am Konus, warrior mage and sworn enemy to any thing that creeps or crawls from its hallowed resting place. It is my sole task to rid the world of these unholy abominations.

I have journeyed here from Aranna seeking to kill the Lord of the Dead, so that the world will be cleansed of its presence. If you are of the same mind, why not join forces? I would not mind having a few strong fellows to aid me. Join with me, and I will aid you in your task. A mutual bond, eh?

Jharmaya
Greetings, my wayward friends. I am Jharmaya and I am more of a friend than you know! I followed the Hassat who carried the Stone of Lhaoc here, but I was thwarted by the Shadowed minions. I did spy the Shadowjumper himself; he fled toward the old Transportation Center, deep under the heart of the Ruined City.

Unlike most of my fellows I am not content to sit and wait for our end to arrive... We must repair the damage that our ancestors have done. We must stop the Shadowjumper! Take me with you, so I may lend my strength to this end.