Test of the Summoner

From the very beginning, while the world was still young, from when the Elves made pacts with the original elementals of the woods, summoning magic has evolved into a high level mystical art form. Along with the ability to control the elements with spells that command fire and wind, summoning magic is one of the three traditional magical arts contained within the Ivory Tower.

Learning summoning magic is not an easy path. A high level of magic is required to communicate with creatures of the netherworld, enter into a contract with them, and bring them to your aide. A very strong will is required to make the summoned creature obey your commands.

Many magicians have lost their lives for lacking a strong enough will when summoning. Therefore, high level summoning spells must only be taught to those whose skills have been proven and or acknowledged. You seem to be on a path that is not related to summoning magic. This is not a study to be taken lightly.

(This quest may only be undertaken by Wizards, Elven Wizards, or Dark Wizards.)

From the very beginning, while the world was still young, from when the Elves made pacts with the original elementals of the woods, summoning magic has evolved into a high level mystical art form. Along with the ability to control the elements with spells that command fire and wind, summoning magic is one of the three traditional magical arts contained within the Ivory Tower.

Learning summoning magic is not an easy path. A high level of magic is required to communicate with creatures of the netherworld, enter into a contract with them, and bring them to your aide. A very strong will is required to make the summoned creature obey your commands.

Many magicians have lost their lives for lacking a strong enough will when summoning. Therefore, high level summoning spells must only be taught to those whose skills have been proven and or acknowledged. If you wish to follow the path of the Summoner, you must take the challenge and pass the Trials of the Summoner. In my opinion, you are not yet ready to attempt the trial. Continue your training, then come and see me again.

(This quest may only be undertaken by a character of level 39 and above.)

From the very beginning, while the world was still young, from when the Elves made pacts with the original elementals of the woods, summoning magic has evolved into a high level mystical art form. Along with the ability to control the elements with spells that command fire and wind, summoning magic is one of the three traditional magical arts contained within the Ivory Tower.

Learning summoning magic is not an easy path. A high level of magic is required to communicate with creatures of the netherworld, enter into a contract with them, and bring them to your aide. A very strong will is required to make the summoned creature obey your commands.

Many magicians have lost their lives for lacking a strong enough will when summoning. Therefore, high level summoning spells must only be taught to those whose skills have been proven and or acknowledged. If you wish to follow the path of the Summoner, you must take the challenge and pass the Trials of the Summoner. Are you prepared for this challenge?

Say you will attempt the trial.

This trial tests to see if you have the will and determination to become a Summoner. What must be done is quite simple. You must seek out and engage other Summoners in battle. Achieve victory against six opponents and you will prove yourself worthy and pass the test.

This may seem an easy task, but a battle amongst Summoners is fairly difficult and will test a Summoner's ability to control his or her summoned creature.

Ask about battle methods.

A battle amongst Summoners is fought by the summoned creatures. The lower ranked Summoner is given the advantage of the first attack. As an apprentice Summoner, you will automatically become the lowest ranked Summoner.

During a battle, the Summoner may assist his or her creature with magic, but cannot physically attack an opponent's summoned creature.

A penalty is given if a summoner physically attacks an opponent's creature or receives the aid of another.

At the conclusion of the battle, the defeated Summoner must surrender his or her Arcana Card to the victor.

Ask about Arcana Cards.

This card is engraved with the Summoner's name and includes a unique mark. The tradition of the Arcana Card derives from the need for early Summoner's to exult in their victories.

As an apprentice Summoner may not begin a battle until a higher level Summoner has given you a card. If you do not have an apprentice Arcana Card, the opponent will not accept your challenge. You must give your opponent an Arcana Card each time you lose a battle. Thus, it is suggested that you make 3 or 4 extra cards for yourself.

If you win, you are given your opponent's Arcana Card. It is easy to see who a Summoner has defeated by looking at his or her Arcana Card collection.

Ask how to create an Arcana Card.

In the old days Summoners created their own cards, but the cards have become so sophisticated that they must be created by a special craftsmen. Note that you are not yet an official Summoner and may only receive Apprentice Arcana Cards. Perhaps the day will come when you may possess a Major Arcana Card, a card that is only held by the top Summoners of the land!

The card you will be making now is for use in the trial, so it need not be ostentatious. You must seek out a craftsman who knows the methods for creating arcana cards. Trader Lara in the Town of Dion will probably make a card for you.

She works rather slowly, so I suggest that you order a good supply of them up front.

Ask about my possible opponents.

I have several suggestions regarding opponents - there are quite a few folks who may accept your challenge if asked.

First, you should try and contact Summoner Almors. He has been sick lately and is recovering on Talking Island.

You should also try Summoner Basillia. I have heard that she is busy researching a new form of Summoning magic near a farm on the southern shores of Gludio.

Summoner Camoniell, of the Elves, has been in seclusion in a cottage in southern Dion. I've heard he has had some trouble lately.

Summoner Celestiel usually resides in the Ivory Tower, but has returned to the Elven Woods on urgent business from her homeland.

Summoner Brynthea and Summoner Belthus of the Dark Elves may be proper opponents for you, but they are hard to find, as they are not likely to stay in one place. Last I heard, Brynthea was somewhere in the northeastern parts of Giran, and Belthus was somewhere in the Cruma Marshlands...

These Summoners are all proud and haughty people, and may scoff at a challenge from an apprentice Summoner like yourself. But, at the same time, they will likely accept your challenge, if only to display their supremacy over you.

If you are serious about challenging a more advanced summoner, here are some likely candidates here in Aden.

Summoner Almors is recuperating on Talking Island at the moment. Summoner Basillia, rumor has it, is preoccupied with studying new summoning magic at his seaside home in southern Gludio.

The Elf, Summoner Camoniell, lives in retirement in his villa in southern Dion; I have heard that he has had some sort of bad experience lately. Summoner Celestiel once lived in the Ivory Tower, but apparently something happened in his hometown and he hastily returned to the Elven Forest.

The Dark Elves, Summoner Brynthea and Summoner Belthus, seem likely adversaries for you, but you may have trouble actually finding them. The last I heard, Brynthea is in the eastern part of Giran and Belthus is somewhere in the Cruma Marshlands.

All of these summoners are very proud, so when an apprentice summoner such as yourself challenges them to a duel, they may simply scoff at you. Eventually, however, their vanity may win out and they will accept your challenge to demonstrate their own superiority.

Here, take this Dimension Diamond. You can trade it to the village gatekeeper for something special that may help you on your journey.

First, go to Trader Lara in the Town of Dion and have your Arcana Cards made. You cannot enter into a battle with another Summoner without one of these cards.

You must battle and defeat 6 Summoners in order to pass the Trials of the Summoner.

Do you have any other questions?

Ask about battle methods. Ask about Arcana Cards. Ask how to create an Arcana Card. Ask about potential opponents.

As I previously stated, in order to pass the Trials of the Summoner, you must battle and defeat six summoners. Before you challenge an opponent, you must have your own unique Arcana Cards created. Go and ask Lara of the town of Dion about making cards.

Do you have any other questions?

Ask about battle methods. Ask about Arcana Cards. Ask how to create an Arcana Card. Ask about potential opponents.

As I previously stated, in order to pass the Trials of the Summoner, you must battle and achieve victory over 6 Summoners. The Mark of Victory is the opponent's Arcana Card.

Do you have any other questions?

Ask about battle methods. Ask about Arcana Cards. Ask about the methods of creating an Arcana Card. Ask about potential opponents.

The battles are waged between the summoned creatures alone. As an apprentice, you are automatically classified as the lower ranked Summoner and receive the advantage of the first attack.

During battle, the Summoner may assist his or her creature with magic, but cannot physically attack an opponent's creature.

A penalty is given if a Summoner physically attacks an opponent's creature or receives the aid of another.

The defeated Summoner must surrender his or her Arcana Card to the victor.

Return

The Arcana Card is engraved with the Summoner's name and a unique mark. Most Summoners are highly competitive and wish to show off their victories. Thus, the tradition of Arcana Cards began.

As an apprentice, you may begin a battle only after a higher level Summoner has given you a card. If you do not have an apprentice Arcana Card, the opponent will not accept your challenge. You must give your opponent an Arcana Card each time you are defeated, so I suggest that you have a good supply of cards created before hand.

If you are victorious you will receive your opponent's card. It is easy to see who a Summoner has defeated by looking at his or her Arcana Card collection.

In the past, Summoners created their own cards, but now the cards are much more sophisticated and must be created by special Craftsmen.

Return

In the past, Summoners created their own cards, but they have become much more sophisticated and now must be created by specialized craftsmen. You are not yet an official Summoner and can only receive apprentice Arcana Cards. Perhaps one day you will possess one of the major Arcana Cards, which are only owned by the top Summoners of the land!

The card you will be making now is for use in the trial, so it does not need to be ornate. You must find a craftsman that can create these cards for you. Trader Lara in The Town of Dion would be a good place to start.

She works slowly so I recommend that you order a good supply of them in advance.

Return

I have several ideas regarding potential opponents for you.

First, you should try and find Summoner Almors. He has been sick lately and is recovering on Talking Island.

You should also try Summoner Basillia. I have heard that she is busy researching a new form of Summoning magic close to a farm on the southern shores of Gludio.

Summoner Camoniell, of the Elves, has been in seclusion in a cottage in southern Dion. I've heard he has had some trouble lately.

Summoner Celestiel usually resides in the Ivory Tower, but has returned to the Elven Woods on urgent business from her homeland.

The Dark Elves, Summoner Brynthea and Summoner Belthus, are savvy opponents for you, but they are hard to find, as they do not stay in one place very long. Last I heard, Brynthea was somewhere in the northeastern parts of Giran, and Belthus was somewhere in the Cruma Marshlands...

These Summoners are proud and haughty people, and may scoff at a challenge from an apprentice Summoner like yourself. But, at the same time, they will likely accept your challenge, so that they may display their superiority over you in front of their friends, family, relatives, on-lookers and animals.

Return

Fantastic! You have won 6 Arcana Cards! This is a remarkable feat and worthy of inclusion to the Summoner Archives! You are the first apprentice Summoner to bring back all 6 cards so quickly! Quite frankly, I doubted whether you would succeed... My worries were without merit!

You have passed the Trials of the Summoner! Congratulations! I shall give you the Mark of the Summoner. With your talents you will become an excellent Summoner who shall be respected and loved throughout the land. Perhaps one day you will hold one of the Major Arcana Cards...

I know! You are the summons apprentice! Did you find me because you needed an arcana? I can make one for you... Although it won't be very good, it's just something I do as a pastime. It would be too embarrassing if I sold it for money.

So how about an exchange? I'll make you a Beginner's Arcana if you'll find me the goods that I need. Will that work for you?

I will find you the things that you need.

Then I will write down the things that I need. If you can bring me what's written on the list, I will make you two Beginner's Arcanas. Okay, it's a deal.

You again! What do you want this time?

I need some more cards.

Oh, I see! If that is so, let's do it just like the other day... You find me the things that I need, and I will make you some more Beginner's Arcanas. Here, I'll make a list of the things I need.

Please bring me all the things I wrote down on the list. Very well. I shall create the Beginner's Arcanas for you.

You have found all the things that I asked for! Thank you so much. I shall lend you two Beginner's Arcanas as promised.

I need more cards.

Please bring me all the things I wrote down on the list. Very well. I shall lend you two Beginner's Arcanas.

You have found all the things that I asked for! Thank you so much. I shall lend you two Beginner's Arcanas as I have promised.

I need more cards.

Please bring me all the things I wrote down on the list. Very well. I shall lend you two Beginner's Arcanas.

You have found all the things that I asked for! Thank you so much. I shall lend you two Beginner's Arcanas as I have promised.

I need more cards.

Please bring me all the things I wrote down on the list. Very well. I shall lend you two Beginner's Arcanas.

You have found all the things that I asked for! Thank you so much. I shall lend you two Beginner's Arcanas as promised.

I need more cards.

Please bring me all the things I wrote down on the list. Very well. I shall lend you two Beginner's Arcanas.

You have found all the things that I asked for! Thank you so much. I shall lend you two Beginner's Arcanas as promised.

I need more cards.

Greetings, my name is Almors. I am the Summoner of the Ivory Tower in Oren. This is my cat, Pako.

Pardon my appearance, I have been recuperating here at my aunt's house. I had to get out of Oren's bitter cold. I do wish that I could return to the Ivory Tower to finish my project... Although the slower pace around here is comforting...

Ah, I see that you are an apprentice Summoner! Have you come to fight a duel with me, by chance?

"I challenge you to a duel!"

You have come to challenge me without an Arcana Card? That is preposterous! If you want a duel you must first visit Trader Lara of the Town of Dion. She will make an Arcana Card for you.

I suppose you know the rules? The first attack shall be made by summoned creatures! No intervention by the Summoners is allowed!

Is that clear? Are you ready for battle?

Begin the battle

Very well. I accept your Arcana Card of apprenticeship!

Let the battle begin! Pako The Cat is ready for your creature's attack!

You mustn't be discouraged. This result was inevitable, as you are but an apprentice Summoner. Try as you may you will never defeat me.

"I demand a rematch!"

Are you ignorant of the rules or just stupid? Oh well, either way you lose again.

"I demand a rematch!"

My over-confidence has allowed you to get the better of me. Take my Arcana card.

Good job. I am sure that you shall pass the Test of the Summoner. Perhaps one day our paths will cross again in the Ivory Tower of Oren.

The time for battle has arrived! Tell your animal that Pako The Cat is prepared for the attack!

We are in the midst of battle! This is not a time for idle chatter!

I suppose you've come to humiliate me further... Wasn't my Arcana card enough for you? How will I face my colleagues on my return to the Ivory Tower of Oren if they find out? I will never hear the end of being beaten by an apprentice Summoner...

Hello, young apprentice Summoner. Have you come to challenge me? I am not going to fight you right now, in fact, I will concede defeat. Here is my Arcana Card.

"That's absurd! I will not accept such a victory!"

You don't even have an Arcana Card! How do you expect to fight? You can get a card from Trader Lara of the Town of Dion...

Whew... You are tenacious, aren't you? Ready for a fight even as the world crumbles around you? All right, I accept your challenge to a duel. This will not be easy, but at least it should be over quickly. In fact, it shouldn't take more than a minute... Let me introduce my friend, Unicorn Racer.

Now, I am sure you know the rules by now. The battle is only between summoned creatures, and yours is allowed the first attack.

Begin the battle

I'll hold your Arcana Card...

You may order your creature to attack when ready...

That certainly took a lot longer than I expected... Let's stop fighting.

Ask for another battle.

Hey, what do you think you're doing? How rude! How dare you touch my creature... Well, according the rules, I win!

Ask for another battle.

How could I have lost to an apprentice Summoner?

Is this really happening? God has forsaken me... I am done for! It is over!

Here, take my Arcana Card. Go on! Take it and leave me alone!

You talk too much. I didn't want to fight you, what makes you think I would want to talk to you? Let's end this now.

...Unicorn Racer! Give no quarter! Finish him!

What do you want now? Stop harassing this poor old Elf, deprived of her lover and defeated by a mere apprentice... Oh, Eva! How can you be so cruel to me?...

Oh really? Are you here to train your creature? You should challenge my Shadow Turen... I'm really glad you showed up! I was beginning to get bored. Look over here... Don't you think this is a perfect place for a battle!

"I challenge you to a Summoner's Duel."

As much as I would like to fight right now, it is impossible until you present an Arcana Card... In the Town of Dion there is a woman named Lara that creates and sells adequate Arcana Cards.

I suppose you know the rules? The first attack shall be made by summoned creatures! No intervention by the Summoners is allowed!

Is that clear? Are you ready for battle?

Begin the battle

I accept your Arcana Card of apprenticeship!

Your creature is allowed the first attack. Turen is waiting!

Savor the taste, sweet Turen, next time you may drink more blood...

My friend, your control has promise but you still need much practice. Most importantly you didn't trust your creature's instincts. You must not be overbearing in your desire to win. This creates stress and reduced performance of creatures...

"Let us battle again!"

Cheating will get you nowhere! For that, you shall forfeit your Arcana Card.

"Let us battle again!"

Oh my! What control!

Oh well, I lost. Just as I had become sure of my victory, I let a crack open in my concentration... I must look like a fool to lose after all that bragging! Here is my Arcana Card.

Handle it with care. This has been an educational experience. This defeat was an eye-opener for me as well as for Turen. Goodbye, my friend. I will look forward to our next battle.

Your heart doesn't seem to be in this at all. Why are you staring off into space during battle? Look at that, my Turen is bored... Order your creature to attack!

I've never fought anyone foolish enough to try to carry on a conversation during a battle. I guess I don't mind, but are you sure you are OK? It appears that my creature is getting the better of yours...? Oops! There he goes again!

Hey, why are you still here? Am I am the only Summoner who will fight you? To pass this trial you must defeat 6 other Summoners... Good luck, and I hope you become a real Summoner soon. It is very humiliating to say that I lost to an apprentice Summoner...

Greetings, traveler. I am Basillia, a Summoner of the Ivory Tower.

I was born in this place, but left it over 30 years ago.

Let's get down to business, shall we? I know what you're here for... Take out your Arcana Card and prepare for battle! I have already summoned my cat, Mimi.

Take out the Arcana Card.

We can go no further until you get an Arcana Card. Trader Lara of the Town of Dion will make one for you.

I suppose you know the rules? The first attack shall be made by summoned creatures! No intervention by the Summoners is allowed!

Is that clear? Are you ready for battle?

Begin the battle

Very well. I accept your card.

Your creature may attack Mimi The Cat now!

Don't be discouraged, the outcome was inevitable. I am invincible!

"I demand a rematch!"

Haven't you learned that cheating does not lead to victory?

"I demand a rematch!"

...Well, I certainly didn't see that coming. Quite unexpected I must say... How could I have lost to you?

I don't understand it but acquiesce... My Arcana Card is yours, as promised.

The battle has begun. Order your creature to attack!

Shut up, you fool! We are in the midst of battle!

Why are you still here? I assumed that you left for battle with another Summoner...

How do you do? I am Celestiel the Summoner. This is my comrade Phantasm the unicorn. This place seems good for a battle, doesn't it? What do you think, apprentice Summoner?

"I challenge you to a duel!"

You cannot issue a challenge without an Arcana Card. Trader Lara of the Town of Dion will make one for you.

You are allowed the first attack and must never touch your opponent's creature. Are you ready? Let's make this a good battle!

Begin the battle

First I will need your Arcana Card.

I believe in you, Unicorn Phantasm! Take your time... Keep your eyes on your opponent!

Ah, yes, I win again... My Unicorn Phantasm is a powerful opponent, no? A weak creature like yours is no match for him.

"I demand a rematch!".

Watch out Phantasm! ...Are you hurt?

What the hell are you doing! How dare you touch my animal! You forfeit the match for that... Give me your crude little card...

Ask for another battle.

Oh, my! My poor Unicorn Phantasm! I pray he isn't badly injured!

Wow, what a battle! I never imagined such a weak animal would get the better of my Phantasm! Oh, well, I suppose everyone has to lose sometimes. Take my Arcana Card. Take heed, this is the first and the last time shall I lose to you. Take good care of my card until I can win it back!

Unicorn Phantasm, assume defensive position! Good, stay cool...!

It seems to me that your animal is frightened. It appears he doesn't want to attack!

Good job, Unicorn Phantasm! Yeah, that's it! Step left, now parry! Watch your back! Now kick! ...Ooops!

You are blocking my view, that is a penalty!

I hope you are taking care of my Arcana Card...

Are you still taking the Trial of the Summoner? If you defeat me and then lose to others I will be doubly disgraced. I pray you achieve straight victories and earn the Mark of the Summoner!

Welcome, apprentice Summoner! My name is Brynthea. I am a Summoner like you. Let me introduce my lovely creature, Tilfo.

You are here to challenge us, correct? Here is my Arcana Card... Hand-made by a Dwarven slave. Exquisite, isn't it? You shall have it if you defeat me, although that is highly unlikely. ...Is there something you want to say?

"I challenge you to a duel!"

What kind of a fool issues a challenge without a card? If you need a card you should go and see Trader Lara in the Town of Dion. She makes a card suitable for apprentice Summoners. You should go and buy a few!

I suppose you know the rules? The first attack shall be made by summoned creature of the challenger! No intervention by the Summoners is allowed!

Is that clear? Are you ready for battle?

Begin the battle

Ah yes! First, I will take your apprentice Arcana Card!

Now, fellow... Start off easy...

All right, Tilfo, show them what you've got..!

Good job, Tilfo! You shall be rewarded later!

Let me give you some advice... You must control your creature completely. He seemed to be on his own there for a while... Would you like to have another go?

"Let's battle again!"

Oh my, it seems that you have forgotten the rule about touching the opponent's creature! You lose. Now I shall have that ugly Arcana Card of yours.

Ask for another battle.

I am very disappointed in you, Tilfo! We must now start your training all over!

You were a stronger opponent than I imagined! The overpowering ruthlessness... You have the stuff of a real summoner. Now take my Arcana card.

Tilfo, let your opponent strike the first blow! Do not fear pain. It won't hurt so much once you get used to it!

What are you looking at? Go and tell your creature to attack!

Good job, Tilfo, you are doing well! It doesn't hurt that bad, does it? That's my loyal servant... Good girl...

How can you let your creature fight unsupervised?... You must be a bad master indeed! Look there, your creature is bleeding!

Are you still here? You seem to have great potential... You seek the Mark of the Summoner, correct? I look forward to meeting you on the field as a full-fledged Summoner someday... Ah, the blood, the screams... Just the thought of it sets my heart racing!