Claoismas Conundrum

**Claoismas Conundrum** was a 2012 Christmas special quest, given by the Gnomish Stump NPC found in Valmorgen.

## Obtaining the quest

Could be started by visiting the Carolling Gnomes during the event

* **Message when quest is obtained:** The gnome looks suddenly enthused and tells you that he believes the Wizard left for the Treldan Wood. In a frenzy he runs off to tell the other gnomes the good news.

* **Journal entry:** "A horde of gnomes had apparently been partying in Valmorgen until a "mean" wizard stole their Claoismas Tree. One of the gnomes asked for your help in this matter and you accepted. He told you that the Wizard left for the Treldan Wood."

## Walkthrough

Explore the Treldan Wood to find the wizard who stole the gnomes tree, it falls apart when you bring it back so you will have to chop down a new one with a "Rusty axe" from the Treldan Wood and bring it back to complete the quest.

## Reward

A Claoismas Ornament and the option to sing carols with the gnomes.

## Summary:

The player had to retrieve the Claoismas tree, stolen by a Wizard. The Wizard could be found in Treldan Woods, which after accepting the quest turn into *Snowy Wood*. After finding the Wizard and hearing his rant, the tree crumbles into pieces, so the player need to chop a new one with a rusty axe. He/she receive a Claoismas Ornament as a reward and could finally sing some Claoismas Carols with the Gnomes!

## Dialogues:

As you approach the gnome hovel you notice that there is a strange musty smell in the air. Suddenly, you see a horde of gnomes all wearing bright red socks. You soon notice that there is a great deal of commotion. Some of the gnomes are running in circles, others screaming in strange voices and still others are just standing still crying.

After attempting to talk to several distracted gnomes you finally find one who acknowledges you. He claims to be the Gnomish Stump, the oldest and wisest gnome in Valmorgen. Although he definitely doesn't seem to be paying a whole lot of attention, he begins to explain peices of what happened in a jumbled order. He explains that they were celebrating the gnomish holiday of Claoismas when and a "mean and suspicious-looking" wizard stole their tree. Despite constant interruptions, he eventually finishes the story and ends with a sad plea for your help in recovering the tree.

The gnome looks suddenly enthused and tells you that he believes the Wizard left for the Treldan Wood. In a frenzy he runs off to tell the other gnomes the good news.

You enter a clearing in the woods. At the center of the clearing there is an old wizard hunched over while muttering incantations. You realize that this is the same voice you heard earlier. Next to him you see a Claoismas Tree.

The wizard notices your attempt to take the tree and becomes quite angry.

*"How dare you try to take my tree! Have you no manners? I worked hard to get that tree, you know. You uncouth barbarian!"*

The wizard's face is turning extremely red.

*"The heroes of this time have no respect for their elders! Back in my day I had to walk up hill... both ways. I was sent on actual missions, heroes now just sit in their guilds and waste away the day. They never do the hard assignments; they just venture around the Goblin Territory "farming" as they call it. I'll admit there are a few intelligent high-leveled heroes but nothing like it use to be. Maybe it's their lack of training. I knew it was a bad idea taking away those guilds! But no one wanted to listen to an old wizard!"*

To your surprise the wizard suddenly collapses. Even though very few of the things he said were accurate you still feel slightly ashamed.

After a short contemplation you decide to try again for the tree. You look at the old man sprawled out on the ground and he makes no attempt to stop you. However, after picking up the tree it quickly crumbles in your hand.

You wonder what you are going to tell the gnomes back in Valmorgen.

When you come back the situation is even worse than before. Now all the gnomes are gathered around the Gnomish Stump and seem to in a terrible state of panic. When he sees you he says, *"Oh here he is right now."* He comes down off the stool he is standing on and pulls you aside, satisfying the gnomes with, *"We'll be back in a second."*

When you are out of earshot of the gnomes, he asks, *"Where is the Claoismas Tree?"*

*"Hmm... I was afraid of as much, the other gnomes aren't going to be happy about this but I will try to keep them occupied for a bit. Go back to the woods and cut down a new tree and when you are done done meet me back behind the Hovel."*

The Gnomish Stump hands you a Rusty Axe.

After looking through many different trees, you realize finding the perfect one is more challenging than you originally anticipated. Some of them are too big, while others are too small and still others are too old.

You finally find a suitable tree. It is a perfectly-shaped evergreen covered in snow.

You take out the Rusty Axe and start chopping. You are surprised how long it takes to cut down the tree. After what seems like an eternity the tree finally cut the tree down. TIMBER! You brush the snow off of it. Then think about the long journey ahead of you hauling the tree back to Valmorgen.

You meet the Stump behind the Hovel and show him the tree. "A little taller than the old one," he says. "I'll have to cut it." After cutting the 3 feet of 6 foot tree off he brings it out in front of the gnomes, who all look up for a second surprised. Then they start jumping and making strange noises that you assume are joyful.

The Stump raises his hand for a second and all the gnomes fall silent. "I would like to thank our friend (Hero Name) for his help." The gnomes all nod and then bow their heads for a short while. After the time is over he speaks again telling them they can now decorate the new tree. Then they all run off to their little shacks. When they come back they are holding ornaments and silently form a perfectly straight line in front of the tree. Each of them places their ornaments, leaves the line and then begins singing Claoismas songs, until all of them are gathered around the tree carolling.

After listening to the carolling for a while the Stump once again pulls you aside. He explains that he's sorry that he is not able to give you much of a reward but that he found a strange ornament that fell from the Wizard's pocket and he wants you to have it. You graciously thank him even though it doesn't seem like much after all the work you did.

You have received a Claoismas Ornament!

## Journal entry:

A horde of gnomes had apparently been partying in Valmorgen until a "mean" wizard stole their Claoismas Tree. One of the gnomes asked for your help in this matter and you accepted. He told you that the Wizard left for the Treldan Wood.