Common Name:	Fire Staff
Author:	Loka Wu
Contributors:	Dotcher
Difficulty:	Low
Maximum Time:	30
Minimum Time:	15
Introduced During:	Release

Many remember the tragic story of the Tumerok invasion of Holtburg (42.3 N, 33.6 E), and the role Celcynd the Dour of Rithwic played in the rescue of the children of the town, but few speak of the other terrors to have plagued Holtburg and its surrounding area. For example, the now-abandoned settlement of Edelbar (43.4 N, 26.7 E) has been harassed and harried by the other inhabitants of Dereth from inception until its abandonment, and even now a camp of Banderling Bandits and a Raider stand guard near the settlement

I only heard tell of this camp recently however, when I stopped by the Helm and Shield in Holtburg. Wilomine seems to have greatly expanded her collection of notes and rumours recently, but alas, the quality of her stout appears unchanged. This caught my eye, however:

Edelbar Directions

There's an old abandoned settlement out to the west of Holtburg -- around (43.0N, 27.0E). I don't know why the settlement failed, but there's some interesting stuff in the area for brave adventurers. I've heard tell of a lich who lives in a shabby little hut, and a group of banderlings with some particularly nice fiery weapons.

So, partly in deference to the noble spirit of exploration, and partly in an attempt to escape the poor spirits served in the tavern, I made my way towards Edelbar. After passing the Training Academy and the Cave of Alabree, I came to the settlement of Edelbar at (43.4N, 26.7E). From here, I struck out northwest, and after a little searching, I found the camp of Banderlings at (43.9N, 25.1E).

The camp appeared to consist of four Bandits, and they would seem to have been stationed there some time, judging by the odour. A young adventurer should be warned that a Bandit can be quite a match for a newcomer to Dereth, and that nearby groups of creatures may well join in the battle. Many an inexperienced explorer has found himself staring at the lifestone after what started as a duel quickly descended into a frenzied melee.

Once the Banderlings have been dispatched, the Quarterstaff of Fire will be found upon the corpse of one of the fallen. Much like the Mosswarts of the Green Mire Camp (27.5S, 71.0E) near Shoushi (33.5S, 72.8E), these Banderlings seem reluctant to use their impressive weaponry in combat. My theory is that the Quarterstaff of Fire is held in reserve, should the original settlers of Edelbar ever attempt to reclaim their former homes, and is merely being held under guard until then.

*Quest Edited by Roewin Feb.8, 2003.