This hunt begins with the search for a peculiar item, an Idol Gem, from a Dread Idol. These elusive monsters can only be found on the Vesayan Islands. There are many elements of danger on this portion of the quest, so be prepared with good armor (elemental prots) and life protections, as they will guard against untimely arrivals using Asheron`s Gift (Lifestone). [Note: Confirmed that Idol Gems can be looted from `normal` Idols as well. Our thanks to everyone that responded! -- Ed.]

Starting from the surface at the Arwic Abandoned Mines ("Subway"), head due east to the Mountain Shortcut Portal at (34.9N, 56.0E). That takes you into the mountains at approximately (40.9N, 56.0E). Then follow the valley eastward past the little hut, The Mite Maze, and the Lair of Death (LoD). Past the LoD just follow the base of the left (north) mountain and that will take you to the next portal. There are Banderling Strikers and Berserkers, Drudge Raveners, Stalkers and Lurkers, and some Monougas in this area. Good run skill with get you to Eotensfang mountain and the Portal to Bandit Castle at (42.4N, 60.5E).

Alternatively, you can take the Housing Portal from Arwic to the Eotensfang Cottages, and run north to the Portal.

Before entering the portal, beware! The portal drop-off may be `hot`. There have been recent reports of Vourous Shreths and Shadows in the area. You will emerge directly to the south of the Bandit Castle at (65N, 49.3E). Make note of the location, as you will be returning to the Castle later in the quest. Also note the nearby return Portal to Eotensfang.

From the portal exit head south up into the mountains and south to the Vesayan Island portal at (61.7N, 48.6E). It will drop you off on the northeast island at (72.5S, 81.3E). Buff for a run, `cause it`s a long way to the next stop.

Run southeast along the north shore until you come to the city of Kryst at (74.3S, 84.5E). Continue clockwise around the island. On the south point you will find a bridge to the next island. Cross the bridge.

Continue southeastward along the north shore of the second island. On the east side you will find another bridge ... and a Lifestone at (78.2S, 85.3E)! Consider using it (the lifestone ...). Cross the bridge to the east.

Go north, following the western coast of the third island. Eventually, at the north tip, wade northward across to the fourth island. Here you will find the entrance to the Idol Spawning Ground. Buff before entry!

(A map can be found here: )

You will be fighting Mosswarts, lots of them, with a few Idols. On the surface is a Dread Idol. Kill him enough times and he will drop an Idol Gem. There are also several Dread Idols at the bottom of the dungeon. Idols do drains, cold bolts, and harm spells. They are susceptable to slash attacks, while Mosswarts are susceptable to fire. The dungeon is straightforward.

I will give a brief description here. When you enter, go straight. You will travel many corridors until you come to a 3 way intersection. I believe straight is the right way with the other two being dead ends. When you find the right way (easy), you will enter into a large, long cavern that has a couple of Idols and 4 or so Mosswarts. Remember, to bane against fire as the fanatics hit hard.

Keep going until you have to jump down. Jump down and follow corridors. When you finally arrive at the next big cavern be careful!! There are 3 or so Dread Idols plus a Shadow Lieutenant. For the Idol Gem you only need to stay near the corridor exit and kill the Dreads to find your Idol Gem.

Next, you must proceed to MacNiall`s Freehold at (73.9S, 92.3E). This is best accomplished by continuing along the southern shore of the fourth island (to the east). The shorline curves to the southeast, then the east. At that point look across to the east and you should see the island with MacNiall`s Freehold. Go there, and speak to MacNiall.

When you give MacNiall an Idol Gem, he will give you a letter (the Note to MacDugal) to give to his brother (MacDugal!) at Bandit Castle. (Note, getting the letter starts your quest timer. It is 4 months before you can get another.)

Return to Bandit Castle at (66.4N, 50E) using the directions above, and find MacDugal as instructed. Give MacNiall`s letter to MacDugal and he will give you an Unfinished Hilt. Listen to what he says!, as you are informed what weapons are "hilt-able".

Next, you need to find Iron Golems and kill them until they drop a heart. Combine the Heart and your Unfinished Hilt to make a Bandit Hilt. (Do this by double clicking the hilt and clicking on the heart). Iron Golems are found north of Ayan Bakur, in the Crater Caves (restricted to Level 15+), and around Fort Tethana. Easiest place is Crater Caves.

Another option is either of the two Halls of Metos (restricted to Levels 15+). One is at (4.4S, 0.6W) in the vicinity of Tufa, the other at (56S, 89.2W) near Ayan Bakur.

Hilting a Weapon

Now for the hard part -- deciding what weapon to hilt. If you skill is the Sword, find the best Simi, Yoaji, Short Sword, or Rapier you can find. (For Dagger skill, all "non-Quest" daggers are hiltable.)

Combine the hilt with your favorite weapon. Its value drops to zero and it becomes no-drop. At a skill of 250+ with full power swings you will find the new balance of the weapon is so good you can strike twice in the time it took to strike once before. As your skill increases above 250, the "double-strike" power required becomes less and less.

Musings on Hilting Strategies

With a timer of four months on getting your next hilt, hilting a weapon immediately becomes of paramount importance. Even though many lower-level characters will not be able to use the multiple-strike capabilities of a hilted weapon (because of the 250 skill requirement), it may be more useful to procure one early simply to start the timer running for the next one.

Many professionals recommend hilting a 7-13 (or better) +8%Atk +8%Def rapier. This is because the typical melee target around levels 15-25 (mainly Olthoi) are vulnerable to piercing. The next recommended weapon to hilt seems to be a fire elemental weapon (primary target: Tuskers). This will vary depending on your preference for melee prey; for example, if you see Lugians in your future perhaps hilting a lightning weapon would be best.

Personally, Clan Loka meleers were more interested in getting on with their lives thant in spending countless hours (and pyreals!) hunting in Subway for the `perfect` weapon. Loka Mar (Lvl 35 Sword) got her 7-13 +3%Atk +3%Def SK-IV Rapier and hilted it asap! She`s still using it (at Lvl 54) and it works quite well. Yes, it`s not the best; however, I deemed it important to acquire a hilted weapon soon and get experience using it. I now have another hilt waiting for the `perfect` weapon.

Good luck, and good hunting.