A Voice from the Past  

Realm:Midgard
Start Zone: Kobold Undercity
Start NPC:Astira
Catacombs expansion Required
Class:All
Type:Regular
Avg. Time:45 minutes
Related Zones:
  Frontlines (Mid)
  Nyttheim
Min Level:43
Max Level:50
Grants XP:Yes
Grants Coin:Yes
Rating:
*****
(Average from 3 ratings)
Related NPCs:
  Gorluk
  Jerren's Ghost
  Lieutenant Ziryn
Related Items:
  Gorluk's Ledger
  Jerren's Diary
  Small Figurine (Mid)
Last Updated:Tue Mar 31 02:06:44 2009
DISCLAIMER: Your Steps and Tasks may be different

Brief walkthrough:
1) Speak with Astira at loc=26459,22750,18419 dir=301 in Kobold Undercity.
2) Go speak with Lieutenant Ziryn at loc=28022,17408 Frontlines.
3) Kill Gorluk, he is located near loc=18508,21865 Nyttheim.
4) /use Gorluk's Ledger
5) Go to loc=19273,19419 Nyttheim and /search for Jerren's Diary, /use the diary once you find it.
6) Return to Astira and tell her the news about Jerren's [discovery].
7) Continue to speak with Astira for your reward.

lvl 49 thane received 4,783,273,347 experience, 6 gold and Astira's Insurance (str).

Dialog from the quest:

Speak with Astira at loc=26459,22750,18419 dir=301 in Kobold Undercity.

Astira says, "Welcome to you, young one. Indeed, when you have lived to reach my long years, everyone that you meet seems young. I am glad you have come to me, for I have a story for you. The end has yet to be written, but perhaps you will be the author of the final [chapter]?"

Astira says, "I am Astira, Senior Lorekeeper of the Kobold Undercity. As such, I know many stories. The one I will share with you today is a tragic tale about a city driven to destruction by fear and pride. That city is called Nyttheim, and it was founded long ago by a group of Kobolds who left the Undercity for fear that those who dwell on the surface would learn of our location. So afraid were they of the outsiders that they dug deeper into the earth and there made a new [home]."

Astira says, "Led by Astrior, from who I am descended, and her daughter Kolfinna, these seperatists thrived in their new city, which they named Nyttheim. Soon they grew weary of their dealings with those living here in the Undercity. At first the seperatists were friendly to the Undercity dwellers, then cordial, then wary. Finally, after a time, all contact between the two cities ceased entirely. It was just prior to this that my grandparents left Nyttheim, displeased with the arrogant pride of those dwelling there, to return here to the [Undercity]."

Astira says, "As a child, I was fascinated by the stories of Nyttheim, and I once ventured there in secret. I met a young scholar named Jerren, and we talked for a time. We were both students of magic, and agreed to use our craft to send letters to one another. For years, I corresponded with Jerren, and we shared our knowledge of the past, as well as our hopes for a future reconciliation between the denizens of the Undercity and Nyttheim. However, not long ago, Jerren began to complain of [strange] goings-on in Nyttheim."

Astira says, "I wish I knew more about what happened in Nyttheim. What little I do know is that the Kobolds living there began to act very strange. They became violent and hostile. Some changed in apperance. The guard captain, Gorluk, declared martial law and the city fell into anarchy. All magic tomes and casting implements were seized. Those who did not cooperate were summarily executed. Most of this I gleaned from Jerren's [final] letter to me."

Astira says, "Indeed, in his last letter Jerren said that he had but little time to write. He had a theory about what might be causing the collapse of the city and its descent into madness and evil, but Captain Gorluk was pounding at his door, commanding him to come out and face justice. Apparently, Captain Gorluk believed that the troubles in the city were caused by some misuse of magic, and he went mad, killing anyone suspected of practicing the mystic arts. I fear to think what those last [dark] days must have been like, with death and despair all about, and all hope lost."

Astira says, "At any rate, Jerren begged me to find a way to return to Nyttheim. He said that he had one final message to pass on, I suspect through magical means. He knew he was about to die, so whatever final piece of information he discovered must have been vitally important. Now, soon after Jerren's final letter, an army of Kobolds, possessed by some dark magic, attacked the Undercity. We repelled the assault and followed the attackers, who fled to Nyttheim. Afterward a counter-attack was launched into Nyttheim, but we were beaten back and fled the [fallen] city. "

Astira says, "Lieutenant Ziryn led the attack into Nyttheim. I spoke to him afterward, hoping for news of Jerren. Though there were no tidings of my old friend, the Lieutenant did see a large, strong Kobold in a Guard Captain's uniform. I knew that this must be Gorluk. There is a good chance Gorluk is alive, and if so he might well have confiscated Jerren's journal and magical artifacts. In these, I suspect, is some clue to that vital piece of information Jerren was trying to share with me toward the end. This, my good Dwarf, is where [you] enter into our story."

Astira says, "Obviously, I am too old and frail to enter the perilous halls of Nyttheim. If you could find Gorluk, perhaps you could pick up the trail and solve this mystery. You could discover the secret that might give us a new insight into the nature of the enemy who now makes war upon our city, having already conquered Nyttheim. I fear the Undercity will not hold out much longer, so any clue we might find could be vitally important. Will you take up this task? Many lives hang precariously in the balance. Do you have the courage to accept this daunting quest?"

Will you search for evidence of Jerren's final discovery? [Level 43]
You have been given the A Voice from the Past quest.


[Step #1] Continue speaking with Astira about the details of the [mission] into Nyttheim.

Astira says, "Who knows? By undertaking this task, you might well have helped to save us all. Now let's discuss the particulars of the [mission]."

Astira says, "The first order of business will be to speak to Lieutenant Ziryn. He can tell you where Gorluk was last sighted. You'll then need to enter Nyttheim and confront Gorluk. When you do so, look for any clues that might point you toward Jerren's journals or magical artifacts. Knowing Jerren, I'd say that you'll find your next clue there. At that point, you'll be on your own. Keep your eyes, ears and wits sharp! Somewhere buried in that fallen city is the answer to Jerren's final discovery. You'll need to be both brave and [resourceful] to find it."

Astira says, "When you learn the nature of Jerren's discovery, return to me and I'll see what I can make of it. Now, go and speak to Lieutenant Ziryn and ask him where you might find Gorluk. Another piece of advice - do not venture into Nyttheim alone! Bring a stout band of friends with you, for it is a very perilous place. May the Gods protect you and speed you back safely, my brave young friend. I will anxiously await your return."

[Step #2] Speak to Lieutenant Ziryn and ask him where you can [find Gorluk]. Ziryn is stationed at the Kobold encampment in the Frontlines.
  • Lieutenant Ziryn is at loc=28022,17408,15853 dir=321 Frontlines.


  • Lieutenant Ziryn says, "Hail! I am Lieutenant Ziryn of the Undercity defense force. What can I do for you?"

    /whisper find Gorluk

    Lieutenant Ziryn says, "Gorluk? That's his name? Yes, I remember him. He is, or was, the Guard Captain of Nyttheim, and a brute of unnatural size and strength. It was him and his city guards that turned our attack and drove us out. They were...changed. Warped might be a better word. Some evil magic was behind it, for certain. Of course, at the time, we didn't fully grasp the seriousness of the threat. Anyway, you wanted to know how to [locate] him, so I'll tell you."

    Lieutenant Ziryn says, "We entered Nyttheim from the Frontlines. We emerged from the tunnel into a great cavern with pillars of stone before us. We forged ahead, westward, passing two sets of columns. A dead end lay before us, so we turned north. We walked a bit forward and spied a tunnel on our left, to the west. We followed it to a well-lit room with a great statue, and Gorluk was there, on our right. So - are you going to try to [kill] him?"

    Lieutenant Ziryn says, "Ah, I understand. If Astira thinks it's important, you had better believe her. Well, let me tell you, friend - Nyttheim is overrun with all kinds of nasty things. What I mean to say is, you'll not find a warm welcome there. Bring friends. Preferably, friends who can handle themselves in a fight. Well, I guess I've told you everything I can. Good luck to you, and watch your back!"

    [Step #3] Assemble a group and venture into Nyttheim from the Frontlines. Follow the tunnel into the large cavern. Head west to the wall then turn and run north. Look west for a tunnel into a room with a statue. Gorluk stalks that room.
  • Gorluk is located near loc=18508,21865,15978 dir=32 Nyttheim. A group is a handy thing to have with you for this part of the quest, lvl 49/50's may want to take along atleast one person to help out. Traveling to this location you will pass a lot of mobs that will con agressive, and will con blue to grape to a lvl 49. If you stay close to center of the tunnel traveling to Gorluk's loc you will generally safe.

    Once you get to Gorluk kill him, to a level 49 he con'ed orange, though I did see him con yellow when he respawned.


  • With his last breath, Gorluk mutter's 'at last... I am free of her' and a serene smile crosses his face as he dies.

    You recover a ledger and a small figurine from Gorluk's corpse. Your quest journal has been updated.


    [Step #4] Read through Gorluk's Ledger to look for clues as to what to do next. (To read the ledger, right-click on it and type /use).

    [Step #5] Locate the chests at the back of the statue room where you fought Gorluk. Search through the contents of the chests for any clues to Jerren's important discovery. (To search, stand near the chests and type /search.
  • Go to loc=19273,19419,15782 dir=149 Nyttheim and /search


  • You rummage through the chests and find a tome labeled 'Jerren's Diary'. Your quest journal has been updated.

    [Step #6] Read Jerren's Diary. After you have read the diary, use the small figurine while standing near the chests to activate Jerren's spell and summon his spirit. (To use an item, right-click on the item and type /use).

    Jerren's Ghost says, "Who has wakened me from my [slumber]?"

    Jerren's Ghost says, "(missing part of this dialog)... yes... I remember that name. I had something important to tell her, but then... Gorluk's sword, cutting through the air towards my neck... the pain! And then tumbling... and I was staring at my own boots while my body slumped to the ground before me. Darkness then, and the world seemed to retreat from me. Now I remember... Ihad a message for Astira. I had to tell he of my discovery in the [cave]."

    Jerren's Ghost says, "When it became clear to me that the city was under some evil influence, I tried to think of why. Thinking that perhaps the evil power was emanating from some other part of the caves, I explored deeper into the Earth. Many wonders I saw there, but in the deepest cave I sensed great power and great malice. I peered inside and saw a pillar of crystal. Around this, three women stood and chanted, arms raised in a [ceremony] of some kind."

    Jerren's Ghost says, "One of these women was old, haggard and cruel. Her eyes glowed with spite and greed, and I knew this to be the ancient spirit called Gullveig. When Gorluk slew me, he said that he did so in Gullveig's name. It was she who conquered Nyttheim, then, but she did not do so alone. Three women I saw, each distinct from the other.. There are still too many questions, but Astira must be warned that the [threat] is greater than she suspects."

    Jerren's Ghost says, "I fear I cannot stay any longer...even now my link to this world grows weak. Return this information to Astira as quickly as you can. Who knows - perhaps she can solve the mystery that I could not, Now, I fear I must depart. May you persevere in your battle against this evil from the depths!"

    [Step #7] Return to Astira and tell her the news about Jerren's [discovery].

    Astira says, "I'm so glad you've returned safely! Now, were you able to discover anything while you were in Nyttheim? Did you uncover Jerren's [discovery]?"

    Astira says, "What's this? Three women in a cave? A crystal pillar pulsing with magical power? So, Gullveig is not the only foe who threatens us. I will need to think on this. I see you brought back some [items] from Nyttheim, as well."

    Astira says, "A magic figurine? Ah, Jerren's journal! This is far more than I'd hoped for! And a ledger belonging to Gorluk? This will prove usefiul also, I think. Let me take these, and I will research them right away! Meanwhile, you've earned a reward. Here is some coin for you, and I also have [another gift] to offer."

    You are awarded 4,783,273,347 experience!
    You are awarded 6 gold and some silver!


    Astira says, "I had this ring made especially for the one who would aid me in the task I put before you, and so, it is you who has earned it. May its power help you as much as you have helped me, Thane."

    You have finished the A Voice from the Past quest.
    You receive Astira's Insurance from Astira!


    lvl 46 received 2,835,000,000 experience
    lvl 48 received 4,050,000,000 experience
    lvl 49 received 4,783,273,347 experience


    Reward:
    Astira's Insurance (str) -- Thane, Valkyrie, Hunter, Berserker
    Astira's Insurance (acuity) -- Warlock, Runemaster, Spiritmaster

    Rewards:
      Astira's Insurance (Str)
      Astira's Insurance (acuity)

    \n
    Post Comment
    Exp at 48
    # Dec 31 2005 at 9:40 PM Rating: Decent
    21 posts
    4,050,000,000
    .
    # Jun 27 2005 at 2:35 PM Rating: Excellent
    *
    185 posts
    Soloed him with my lv 43 valkyrie, gorluk conned ora to me.

    Edited, Mon Jun 27 15:35:46 2005
    Nice quest
    # Mar 31 2005 at 12:28 PM Rating: Decent
    Did this with my 46 Runie, solo, Gorluk conned yellow, got 2,835,000,000 exp (about 1.5 bubs)and Astira's Insurance. Got in done in less than an hour.

    However, you need to be somewhat familiar with Nythium to avoid the aggro. This quest can be done easily if you take your time and be careful.
    hunter reward
    # Jan 28 2005 at 11:30 AM Rating: Good
    Hunter received str version.
    A Voice from the Past
    # Jan 21 2005 at 10:07 AM Rating: Decent
    I soloed this quest as a L44 SM. Gorluk conned yellow and although there are a lot of red/purple mobs around, they don't aggro.
    !!
    # Dec 16 2004 at 1:24 PM Rating: Decent
    *
    57 posts
    Valkyries get the Str version for this quest
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