Player, may I ask you a question?

Is it wrong to expect gratitude when a job is well done? Should I spend years perfecting my alchemical understanding, then receive nothing for sharing it?

It's not too much to ask, is it?

Player: "Sounds like you've made up your mind."

It's just that I remember when it was different.

When my elders taught me, I'd gather food for them, or pay them with my meager possessions. But now, people expect teaching for nothing!

When I see a young [%userclass] standing before me, I wonder if they also want me to impart my knowledge without giving anything in return.

Player: "No, I'm not like that."

Perhaps. Let's see if you can back up your words.

As it happens, I've just run out of Lesser Elemental Water, which I need for a number of low level potions. I'd like you to provide me with some.

Or is that sort of thing beneath you?

Player: Accept.

Now, a quick lesson. Elemental Water must be purified from other, baser substances. Bring the unrefined materials here. All the tools you need to refine them are on the tables in this very room!

In the case of Lesser Elemental Water, you must gather Lesser Elemental Stones and purify them here. The stones are created as a natural by-product of digestion. You should find them in the bellies of Spiral Lobnites, Sharphorn Starcrabs, and Mud Potcrabs. All of those creatures can be found around the Verteron Citadel.

Do not disappoint me, Player....

Player: "I'll do my best."

You've returned, and so soon!

Perhaps I was over-generous in expecting you to take longer: Elemental Water is not difficult to obtain. It is the basest substance we alchemists deal with, the first rung on a mighty ladder that stretches as far as your imagination allows.

Now, show me what you have brought back.

Player: "Here...."

Just like that...the bubble is burst!

I told you each step of this simple, simple process, Player, and still you contrive to fail.

Gather the Lesser Elemental Stones, then refine them using the implements in this room! The creatures from which you get the stones are even around the Verteron Citadel. It couldn't be simpler!

Player: "I shall try harder."

I'm shocked! Astounded, really!

So few here seem capable of even the simplest of tasks, yet you have done as I asked and in good time, too! Of course, the task wasn't difficult, but still...

Soon we'll have you working on proper alchemical ingredients!