If what I've just heard is true, Player, the Steel Rake Pirates are using Stigma!

It beggars belief, but I heard it from a credible source. And if it's true, we can scarcely afford to ignore it.

I know I don't have to tell you how difficult it is to learn to harness that kind of power. And yet these hairy little pirates....




There are sometimes moments in a scholar's life when you realise you've perhaps studied too narrowly.

I know perhaps more than anyone about Stigma, but I've never so much as seen one of those pirates.

Perhaps Moreinen, whose knowledge is broader than mine, will have an answer for us. Will you seek her out, Player?




What's really frightening is this--if the Shulack pirates know how to use the power of Stigma, how long will it be before the Balaur can do so also?

Worse yet, what if they already can?

Let's hope Moreinen knows more.




Books allow us to travel through space and time, experience our own past, or see the future of worlds beyond the Abyss.

We can ask books our questions, then open them to find our answers.

What do you want to ask, Player?
Shulacks using Stigma. There's already much talk of it in the Temple of Knowledge, actually.

The story seems to come from the Black Cloud Merchants, and I believe you already know many of them personally.

Teirunerk is likely to be the most forthcoming with any information.




Teirunerk heard Daeva was coming to ask questions about Shulacks and Stigma.

Story is completely true...nyerk, nyerk.

When Teirunerk went onboard during attack, saw Brass-Eye Grogget himself using Stigma.




On this note, I have something that Daeva might be interested in…

Unless Payrinrinerk receives instructions from above, the information remains secret. But anything is possible for the right price, akakak.

Did Daeva that the Shulacks are using the Balaur’s Surkana made from Drana as a power source for their ship? Perhaps Daeva hasn’t heard about this, akakak.

Daeva must infiltrate the Steel Rake’s navigation station. There’s a Strongbox[pl:"Strongboxes"] there that Daeva should investigate. Take the Surkana from the Strongbox for Shugo.

If Daeva brings it to Shugo, Shugo will give Daeva the information. That’s a good deal for everyone, ak?
Teirunerk doesn't know what Shulacks may have learned from Balaur, but secret lies with Surkana, yes?

And secret of Surkana lies with Drana.

If you've brought it, Daeva, hand it over to Teirunerk, please.


(He opens the lid of a heavy crate.) Would Daeva like to place that in the crate?

(He closes the lid.) Perhaps a Daeva wouldn’t know, but that is a very dangerous item for Shugos.

As Daeva brought the Surkana for Shugo, Shugo will give the information Daeva is seeking.

Shugo cannot express it in words, but this item…

(Quietly) Take it. Shugo’s informant stole it from the Command Bridge where the Shulack captain is.

Is that the answer Daeva was hoping to hear? If so, Daeva should leave now. If Daeva takes it to Vergelmir, he will be very happy.
By Aion's.... This seems to be a Greater Stigma AND some sort of intermediary one joined together somehow. Remarkable! This could be the key to equipping a Greater Stigma....

Can I test this on you? You needn't be afraid--I know just what to do if something goes wrong.

Just tell me whether anything changes. If you can.