So...the clues suggest that the fake Stigma Stones originate from the Abyss?

This is going to require a proper investigation. Can you imagine the consequences if we sent out Legions equipped with fake stones? They would be massacred! Their blood and souls would be on our hands.

No, I will not allow that to happen. We must fix this, now.

Player: "Send me. I'll uncover the truth."

Yes, yes, of course.

A seasoned veteran like yourself is just the Daeva to head up our investigations. No one will dare hide the truth from you. Of course, if they did, then I'm certain you'll be able to--ahem--discover the truth.

Are you positive you want to take on this assignment?

Player: Accept.

I trust you, Player. Don't let us down.

Your first task is to find out more information. I know a Shugo at Teminon Landing, a tricky little opportunist named Nayorinerk, who's got her paws in more pies than I care to count. She's quite knowledgeable about such unsavory things.

Nayorinerk may not be forthcoming with answers, but we don't have time to play nice here. If you think she's holding back information... Well...I'm sure you know what to do.

Player: "I understand, completely."

Heard you were coming, [%userclass]! Not just your big clunky boots, no no! Heard you were on your way. Bad news for you! Poor old Nayorinerk is so long behind desk...she has not heard a thing, not at all. Next to useless I am. Yes yes.

Fake Stigma Stones! Clever idea, yes! Cost lots, and fakes must be cheap to manufacture, so big profit! Kind of idea Shugos would be proud of thinking up! Akakak!

Now leave, Player! Much work needs doing. Much much much work!

Player: "Do you want to be put out of business?"

Gah! Tricky situation! Don't like tricky situations! No no no!

Ok, I'll help. You want Black Cloud Traders. Sneaky, sneaky Shugos. Much sneakier than me. They smuggle goods through Abyss, maybe fake Stigma Stones, too?

You must go to Black Cloud Island, deep in Abyss. It is completely hidden until you get close enough! Clever Shugos!

I have contact there, Gufrinerk. Ask him, then threaten him when he quiet...gah! But don't mention me! No no. That's the rule, [%userclass]! I give you information, you keep me secret! Yes yes...

Player: "I'll keep your name secret, Nayorinerk."

Get back, stupid Daeva! I know why you are here! Fake Stigma Stones, right? Yes yes...said they'd be an issue.

We have done nothing wrong, no! Just trade goods between two halves of Atreia! Nothing wrong with that! Not our fault if stupid Humans can't get on! No no!

Now go away. Go do whatever stupid Daevas do!

Player: "Don't try my patience, Shugo."

Gah! Security! Secu...Gah!! Arrogant Daevas think they get what they want because they bigger!

Fine! Better to tell one small secret than to be Daeva punch-bag.

We import Fake Stones from Asmodae, yes. Made by the Lepharist Revolutionaries of Morheim out of their Lepharist Citadel. That's all I know! Plenty there for you to be getting on with, yes yes.

Now go, stupid Daeva! Wasted enough breath on you! Go go go!

Player: "Very well."

I've been waiting for you.

We've had two more shipments of fake Stigma Stones since you left, and though no one has been hurt, I can't help feeling it's only a matter of time until something happens.

Did your investigation yield any results? Have you found the source of those sharding stones yet?

Player: "They're made by Lepharists in Asmodae..."

Asmodae?!

This case is getting more complicated by the minute. I need to escalate this, and apprise the council of the situation.

This may require some drastic action....