Mirthwood Quest Guide: The Shadow of Expectation

Guides

Nov 15

*Image Credit: Bad Ridge Games, Mirthwood*

The Shadow of Expectation gives us more information about the Stranger and your connection to the ancient Varin relics. This quest walkthrough will guide you step-by-step to complete it.

Quest Objectives:

Wait for a letter from the Stranger.
Meet the Stranger at the Ruins.
Find the artifact within the Ruins.
Return the artifact to the Stranger.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough:

1. Wait for a Letter from the Stranger

After finishing Fate’s First Whispers, the Stranger will mention sending instructions.
Rest for a few in-game days.
Check your mailbox (next to the signpost outside your farmhouse) for the letter.

2. Meet the Stranger at the Ruins

Finding the Ruins:
- Head northeast of Brightoak into the Old Forest.
- Follow the main path out of town until you cross a bridge.
- Continue east past the Fabled Feather Trader and turn slightly north into the forest.
- Look for broken statues marking the entrance to the Ruins.
Talk to the Stranger:
- The Stranger will be waiting outside the Ruins.
- Speak with them to learn about your heritage and the task to recover a Varin artifact.

3. Find the Artifact within the Ruins

Entering the Ruins:
- Descend the ladder at the entrance.
Navigating the Ruins:
- Follow the path upward and to the right, passing several statues.
- At the first split, head up.
- Continue past visible gold and iron deposits.
- At the next split, go left and follow the path around to a clearing.
- The artifact is near a large stone pillar.
Beware of Enemies:
- Cavewalkers and Rats roam the Ruins. You can fight them or avoid them.
- Looting the area can yield valuable resources like gold.

4. Return the Artifact to the Stranger

Retrace your steps to exit the Ruins.
Hand over the artifact to the Stranger outside.
The Stranger will explain the need to find more relics and mark their locations on your map, unlocking the next quest, Riddles in Ruins.