A comprehensive guide to navigating the Dead as Dreams quest in Tainted Grail, offering strategic paths, reward optimization, and common pitfalls.
Quest Overview & Starting Point
The Dead as Dreams quest in Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon represents a classic example of the game’s branching side content. This investigation into the unnatural disturbances at the Forgotten Cemetery crypt near the Horns is not a linear fetch quest. It is a narrative with several potential resolutions, each carrying distinct rewards and affecting your reputation. Consequently, securing the optimal outcome requires careful planning and an understanding of the game’s dialogue and combat systems.
Your journey begins with Quartermaster Fearghas. You can find him stationed within the sizable fortress situated just to the west of the Horns of the South fast-travel shrine. Access the fortress via its eastern entrance and scour the northwestern section of the courtyard. Engage him in conversation and select the dialogue prompt, “Is there anything I can help you with?”. His concerns about “trouble with the dead” will formally activate the Dead as Dreams quest in your journal. A practical tip: this fortress often houses other vendors; it’s a good time to resupply before heading into undead territory.
The Investigation Trail: From Margh to the Crypt
Fearghas will direct you to an NPC named Margh. To locate him, exit the castle through the same eastern opening and follow the road as it curves northward. Before long, you’ll reach a fork in the path northeast of the fortress. Margh awaits at this crossroads, a spot your map will identify as the Hunter’s Camp. A common mistake is to take the right fork; ensure you go to the central camp area.
Speaking with Margh will reveal his suspicion: a necromancer is likely responsible for the rising dead. He tasks you with investigating the cemetery for proof. From your conversation spot, turn completely around (180 degrees) and take the left-hand path, which leads toward a visible tent at the Hunter’s Camp. This trail will guide you directly to the Forgotten Cemetery. The region is aptly named, as you’ll immediately be set upon by skeletons. Expert strategy: use area-of-effect abilities or draw them into chokepoints to clear the zone efficiently, allowing for safe exploration.
Your primary objective marker will point to a house on the left upon entering the cemetery. However, seasoned players know to delay the main path. Before entering, take an immediate left and search the perimeter graves. One will conceal a buried wooden crate. Using a shovel here (an essential tool for any adventurer) will yield valuable loot, including:
. This item can be crucial in later fights against frost-vulnerable enemies.
Once the crate is looted, proceed past it to a structure illuminated by an exterior flame torch. This is an optional dungeon, rich with additional enemies and treasure. It also contains a hidden side mission; if you speak to the NPC Maug at its conclusion and offer her any stolen item, you’ll complete it. This is a prime example of the game’s rewarding exploration.
Inside the Forgotten Cemetery Crypt
Now, target the quest-highlighted structure labeled “Forgotten Cemetery Crypt.” Venturing inside, you’ll soon encounter Huardoc. Do not overlook the book beside him, as it may contain lore or skill hints. Exhaust all dialogue options with him. He will demand a toll of 5 Coins for passage. While you could kill him and proceed, this is ill-advised. Huardoc plays a role in later narrative branches and provides a useful item. Paying the fee is the recommended strategic choice for a first playthrough.
After paying, advance cautiously. The crypt is riddled with rectangular alcoves in the walls. Make it a habit to check each one, as they frequently contain coins and other minor loot. Use the key obtained from Huardoc to open the first gate. Proceed straight, then take a left, followed by a right. An opening to the east here holds a significant loot table: a Coin Purse, an Antler Fragment, and a Feral Charm. The Antler Fragment is often a crafting component, while charms provide persistent buffs.
Heading west from there leads to the locked Inner Crypt Gate. Its key is acquired later. Continue west until you enter a large chamber packed with skeletons, zombies, and coffins. Loot everything. At the room’s northern edge, take a left. Be warned: a dormant knight statue on your left will animate and attack. Dispatch it, take another left, go straight, and enter the fourth opening on your right. Here you’ll find a reinforced chest and more loot in an alcove.
Now, return to the third opening you passed—a corridor cluttered with ore debris. Here stands the Necromancer. Optimization Tip: Before engaging, take the right path and hop onto the wide stones to access a small, loot-filled tunnel. Fully exploring this side area nets a mission-critical item and excellent resources. Always save your game before returning to confront the Necromancer.
Confronting Yorath: Dialogue vs. Combat Paths
You face a pivotal choice with the Necromancer, named Yorath. You can initiate combat immediately (the third dialogue option) or attempt discourse. For the diplomatic route, select “You’re not trying to raise an undead army?” followed by the skill check you are most confident in passing. If you fail, reload your save. Next, choose the second dialogue option. Yorath will then ask you to consult Huardoc.
Return to Huardoc and select the middle (yellow) dialogue option. After his philosophical musings on death, report back to Yorath. Suggest his death, then relay Huardoc’s words. Choosing the first option prompts Yorath to perform a ritual, which tragically fails, transforming him into a feral Undead. While you can spare this mindless creature, granting it a merciful death yields a substantial XP reward. Afterwards, Huardoc will gift you a spell as thanks.
The Alternative Combat Path: After speaking with Huardoc, you can return and attack Yorath without further dialogue. This is a deliberately tough fight, often requiring preparedness. The payoff, however, is significant: victory unlocks the new “Non Omnis Moriar” storyline, grants the keys to the Inner Crypt (with its quality loot), and provides all the XP and loot from the diplomatic path. Crucially, you must also loot Yorath’s Essence from his corpse—a vital item for certain character builds. Always inform Huardoc of his master’s demise to progress this branch.
Quest Completion & Advanced Strategies
Once the crypt is cleared—regardless of the path taken—your final duty is to report your findings. Return to Margh at the Hunter’s Camp and then to Quartermaster Fearghas at the fortress. Providing your account to both will finalize the Dead as Dreams quest.
Important Note: The quest system is resilient. If Yorath or Huardoc die due to environmental hazards or other NPC actions outside your control, the quest can still be completed. Simply relay the events to Fearghas and Margh to conclude.
Advanced Optimization: To maximize gains from this quest, follow this sequence: 1) Explore the optional torch-lit dungeon first for extra resources. 2) Choose the combat path against Yorath only if your character build is prepared for a severe challenge, as it offers the greatest reward density. 3) Ensure you have shovel and lockpick tools before entering the cemetery area. 4) The Inner Crypt, accessible via the combat path, contains some of the best loot in the early game; do not skip it.
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No reproduction without permission：Tsp Game Club » Dead as Dreams quest: Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon: Dead as Dreams quest walkthrough A comprehensive guide to navigating the Dead as Dreams quest in Tainted Grail, offering strategic paths, reward optimization, and common pitfalls.