UPDATE: 16 June - Updated with May 2003 Patch Info

RESTRICTION: None 

Level Recommendations:

• Levels 1-20: Not recommended

• Levels 20-40: 10-15 people

• Levels 40-50: 5 people

• Levels 50-70: 2-3 people

• Levels 70-80: 2 people

• Level 80+: Solo (I soloed it at 82, and it was fairly difficult)

The Story So Far...

  Previously carried by Asmolum the Worm, the Ancient Key needed to open the Mistress' Chest in the Ithaenc Cathedral is now located on a Putrid Moarsman in the bottom of the Catacombs of Ithaenc.   You will only be able to solo this quest if you have a 400+ run skill, which is needed to get from the bottom back to the top before the lever door closes.

Step 0: Preparation

• All life protections

• Bane Shields

• Piercing Weapons for Wisps

• Frost Weapons for Moarsman and Sclavi

• At least one lockpicker

Step 1: Getting There

   I have been told that you can buy a portal gem to the Cathedral from any of the wedding planners located in the Arcanum Agent buildings.  As an alternate, here is a route to the cathedral from Arwic:

1. Take the Eotensfang Cottages Portal at 32.9n, 59.5e

2. Take the Bandit Castle Portal at 42.4n, 60.5e

3. Take the Vesayen Isles Portal at 61.7n, 48.6e

4. Take the Forsaken Portal at 75s, 90.3e

5. Run to the Cathedral at 82.5s, 93.45e

  Ok, now that you are at the cathedral, you will need to head up the stairs that end in nothing, jump across, and run over to jump up into the Catacombs of Ithaenc portal.  I recommend re-buffing with full level VIIs before jumping in.

Step 2: The 1st Lever Room

  Once you are in the dungeon, you will need to head down, down, down to get to the lever that opens up the south run back on the 2nd level.  This dunegon is populated with A LOT of Cursed and Affliction Wisps.  Any time you face a group of monsters, take out the wisps 1st, as they are drain-happy and can cause you major difficulties. Also, as you progress down you will run across magic traps that drain stamina.

  The easiest way is to head down each ramp and take all rights to the next one.  Once you get to the bottom level, you will find a door with a lockpick resistance of 322.

   Pick this door and head down the ramp to the lever.

  At this point, you will need to leave one or more people down here to face the Putrid Moarsman and hold the south door open.  Have everyone head back up except this team, and when you get to the south door on the 2nd level, have them pull the lever to get you inside.  DOn't worry, they will be able to re-join you shortly.

Step 3: The 2nd Lever Room

  Ok, now that you are in the south room, have the lever team head up to the 2nd level to the north door to wait for you.  They can keep you way clear on this level, as a respawn should be about due.  Proceed down at the ramp in the back of the room.  NOTE: there is a magic trap on the ramp that will debuff ALL of your spells.  Be prepared to rebuff while fighting here.  Continue around to another room, which has it's entryway trapped with Drain mana and stamina traps.  Pull the two levers inside here, then RUN back up, out the door, and over to the North door before it closes.  Do not stop to fight anything, as the door only stays open for a short time.

Step 4: The Ancient Key

  Now that you are in the north room, head around to the back and take the ramp down.  As you progress down you will eventually come to a room with what looks like a storm raging in the middle.  In this room is a Purtid Moarsman who holds the Ancient key.  He respawns every 3-4 minutes.  After this, head up the ramp to the exit portal and you will be back at the Cathedral.

Step 5: The Mistress' Chest

  Now that you are out and alive, head back up and jump across like you are going back into the portal.  When you jump across though, you will find a chest, called the Mistress' Chest on your left.

Everyone take turns, waiting 5 minutes between pulls (spawn bug if chest is re-opened too quickly.)  Inside the chest you will find a Scroll of Sanctuary Recall, The Healer's Heart, a couple of texts that need to be translated, and a couple of other misc. items.  The Scroll of Sanctuary Recall is no-drop/no-give.

Scroll of Sanctuary Recall Value 2,500 Burden 30 Inscribed Spell: Recall the Sanctuary  Transports the caster to the Ithaenc Cathedral. Use this item to attempt to learn its spell. Casts the following spells: Recall the Sanctuary Spell Descriptions:   Recall the Sanctuary (Transports the caster to the Ithaenc Cathedral.)

The Healer's Heart A magical orb found in the cathedral of Ithaenc.  This artifact was crafted by Lady Adja, a member of the Talaini Council of Five, for use by her religious order. Value 5,400 Burden 50 Spells Heal Other VI, Healing Mastery Self VI, Life Giver (15 Health), Regeneration VI Mana Conversion Bonus +5 % Spellcraft 225 Mana 1200 Mana Cost 1 per 19 Difficulty 105 Restrictions Life Magic 245+