The House That Death Built

Quest giver: Nojiro Marujiro
Location: New Gridania (X:12.0, Y:13.1)
Quest line: Palace of the Dead
Level: 17
Required quest: Into a Copper Hell
Experience: 1,560
Gil: 566
Next quest: The Nightmare's End
Patch: 3.35

“

Nojiro Marujiro has a glut of gossip he has been dying to share with someone.

— In-game description

Rewards

Choose one of the following options:

Unlocks

Palace of the Dead

Steps

Speak with the the Wood Wailer expeditionary at Issom-Har in the South Shroud.
Speak with the Wood Wailer expeditionary captain at Quarrymill.

Journal

Nojiro Marujiro has a glut of gossip he has been dying to share with someone.

Nojiro tells you of a portal in the South Shroud that has set Gridania's rumor mill to spinning. While it sounds like nothing more than a fanciful fabrication, he explains his tale comes straight from the Wood Wailers who dared to enter. As he heard it, the portal leads to a labyrinth that changes its design every time scouts enter its long-abandoned halls. Though the potential for spoils intrigues him, he finds the risk is not worth the reward. If you should be bold enough to enter, however, he bids you speak with the Wood Wailers at the mouth of Issom-Har to learn more.

You find a dutiful Wood Wailer keeping watch over the entrance to Issom-Har. He directs you to Quarrymill, where their reconnaissance team is recruiting adventurers willing to brave the depths of the ruins.

The head of the Wood Wailers' reconnaissance team explains to you their dire situation. Though they have had little success in navigating the ruins, a padjal mage in their company has devised weaponry to aid those willing to enter. With a plan of action and equipment in hand, the Wood Wailers bid you venture into the depths of the ruins to discover what secrets lie within.

Dialogue

Accepting the quest

Nojiro Marujiro: If you're poking around looking for work, you must be an adventurer too, am I right? You won't find much here, I'm afraid. Seems the only thing people talk about these days is that nasty bit of business down near Issom-Har.
Nojiro Marujiro: Surely you've heard the stories. Of a strange portal suddenly appearing in the ruins down there. 
Nojiro Marujiro: Hey, don't give me that look. I'm only telling you what I overheard from the Wailers. They say on the other end of it is some sort of labyrinth. The thing is, every time they go down there to map the place out, nothing is the same. A mystery if I've ever heard one. 
Nojiro Marujiro: Frankly, I'm more than happy to let it stay a mystery. Strange apparitions, booby-trapped corridors─going down there is nothing short of suicide.
Nojiro Marujiro: Still, the prospect of treasure is awful tempting... Ahem. Don't take my word for it, though. Head down to Issom-Har and you can hear it straight from the chocobo's mouth.
(Optional)
Nojiro Marujiro: If you're planning to go, I'm afraid you're on your own, miss/mister. What good is treasure if I never make it out of there to enjoy it?

Speaking with the Wood Wailer Expeditionary Captain at Issom-Har in the South Shroud

Wood Wailer Expeditionary Captain: I'm sorry, but I must insist that you— Oh, an adventurer, and a rather seasoned-looking one besides. On the off chance you're not simply here to gawp, perhaps you can lend us a hand?
Wood Wailer Expeditionary Captain: You see, despite the fervent protestations of those Duskwrights over there, we cannot permit civilians within the ruins at this time.
Wood Wailer Expeditionary Captain: Capable men and women like you, on the other hand, are more than welcome! That is, if you've got the stones for it.
Wood Wailer Expeditionary Captain: Pray seek out the others stationed at Quarrymill. They can apprise you of the details.

Speaking with the Wood Wailer Expeditionary Captain at Quarrymill

Wood Wailer Expeditionary Captain: Well met, adventurer. I take it you have come to learn more of the recent happenings at Issom-Har.
Wood Wailer Expeditionary Captain: The site is of interest owing to the Gelmorran ruins—Gelmorra being an underground city which predates Gridania, in case you were unaware.
Wood Wailer Expeditionary Captain: Anyroad, a few days past, we received reports from several anthropogeographers that a magical gateway of some sort had appeared in the ruins, and that all manner of creatures were coming and going through it.
Wood Wailer Expeditionary Captain: My men and I were among the first to examine it, and well... It's hard to explain. We crossed the threshold into a set of corridors we'd never seen before, and then suddenly, each and every one of us was filled with an inexplicable sense of dread. It was all I could do to take even a single step.
Wood Wailer Expeditionary Captain: According to E-Una-Kotor, who accompanied us, the ruins are warded with powerful magicks that sap the spirits—and aether—of all who enter, rendering them easy prey for the creatures within.
Wood Wailer Expeditionary Captain: Thankfully, he managed to devise a solution: aetherpool arms and armor, which safeguard and channel the wielder's energies, that they might withstand the ruin's magicks.
Wood Wailer Expeditionary Captain: Unfortunately, it does little to prevent us from losing our way. Though it beggars belief, every time we have dared to venture into the ruins, we have found the path to be changed. We suspect this too man be the work of an unfathomably powerful mage...
Wood Wailer Expeditionary Captain: Needless to say, something strange is afoot, and traditional tactics are not like to suffice. Even experienced adventurers will need to proceed with caution.
Wood Wailer Expeditionary Captain: In any event, if you believe you have what it takes to brave the ruins and discover what secrets lie in its deepest depths, you need but say the word.