The Lord of Illusion Guide

If you’re like me, you completed the ‘Living on the Edge’ Achievement in Rift and then danced around happily singing:  

“I’ve got a magic ticket!  I’ve got a magic ticket!”

Then promptly wondered:  

“Now what the hell do I do with it?”

After a couple months of us searching in vain for a purpose to the magic ticket, Trion finally patched in the associated quest arc in 1.2.  Better late than never, right?

So…here’s what the hell you do with it.

~Gaar

The Lord of Illusion Guide
(AKA:  I’ve got a magic ticket!)

Before we get started, do you have a magic ticket?

Hands off!  This one’s mine!

If not, head on over to Fortune’s Shore in Shimmersand and bet on the Cockatrice matches.  You can find them on the back balcony of a house at roughly (6500, 7015).  If at first you don’t succeed, well, you know where I’m going with this.

Once you have your handy-dandy magic ticket (and a new Achievement!), it’s time to track down Mona Bernardi.

I’ve scoured these sands for years looking for a magic ticket.  Have you seen one?

If you’re not in Fortune’s Shore already, port there to begin your hunt.  Head south out of town and then east into the oasis.  You’ll find her in a makeshift camp on the north side at roughly (6874, 7194).

mapz r kool

Once you find her, well, talk to her.  Duh.

The Magic Ticket

Do you know the legend of Merethis Faen and his magic ticket?  Rumor has it that Faen waits for the day someone worthy of his knowledge will find his magic ticket and bring it to him.  They say he has a familiar named Virf who will appear for the bearer of the ticket and give clues to Faen’s location.  Do you think he could be real, <your class here>?

• Light the Spawn Pit

Time to track down Virf.  Make your way over to Sunblind Ascent to the southeast and look for the Spawn Pit.

(7160, 7505)

Not what I expected from the name…just sayin’

Once you find it, light it up!

When Virf shows up, have a little chat with him.

He looks so familiar…

Do you have the master’s shiny?  You do!  You do!

Reward:  XP, 30 gold 36 silver

On the Trail

The master said someday the holder of his shiny ticket would wake me up.  Now we get to play a game!

Throughout the sands that shimmer are hidden many clues.  This magic stone will lead the way, so really you can’t lose!  If you solve the master’s puzzle you will find his secret place.  Above all else remember, the fun is in the chase!

• Find the Elemental Reagents using the Truesight Crystal
• Find the Eye of Faen using the Truesight Crystal
• Find Faen’s Cane using the Truesight Crystal
• Find the Warp Crystal using the Truesight Crystal

For this quest, Virf gives you a Truesight Crystal.

Shiny!

Using your new shiny gives you 30 seconds of Truesight, allowing you to track down the items your looking for.  The items show up as little silver diamonds on your minimap while you have the Truesight buff.  When you’re ready to start your treasure hunt, head west and start using your crystal.  Or just head to the locations I list.  Your call.

As the reagents burn, the smoke billows towards Scaldwater Fields

You will find the Elemental Reagents nestled between a couple of rocks at roughly (7024, 7462).  Examine them to get a clue for the location of the Eye of Faen.  Once done, mount up and ride over to Scaldwater Fields.

A dragon’s tail is visible in the eye’s reflection

You will find the Eye of Faen on a small island at roughly (6235, 7240).  Examine it to get the next clue.  Once done, mount up and head to The Dragon’s Tail.

The cane leans towards Fortune’s Shore

Faen’s Cane is found at the tip of the dragon’s tail at roughly (5725, 6640).  You’ll want to take care during this part as it is surrounded by Level 50 Eiltes.  When you’ve dispatched them, examine the Cane for your next clue.  Once complete, mount up and head to Fortune’s Shore.

Don’t worry…Scotty beamed me twice last night…

The Warp Crystal is found just east of Fortune’s Shore at roughly (6853, 6965).  Gaze into it and you will be teleported to Faen’s Retreat.

If it were me, I’d have installed a water slide

Head on over to the house to find Merethis Faen and complete your quest.

Tired of my brilliance so soon?

Could it be?  Is that my magic ticket?  I have been waiting for you for a long time, <your class here>.  Welcome to my little corner of the desert.

Reward:  XP, 30 gold 36 silver

Whispering to the Winds

Congratulations on finding my magic ticket, <your class here>!  As a reward I shall show you the true power of an Eth Grand Magician.  The dragon cults think they are the masters of their planar elements, but their power is nothing next to mine.  The Storm Legion shall serve as my first example.

• Use the Windsong Lute
• Bring the Gorge Flurry to the Enchanted Lightning Rod
• Witness the power of a charged Gorge Flurry

Time to head back out to Shimmersand.  Use the Warp Crystal by the pool where you came in, then head to the Broken Road.

Moar mapz!

Once you’re there, slide down the north side of the hill into Deadman Gorge and go into the cave.  Get one of the Gorge Flurries down to 60% health and use your lute.

phat lute?

You’ll then have roughly 8 minutes to complete the next objective, so mount up and get moving!

Enchantment!

You’ll find the Enchanted Lightning Rod at roughly (6845, 6185).  Once you get close to it, the Gorge Flurry will automatically do its thing.  Just sit back and watch the party.

can haz pet?

Once done, return to Merethis in Faen’s Retreat to complete the quest.

That is what true magic can do, but it is only the beginning.  Are you prepared to be amazed even further?

Reward:  XP, 30 gold 36 silver

Rock Solid

I have heard whispers that the Golden Maw are attempting to control Shimmersand for their Golden Queen, Laethys.  They concentrate their efforts on amassing gold and summoning minions from the Plane of Earth to serve them.  Well, I can destroy their paltry rituals with a single magical conduit!

• Use the Hexcavator
• Disrupt the summoning ritual

Time to head back out into Shimmersand.  Use the Warp Crystal and then head southeast to Golden Summit.  Once there, beat up three of the Golden Maw Sentries and use the Hexcavator on them when they’re below 50% health.

Cuz it’s magical…get it?

Once you’ve hexcavated all three, head further southeast to roughly (7570, 7725) to disrupt the ritual.

Are they doing yoga?

Simply walk into the half-circle and the ritual will go a bit wonky for them.  Once done, head back to Merethis in Faen’s Retreat to complete your quest.

Do you see what I mean?  The dragon cults are as children, but I am a true master of planar power!

Reward:  XP, 30 gold 36 silver

Prank You Very Much

(GG:  Obviously, at this point in the quest chain, there is a slight deviation depending on whether you’re Defiant or Guardian.  However, the basic premise is the same here so if you’re a Guardian, use this as more of a general guide for this part of the quest instead of an exact one.)

I know what you’re thinking, <your name here>.  The Defiant are doing just fine in their fight against the dragon cults without the assistance of some aging magician.  Well, what if I told you the greatest thorn in your side, the Guardian, could be made to look like buffoons in their own stronghold?  With my power, anything is possible.

• Use the Glowing Scroll
• Plant fireworks in a Barrel of Grain
• Dance with Tam Daggerborne
• Destroy a Guardian Ledger

And again, it’s time to head back to Shimmersand and Fortune’s Shore.  You’ll find the Windfane at roughly (6575, 7065).

Windfane

Be sure to use the Glowing Scroll before you get in aggro range of the guards.  Once used, you’ll have 10 minutes to complete your quest before your protection wears off.

Can I get one of these that works in Sanctum?

First, head inside and load the barrel of grain with the fireworks Merethis gave you.  You’ll find them right inside the door and to the right.  Once completed, head upstairs to find your dancing partner.

You’ll find Tam right outside on the balcony.  Target him, being careful not to attack, and type /dance.  Apparently he’s not a fan of your style.  Oh well.  When you’re done busting a move, it’s time to finish your tasks.

Just what do you think you’re doing?  Those movements are obscene!

Head up the ramp on the side of the building and you’ll find the ledgers in the back of the room on the top floor.  Destroy one to complete the tasks assigned to you then head back to Merethis in Faen’s Retreat to get complete the quest.

Did you enjoy embarrassing the Guardians in their own base?  Now imagine that power bolstering an entire army of Defiant!  The walls of Sanctum would fall; your enemies forced to their knees.  That is what my magic is capable of, <your name here>.

Reward:  XP, 30 gold 36 silver

Damage Control

Demonstrating my powers to you like this has given me an idea for a new, even greater feat of magic to attempt.  No, I do not attempt.  I amaze!  I recently discovered what appears to be an ancient Eth arena.  Doubtless, my ancestors used it to display their greatest magical accomplishments.  Step into the cage outside and let me show you something you will never forget!

• Step into the cage to access the Pit of Mastery
• Activate the Earth Beacons
• Kill Victaeus

When you’re ready to take the final step, walk out Merethis’ door and into the cage to the side of it.

You’d think he’d keep this in a basement or something…

Once you’re there, you’ll see five Earth Beacons scattered about.  Activate them one by one and then run back out of aggro range as Victaeus spawns in the middle of the beacons.  Once he and Merethis have…talked…take him out.  He’s a Level 49 Elite, so be ready for him.

When you attack, pull him to a Beacon.  It will flare and make him easier to handle for a short period.  When he goes back to bashing you, move to a new Beacon.  Repeat until he’s dead.

(If you wait too long to attack, he’ll disappear and you’ll have to summon him again.  Also, pets can bug him at times and not give you credit for kills currently, so try it without them.)

Once you’re done, head back to Merethis in Faen’s Retreat for your reward.

Well then, that didn’t exactly go as I planned.  It’s a good thing you had experience with my powers from earlier, Ascended.  I was right about one thing.  I’m sure neither of us will forget that display of planar magic anytime soon.  Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go reflect on all this.

Reward:  XP, 30 gold 36 silver

Once done, you’ll complete the Lord of Illusion achievement and receive the title “the Magician”.  Congratulations!

Bonus Stuff!

OK, so I couldn’t just end this without adding in the some of the bonus items around Faen’s Retreat as some of them were too funny.

The Companions

It’s hard out here for a pimp…err…magician…

Air Elemental – Merethis’ Assistant

I hear it gives one hell of a bl…err…never mind

Come try out my mighty planar-powered morphing chest!  It was created by my own magic!

Let’s see, it’s processing your data and soon you’ll become a…

Failure…

You look embarrasing…

Not exactly what I was hoping for.

Eh, you’re as boring as a rock.

Success!

Wow, you’ve become the Majestic Griffon Lord.  Bask in your glory.

Sorry, you’re not qualified to use this chest.

Water Elemental – Pool Monitor

Shouldn’t it at least have a whistle or something?

Please follow these rules and enjoy your stay.

Only use the pool when a Pool Monitor is on duty.

Do not leave your items unattended; we are not responsible if they are lost or stolen.

No splashing is allowed.

Do not foul the water.

Only use the deep end of the pool if you can swim.

Earth Elemental – Granite Chef

Can you smell what the rock is cooking?

Sigh, I want this to be the best stew ever.  Perhaps a couple more ingredients are needed.

Now harpy meat is very tender and would compliment the flavor of the stew quite nicely.

Last time the troglodyte meat was too tough.

Hmm, it’s missing something, but I just don’t know what it needs.  Master can be so picky.

Fire Elemental – Furnace

Smokin…

Hey, can I come out now?

I promise I won’t set your new chair on fire.

You can’t just keep me here all day!  Someone else can keep this fire burning!

This is so not fair.  I’m not going to speak to you anymore.

I can leave, you know!  I can run away and never come back!

Ok, I’m sorry I said those things.  I’ll be good, I promise.

Magic Chest

No, not the one the Air Elemental is by.  The other one to the left of the house.  Yeah, go open that one.  No, I’m not telling you what happens.  Oh…and there’s another one by the house, but it’s not as fun.  :p

Enjoy!

~Gaar