Fumbling in the Dark

Fumbling in the Dark is the seventh chapter of the Visions of Eternity story.

Objectives[edit]

Find Isgarren

Attempt to contact Isgarren. Again.
Speak with Priory Scout Hiorr.
Head west towards the ruins where Isgarren was last seen.
Consecrated Piazza Explored
Magical Agitation Examined
Enter the ruined nave of the basilica.
Talk to Isgarren.

Uncover the secrets hidden in the lost basilica.

Enter the transept of the basilica with Rytlock and Isgarren.
Defeat the Inquest Patrol
Continue further along the transept.
Press onward while avoiding the ancient defense mechanism.
Defeat the Inquest Ambush
Continue deeper into the ruins.
Descend the staircase and avoid triggering the deadly traps.
Defeat the Inquest Guards
Enter the underground chamber.
Tombs Investigated
Champion Enchanted Transfiguration
Shield Magic Disabled
Confront Isgarren.

Rewards[edit]

Bag of Loot (5) (guaranteed)
Castoran Cache of Riches (3) (guaranteed)
Tale of Adventure (guaranteed)

Walkthrough[edit]

Starting from Priory Expedition Waypoint — again, then head west to Consecrated Piazza — after speaking to the scout.

While there, examine 10 objects at the perimeter of the piazza: the western door and some golem parts beside it, a disenchanted sword and a weathered tome by the northern drill, an Inquest magimeter and crate between the northern and eastern drills, an Inquest audio log and an inert shadowstone at the eastern drill, and two Seer statues (one standing, one toppled) by the southern drill.

After examining these objects, head to the north end and follow a trail of 3 pieces of magical agitation into the middle of the Lost Basilica to find Isgarren. Prepare to enter the trap-filled depths to reach the basilica's tombs after this.

Lost Basilica[edit]

The 10 minute timer for the "Tomb Runner" achievement starts immediately. Be aware of the spinning sword traps (triggered a seconds after stepping on a purple mark, doesn't respawn) and the rolling boulder traps (rolls until they reach their end point, respawns at a certain point) if going for the "Crypt Creeper" achievement. There are 4 books for the "A Journal of Mistakes" achievement, which can either be grabbed when running through the traps or after the instance has been completed (but before exiting it) when the traps have all been disabled.

Head straight forwards and open the eastern door to find the first Inquest encounter, two guards. After opening the next door there is a spinning sword trap can trigger immediately, with more spinning sword traps on the ground in the next room as well as 3 boulder traps that roll perpendicularly across the second half. Near the door at the end of the trapped corridor, in the far left corner, is a Freebooter's Journal (for the "A Journal of Mistakes" achievement).

On the other side of the door is a two-part Inquest ambush, then through the door after that is a long staircase whose landings are covered in spinning swords traps. The second landing also has the first Inquest Journal (for the "A Journal of Mistakes" achievement) in the lower left corner, laying atop a spinning sword trap. The third landing has both the second Inquest Journal (for the "A Journal of Mistakes" achievement) in the upper right corner and two boulder traps that alternate running perpendicularly across the landing. The final landing also contains the third and final Inquest group, including a veteran golem.

The final room contains 3 Seer tombs, as well as the third Inquest Journal (for the "A Journal of Mistakes" achievement). Examining all 3 tombs will awaken the Champion Enchanted Transfiguration, which will initially be protected by the tombs. Simply examine the tombs again (while avoiding standing inside the beam connector, as it damages and stuns) and play the usual 5-click minigame of hitting the differently glowing button. The Transfiguration is a somewhat difficult fight, as it will continuously reapply Protection, Resolution, and Might to itself, and can both deal large amounts of damage with its regular attacks and inflict a large amount of conditions (including Slow) whenever it throws out projectiles.

Confront Isgarren in a long conversation to finish the instance, optionally staying and speaking a bit with Rytlock afterwards (speak twice for the "Rylock Knows a Thing or Two" achievement).

Story and replay checkpoints[edit]

The checkpoint is available during the story and can be freely accessed afterwards when replaying the episode for achievements:

Replay Fumbling in the Dark: Lost Basilica for achievements: Uncover the secrets hidden in the lost basilica, the Lost Basilica instance.

Achievements[edit]

Simply find and read 4 books while getting through the traps. They can also be grabbed afterwards, which is more convenient for the 3 Inquest Journals since they are found near the end of the instance.
- Freebooter's Journal: Found in the corridor immediately after the first inquest group, right next to the door at the end.
- Inquest Journal 1: Found atop a trap on the middle landing of the staircase. Make sure to trigger the trap and dodge away backwards if trying for Crypt Creeper at the same time.
- Inquest Journal 2: Found in the lower right corner of the penultimate landing of the staircase. Be aware that a rolling boulder respawns at that spot, so try to grab it immediately after it rolls away.
- Inquest Journal 3: Found to the left in the Seer tomb at the end.

Crypt Creeper	Visions of Eternity: Act 2	1
Safely make it through the basilica crypt without getting hit by traps.Journal: Fumbling in the Dark	Safely Navigated the Basilica Crypt	1

There are two types of traps: spinning sword traps that spawn a second or two after touching their sigil and then do not respawn, and rolling boulder traps that spawn from certain points of the area and then respawn there after reaching the end of their path.
- Be aware of the almost invisible spinning sword trap under the door after the first Inquest encounter, as it can activate when the door opens and can thus immediately disqualify one from getting the achievement if it hits.
- Shadowsteps and other teleports can make bypassing traps easier, especially the somewhat harder to predict boulder traps.
- There are no traps in the immediate area of any Inquest fights (though the third encounter is very close to some), so it's not necessary to focus on anything but fighting against them when at those objectives.
Completed after the Seer tomb is reached, i.e. after defeating the third set of Inquest guards.
Note that while this achievement and Tomb Runner are not mutually exclusive, Crypt Creeper encourages taking it slow while Tomb Runner encourages getting through as quickly as possible, making them somewhat incompatible.
Eligibility is tracked by the effect Achievement Eligibility: Crypt Creeper.

Simply speak with Rytlock twice at the end of the basilica instance, after it has been completed but before leaving.

Tomb Runner	Visions of Eternity: Act 2	1
Discover the mysteries of the basilica crypt in the allotted time.Journal: Fumbling in the Dark	Discovered the Mysteries of the Basilica Crypt in the Allotted Time	1

Get through the Basilica instance within 10 minutes (technically 8 minutes and 55 seconds, as the final conversation takes 1 minute and 5 seconds to get through).
- The timer starts immediately upon entering the instance, so time is of the essence.
- This achievement's end point is much later than Crypt Creeper's is, lasting until the Champion Enchanted Transfiguration is defeated and Isgarren has been confronted.
  - Make sure to have some boon removal and condition removal ready for the Transfiguration, as it will reapply Protection and Resolution to itself and can throw piles of conditions upon its enemies.
Note that while this achievement and Crypt Creeper are not mutually exclusive, Crypt Creeper encourages taking it slow while Tomb Runner encourages getting through as quickly as possible, making them somewhat incompatible.
Eligibility is tracked by the effect Achievement Eligibility: Tomb Runner.

Fumbling in the Dark	Visions of Eternity: Act 2	1 1
Uncover guarded secrets.Journal: Fumbling in the Dark Reward: Scrap of Castora Mastery (10)	Completed Fumbling in the Dark	1

Complete the mission.

NPCs[edit]

Allies[edit]

Enemies[edit]

Objects[edit]

At the Consecrated Piazza

At the Lost Basilica

Magical Agitation

Lost Basilica instance

Dialogue[edit]

At the beginning of the story: <Character name>: Isgarren, are you there? It's urgent.; <Character name>: Well, now what?; Priory Scout Hiorr: Didn't mean to eavesdrop, Commander, but it sounds like you're looking for Isgarren.

Speaking with Priory Scout Hiorr: Priory Scout Hiorr: I caught a glimpse of him heading off to the west a few hours ago. Didn't stop by camp first or anything.; <Character name>: Well, that's the best lead I've had in a while. Thank you.

Consecrated Piazza[edit]

Upon having inspected three objects: <Character name>: Castora really is an awe-inspiring place. I wish I were here under better circumstances.

Upon having inspected eight objects: <Character name>: Hmm. Some interesting clues, but still not what I need.

Upon having inspected all objects: <Character name>: Something has really stirred up the magic over there. Seems like as good of a lead as I'm going to get.

Inspecting the Ancient Door: (Magic hums across the surface of the door, sealing it tightly. It is unclear if it's meant to keep intruders from entering or keep something within from escaping.); Well, I doubt he went this way.

Inspecting the Artifact Crate: (Judging by the nearby corpses, it appears that the Inquest stole this crate from the Priory, then met their end when they tried to touch the objects within.); Must not have realized they were warded by the seers.

Inspecting the Disenchanted Sword: (This enchanted seer weapon lies on the ground, unmoving but still faintly glowing with magic.); Did Isgarren dispatch this, or was it the Inquest?

Inspecting the Eroded Statue

(The statue is labeled "The Balance of Souls," and each of the four hands holds an object of symbolic significance. Unfortunately, the pattern isn't immediately clear.)

Maybe the orb on the left represents a soul, weighed down by the dagger...

(The statue is unmoved by your speculation. Whatever mysteries it holds, it's not giving them up.)

Maybe Isgarren can explain it, if I ever find him.

Good to see some of the art is intact, at least.

Inspecting the Golem Parts: (The battered remains of an Inquest golem lie in a pile on the forest floor. Something here did not take kindly to its presence.); Was this Isgarren, or was it something else?

Inspecting the Inquest Audio Log Box: Inquest Grunt: Destroy this message immediately when you read it; I can't stress that enough. You could get us both killed, or worse.; Inquest Grunt: You need to try to get reassigned. Use whatever excuse you need to, but do it quickly.; Inquest Grunt: I overheard Sebb talking; he's going to try to control the seneschal, like one of his pets.; Inquest Grunt: Whether he succeeds or fails, it's bad news for anyone around there at the time. Get away while you still can.

Inspecting the Inquest Magimeter: (This small asuran instrument pulses and flickers in time with the movements of nearby pools of seer magic.); They're tracking sources of magic, but to what end?

Inspecting the Shadowstone Shard: (This piece of inert shadowstone is chipped, its edges sharp and jagged like glass.); I wonder how large the original piece was.

Inspecting the Toppled Statue

(The statue stares up at you defiantly, despite being mostly buried. The face is carved indistinctly enough that you suspect this statue represented a concept, not a specific seer.)

(Dig around for clues about the statue.)

(You find a damaged inscription on the statue. All that's legible is the phrase "watcher of the stars.")

I guess that is what it's doing now.

This damage was done long before the Inquest arrived.

Inspecting the Weathered Tome

Seer Tome

(This tome is written in the seer language, but its condition is too pristine to be from here.)

We count ourselves among the stars. We do not debase ourselves in worship of the heavens but aspire to the heavens ourselves. Though not all of us will make it, it is better to fall at the gate of glory than to live life mired in the dirt.

(It goes on for pages in the same fashion.)

Lost Basilica[edit]

Examining the first Magical Agitation: <Character name>: What could have done this? I haven't seen it this agitated anywhere else on Castora.

Examining the second Magical Agitation: <Character name>: The magic here is definitely reacting to something. Or to someone.

Talking to Isgarren: <Character name>: Isgarren. I've been looking for you.; Isgarren: Ah, Wayfinder, good. I would welcome some assistance.; <Character name>: I found him. Finally. We're at the entrance to the temple.; Rytlock Brimstone: The other two are off on some nonsense, but I'll be there soon.; <Character name>: You've been gone for a while. There's a lot we need to discuss.; Isgarren: There will be time for that. But I am on the trail of something, so discussion will have to be tabled for now.

Lost Basilica instance[edit]

Upon joining Rytlock and Isgarren: Rytlock: This is it, huh?; Isgarren: Indeed. A sacred temple of my people, built in better times. No outsider has ever set foot within before now.; Rytlock: Don't think that's true. We didn't get here first.; <Character name>: Then let's get inside and get some answers before it's too late.

After opening the temple door: Rytlock: Looks like they left some behind to guard the place.

After defeating the Inquest Patrol: Rytlock: Unlikely to be the last resistance we face. Let's get moving while we have a window.

Upon entering the trapped hallway: Isgarren: Ah, so it appears the defenses are still active. Not at full strength, clearly, or you would not have survived.; <Character name>: How lucky. Best we move carefully, then.

Interacting with the Freebooter's Journal

Freebooter's Journal

This is it, this is the job we've been waiting for. Instead of stealing coconuts and driftwood from those Hullgardeners, we're finally going after a real treasure. All of this time being stranded will be worth something, and I'll be headed back to the mainland with a fortune. And these cowardly Inquest are letting us lead the way! Sure, we'll get them their artifacts, after we've loaded down our bags with the best of the loot. This is going to be my biggest payday ever.

After opening the next door: Rytlock: More of them.; Isgarren: They swarm like flies on a corpse.

After defeating the Inquest ambush: <Character name>: Let's keep moving. Hopefully there will be answers further in.; Isgarren: I fear you will be disappointed.

Decending the staircase: Rytlock: This is more than a token force. Something of value must still be here.

Interacting with the Inquest Journal on the staircase

Inquest Journal

Another wave of them enter and the screams continue; horrible, pitiful screams echoing off of every wall. And yet more of those freebooters go in, chasing the promise of treasure that Kuda dangles in front of them. What greed could power them through it? The lucky ones are killed instantly, impaled on spikes or atomized by ancient magic. The unlucky die slowly over hours, wailing in the dark, begging for rescue that will never come, praying for death, while it toys with them like a cat. We do our best to ignore the sounds, knowing that if the freebooters fail, it will undoubtedly be us crying helplessly into the uncaring void.

Alchemy, what am I doing here? I just wanted to be able to pursue my research without the council and the colleges impeding me at every step. And even now, in the mouth of the abyss, I hate them still. In my first year with the Inquest, I accomplished more than a decade working within their system. So yes, I hate them all the more for not leaving me any choice, for making the Inquest the better option.

I cling to one foolish hope: the director doesn't approve of Kuda's methods, and her krewe speak of it often. Maybe he doesn't know the conditions we're being subjected to. Perhaps if I can find some way to inform him, something can still be done. But, more likely, my time will soon be up.

Interacting with the Inquest Journal near the end of the staircase

Inquest Journal

We must be getting close to something big here, because they wouldn't have left so many impediments if they weren't defending something important. The others express their doubts, but I've instructed them to press on. It won't be long now.

Upon entering the tombs room: <Character name>: Tombs. I didn't expect to find these inside a temple.; Isgarren: Some deaths have more spiritual significance than others.

Interacting with the Inquest Journal inside the tombs room

Inquest Journal

I hate it here. I am going to go back to Rata Sum at the first opportunity.

Investigating the first Seer Tomb: <Character name>: Hmm.

Investigating the second Seer Tomb: <Character name>: The inscription is too worn to be legible.

Investigating the third Seer Tomb

Tomb Inscription

(The inscription on the tomb has been worn away by time, but a few segments remain legible.)

"For those honored souls lost in the rite of Divitium Nava..."

"...fallen on the doorstep of divinity."

"Blessed Ancora that lifts..."

"They have fallen, that we might ascend."

(You cannot make out anything else.)

<Character name>: "Lost in the rite of Divitium Nava"..."fallen on the doorstep of divinity."

Confronting the Champion Enchanted Transfiguration: Rytlock: More defenses? How did the Inquest not set them off already?; Isgarren: Because this one was intended for me.; Isgarren: Power flows to the weapon through the ritual relics. They must be disrupted.

If interacting with a Shield Relic more than once: The shield relic is already being interacted with.

Talking to Isgarren: Rytlock: Getting pretty tired of the surprises.; <Character name>: This ritual, it's what you used for the Wizard's Court, isn't it?; Isgarren: The rite I performed on my fellow wizards is a more subdued, precise version. But they are similar, yes.; <Character name>: And this Ancora it mentions? You know what that is too, don't you? And where it is, I'm sure.; Isgarren: It is the staff that the rite requires, an object of immeasurable power. And no, I have not located it yet.; <Character name>: You knew this is what they were after this whole time. We've been fumbling in the dark while you kept this to yourself.; Isgarren: I did not know, I merely suspected. But if they are not seeking it, then better that no one else know of it either.; <Character name>: Have you forgotten Mabon's words already?; <Character name>: From now on, if you want to be part of this, you give us the entire truth.; Isgarren: Surely we can at least save such ruminations for when we return to a safer location.

Talking to Rytlock

It's lucky for him that you're here. I'm not as diplomatic as you are.

What do you make of all of this?

Rytlock: It seems like we've found an answer, but bigger questions along with it.

Rytlock: It appears that Vloxx is seeking to ascend like the seers did, but we still don't really know why.

Rytlock: Power is a means to an end, not an end itself. All we really know about his actual goals is what he's told you.

Rytlock: I think he's telling you the truth. But implementing a noble vision is always where it falls apart.

Rytlock: Maybe we can steer him away from disaster still. Maybe even bring down the Inquest in the process.

What's our next move?

Rytlock: Next, we get back to camp and wring Isgarren for every bit of info we can get.

Rytlock: This Ancora is clearly essential to performing the rite. So we need to find it first.

Rytlock: Once we have it, we'll have all the leverage and we can make things happen on our terms.

Rytlock: We can decide on the specifics later, once we know more. No reason to rush those decisions.

Lucky indeed.

My story[edit]

“

As expected, my attempt to contact Isgarren was once again unsuccessful. So, instead, I was left to track him down the old— fashioned way. Luckily, Hiorr happened to have seen him heading west into the ruins. I'm not sure where I'd have even started without that tip.
I followed his trail until I reached the piazza, which was scattered with evidence of Inquest excavation and combat- and also with undoubtedly valuable seer artifacts and statues. I even discovered a message on an abandoned Inquest communicator that suggests that Sebb has something planned in that area. I need to follow up on that later. As I searched, however, I came upon a magical disturbance near the basilica's entrance; while Castora's magic is especially active, this seemed to have been specifically stirred up by something. As I moved further into the entrance of the massive structure, I finally found Isgarren.
He's as unhelpful and unapologetic as I've come to expect, and seems to have no interest in answering any of my questions. I called the others, and while Canach and Sayida are occupied elsewhere, Rytlock is on his way. Isgarren insists he needs to explore this facility, and it seems the Inquest beat us here. I'll be going in with him, of course; until I get some answers, I'm not letting him out of my sight.
***
Once Rytlock arrived, the three of us pushed our way further into the basilica. We encountered traps almost immediately, which Isgarren apparently expected, but didn't bother to mention. Soon after that, we started to encounter Inquest patrols as well; they don't have a heavy presence within the structure, but they aren't willing to leave it unguarded, either.
Our descent into the depths of the basilica was met with more resistance, both in the form of seer defense mechanisms built to keep us out and Inquest soldiers aiming to do the same. We encountered a lot of signs that the two had run into each other as well: there are dead Inquest everywhere, and plenty of freebooters, too. It seems the Inquest hired them to clear the way and trigger as many traps as possible. At the base of a large staircase laden with seer defenses, we found the doors to a large chamber being actively guarded by another contingent of Inquest. Once they were taken care of, we made our way inside.
That final chamber turned out to be a crypt containing the tombs of a number of seers, each buried reverently with inscriptions memorializing their loss. Many were too worn to be legible, but one in particular indicated that they were "lost in the rite of Divitium Nava" and "fallen on the doorstep of divinity," without specifying what that meant. There was also mention of something called "Ancora," which seemed to be tied to this rite.
Our investigation stirred up an especially powerful and heavily shielded seer construct that had remained dormant when the Inquest were here. Isgarren suggested that it was because "this one was meant for me," but, in his usual fashion, offered no further insight. After a prolonged battle, we managed to disable the construct, and I finally got a moment to interrogate Isgarren on what was going on.
I'm still livid even as I write this, but I'll try to restrain myself. He knew the whole time—or "merely suspected," if I were to take him at his word—that the Inquest were after this Ancora, an incredibly powerful staff that was used in the rite of Divitium Nava, one even more powerful than the ritual used to create the wizards. We've been groping blindly in the dark while he just kept this to himself! Would he have ever told us if we hadn't learned it ourselves? He says he will give us further answers when we return to camp, but that remains to be seen.
I need to contact Vloxx again. I think his intentions are good, but the kind of power he's after... We need to move quickly now. There is still time to prevent a catastrophe, but only if we find Ancora first.

— My story

Notes[edit]

The tomb inscription text about Ancora when interacting with the third tomb was added in the 18 November 2025 update.

Bug:

When talking to Isgarren at the Basilica, you may get the wrong dialogue if The Basilica Vaults meta event is active.

Visions of Eternity storyline

Act 1	Prologue: On the Sly → Unscheduled Departures → Solid Ground → Eyes, Ears, and Arms → Truths Unearthed
Act 2	Beneath the Canopy → Ruins of the Old World → Fumbling in the Dark → Path of Divinity
← Previous: Janthir Wilds Next: To be continued →

Fumbling in the Dark

Contents

Objectives[edit]

Rewards[edit]

Walkthrough[edit]

Lost Basilica[edit]

Story and replay checkpoints[edit]

Achievements[edit]

NPCs[edit]

Allies[edit]

Enemies[edit]

Objects[edit]

Dialogue[edit]

Consecrated Piazza[edit]

Lost Basilica[edit]

Lost Basilica instance[edit]

My story[edit]

Notes[edit]

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