The Harker

Difficulty:  Minimum to survive, 50+ to solo
Level Restriction:  20+, but read below for specifics
Timer:  3 Weeks
Can be Solo'd?  Yes
Rewards:  Opal Gauntlets or Sunstone Gauntlets

The Virindi have long sought to infiltrate Isparian society, but they have been remarkably inept at passing themselves off as us.  The Renegade Directors created a better facsimile - the Simulacra.  One Simulacrum has taken up residence in the farm below Martine's Retreat.  Destroy him and Martine's Bandits will reward you.

Step 1:  Subterranean Farm.  Head to Martine's Retreat in downtown Rithwic.  Inside, take your first left and look for a portal to the Subterranean Farm.  Head inside - the drop is safe.  Inside the dungeon, you will encounter Olthoi, Olthoi Grubs, Wasps, Rats, and Simulacra.  Bludgeoning weapons work well on pretty much everything, but the Harker himself has good armor.  He is easily defeated by mages.  Put up all protects and buff physical damage types if you don't have melee defense.  You can fight your way through the Farm or you can run through, depending on how much time you have and how many people are going along with you.  If you bring along more than 2 other people, fight through to avoid people getting stuck.  When you are ready to go, follow the passageways to the first T intersection, where you will turn left.  You will move through a square room and into a larger open room with lots of Olthoi Grubs everywhere.  Ignore the grubs and run to the right, where you will find another passageway.  Move through two more larger rooms and you will come to another T.  Turn left and head down the ramp.  You will pass through several more large rooms until you come to a room with a glowing fog along one of the walls.  Run through the fog and you will find the Harker and several of his minions.  Kill the Harker and check his corpse for his head.  Everyone in your fellowship will want to pick up his head.  

Step 2:  Gauntlets.  Portal recall back to Martine's Retreat.  Run straight ahead and up a ramp to Martine's Throne.  Open the door and give your head to Hibdin Velos.  The reward you get on this quest will vary depending on your level.  If you are below level 60, you will get Opal Gauntlets.  If you are above 60, you will get Sunstone Gauntlets.  If you received Opal Gauntlets, you are done.  However, if you are above 60, you now will have to find a Ruined Amulet to fully charge your Gauntlets.

Step 2a:  Ruined Amulets.  Sunstone Gauntlets can be further charged by adding a Ruined Amulet - the same amulets from the Gelidite Library quest.  Find the Amulet you want and then use it on your Gauntlets.  The Amulet will add a moderate cantrip for whatever skill amulet you have chosen, as well as Coordination VI (for melee or missile skills) or Willpower VI (for magic skills).  The amulet also adds a wield requirement of 300, 285, or 270 base skill for melee, magic, or missile skills respectively.