Downward Helix

Downward Helix
Required Fame	Unknown
Level Restriction:	Level 50+ Scholar
Starting NPC	Erlene, The Eldieme Necropolis (S) (J-8)
Pack	Wings of the Goddess
Title	None
Repeatable	No
Description	Magicians in the service of the Allied Forces have been disappearing with unsettling regularity. To solve the mystery of their whereabouts, first journey to San d'Oria to participate in the emergency council being held there.

Previous Quest	Next Quest
On Sabbatical	Seeing Blood-red
Rewards
Scholar's Bracers

Walkthrough

• Speak to Erlene at The Eldieme Necropolis (S) (J-8) while on Scholar for a cutscene that begins the quest.
  • You must zone and wait until next game day after completing On Sabbatical.
• Zone into Southern San d'Oria (S) from East Ronfaure (S) (Survival Guide and telecrystal won't work).
• Return to The Eldieme Necropolis (S) and speak to Erlene.
• Zone into Sauromugue Champaign (S) from Rolanberry Fields (S) for cutscene.
• Examine the Indescript Markings targetable location in Sauromugue Champaign (S) at the south eastern corner of (J-7) for a cutscene. You will receive Ulbrecht's mortarboard.
  • The Indescript Markings disappear during Dusty weather. They are located on the ledge in the southeastern part of the quadrant, near a ???.
• Return to The Eldieme Necropolis (S) and speak to Erlene for a cutscene that finishes the quest for your reward.

Notes

After finishing this quest, you can commission the rest of your Artifact pieces from Loussaire, Bastok Markets (S) - (G-10).

Artifact Trace

After finishing the quest Downward Helix, you may commission Scholar Artifact Armor from Loussaire while you are on Scholar. You can choose the order in which you receive the armor and may commission a new piece one game day after the last piece was completed. After starting the first piece, you may request subsequent pieces on any job.

• As of February 2026, you can only obtain the key items for the piece you have actively selected from Loussaire.
• You will receive your armor immediately, but must zone and wait for the game day to change to start the next piece.

Scholar Artifact Armor
Armor	Ingredients
Scholar's Loafers	Rafflesia dreamspit - Obtain from Indescript Markings in Fort Karugo-Narugo (S) at one of the following locations: I-9, I-10, H-8, G-7, H-5, G-5(Outside the Campaign fort). Moves to a new location each time it is acquired. Drogarogan bonemeal - Obtain from Indescript Markings in Meriphataud Mountains (S) at (E-7) on the south side of the spine. Indescript Markings appear at 7:00-17:00 game time.
Scholar's Pants	Slug mucus - Obtain from Indescript Markings in Pashhow Marshlands (S) in areas where Slugs roam. The Indescript Markings will move to a new location each time the Slug Mucus is obtained. When the weather ends, the markings will appear in a new location. Possible locations: J-6/G-6/K-5/I-6/I-7 (unverified) Djinn ember - Obtain from Indescript Markings in Vunkerl Inlet (S) at (D-11). Indescript Markings appear at 16:00-6:00 game time. As many have posted time doesn't appear to be the determining factor for these markings to spawn. This is questionable. Markings were available to me at 9:00 game time, but also happen to have weather occur (08/26/2019). Also got the markings at 14:00 game time during weather (08/28/2020). Markings were *not* available from 13:00-16:00 game time during no weather (2022-01-30). Found on Firesday 9:20 with up (06/13/2022) Found on Watersday 10:22 with (01/17/2025) Found on Iceday 5:42 with (06/22/2025) Found on Lightsday at 9:00 with clear skies (02/03/2026)
Scholar's Gown	Peiste dung - Obtain from Indescript Markings in Pashhow Marshlands (S) between (K-8) to (H-10) in areas where Peiste roam. There have been conflicting reports if they can be gathered during weather in the past. Found on Lightningday with "no weather conditions" at 8:15 - (J-9) Northeast from the Telepoint. (06/22/2025) Sample of Grauberg chert - Obtain from Indescript Markings in Grauberg (S) at (D-8).