Keras McArik, Lake of Ill Omen

"Aye, I see a familiar look in yer eye. Ye are much like me, friend. If ye truly wish to [master the fires] within ye and become a true berserker, ye must learn many lessons."

"Much as ye are now, I was once saddled with unbridled rage, and now with age and experience, I have learned to master the power that comes with my anger."

"Once ye have mastered yer abilities, ye will be rewarded with a gift that only a true berserker can control. It is a gift that will harness yer rage and use it to yer advantage. This is why ye must walk the same path I did in me youth. Do ye wish to take this [great stride]?"

"Ye do understand there is no turning back? I hope so. This is a journey — and sometimes a long one — depending on what ye've leared so far. Yer skills and wisdom in battle will be tested. Go talk to an old, fallen friend of mine, Lingering Axefall. We call him that because he reguses to let his spirit rest. He failed his task and remains bound here to lead others into the trial he lost. Be wary, though. He is elusive."

"The foe he stood against and lost to still wishes to extinguish his spirit. Take this axe and give it to him so he will know that ye are ready for the test and that I sent ye. Also, take this medal with you. It will help me keep track of your progress. Best of luck, friend."

"Return once you have trained more, young Berserker."

"The challange is for ye, and ye alone. If you have anyone try to assist ye, ye will fail. Do not attempt to cheat yerself of yer own development. Ye must seek out Mardic Crimsonsteel and get his guidance. He will prepare ye to fight a mirage of a berserker that has been created through years of refined magic. I cannot tell ye the source of such magic, but ye must know that I used that mirage as me sparring partner, constantly improving me skills against it and advancing. Perhaps now it's yer turn to face it… alone. Take this sealed note to Mardic. It will give him instructions for yer test."

"One of the best strategists I've ever met is ready and willing to help any who attempt to prove their skills in battle. Seek out Treanik Ireblade. She won't give ye any advantage, however. This is yer fight to win, not hers, though she'll be itchin' to get her blade bloodied. Take this note and give it to her."

"Eager one, aren't ye? Good to see, but do not underestimate how volatile our rage is. In me youth, it snuck up on me and in a blind rage, I had slain me sparring partner. It was then that I knew I was different and shouldn't keep close friends until I'ad my rage under control. There are some, though, that will [never control the rage]."

"Well, you see, the fire that drives the rage through us and into our muscles and minds can burn out of control in come creatures. I have encountered several in my travels, aye. They are merciless and blind to the rage, which makes 'em poor at strategy, but deadly in combat. Ye will have to [face one] of 'em so that ye may learn how dangerous ye can truly become if ye do not complete these trials and master the rage. I do 'ope ye appreciate this lesson."

"This creature is unlike any you have seen wandering the lands. this beast is fearsome and ethereal. It strikes out with its rage without thought or care. Ye must learn to recognize this type of beast if ye are to learn how to master it and yer own abilities. It will try to disguise itself so ye don't recognize the fury it holds within it — it has an [enraged essence] within it and I want ye to bring it to me. Remember, ______, do not be fooled and always be aware."

"I will give ye no more hints. Ye must seek this creature out alone. Look far and use your mind and brawn to beat it. Yer noggin will give ye an advantage o'er this un."

"For my mirage to remain part of my trials, I need some very specific reagents. There is a sickly gorilla that carries a rotting organ which I am in need of. Also, I need a paw of a very special and dangerous kobold. Lastly, bring me the poison sac of a dangerous spider. A potion that allows us to create a gate from one place to another is also required. If ye believe ye can do this for me, tell me so, and I will give ye a bag to hold them in. When ye have all of the ingredients, combine them in the bag I've given ye, and bring it back to me. Good luck in your hunt!"

"For this encounter, ye must be prepared for the unexpected and, in the face of chaos, be able to focus on the task at hand. Yer stamina will also be tested. When I first encountered this wicked trap in me travels, even I had to attempt it a couple of times. However, I do have faith in ye. With my advance warning, ye shouldn't be caught off guard. This challenge will also prove how loyal and skilled yer own friends are. One thing is for certain, ye can't complete this [next test] alone."

"Make your way to the woods in Kunark. Use the hunting skills ye have gained to find a most unusual and war-hungry creature. It has a very unique magic in its battle repertoire that will definitely test yer mettle. Off with ye, then. I do hope I see ye again…I've become quite fond of ye. I recently sent another like ye to do this trial and I haven't heard from him…"

"Aye, ye have done well, ______. However, that was a simple task and I'm sure ye had much help with it. Now ye must go alone. Ye may want to take some bandages with ye and be sure yer skill with them is top-notch. Ye'll likely need 'em. Here, take some o'mine. Ye may find 'em to be most useful. Do ye believe ye're [ready for this challenge]"

"Well, I am indeed hopeful and pleased about yer progress, ______. Ye should be proud that you have now attained the Medal of Strategy. Well done, indeed! It seems that ye can best yer equal now. The next test of yer masters of yer abilities is much more difficult, however, and may require ye to ask yer friends for some 'elp… but it must be the right kind of 'elp. This test will determine how well ye [strategize in battle]. Ye must gather trustworthy friends and they must be willing to work under yer command."

"Ye are well on the way, me friend. I knew the moment I saw ye that ye were going to get through this. I'm just not convinced that yer as powerful as even ye may think. So, are ye [ready] for the next trial ye must face?"

"I am indeed impressed by yer control and ability to best such a horrific beast, my friend. Ye are certainly well on yer way to mastering yer rage and taking advantage of the abilities ye were born with. Here is your Medal of Hunting. Ye are nearly there — nearly complete with yer trials, but there are a few more things ye [must do] for me. ""

"Wonderful. Ye have earned yer Medal of Mastery, but ye are not done yet. There is one final test ye must complete before I can recognize ye as a true berserker. Ye must prove that in the face of great adversity, ye can keep yer wits about ye. This final test, naturally, is the most difficult, but I would not present this [next challenge] to ye if I thought ye could not finish yer journey."

"I am so impressed and proud of ye, ______. This had been a long journey, hasn't it? That said, this will be the most important adventure of yer life, for now you are a true berserker and a master of all of yer skills. As I promised, the completion of these trials would not only bring ye the honor of being recognized as a true berserker, but also a weapon only a true berserker can wield — one that I fashioned myself. Use this weapon in yer travels and may it serve ye well in battle. Be well,______, the Berserker."