I've been rereading my notes, your character, and I think the reason why the Quartz Rod didn't work was because it didn't have enough energy.

You see, the Quartz Rod powers the Rift Orb, so, obviously, it won't work if it doesn't have enough energy.

We need to replenish the Rod's energy and it should power up the orb. Now we just need to figure out what kind of energy it uses.

That's exactly what I was thinking. The Balaur made it, so it must be something they would use.

Surkana Fragments, perhaps. They would have used it back in the day when the document was first written...still use it to this day, too.

Will you get some, your character? This might be the last piece of the puzzle.

From my research, I know that the Balaur use Gathering Worms to harvest Dranas. And these worms have Surkana in their flesh.

They're all over Mephistis Farm, Angrief Wastes and Hanarkand Plains.

So, kill Collector Spallers, Plain Spallers, and Crater Spallers, and you should come up with Surkana Fragments.

I know I've been pushing you too hard, your character. You must need a break.

How about this...take a break, have an ale, just relax for awhile. But come back when you're rested and we'll start again then.

The your class-turned-Scholar has returned!

How did it go? Did you kill the Gathering Worms?

Give me the Surkana Fragments and I'll see if it recharges the Quartz Rod.

You haven't left to get the Surkana yet? Stormwing's seal weakens with every wasted minute, your character!

You remember what Faithful Respondent Utra said would happen if Stormwing ever got out, don't you?

We don't have time for games. You must find the Surkana Fragments as soon as you can!

(Pilomenes holds the Quartz Rod in one hand and the Surkana Fragments in the other as he chants a spell.)

No, no, no...this isn't working! This damn Surkana doesn't have enough energy!

We need to think of something else, your character. And quick.

1. Obtain Surkana Fragments and bring them to Pilomenes.

   Surkana Fragment x5

The Quartz Rod didn't have enough energy, so you have to defeat Collector Spallers, Plain Gathering Worms, and Crater Gathering Worms to obtain Surkana Fragments.

Pilomenes deduced that the reason why the Rift Orb didn't work was because the Quartz Rod didn't have enough energy.

You defeated Gathering Worms and brought back Surkana Fragments. Pilomenes attempted to replenish the Rod's energy, but failed.