Within Esoteric Ebb, the so-called “Easy Riddle” quest lives up to its name only on the surface. Beyond the challenge of locating a hidden spell scroll in a stubborn pile of rotten apples and passing an intimidating DC 20 Wisdom check to impress a druid, you’ll face a layered action riddle with barely any clues. These steps are critical for unlocking the Drunk Sphinx’s vault and securing a powerful reward.
After embracing these steps, you’ll be ready for one of Esoteric Ebb’s more enigmatic puzzles, tying together exploration, conversation, and clever spell use.
An Easy Riddle — Complete Quest Guide
The quest unfolds in two stages: first, deciphering a spoken riddle through dialogue with Olzis; second, solving an action-based riddle the following morning by applying two specific cantrips at the vault. Before tackling these riddles, make sure you have both necessary cantrips in hand.
Getting the Cantrips
You’ll need two cantrips to progress: Dancing Light and Druidcraft. The order you collect them doesn’t matter, but you must acquire both before engaging the second part of the quest.
Dancing Light — The Apple Pile (Lichhouse)
Near the stone slab where you find your cloak, there’s a small heap of apples. Getting close will prompt an interaction, and the cantrip scroll you want is hidden somewhere inside this miserable pile.
Choose to “eat your way through this pile of apples.” Before you attempt it, you’ll face a prep menu. Opt for “Remove the bad apples first” to reduce the Constitution DC by passing a Wisdom check.
When ready, select “Start eating.” This sets off a DC 12 Constitution check. Pass it, and you’ll consume five apples harmlessly, gain +5 HP, and—most importantly—discover the Spell Scroll (Dancing Light) along with 20 Crowns inside. Your Intellect automatically memorizes this scroll.
Druidcraft — Nessan (Goblin Garden)
Track down Nessan in the southeastern corner of Goblin Garden. In her conversation, you’ll see a challenging [Active Check: WIS DC 20] requiring you to “Show your primal attunement.”
This check is tough but can be lowered by carefully navigating her dialogue and stacking hidden modifiers to boost your chance.
Success means you visualize the Strings of reality and manipulate the acidity of mushrooms in her bowl, causing them to animate. Nessan will be impressed, rewarding you with major XP and the Druidcraft cantrip.
Stage 1: The Wine Riddle
Visit the Drunk Sphinx tavern and talk to Olzis. Ask her for a riddle, and she will slam down her barrel, reciting an enigmatic verse:
“Once I had the sun’s favor, my creed ‘cling close the wall.
Matured in shadows, I’ve witnessed empires rise and fall.
Once left in silence, now the life of the ball.
Yet I remain a draught of remembrance. A history’s thrall.
What am I?”
The answer is wine. When prompted, respond: “The answer is wine.”
If you answer wrong, Olzis dismisses you temporarily but still offers the quest, acknowledging your potential, leading to the second stage.
Answering correctly immediately pleases Olzis and triggers the quest offer.
Either response leads Olzis to recite a second riddle and hand you a Tavern Key:
“Found within the ARCANE flare.
Twin tongues of flame that scorch the air.
Burrowed deep within the earth,
A PRIMAL String to show your worth.
Folk and gods in thronging herds,
A man DIVINE, alone, howls his words…”
Her instruction: “The answer is not something you can speak. Return here alone, after sunrise, before the tavern opens.”
Stage 2: Opening the Vault
The following morning, come back to the Drunk Sphinx without companions. Having Snell or others tagging along will block the quest trigger. Use the Tavern Key to enter.
Step behind Olzis onto the stage where the vault door waits. Now perform your cantrips in this exact sequence:
- Dancing Light — lights the torches on the stage
- Druidcraft — opens the vault
The vault will open, completing the quest and launching the post-quest reflection where you choose your feat. Inside, you’ll find the Deck of Many Things, a reward deserving its own exploration.
Notes
- The riddle’s answer, wine, can be deduced automatically if you succeed at an INT DC 10 check during dialogue, gaining full reasoning behind it.
- You can request Olzis to repeat the second riddle as often as needed before attempting it; she never denies.
- Being alone is a strict requirement for the morning vault sequence. Leave companions behind before starting your day to ensure it triggers.