The Waiting Game

The Mad King's Steward is asking for help in the coming battle against Dhuum.

Requirements

 * Access to Prophecies or Nightfall.

Objectives

 * Speak with the Voice of Grenth in the Temple of the Ages, Zin Ku Corridor or Chantry of Secrets should you wish to volunteer your services in the fight against Dhuum.
 * The Voice of Grenth suggests you prepare for the battle against Dhuum and will notify you should the situation change.
 * Speak with the Reaper of the Labyrinth to get an update on Dhuum's state of imprisonment.
 * Completing all quests in the Underworld will release Dhuum.

Reward

 * 15,000 Experience
 * 5,000 Gold
 * 250 Trick-or-Treat Bags
 * 1 Passage Scroll to the Underworld

Walkthrough
Talk with the Voice of Grenth, which can only be done when you have the favor of the gods.

Enter the Underworld and speak with Reaper of the Labyrinth. Complete all ten quests and then speak with King Frozenwind for the reward. Defeating Dhuum is not part of this quest.

Initial dialogue
''Faced with overwhelming evidence, the Mad King has concluded his sense of impending doom was due to... well you get the picture. But I fear this realization is all for naught. Though Mad King Thorn has the ability to appear in this world each autumn, his power over the mortal realm is limited. He informs me his strength within the Underworld is weaker still. As the Mad King's steward, I cannot do much more than sweep up his crumbs and groom his invisible pony. So, it seems we can offer no further assistance; you and the others of your realm must face the return of Dhuum. If you wish to hold back the coming night, seek out the Voice of Grenth and offer your assistance.'' ''
 * Mad King's Steward


 * ingame Decline: "I've had my fill of the Underworld, thank you." (Halloween 2009)
 * ingame Decline: "Thanks for nothing. I think I'll go find a nice place to cry." (Halloween 2010)

Intermediate dialogue

 * Voice of Grenth (before Dhuum was added)
 * "The Voice of Grenth hears and appreciates your offer of assistance, mortal. Stand ready; we may have need for your skills in the coming battle. We will summon you when the time comes."


 * Voice of Grenth (after Dhuum was added)
 * "The time is nigh. Dhuum stirs."


 * Reaper of the Labyrinth
 * "Once again we meet, mortal. These are dark times. The minions of Dhuum rampage unchecked, and their ranks swell with every passing day. If they are not defeated, Dhuum's servants will overwhelm the Underworld. Herein lies the dilemma: the minions must be stopped, but each small victory over Dhuum's forces hastens the Ender of All's arrival. We Reapers need your help to battle the legions of Dhuum, but know that if you do our bidding and complete all the tasks laid before you, Dhuum will surely break free into the Underworld. It is a heavy responsibility we have laid upon your capable shoulders."

Reward dialogue

 * King Frozenwind
 * "It is time, now is the hour of Dhuum. The pillars of the Underworld shake, and a great storm of death gathers! Prepare yourself, brave mortal, for Dhuum wakes. Gather your allies, for the battle for the fate of the Underworld is at a hand!"

Trivia

 * This quest was introduced in Halloween 2009 with a reward of 100 Trick-or-Treat Bags, which was increased to 250 in 2010.
 * The Mad King's invisible pony may be a reference to the Invisible Pink Unicorn.

2009 initial dialogue
''There is nothing more I can do. Once Mad King Thorn has appeared in this world each Autumn, his power over the mortal realm begins to fade and he must return to his Mad Realm. As the Mad King's steward, I must return with my lord to make him pie and groom his invisible pony. Now all of Tyria must face the return of Dhuum. If you wish to hold back the coming night, seek out the Voice of Grenth and offer your assistance.''