Thackeray's scavenger hunt

Thackeray's scavenger hunt is the unofficial name for The War in Kryta quest objective to assist Keiran with his ill-fated plan to win Gwen's affection. In exchange for providing him with items that he can use for his planned picnic, he will reward you with a Paper Wrapped Parcel (for perfect items) or a Sack of Random Junk (for merely suitable items).

Location

For this portion of the Hearts of the North story, Lieutenant Thackeray is located in:

• Far Shiverpeaks
  • Ice Cliff Chasms (outside the Eye of the North after The Missing Vanguard or Snowball Dominance, but before completing Thackeray's scavenger hunt)

Walkthrough

You must help Keiran set up a perfect picnic for Gwen by finding four types of items. Before he offers you this task, you must have viewed the first six Hearts of the North dialogues.

You can save time by collecting items before speaking to Thackeray in Ice Cliffs Chasms. For three of the request types, you must offer a minimum of a single perfect item or three suitable items; however, you must bring him Votive Candles, as that item has no acceptable substitutes.

After gathering the last item, speak to Thackeray one last time to hear him say that there is one last component: "The hardest part. I still need to get the girl." Then, return to the HoM so he can speak to Gwen again, completing this task.

Lists of qualifying items

Perfect vs suitable

• You can contribute three suitable items in place of the perfect alcohol, sweet, or exotic food; there is only one suitable/perfect type of candle in the game.
  • Thackeray will hand you one Paper Wrapped Parcel in exchange for a single perfect item (in each category).
  • He will also hand you one Sack of Random Junk for each suitable item, up to a maximum of three per category.
• Giving Thackeray either a perfect item or the three suitable counterparts completes the objective for each item type.
  • Thackeray will stop offering dialogue on that type unless your inventory includes the alternative item. For example, after handing him three Pumpkin Cookies, he will not ask about Sweets unless you bring him a Birthday Cupcake (and vice-versa).
  • Once you hand him both alternatives, he will stop asking about that item type, which means you can obtain a maximum of one parcel and three sacks for each type.

Cheapest/easiest

The least expensive/easiest to buy/farm/trade for items are probably:

• 3 Red Bean Cakes (expensive sweet is always available for sale at Factions merchants)
• 1 Drake Kabob
• 3 Dwarven Ales (can be purchased from Embark Beach merchants, among other locations)
• 6 Votive Candles (in exchange for 3 Honeycombs from Necromancer Munne in Sardelac Sanitarium after speaking to Thackeray about the candles).

Sweets

• Perfect: Birthday Cupcake
• Suitable: Chocolate Bunny, Crème Brûlée, Pumpkin Cookie, Red Bean Cake, Slice of Pumpkin Pie

Exotic food

• Perfect: Drake Kabob
• Suitable: Bowl of Skalefin Soup, Chunk of Drake Flesh, Herring, Pahnai Salad, Truffle

Drink

• Perfect: Hard Apple Cider
• Suitable: Bottle of Rice Wine, Bottle of Vabbian Wine, Dwarven Ale, Eggnog, Hunter's Ale, Shamrock Ale

Candles

• Perfect: 6 Votive Candles
• Suitable: none — you can get up to 3 more junk bags by offering additional sets of candles.

Dialogue

Lieutenant Thackeray

"It's good to see you <character name>. Perfect timing in fact. You travel a lot, right?"

⇒ Uhh, sure. You could say that. Why?

"I need some... supplies. I know you aren't necessarily a merchant by trade, but I'm a little short on options being so far north... did you know that Gwen's birthday is coming up?"

⇒ Oh, is it? She never mentioned it.

"Of course not. I found out from Nicholas, when I last saw him. Listen, I have a plan. But I need a few items to make my plan work, and I thought perhaps a well-traveled soul such as you may have come across them. "

⇒Back up a second. A plan?

"Oh yes. A plan. A plan. A glorious plan! I'm a little bit excited about it."

⇒I noticed. Were you going to tell me about your glorious plan, or just giggle like a schoolgirl?

"Ha ha ha! An officer of the Vanguard never giggles, my friend. I'll tell you about my plan, but first you must promise to not tell Gwen. Bad things will happen if this is ruined for her. "

⇒I swear to you that I will not ruin this for Gwen.

"Good! Come a little closer so no one hears...I've been cultivating...a garden."

⇒ A garden?

"Yes, a garden. As you know, I spend most of my time in the field, doing what I can to crush the charr and help Ascalon. Well, for some time now, I've been cultivating a hanging garden on an overlook in the mountains. I check in on the garden whenever I'm on my way to or from a mission and when I'm off-duty. This garden has become particularly important to me because I planted it shortly before I met Gwen. As I watch the garden grow, it's as if all my feelings for her have manifested themselves in this beautiful green place nestled on the side of a mountain near our homeland."

⇒ You, sir, are smitten. So, are you taking her to the garden?

"Yes! I'm going to finally reveal my hidden sanctuary to its muse, but first I have to gather the final perfect touches to make this day go just right. I seek something sweet, drinks, an exotic meal, and lots of candles for my picnic with Gwen in the secret garden."

⇒ Candles? Hmm, that might be a tricky one. Do you know a candle maker? (if no Votive Candles are in your inventory)

"Sorry. You don't know one? I was hoping you would... Isn't there anywhere you can think of that you have seen candles that you might be able to ask where they originate from?"

⇒ Are you serious?

"Well, heh, it's a starting point isn't it? Just think about it and let me know if you find some, at least half a dozen or so."

⇒ I have 6 Votive Candles direct from Necromancer Munne. I made them just for you! (if at least 6 Votive Candles are in your inventory)

"Amazing! From Ascalon? I'm nearly speechless. I think Gwen will really love these. Thank you. And you get any more, I'd take a few more bunches of 6!"

⇒ I think I found your "something sweet!"

"Something sweet? I hope it's not too messy...what have you got?"

Birthday Cupcake

"A Birthday Cupcake! Yes. Yes, I think it must be this. What else could be more perfect?"

<Item name> (other than Birthday Cake)

See below for individual comments.

⇒ I have something that passes for food in many parts of the world. Do you want it?"

"What do you mean, "passes for food?" What is this mysterious fare?."

Drake Kabob

"Now that is a meal! Simple, delicious, and appropriate for the setting. Yes. That will do perfectly."

<Item name> (other than Drake Kabob)

See below for individual comments.

⇒ I've got a drink here that I think you'll really enjoy.

"You haven't been experimenting, have you? I am NOT a mixed drinks kind of man."

Hard Apple Cider

"YES! How did you know? That would add just the right touch to the picnic. Gwen loves apples. She tries to hide it, but I've seen her eyes light up when we get in a new bushel."

<Item name> (other than Hard Apple Cider)

See below for individual comments.

⇒Tell me more of these items you seek.

"I'm on the lookout for something sweet, drinks, an exotic meal, and lots of candles. The perfect touches to go with a perfect day."

⇒ Candles? Hmm, that might be a tricky one. Do you know a candle maker?

⇒ I've got a drink here that I think you'll really enjoy.

⇒ Back up a second. A plan?

⇒ Let's speed this up, shall we? What exactly do you want?"

"Oh, I'm sorry! You must be in a rush and I'm keeping you. I just need something sweet, drinks, an exotic meal, and lots of candles. It's for a picnic."

⇒ Candles? Hmm, that might be a tricky one. Do you know a candle maker?

⇒ I have 6 Votive Candles direct from Necromancer Munne. I made them just for you! (if at least 6 Votive Candles are in your inventory)

⇒ I have something that passes for food in many parts of the world. Do you want it?"

⇒ I think I found your "something sweet!"

⇒ I've got a drink here that I think you'll really enjoy.

Subsequent visits

"Back so soon? Do you have something to help my plan come to fruition? I'd love half a dozen candles and I am still accepting offers for sweets, drinks, and an exotic meal."

⇒ Back up a second. A plan?

⇒ Candles? Hmm, that might be a tricky one. Do you know a candle maker? (if no Votive Candles are in your inventory)

⇒ I have 6 Votive Candles direct from Necromancer Munne. I made them just for you! (if at least 6 Votive Candles are in your inventory)

⇒ I think I found your "something sweet!"

⇒ I have something that passes for food in many parts of the world. Do you want it?"

⇒ I've got a drink here that I think you'll really enjoy.

"You haven't been experimenting, have you? I am NOT a mixed drinks kind of man. And I hope it's better than the last thing you gave me." (if you have given Thackeray something other than Hard Apple Cider)

<Item name> (other than Hard Apple Cider)

See below for individual comments.

After giving Thackeray all items required for his picnic

"That's it! That's almost everything I need. Just down to lots of candles and sweets. I think I already have something perfect to serve for lots of candles, but I'm still curious to see what else you might come up with for it."

or

"That's it! That's almost everything I need. Ah, I'm still looking for lots of candles, sweets, and an exotic meal. I hope someone's able to come through for me. Though I do think I have the perfect things to serve for lots of candles and sweets, I might be willing to look at alternatives to one of those..."

or

"That's it! That's almost everything I need." (if you have given him enough items to receive 4 Paper Wrapped Parcels and 12 Sacks of Random Junk)

⇒ Almost? What more could you possibly need?

"The hardest part. I still need to get the girl."

Perfect items

Birthday Cupcake: "A Birthday Cupcake! Yes. Yes, I think it must be this. What else could be more perfect?"

Drake Kabob: "Now that is a meal! Simple, delicious, and appropriate for the setting. Yes. That will do perfectly!"

Hard Apple Cider: "YES! How did you know? That would add just the right touch to the picnic. Gwen loves apples. She tries to hide it, but I've seen her eyes light up when we get in a new bushel."

Votive Candles: "Amazing! From Ascalon? I'm nearly speechless. I think Gwen will really love these. Thank you. And should you get any more, I'd take a few more bunches of 6!"

Sufficient items

Drinks

"You haven't been experimenting, have you? I am NOT a mixed drinks kind of man. And I hope it's better than that last thing you gave me."

Bottle of Rice Wine: "Rice Wine does warm the blood, though perhaps something a little less... refined would be best?"

Bottle of Vabbian Wine: "Hmm, Vabbian vineyards are renowned for their excellent wine. A good choice, but not quite PERFECT."

Dwarven Ale: "Dwarven Ale is a favorite among the Vanguard, but I'm not sure I want to chug flagons of the stuff at a romantic picnic. Though, if things go wrong, some ale to chug down may come in handy..."

Eggnog: "I love Eggnog, but it’s sort of heavy and rich for a picnic, don’t you think? Maybe I’m just nervous…"

Hunter's Ale: "Ah, an old favorite. Not quite perfect, but reminiscent of home, which might be good."

Shamrock Ale: "Well, I suppose her favorite color is green... It might be a little over the top for a birthday picnic, but it's worth a try!"

Food

Bowl of Skalefin Soup: "Mmm, Skalefin Soup. Such a delicate mix of flavors, but it would be difficult to carry up the trail unnoticed. Maybe I could cobble something together..."

Chunk of Drake Flesh: "I suppose I could cook that on a spit, but something that requires less prep work would be better."

Herring: "Herring is fairly easy to make, sure. I could throw that on a fire and whip up a tasty meal pretty quick. There is the problem presented by fishy fish-breath, though..."

Pahnai Salad: "Pahnai Salad would be a very refreshing way to start off a meal, but is it really suitable for a main course?"

Truffle: "Truffles! I've always been a fan. I could flavor a main course with these very well, but I'm not sure I see the need when dealing with picnic fare."

Sweets

"Something sweet? I hope it's not too messy... what have you got?"

Chocolate Bunny: Aww, a Chocolate Bunny! Well, that's just too cute to pass up, and those are hard to find this far north. It's adorable! *sigh* Gwen isn't really the type to like adorable, is she? Eh, it's worth a shot anyways"

Crème Brûlée: "Crème Brûlée is delicious, but I'm afraid it will spill out and make a mess during the hike. I suppose I could try, but I sense a goopy pack in my future..."

Pumpkin Cookie: "Hmm...A Pumpkin Cookie. Easy to transport. Light. Doesn't scream "BIRTHDAY!" though, does it? I'll take it anyway."

Red Bean Cake: "A Red Bean Cake will transport quite well, it's evocative of the coming of Spring, and it has a subtle sweetness that Gwen might like. Or she might find it bland and sort of gummy. It's a risk, but I could try it."

Slice of Pumpkin Pie: "Pumpkin Pie? That could work. Who doesn't like pumpkin pie? Charr, that's who. Still... doesn't quite feel perfect, does it?"

Candles

Votive Candles: "Amazing! From Ascalon? I'm nearly speechless. I think Gwen will really love these. Thank you. And should you get any more, I'd take a few more bunches of 6!"

"I am quite fond of these candles; thank you for bringing me so many. Eighteen should be plenty, right? I thought so too." (Upon giving him the last set of 6 candles).

Things he will not accept

Abnormal, Alpine, Gloom, Scorched, Spiny, or Tangled Seed: "Seeds. I ask for a meal and you bring me seeds. I don't know what to say, aside from "no thanks.""

Absinthe: "What kind of a person do you think I am? Way too strong. No thanks."

Aged Dwarven Ale: "I should have been more specific: I need a drink that will not turn me into a drunken fool in front of Gwen. This is not it. Pass."

Aged Hunter's Ale: "Too strong! I'm not wooing a norn maiden here! Some other time, perhaps."

Amphibian or Heket Tongue: "Sweet Dwayna, that is gross. So gross. Oh, and it's wiggling! Guh-! I just threw up a little in my mouth. Take it away. Quickly."

Beetle Egg: "Where did you even get that? And why would you think I'd want Gwen to eat it?"

Blob of Ooze, Refined Jelly: "What a spectacularly disgusting choice. I think it's starting to smell."

Blue, Green, or Red Rock Candy: "ROCK Candy? Are you sure it's candy? Seems... weird. "Here you go, Gwen, I got you rocks - no, it's candy!" I think I will pass."

Bog Skale Fin: "It's too tough for soup. I can't do anything with this - it doesn't even qualify as food."

Bottle of Grog: "I don't know why people think pirates are so amusing. I've never cared for them, myself, and their Grog is even worse. I'll pass"

Bottle of Juniberry Gin: "You think gin is romantic? You must be from Lion's Arch. Pass!"

Candy Apple: "I can just picture it now: I reach into my pack and pull out a lump of filthy, sticky, gooey, nastiness the size of my fist. Yeah, no thanks."

Candy Corn: "Those are sickeningly sweet. Who eats those things, anyway? Pass."

Dragon, Fibrous Mandragor, Fungal, Mountain, or Sentient Root; or Mandragor Swamproot: "In my opinion, roots are a seriously overrated food source in survival situations. They take forever to cook down to an edible form, they're nearly flavorless and bits of the stuff always get stuck in your teeth. Might as well eat bugs. PASS"

Elixir of Valor: "Fascinating, but... no."

Flask of Firewater: "Sorry, no. It’s not that kind of picnic."

Fleshreaver Morsel: "That's not people food."

Fruitcake: "Fruitcake? I remember that from when I was a kid. It's the one memory I have of Ascalon that I do not cherish. No, thank you!"

Golden Egg: "What am I, a goose? Gifting her Golden Eggs? HA! No. I think not."

Gruesome Ribcage: "Wow, that IS pretty gruesome. Can you take that away from me now? It's attracting flies."

Guardian Moss: "Moss? Not even lettuce, but moss? It's like you're not even trying. Seriously, what did you think I would do with this? NOTHING is what I'm going to do with this"

Honeycomb: "Too sticky! Too sweet! I'll pass."

Iboga Petal: "I've heard these are poisonous. What are you trying to say here? PASS!"

Insect Appendage: "Is that even edible? A charr wouldn't eat that. Pass."

Keg of Aged Hunter's Ale: "A keg. Seriously? That's a bit much, don't you think? What do you expect me to do? Roll it up the mountain sneakily and hope Gwen doesn't notice? No. I think not."

Kraken Eye: "Do you really think young ladies daydream about slurping down eyeballs at picnic? Pass."

Mandragor Root Cake: "Is this a joke? I said "something sweet" not something vile." Take it away!"

Peppermint, Rainbow, or Wintergreen Candy Cane: "Somehow, Candy Canes just don't seem appropriate for a birthday. I think I'll pass."

Sentient Vine: "What? That thing... it's moving. That's disturbing, I'm not eating that and I'm not asking Gwen to eat it either."

Spiked Eggnog: "Spiked with what? I'll pass."

Squash Serum: "Not very romantic, is it? It's actually a bit creepy, really. Pass."

Stolen Supplies, Provisions, Goods, or Shipments: "I couldn't accept stolen goods. Don't even tell me how you acquired them. It would be best if we didn’t speak of this again."

Sugary Blue Drink: "Gahh! That tastes like Grenth's bile! Disgusting! No no NO!"

Tonics: "No. Think about it: How would looking like somebody else increase my chances of getting the girl? Hard to be romantic when looking like some kind of snarling beast. Pass."

Witch's Brew: "I'd rather not give Gwen any reason to think I'm making fun of her. Witch's Brew? Not the best way of doing that. No thanks."

Notes

• The gift limits are per character, not per account. Each character will end up with a minimum of 4 items from Thackeray or a maximum of 4 Paper Wrapped Parcels and 12 Sacks of Random Junk.
• After receiving 18 candles or 24 candles, Thackeray will say, "Eighteen should be plenty, right? I thought so too."
• There might be other suitable items besides those listed.
• This quest can get bugged for certain characters, and even after turning in all suitable items, Thackeray's dialogue may never advance. It is currently unknown how to fix this problem.
  • Possible fixes for this bug include giving Thackeray more Exotic Meal items, or more Perfect items. He does not ask for them, but if they are in your inventory, the dialogue option opens again.

Trivia

• Beginning on November 18, 2010, the scavenger hunt became a required component of the The War in Kryta. If a character completed the Battle for Lion's Arch before starting the scavenger hunt, the only way to participate is to join another party that includes an eligible player.
  • Before that time, you needed to contribute all 4 perfect items to the picnic.