Quest: The Ribbon Spool

Quest: The Ribbon Spool

The Ribbon Spool is a crucial early-game quest in Act 3, serving as a prerequisite for progressing further into the Sceptre of God. This quest is given by Clarissa in the Sarn Encampment and requires you to delve into the treacherous Sewers beneath the city to retrieve a sentimental item.

Quest Giver and Location

• Quest Giver: Clarissa
• Location: Sarn Encampment (Act 3)
• Prerequisite: Complete the quest "Lost in Love" (rescue Clarissa from the Crematorium).

Quest Objective

Clarissa asks you to retrieve her Ribbon Spool, an item she believes is still in the Sewers. This quest is straightforward but involves navigating a labyrinthine dungeon filled with various undead and grotesque creatures.

Navigating the Sewers

The Sewers are a multi-level dungeon accessible from the Sarn Encampment. They are characterized by their dark, damp corridors, numerous branching paths, and a high density of enemies. Players will also find three 'Plates' for the 'Victario's Secrets' quest within the Sewers, making it efficient to complete both quests concurrently.

Common Pitfalls and Layout Tips:

• Dead Ends: The Sewers are notorious for their numerous dead ends. Stick to the wider, more established paths initially. If a path narrows significantly or seems to lead nowhere, it's often a dead end.
• Enemy Types: Expect to encounter several undead, including Undying Grapplers (melee, can stun), Undying Alchemists (ranged, throw caustic ground flasks), and Undying Incinerators (fire spellcasters). Be wary of large packs, especially those containing Alchemists, as their caustic ground can quickly deplete your life.
• Caustic Ground: Many areas, particularly those near Undying Alchemists, will be covered in caustic ground. Avoid standing in these patches as they deal continuous chaos damage. Movement skills are excellent for repositioning.
• Water Hazards: Some areas of the Sewers are partially submerged. While not directly harmful, these can slow movement slightly and obscure enemy visibility.
• Plate Locations: The three 'Plates' for Victario's Secrets are typically found in distinct, often slightly larger, circular rooms or alcoves. Keep an eye out for these as you explore.

Finding the Ribbon Spool

The Ribbon Spool is not guarded by a unique boss, nor is it in a fixed location. It is typically found in a small, often circular or square-shaped side room, usually off one of the main sewer passages. Look for a distinctive glowing quest item on the ground. It will appear as a small, red spool of ribbon.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough:

1. Enter the Sewers: From the Sarn Encampment, locate the entrance to the Sewers. It's usually found near the center or eastern side of the encampment.
2. Explore Thoroughly: Begin exploring the Sewers. Due to the randomized layout, there's no single "correct" path. Focus on clearing areas as you go to gain experience and loot.
3. Look for Side Rooms: The Ribbon Spool is rarely on the main thoroughfare. Actively check every side passage and small alcove. The room containing the Ribbon Spool is often a dead-end branch from a larger corridor.
4. Identify the Spool: Once you locate the Ribbon Spool, it will be highlighted with a quest marker (a yellow exclamation mark) on your mini-map when you are close. Interact with it to pick it up.
5. Collect the Plates (Optional but Recommended): While in the Sewers, find all three 'Plates' for the "Victario's Secrets" quest. They are typically found in separate, distinct areas within the Sewers. This saves you from having to re-enter later.
6. Return to Clarissa: Once you have the Ribbon Spool (and ideally the three Plates), use a Town Portal Scroll or backtrack to the Sarn Encampment. Speak to Clarissa to complete the quest.

Quest Rewards

Upon returning the Ribbon Spool to Clarissa, she will reward you with a choice of a support skill gem. This is an important reward as support gems are crucial for enhancing the power of your active skills.

Reward Options:

The specific support gems offered depend on your character's class, but generally include options that align with your class's primary attributes and damage types. Common examples include:

• Melee/Strength-based Classes (e.g., Marauder, Duelist):
  • Melee Physical Damage Support
  • Added Fire Damage Support
• Ranged/Dexterity-based Classes (e.g., Ranger, Shadow):
  • Added Cold Damage Support
  • Lesser Multiple Projectiles Support
• Spell/Intelligence-based Classes (e.g., Witch, Templar):
  • Added Lightning Damage Support
  • Faster Casting Support

Recommendation: Choose a support gem that synergizes well with your primary damage-dealing skill. For instance, if you're using a physical attack skill, Melee Physical Damage Support is an excellent choice. If you're a spellcaster, Faster Casting or an Added Damage Support for your spell's element would be beneficial.

Strategy Tips and Best Practices

• Clear as You Go: The Sewers offer good experience. Don't rush past enemies; clear packs to level up and find useful gear.
• Flask Management: Keep an eye on your life and mana flasks. The Sewers can be long, and you'll encounter many enemies.
• Resistances: By Act 3, elemental resistances (especially Fire and Cold) become increasingly important. Ensure your gear provides adequate protection. Chaos resistance is also helpful against Undying Alchemists.
• Movement Skills: Skills like Flame Dash, Whirling Blades, or Leap Slam are invaluable for navigating the winding corridors, escaping dangerous situations, and bypassing caustic ground.
• Light Radius: The Sewers are quite dark. If you're struggling with visibility, consider gear that increases your light radius, though this is rarely a critical concern.

Completing "The Ribbon Spool" not only provides a valuable support gem but also allows you to progress further into Act 3, eventually leading to the Sceptre of God and the confrontation with Dominus.