PoE The Way Forward quest

"The Way Forward" is an essential quest in Act 1 of Path of Exile (PoE), where you are tasked with finding a path to the Emperor’s Road, which leads to the inland forest and continues your journey into Act 2. This quest becomes available after defeating Brutus in Axiom Prison and serves as the final task before you transition to the next act. Successfully completing this quest rewards you with a valuable Passive Skill Point, aiding in your character’s progression.

Quest Overview

  • Quest Name: The Way Forward
  • NPCs: Tarkleigh, Bestel, Nessa, Silk, Eramir
  • Objective: Find a path to the Emperor’s Road and the inland forest
  • Act: 1 (Main quest that transitions to Act 2)
  • Final Reward: 1 Passive Skill Point

Step 1: Talk to Tarkleigh

After defeating Brutus and escaping Axiom Prison, speak to Tarkleigh in Lioneye’s Watch. He will instruct you to find the Emperor’s Road, which is the main route inland to the forest. Tarkleigh’s guidance is crucial for understanding where you need to go next.

Objective:

  • Talk to Tarkleigh in Lioneye’s Watch for instructions.

Tarkleigh’s Dialogue:

  • The Blocked Road: "Why would Piety go and cut us off from the interior? Thankfully, I don’t have it in me to know what that witch thinks. But I reckon you’ll work it out, once you’ve lowered Shavronne’s Barricade for us, of course."

Step 2: Find the Emperor’s Road

Your first task is to locate the Emperor’s Road, a route that leads from the coastal regions of Act 1 to the inland forests of Act 2. This road was once the primary connection between these areas but has been blockaded by Piety, preventing passage.

Objective:

  • Follow the path through the Submerged Passage and find the Emperor’s Road.

Area:

  • The Mud Flats and Submerged Passage: Revisit these areas to progress toward the Emperor’s Road.

NPC Dialogue:

  • Nessa (Rhoas): "Don’t tell Tarkleigh, but they’re the foulest fowl I’ve ever tasted. Still, exiles can’t be choosers."

Step 3: Discover the Blocked Passage

As you proceed along the Emperor’s Road, you will encounter a barricade erected by Piety, which blocks the passage to the forest. This forces you to find an alternative route. The blockage is created using powerful thaumaturgy, so simply breaking through is not an option.

Objective:

  • Find an alternative path around the blocked passage.

NPC Dialogue:

  • Eramir (Blocked Passage): "I’ve read about Shavronne of Umbra, and what she did to the Warden at Axiom. You did well to end Brutus’ sorry existence. But Shavronne’s barricade, that’s sad news indeed. There is little enough freedom in Wraeclast as it is, but to be stranded on that dismal coast… I pity the exiles to come."
  • Silk (Blocked Passage): "The road? It runs east and west of here. To the west it passes the bandit woman’s camp, then turns south, to the sea. But you say it is now blocked? I have seen a strange thing in the rock by the south pass. Like one of Greust’s carvings, but of stone. You should go look at it. What has been closed might be opened again."

Step 4: Lower Shavronne’s Barricade

To bypass the barricade, you must find and lower Shavronne’s Barricade, which blocks the road. This task requires exploring the surrounding areas, particularly the Western Forest and Prisoner’s Gate, to find a way around the blockage.

Objective:

  • Find a way to lower Shavronne’s Barricade and open the path to the forest.

Tips:

  • Explore Thoroughly: The passage to lower the barricade might not be immediately obvious, so ensure you explore all potential paths.

Step 5: Return to Bestel for Your Reward

After successfully lowering Shavronne’s Barricade, return to Lioneye’s Watch and speak with Bestel. He will reward you with a Skill Book that grants one Passive Skill Point. This point can be used to enhance your character’s abilities on the Passive Skill Tree.

Objective:

  • Talk to Bestel in Lioneye’s Watch for your reward.

Bestel’s Dialogue:

  • Inspirational Poem: "A stranger like no other, Faced the wall of the Umbra, Opened a pass in a sorry land, Gave some hope to a sorry band Of exiles and death-soaked castaways. A chance at life on a brand new day."

Step 6: Use the Skill Book for a Passive Skill Point

After receiving the Skill Book from Bestel, use it to gain your Passive Skill Point. This point can be spent at any time, allowing you to further develop your character’s abilities according to your build strategy.

Objective:

  • Use the Skill Book to gain one Passive Skill Point.

Step 7: Quest Complete

With the passage to the forest reopened and your reward collected, "The Way Forward" quest is complete. You have secured a crucial path that leads deeper into Wraeclast, paving the way for your journey into Act 2, where new challenges and adventures await.

Objective:

  • Quest Complete – You have opened the blocked pass between the Western Forest and Prisoner’s Gate. Bestel has rewarded you with one Passive Skill Point.

Final Thoughts

"The Way Forward" is a significant quest in Act 1 of Path of Exile, as it not only marks the transition to Act 2 but also reinforces your role in overcoming the challenges posed by Piety and her dark magic. By completing this quest, you unlock the path to new areas filled with fresh dangers and opportunities. The Passive Skill Point you earn will help you strengthen your character as you prepare for the tougher battles ahead.

Good luck, Exile, and may your journey through Wraeclast continue to be filled with powerful rewards and triumphant victories!

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