Dr. Almas is an archaeologist who has studied the history of Dacardia and many other dig sites across the face of Neopia. His work often takes him away from his home, but when he heard of the storm hitting Dacardia, he began a long journey back there.
How do you do, Planner?
Land, sweet land... Oh, it's been so long I could nearly kiss the ground. Thank goodness for that old lighthouse - I thought I'd never get home! Oh, where are my manners? Greetings! Doctor Pan Almas, archaeologist, at your service. It is a pleasure to welcome you to my homeland of Dacardia... Er, or for you to welcome ME! ... Who are you again?
Town Planner...? Ah, yes, that's right, I did remember seeing that ad before I set sail to return. So you're the one who repaired old Lookout Lighthouse, eh?
Well, I like to think I'm a fairly clever Draik. And that lighthouse had to be fixed by someone. Good thing it was, too, or I may still be lost at sea. So thank you for that. Did you do it alone?
I see... So you had friends to help you. Good, good, very good... Now, where are these friends of yours? I'd like to meet them to thank them properly for helping see me home safe.
Let Ariel...? Hoh hoh hoh! I suppose you're quite busy with your work, lassie. I can respect that. I take it you're a builder, then? So tell me, how are Dacardia's ancient ruins doing?
Oh... That saddens this old heart. I'm an archaeologist, see, and it was my interest in Dacardian landmarks and art that kindled my love for ancient history and legends. Like the Island Head Remnants...
That means the Island Head Remnants survived the storm! Please take me to them at once. I'll show you how to rebuild them. It is of the utmost importance to Dacardia's history... and my profession!
Ariel! Oh I'm so glad to see you safe and sound. When I heard about that storm, I rushed back to Dacardia as fast as I could. I even abandoned one of my digs, but that cursed storm-
Ach, let's just leave it for now, there are more important things to discuss. Tell me Ariel, have you been able to get to the Mystic Jungle yet? Do you know if Adler is okay?
My dear, I didn't understand an ounce of what you just said, but if it means getting through to my Addy sooner, then I'll help you restore Dacardia however's needed. Just tell me what to... *GRROOWWLL* Er, put a pin in that. I just realised how tired and hungry I am. I haven't eaten in... Well I have to do math to figure it out, so let's leave it there. I could certainly go for an Omelette right now... And I know just the one. I stopped in Tyrannia for a spell while travelling, sampled their Giant Omelette, and found a new favourite: Strawberry Omelettes. Here's the recipe - with a Dacardian twist!
My word! I wasn't expecting both of you to make me such lovely omelettes. I can hardly refuse such generosity now, can I? *Munch...* *Chomp...* *Gulp!* Ahhh, now that hit the spot. My energy has returned. I'm ready to help rebuild Dacardia - and to help feed other hungry Neopets with the other omelette recipes I learned in Tyrannia.
You're exactly right. In fact, these Island Heads originated from Mystery Island, but they're very important to Dacardian culture. There's quite a story behind them, you know.
Now that I'm fed, rested, and the Island Head Remnants have been recovered, I'm ready to work! I'll need to inspect the Island Heads for damage, though - it is important to preserve historical sites. First I'll need to cordon off the Island Heads to make sure nobody disturbs the site before I work my magic. Now, where did I put my Rope Fences...? Ah, that's right, I left them behind in Shenkuu while I was on a dig. I'll just have to make some more. Er - I don't suppose you could help me with crafting those Rope Fences, could you?
Ah, look at that! All 6 of the Rope Fences I need to block the Island Head Remnants off. These will most certainly help me preserve the site, at least until I verify that everything is as it should be!
Hmm-hmm, hmm-hmm... Ah, yes, your help in placing those Rope Fences you crafted - thank you for those, by the way, I nearly forgot to say - would be most appreciated! You are the new Town Planner, after all. I've seen the results of your skill with Lookout Lighthouse, but I'd love to see your planning prowess in practice. So please have at it with those 6 Rope Fences!
Well, that's quit kind of you, my dear. But I am afraid I must decline. My home is in the Mystic Jungle, not on the Dacardian Coast. And while bed and a roof over my head does sound nice... I'm actually the sort who prefers to sleep under the stars. Stargazing is a bit of a hobby of mine, you see. I like to look up and think about all the ancient civilisations that gazed at them too.
A tent! Oh, yes, a Campsite would be splendid. That way I can stay close to my dig sites and enjoy the fresh air all through the night.
You and your little Crabby-robots have done an excellent job! The tent is nestled nice and snug between the trees to protect from rain, and the logs are in the shade... Seems a bang-up job to me! I'll have to take a nap in that tent to be sure, of course... But there's no time for that! I'm raring to get my gear set up. Would you mind helping me out with that, Planner?
I've been fed, you've made me a place to sleep... And while I'm grateful, there's still one more thing I need to not just feel alive, but to truly live and thrive. My purpose in life!
Why, archaeology, of course! It's been my passion for as long as I can remember, and I think I cal really help restore Dacardia through it. If I'm gonna do that, though, I'll need some tools. I couldn't take much with me when I set sail for Dacardia, and what little I did grab I lost at sea. If you can help craft me and Archaeologist Table complete with tools, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Would you look at that! The tools on that Archaeologist's Table should be just what I need to get my work started here. Now, let's take a look-see to make sure...
Just as I thought, the tools you crafted for me on that Archaeologist's Table were exactly what I needed. Now only are they of top-notch quality, but the table itself is sturdy too! Yes, it'll do nicely. Now, where should we put it...? By the Island Heads for easy access there, or the Campsite so I can crab what I need and go wherever? What a dilemma...
Can you? Ah, well, of course you can, you're the Town Planner! You'd know better than anyone were to place that Archaeologist's Table. In that case, I'll trust your judgement.
An excellent choice, as expected! That table will really help me out once I get to digging. And on that note...
You guessed it. I can't very well go on digs if I don't have any Digging Tools, can I? For someone as skilled at crafting as you, though, I feel like I don't have anything to worry about.
Ah - well, I was hoping you would. Unfortunately, while my claws are steady, they were built for delicate work, and I'm hopelessly clumsy at crafting.
Thank you. I really do appreciate this - and I'll be sure to pay you back for your troubles once those Digging Tools are crafted and set out for me.
Ah! With these Digging Tools and that Archaeologist's Table you placed earlier, I can finally get back to work! And that means Dacardia's rich, ancient history will endure. Thank you, Planner. Seeing you work so hard has inspired me to do the same - I will do my utmost to see not only Dacardia's ruins restored, but all the land as well!
Draiks are a common sight in Meridell, so every time I visit, I feel right at home!
If you're ever in Tyrannia, make sure to visit the Concert Hall and the Giant Omelette.
I studied ancient Bori civilisations for a time while I was on Terror Mountain. Their history truly is fascinating.
As an archaeologist, I believe it is important to protect and preserve ancient ruins, so we can learn from our past.
Well, well, what can I do for you?
Ach, I could use a nap... I'm not as young as I used to me.
I've been to the Haunted Woods before, but... Well, to be honest, it's not my favourite place in Neopia.
I'm not terribly handy when it comes to building or crafting. These claws were made for detail work, you see.
Strange that such a powerful storm hit Dacardia... I've never heard any tales or legends of anything that powerful here before.
The Lost Desert is like paradise to an archaeologist like me.
I've been all over Neopia studying ancient cultures and artefacts.
Restoring Dacardia's ancient ruins is important. We must not forget our roots.
There are so many sights to behold in Neopia...
It's truly tragic what happened to Faerieland... but the Faeries have done well for themselves since, I think.
I love visiting Brightvale. I always make sure to spin the Wheel of Knowledge when I'm there.
I hope we're able to get through to the Mystic Jungle soon...
Ah, I remember when Ariel was just a wee thing... She liked sweets just as much then, too.
Being stranded out at sea for so long was harrowing... but knowing I'd be coming home to friends and family kept me going.
Can I help you with something, my friend?
Good grief! I am finally back in Dacardia..
Have you ever been to Qasala? It fell to ruin more than 200 years ago, so though it's been restored, there is still so much to study there!
I have to say, I'm quite fond of that Lania. She's got fire in her.
I may be getting on in years, but I promise this ol' Draik's still as spry as ever!
I prefer to keep my feet off the ground. Probably for the best - I don't want to step on any of those Crabby-bots.
I should really visit Meridell again. I might be able to learn more about Neopia's past.
Moltara has such fasinating architecture! Lania would probably love it there.
Mystery Island and Dacardia have quite a history together, though few know of it. A shame; it's a rather romantic tale...
Strange that such a powerful storm hit Dacardia... I've never seen anything like it.
Those Crabby-bots are rather cute. I wonder what inspired Lania to build them. Something from her past, perhaps...?
What's my favourite travel destination...? Hoh hoh hoh! As though I could choose just one!
Magnificent placement! With those Rope Fences in place, no Neopet shall dare cross into this historical site! ...Unless they want to cause trouble... But this is a rather well-respected monument. It represents love and goodwill between Neopia's lands.... But that may be a tale for another time. We have more pressing matters to attend to.
Pan is the husband of Chief Honcho, who runs the Mystic Jungle area of Dacardia.