You know how other mmorpgs have quests obtainable from npcs right? Well I think it's time Spiral Knights has some. No, I'm not talking about tier 1 progress, go to npc for introduction of the game, etc. I'm talking about real quests! It's also a good way to know the storyline better. Here are the types of quests I was thinking of:

Tier 1 or higher:

Overpopulation of Slimes:
Some of the species are dieing off, and we're suspecting to the drastically overpopulation of slimes. Defeat 50 Jelly Cube monsters of any type.
Reward: 500 crowns.
Repeatable: Yes, but rewards lower to 200 crowns

Unknown Poison:
There was suppose to be only one type of monster that poisons: The Rabid Wolvers. Now it seems to be there's a new type of poison being developed as the Rabid Wolvers are breeding with the other kind of Wolvers. Defeat 50 Wolver monsters of any type and bring back 20 Sharp Fangs as proof and for investigation.
Reward: 700 crowns, plus 1 Bushy Tail
Repeatable: No

Black Magic?:
We are curious how the Gremlin Menders are able to use magic and heal others. We aren't sure how they learned it or how it was acquired, so we would like you to eliminate 15 Gremlin Menders of any kind plus bring back 5 Frayed Fabric and 1 Fine Fabric for investigation. Is it Black Magic? A deal with those Fiends? We need to find out before they have more than just technology at their disposal: It could be catastrophic magic!
Reward: Artifact: Gremlin Magic Notebook (Combined with the writings of the Frayed Fabric. Contains notes about magic from Gremlins), 1000 crowns.
Repeatable: No

Tier 2 or Higher:

Legend of Moorcroft:
Surprising isn't it? These undead should be thirsty for our souls, yet they are friendly and kind to us...in a strange way. Could you, maybe, converse with it's inhabitants? I would like to know how this establishment was created. Please talk to the vendors, the Inn Keeper, the Konjuring Katt (*shivers*), and the bellhop.
Reward: 1 Ghost Bell and Artifact: The World of Moorcroft (A book containing the history of the town)
Repeatable: No

A Deal with the Boss:
I can't believe this! The Spiral Knights Order isn't doing anything about this! Don't they realize how much power those Pit Bosses have? "Oh they just walk around and promote and command the Devilites to do their bidding." Well...they don't realize that the Pit Boss is giving HIS power to overwork the Devilites and making THEM stronger. Soon, the Devilites will have enough power to overrun the Haven!...Or even worse...have access to The Core! I know...I may sound crazy but haven't you notice the number of Devilites increasing? And also them being "promoted" with more power? Here's the deal: Go kill of 15 Pit Bosses in Tier 2 or Tier 3. I'm not worried about the ones in Tier 1...they only have little power. Do the job and I'll give you a bunch of crowns. Of course, anyone does anything for shinies *wink* amiright? (Yes I intended that typo)
Reward: 1000 crowns.
Repeatable: Yes but reward lowers to 500 crowns.

Grave Danger:
You know, I used to work for the Graveyard once...but ever since the perished ones were able to come back from the dead through fiendish means put me out of the job. Yes, I admit it. I can't even defend myself from those things. But each passing day and night, more and more of these pop up, even in places they aren't supposed to be! *Psst*, I heard from another adventurer they popped up in the Clockwork Tunnels! Now, I'm not sure if they are spreading in different areas, and those in Moorcroft are friendly, mind you...but I need to see if there's something going on in the background of these Zombies. Could you eliminate 70 Zombies? Of course, any kind is fine with me. Oh and bring back 20 Grave Soil, 5 Soul Dust, and 1 Blighted Bone...w-what's that look for? Of course it is disgusting, but it's for science you know!
Reward: 2500 crowns plus Artifact: Diary of a John Doe (Contains memories of how a person was brought back from the dead)
Repeatable: No

Tier 3:

An Emberlight in the Dark:
Now hold up a minute there. I know what you are thinking, but these Gremlins, here, are our friends. These poor guys were banned from their own kind because of what they believed in. Although, they seem to distrust us somewhat...I really can't blame them: What they were taught in the past, How they were treated by us, etc. I think it's time we have an Ambassador...but I'm not that kind of person for the job...I mean I said "That's a lovely Emblem you have there." And I was snapped at! I mean...is it some sort of religion or...Ah...Well you seem to be an understanding type. Why don't you go converse with the other Gremlins in this village? Get to know them, their customs, their lingos...who knows...we might be aiming for the same objective.
Reward: 1 Warp Dust plus Artifact: Life in Exile (Contains information of why the Gremlins were exiled and how their life is now)
Repeatable: No

Vital Supplies:
Oh excuse me! Oh, sorry to interrupt...you see...I was suppose to deliver these supplies to *lowers voice* The Core *voice turns normal* and well...I'm just not powerful enough for this job. These boxes I have are vital...they contain A week supply of food, some medicine, and some oxygen tanks to help with their breathing....*sigh* Oh what is the use for me talking to you? It is a daunting task and only a few people can even make it to that place. I'm...just worried...sorry...you see, my brother is in there and the letters I received aren't encouraging-W-what? You'll go? You'll go and deliver these supplies? I'm so grateful! Thank you so much! Here are the supplies and, oh! Here is a letter for my brother. Please give it to him!
Reward: 8000 crowns plus Artifact: An Unknown, Unnatural World (A book with writings of Vaellyn's Findings)
Repeatable: Yes but reward is reduced to 2500 crowns, and nothing else is given.

(end quests)

I wouldn't say they have to be exactly like these, but you know...getting to know more of the story!