The quest log says the eremite went to the monestary but I cannot find him there. Anyone got a clue?

Nevermind, I found it!

I'm looking for the same heremite as well. Can you give a clue where he can be found? The questgiver mentions a ladder going down inside the Monastery, but I can't find no ladder.

He's in the Cathedral location aka monastery. To enter catacombs below chasm you must have rope ladder in your inventory slot (not in any item container) and then click somewhere near the chasm where text is showing. Same rule applies to all quest related items (must have in inventory, not container to trigger action with object or dialogue with npc).

The only quest flagged item without purpose was probably tiger eye, as correct gem for soldier is carnelian but description states otherwise.

Some merchants have it, also Jaron sometimes can have it (that archeologist/gun smuggler). The other one is merchant in the city market when you manage to reach Penta Nera.

Just managed to climb down the chasm. The 'archaeologist' didn't have a rope ladder for sale, but I suddenly found it in my inventory when I explored the Ishtai caves. I wasn't really conscious of acquiring it at the time, going back through my saves it must have got there while battling rift fiends in the caves. Apparently it was dropped as loot? Anyway, I can continue now and thanks for your replies!

I started playing yesterday. I bought rope ladder from the blacksmith in first village.

Perfect answer -- thanx, friend.