We now know that Marta killed Corin and Nills and that Masseque is therefore innocent. Not only that, but Marta apparently isn't exactly human. But at this point we have no evidence for this, just a story about a mystic conjuring up the image of a dead man. So our first task is to find some evidence. Since Corin's ghost mentioned that they delivered a letter to Nina from Marta, that's our first stop.
Where is Marta's threatening letter?
How do you . . . I thought it must be her. There is something extremely unsettling about that woman. But please, don't tell anyone. Without any evidence no one will believe me. And I know she'll kill me if the Guardians become involved.
What about the threatening letter?
Well the letter is unsigned so I don't see what good it will do, but take it. If you're serious about getting Marta I could certainly use the help. The Goddess knows I'm tired of living in fear. Just be careful.
Goodbye.
If we sneak into Marta's house, we can find a hand-written business document that we can use for purposes of handwriting comparison. But we'll also try a different route to illustrate how there are multiple ways of getting the evidence together.
We head over to Alec, hoping for some information.
Yes.
Well then, I'd imagine you're here to see Lena. I'm afraid she's not in right now. Who shall I tell her stopped by?
Just a visitor.
You might want to try back in the evening. In the meantime, is there anything I can do for you?
I'm from out of town, what can you tell me about the Barrier?
To begin with, the Barrier is divided into two neighborhoods, southside and northside. We're in the southside now, and the northside is, well, let's just say that it's not a place for the likes of you or me. It's a good thing that you talked to me, people who venture to the wrong side of town unprepared are in for a nasty surprise.
Tell me about the southside.
All of the reputable people in the Barrier live south of the marketplace. Most are officials, landowners and such, the wealthier and more enlightened class.
Go on.
Most of the officials and landowners are out during the day. Like most of my friends, I stay home and take care of the kids when they're not at school.
Who are the landowners?
There are three main landowners in the city, Nader, Marta, and Linton. The three of them own all the land in the marketplace and rent it out at exorbitant rates to the vendors.
Tell me about Marta.
She was in a ten year relationship with Aurens, but they separated a couple of years back, and she's never married. For a single elderly woman, she lives a rather extravagant lifestyle. Other than that, she's a nice enough old lady. Though she proved that she has a lot of spark left in her when Nina changed the tax policy.
Who is Aurens?
He's an estate owner. He lives right outside the city, but he spends most of his waking hours at the pub next to the weapon shop. I don't think he's been the same since Marta left him.
Goodbye.
Let's go see Aurens at Tarsh's Tavern. He ought to have or know something to do with Marta.
Hello.
Joining an old man for a drink? Awfully kind of you, the company is welcome.
I've heard you were involved with Marta.
You could say that. We were practically married for twenty years. Practically, not actually. No sir, Marta was always a little too independent minded for that. I suppose in the end you might say she was too independent for us, for me.
When did Marta leave?
About a year and a half ago her sister was killed in an accident in Land's End. Marta was ruined. She spent several months in her house just weeping. It seemed that she might never get over it. Then one day, she was better, all better. As if she'd just decided to be over it, and then just was. As if it had never happened. A couple of months later she was out the door, as if we'd never happened. We don't talk much these days. But that's alright. I've got my memories. Not to mention a good stack of letters.
Letters are what we want.
Could I see those letters you mentioned?
What? You want to read my old love letters? Why would you want to do that? You're young, you should be writing your own letters, not reading mine.
At this point, we have several options about what to say, each leading to a different skill check.
I'm writing a book on the history of romance.
Ah a scholar, eh? I used to be quite a student of Valley history myself. So tell me what you know about Tius' role in the war against the Vangesh . . .
Aurens begins a discussion of Valley history with you. He seems to be impressed by your knowledge. You even manage to teach him a thing or two. You've obiously done your reading. I don't see any harm in letting you read my letters if you think it might help your research. They're in my estate, which is just outside the Barrier walls. Look in the cabinet in my bedroom. I'll send word to my guard Scelus to let you in.
That was a successful Lore and Literacy check.
We head to his place and the guards let us in.
In the cabinet, we find the love letter.
Now that we have documents with Marta's handwriting and her signature for comparison to the unsigned note to Nina, we can bring the evidence to the Guardians.
I have information on a crime.
What is it you wish to report?
Marta hired thugs to trash Nina's home.
Well that's the most ridiculous theory I've heard in quite some time. Might you have any evidence to back that nonsense up?
Show her the threat letter and document.
This handwriting matches perfectly. It looks like we'd better go have some words with Marta. I'll round up some Guardians. Since you've made all of the accusations, you'll have the honor of joining us. Come along.
We all head to Marta's.
Marta grins. I'm afraid I would mind dear.
Let me handle this boss. Miss, I'm afraid you're going to have to come with us . . .
Marta strikes down Tia when she approaches.
What the?!? Shit! What the flame did she do to Tia?!?
And we have another one of these dark creatures.
The transformed Marta is tough but we bring her down.
We return to Vortia, the southside Guardian leader, to see what she has to say about this whole affair.
What are you working on now?
Well there's not much to do right now but regroup. It's a good thing because we're all a bit shaken. Tia was a fine soldier, and a good friend. I don't know if we'll ever quite recover. We haven't had a Guardian killed in over fifty years. And to have it happen to a friend, on my watch, it's almost beyond bearing. What I saw in there . . . I try not to think about it. It's the only way to keep going.
Goodbye.
We stop by the Kaliyan Inn for a second and run into that wordy orator from the center of town.
Hello.
And hello to you as well.
I've heard you are a great speaker.
Calling myself great, while in this case accurate, would be arrogant and unseemly. It is true, however, that I have devoted my life to studying and teaching the art of rhetoric.
Could you teach me oration?
Unfortunately for me, erudition itself does not pay, so I am forced to charge for my services. Lessons cost 50 drachs. It is your decision, take the first step towards mastery of the spoken word or be content to stay the stammering fool you are now. Which will it be? Shall I begin my instruction?
Yes.
After an hour of lesson in the art of impassioned speech and rhetoric, you are a substantially more competent speaker. Use your new skills wisely.
Aufinius returns to his drink.
Next, we head by Gram's place to find out where he is, but he's been given the all clear sign and moved back home out of hiding.
Corin's spirit asked us to talk to Krista, so we go to her.
Yes.
By the Goddess, you have heard something? Where is Corin? Is he alright?
He told me he left you for another woman, and that he never loved you.
He said what? Why that little bastard. You tell him that he'd better not show his face around here again.
I suppose that's probably for the best.
Now that Gram has returned and it is clear to everyone that Marta in fact killed Nills, we talk to a newly free Masseque.
No.
I am saddened by your decision, but will respect it. I suppose I shall head back to my homeland. Still, I would like to reward you for your efforts with all I own. May your load be light and your journeys swift. Farewell.
If we had taken him on board, he would have made an excellent archer. As it is, he's given us a very good bow.
Now that the murder mystery is solved, why don't we look into that uncut gem business. We see Zito walking around at night.
We succeed our stealth check and are able to follow him.
So Rolo is behind this gem business. This all seems pretty shady, so it's likely a smuggling business. We talk to Rolo about it.
Excuse me.
Rolo glances up from his desk only momentarily before returning to his work. If you want something, talk to the hostess out front. I'm busy.
I saw Zito bring you the gems.
Look neither of us want any trouble. Maybe we can reach some kind of agreement, so that we can forget this ever happened?
I think we can reach that sort of agreement.
It's settled then. Take 150 drachs and never let me see or hear of you again.
Sounds fair.
Take the money and get out of here.
I don't really like the guy. So why don't we turn him in now that we've gotten 150 drachs out of him?
Report Rolo and Zito for gem smuggling.
I've always had my suspicions about those two, especially Zito. We've seen a couple cases of gem smuggling into the Barrier recently. They're always uncut gems, and some of the cheapest stones available. I don't get it, for stones like that, it hardly seems worth the risk. Anyway, thanks for the help. I'd better go look into it.
After that, however, Zito and Rolo are still free.
Why haven't you arrested Rolo yet?
There just wasn't enough evidence, I guess. I've been instructed to let it drop so that's what I'm going to do. Thakns for the help anyway.
Goodbye.
I guess Rolo can't be touched since Derrack's higher-ups told him not to pursue.
The next item on the agenda is to get to the bottom of what's causing the fever in the Barrier. Once we figure that out, we should also know what's causing Lucien's fever of House Char. So we go to see Darien and Saspina.
We talk to their doctor, Crallius.
What's wrong with your patient?
I wish I knew. They're calling it "the fever" for lack of a better name. It's a process of rapid mental deterioration, but in terms of the cause, or how much longer Darien has, I'm afraid your guess is as good as mine. I've consulted with countless colleagues, even many of the river healers, and nobody knows what to make of it.
Have there been other cases of the fever?
Unfortunately, yes. There have been a few very similar cases scattered around the valley, but far more in the Barrier than anywhere else. And it seems to be becoming more and more prevalent. There's a landowner named Linton who lives not far from here suffering from what appears to be the same affliction. His condition is far worse, beyond hope, I'm afraid.
What do you know about the fever?
Well, it starts off slow, causing headaches, loss of appetite, and nausea. Within a couple of weeks the victim begins to fall prey to frequent blackouts and dizzy spells. A period of extreme disorientation and confusion then sets in, and in a short time the victim becomes totally unable to function. In the later stages, they quite frequently become very violent, unable to recognize even those who are closest to them. Ultimately the stress upon the brain is too much and the patient dies. Interestingly the victims of the disease have been almost entirely confined to the wealthy classes.
Goodbye.
We talk to Saspina, the wife of the ill Darien.
Yes, I'm an old friend of his.
Well it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Darien's wife, Saspina. Welcome to our home. I'm afraid you have come at a bad time for us.
What's wrong?
My husband Darien is very ill. A few weeks ago he started complaining about headaches. But things have become much worse recently.
How have things become worse?
Last week he began experiencing blackouts, and just a few days later he became completely incoherent. He'll spend whole days staring at the ceiling and mumbling. Occasionally he snaps out of it, and when he does, he is usually rather violent.
How is he violent?
He hasn't hurt anyone . . . yet. But he just starts lashing out wildly. It's as if he doesn't know who we are, like he's a frightened animal. The doctor doesn't know what to make of any of it.
Who's your doctor?
His name is Dr. Crallius. I hired him when Darien started blacking out. He has a reputation for being one of the finest doctors in the Valley, but so far he hasn't been able to come up with anything. The doctor recommended that I take some time off my work to stay around here and look after Darien and spend more time with the children.
Where are your children?
Oh, they're at the local school right now. It's run by a wonderful young woman named Erynne. All of the people from the southside send their children to her. She is quite a beautiful and talented young woman.
What is your job?
I'm in charge of external security of the Barrier. Not an incredibly taxing job these days, but it can be time consuming nonetheless. I work a lot of evenings, so when Darien was well he looked after the children. I spend most of my time negotiating local policies with the other council representatives. I'm sorry, but I'd prefer not to talk about work right now.
Goodbye.
We stop by Mendos Inn.
Hello.
Welcome to Mendos Inn. We have a history of providing the highest quality room and board n the Valley. Our rates are high but reasonable, given the alternatives. We also have what many consider to be the finest cuisine in the entire Valley right next door. What can I help you with?
Tell me about the restaurant.
It's always been a fabulous resaurant, but it wasn't until the new chef came in that it gained the unrivaled status that it enjoys today.
Who is the chef?
His name is Akwasi. He's become quite famous around here for his exotic and spicy dishes. Ever since he moved here the lines have been out of control. You should try to get in some time. I guarantee you it's like nothing you've ever had before. Expensive, but worth every penny.
Where is he from?
All I know is that he was born in the east. When our last chef retired, we held a contest to see who could make the best dish. The best cooks from all around the Valley all came and prepared their finest food. But Akwasi's dish was far above and beyond anything else.
Can you get me into the restaurant?
Well, yes, I could do that if I had a very good reason to.
What kind of reason?
About a week ago, while I was here alone some thugs came in, vandalized two fo the rooms and took some of my personal belongings. There was nothing I could do. I desperately want them back as they've been in my family for generations. If you bring me back my belongings, I'll get you into the restaurant if that's what you like.
Goodbye.
While we walk away from the Inn, we meet a man named Nurens.
Hello.
Oh hello, my name is Nurens. I don't believe that we have met, what's your name?
My name is Kalisco.
Well it is a pleasure to meet you Kalisco. I'm meeting so many wonderful people here. This is my first visit to the Barrier.
Where are you from?
I was born and bred in the Citadel. An impressive city, just as the Barrier is a symbol of strength, the Citadel is a testament to the power of the one true Flame. Neither drought nor the crop failure can tarnish its splendor. It's full of inquisitive minds, which is perfect for me. I am an instructor of literature and language.
What are you in town for?
I'm here for a much needed vacation. My wife has always wanted to make it down to see the Barrier, to see its sights and sample its delicacies. I thought it was about time I indulged her.
Perhaps you could give us a lesson?
Perhaps I could, but my services won't come free. I think 50 drachs is fair.
Yes please.
He takes your drachs and begins the lesson. Very good.
That concludes my lesson. You were quite a quick learner, and I hope you enjoyed the class.
Goodbye.
We can always use a little more Literacy and Lore skill.
We stop by the school and say hello to the teacher, Erynne.
Can I help?
Erynne smiles at Kalisco in near disbelief. That is very nice of you, it is great to meet someone who will do someone a favor without asking for anything in return. I ran out of juice for snack time around here and if the kids don't get it they will be cranky all day. If I give you the drachs, will you run and get me some milk?
Sure.
Here is five drachs, just enough to get some milk from Alersa's stand. Thanks so much! I can't get over how nice you are.
Goodbye.
We buy some milk from the stand.
And we give it to the teacher.
Yes.
Thanks. You saved my hide, the kids were about to attack me they were so hungry.
No problem.
I just can't get over how kind you are, doing all of this for me without asking for anything. It was great to meet you.
Goodbye.
Now we stop by Alec's place for gossip.
Where is the school?
Quite a prestigious place, I can assure you. The teacher, Erynne, lives around here. She is an absolutely fantastic teacher, and beautiful as well. It's hardly surprising that som many young men have crushes on her.
Who has a crush on her?
She is an adorable young woman, I'm sure many men in the Barrier have an eye on her. I doubt that anyone is more infatuated with her than Tristian, however.
Who is Tristian?
Tristian is the host of the restaurant attached to the Mendos Inn. He can be a real snot, but he has a soft spot for Erynne.
Goodbye.
Well since we've gotten on Erynne's good side, maybe we can be on Tristian's good side as well and get into the restaurant. Note that there are two ways to get into the restaurant, through Erynne and through Sarenti.
We head to the restaurant and talk to Tristian.
Excuse me.
Hello, how can I help you?
I'm a friend of Erynne's
Ah yes, you were the one who fetched the milk for her. She mentioned you. I suppose I could let a friend of the lovely Erynne to the front of the line. Would you like to go in now?
Yes.
Wonderful, follow me.
So we're in. The waitress comes by to take our order.
Ask about Akwasi's Special.
Ig . . . i'm sorry, Akwasi's Special is most definitely the most renowned dish on our menu. The special is a mixture of eastern vegetables and meats with a variety of exotic seasonings.
What was that slip about?
Oh it's nothing really. When Akwasi is prepping hi special he refers to it as "Igboi," but he absolutely insists that we don't refer to it in its native tongue to customers. I suppose he wants to keep the nature of the dish as quiet as possible so he doesn't end up with imitators. Now, are you ready to order?
Akwasi's Special.
Ah, yes. A very wise choice. It's my personal favorite, absolutely scrumptious. Will there be anything else?
No.
Very well Ma'am.
Once we have the food, we leave and speak to one of the Vangorii street vendors, hoping for information.
Have you ever heard of Igboi?
I see no reason I should talk to you, wetlander. But some spices or leave me alone.
Offer bribe.
I suppose 22 drachs might loosen my tongue.
Okay.
Mayaa reaches out and snatches the drachs. Thank you. Now what did you want to know?
Tell me about Igboi.
My people do not eat that dish. It is only made in a remote place in the far east called "Fon'ash".
Tell me more about Fon'ash.
I know little. I have never been there. If you are that interested, I have heard that someone from Fon'ash recently began working at the whorehouse.
Do you know her name?
No, I do not. I tire of your questions, buy something or leave.
Goodbye.
We head to the Lusty Strumpet and talk to the only Vangorii prostitute there, Roh.
Have you ever heard of Fon'ash?
Heard of it? Yes, it is my homeland. It is the farthest east of the established settlements, and home to the most gifted artisans and chefs in the east. I miss it very much. If I had my way I'd still be there.
What do you know about Igboi?
Igboi is a very special spiced meat dish that is native to Fon'ash. I'm surprised you would have heard of it. It is delicious, but it has not been served for many years, even in Fon'ash.
Why not?
It is unfortunate, but one of the spices used to give it its unique flavor can be quite poisonous if used in excess. It drives people mad.
What happens to them?
I watched a close friend die from it. He was having headaches and stomach aches, we thought nothing of it, but within several days he was bedridden and incoherent. He became crazed and violent. He had to be restrained to prevent him attacking loved ones. He stayed like that until he died. If we had recognized the symptoms earlier we might have been able to save him, but by the time we realized, it was too late. The chef fled before he could be dealt with.
Bingo.
Dealt with how?
You must understand, it is not an easy mistake to make. The chef must coat the meat with ten times the necessary spice to make it deadly. So it was strongly suspected that he . . . that it was not an accident. The chef will never be able to return to Fon'ash if he wishes to keep his head.
How can it be cured?
I know little of such matters. I simply know that remedies can be made.
Goodbye.
Now that we know what almost certainly is the cause of the fever, we need to tell the doctor, Crallius.
The fever is caused by poison.
It's certainly not like any poison I've ever seen before, but I suppose that it is possible. What makes you say that?
Explain about Akwasi's Special.
Fascinating. I never would have expected poison, but that makes sense. It would explain why only the wealthy citizens have fallen prey to this condition. I ate there myself, fortunately for me I didn't try the special. I am going to need a sample to analyze and attempt to make an antidote. Do you have some for me to look at?
Yes.
Wonderful. Hopefully this will yield some answers. Let's see . . .
Crallius takes the food and begins mixing it with some odd colored liquids.
After about an hour he has come up with what he thinks is a viable antidote. He administers his concoction to Darien. The results are miraculous. Minutes after tasting the liquid Darien begins to stir.
It works. Perhaps there is still time to save Linton as well. I probably will not see you again before leaving the Barrier. Bless you for your assistance. I'll leave it to you to speak to the authorities about Akwasi. Farewell.
We talk to the rejuvinated Darien.
How are you feeling?
Better that's for sure, but I'm still pretty weak. Crallius says that I should rest, and that I should be fully recovered in a week or so. From what I hear, you strangers discovered the cause of my illness. I am sorry that I have nothing to offer you in return but my thanks. It is all so bizarre and horrible, like a bad dream. I cannot fathom what Akwasi could have had against me. I never even met the man.
Goodbye.
Next we head to the Temple of the Flame, since we haven't visited it yet.
Tell me about the Temple.
Certainly, my child. This temple has existed since the birth of the Barrier. Its undying flame has bounced for nigh 1000 years. But please, I do not wish to talk of history. It only serves to remind me of the great indignity we have both recently endured at the hands of savages. This is the thanks we receive for letting them live within our hallowed walls?
What indignity?
Have you not heard? The spear of Tius has been stolen from the statue in the town square. It is a great insult to all followers of the Flame.
Perhaps we can help.
My, this is unexpected. You honor your blood, child. Women with such spirit and vigor have been sadly lacking from our ranks, Kalisco. There is no greater service you could grant the Flame than the return of the spear. Such defilement must be remedied swiftly to avoid a sort of cancer of the spirit.
We are at your bidding, you have but to ask.
Wonderful. Please return as soon as you retrieve the spear. Such insults cannot be long endured.
Before we get to finding the spear, we go to the Inn and see Dinali sitting with his wife.
We'd like you to teach us Deirnash.
Dinali is a masterful trainer. After only a few hours of intense work, party members who had initially been skilled in unarmed combat have improved noticeably. Not bad for your first lesson. Not bad at all. I am afraid that is all I can teach you now. Perhaps another time. Farewell friends.
Goodbye.
Our next stop is to take a look around the sewers here in the Barrier.
There are lots of baddies distributed throughout.
After a while, we come upon some bandits encamped down here.
We fight but when it's all said and done they don't have much on them worth taking.
We continue through the sewer fighting more non-humanoids.
Lots of squashed enemies.
More squashed enemies.
When we make our way down one pathway, we find a dead body with a ring. It turns out it's Corin.
Finally after making our way deeper into the sewers, we come across a dead end with some brigands with Tius' spear.
There's a big fight where we have to move quickly to keep from being stuck on a single-file walkway. With them dead, we take the spear.
To the surface.
We head back to the Flame Temple to return the spear.
Well . . . it's early morning, the time when the hunter at Barrier Arms said he'd go hunting with us. We take him up on his offer.
We save their butts and get back to Barrier Arms.
Don't think we owe you anything just 'cause you helped us out with those Pennigers. We would have been just fine on our own.
Just the same, I'd like to offer you something on the house. What would you like?
We take some free armor.
With the Barrier stuff done (though I did forget to tell the authorities about the poisoned meals at the restaurant . . . oops) we head to the Citadel to see if we can finish up business there. First up is House Flam.
Hello.
Hello again Kalisco. What news of my box?
Here's the box.