Martin is immediately halted at a checkpoint of sorts.
Is there a problem? I have traveled a long way and hope to reach the city of Ferdok before sunset.
We have so many problems here that I don't know where to start. First the reinforcements didn't turn up and now Ferdok has been sealed off! And all the while there's a pack of bloodthirsty murderers roaming the countryside! I'd like to know what's really going on. At the moment only dignitaries and travelers of good repute are given a pass to enter the city.
Be that as it may, I have urgent business in Ferdok. Is this invitation from Viscount Boarstock sufficient?
The Viscount is a respectable man. But you won't get past Inspector Nandor without two attestors willing to vouch for your good character. Nandor is the customs inspector. He alone decides who can enter the city of Ferdok at this time.
Then I will just have to find two attestors and present myself to the customs inspector. Thank you for the information, Sergeant.
Since Martin started the game with some nature skills, it is a good idea to start harvesting immediately, especially oneberries.
A cutscene starts when Martin reaches the camp past the checkpoint.
The boobalicious Gypsy Queen is the first of two attestors that Martin needs.
I am Martin Schulz and I am traveling to Ferdok. I overheard your conversation with the guard by chance.
Oh, then you know that I was robbed. The thief stole a very valuable diadem - it was a family heirloom.
That is most regrettable. Is there anyone in particular who you suspect?
Hmmm, well… it was…
Go ahead and say it, sister. It was Dranor.
Your beloved Dranor.
Hamlok, you old crow! Keep your nose out of my affairs!
... if you had listened to
me back then, you would have less problems now!
Oh, stop your quarreling! It's unbearable! If you have to keep interrupting then at least tell me how I can get to Ferdok.
Just ignore that little weasel. Even if Dranor is involved in all this, I don't think that it was his idea. Please, find my beloved Dranor. In return I will help you to reach Ferdok.
Alright Salina. I will help you. Do you have any idea where Dranor might be hiding?
Try looking for Runkel Bagthumper. He is an old friend of Dranor. I can't say that I like him, but perhaps he knows something. It wouldn't surprise me if
he was behind all this!
Can I ask you one more question, Salina?
Of course.
Who is that old grump wearing the Mountebank hat?
If you want something from me, ask me yourself!
But… you didn’t want to talk to me.
Yes, but
now I do! Didn't your parents teach you any manners?
May I introduce to you my brother Hamlok, clown and jester extraordinaire!
Hello?! Did anyone hear what I just said? Right then, all eyes on me!
Never mind. It does not matter.
Just let him complain. He doesn't have much else in life.
Perhaps you can tell me why the road to Ferdok is blocked?
I haven't got the foggiest idea. Even Nandor won't tell me anything. Normally I can always get some information out of him.
Hehehe, that old fool Nandor. You should marry
him instead of that thief!
I would like to know more about Dranor.
What exactly would you like to know about him?
What kind of a man is Dranor?
Why do you ask? Do you want to increase my pain and suffering? Dranor is a wonderful man. His skin is like velvet and his hair is like silk. His voice is full of vigor and yet it is so gentle... He is a magnificent swordsman and yet his touch is so soft...
... and he never misses the chance to steal what does not belong to him! Spare us your love songs, sister... Dranor of Grambush is an arrogant fool. A good-for-nothing liar and a thief.
I've had enough of this! Stay out of this you old grump! I want to talk to your sister, not you!!!
Just ignore him, Martin Schulz.
What are you doing here?
We wanted to go to Ferdok. Work is almost finished on the new Temple of Our Lady, and the count has announced that there is to be a big festival in Ferdok to celebrate this momentous event. A good Mountebank never misses a party.
Thank you. I have to leave now.
In the camp is also Auralia the Alchemist from River of Time, now 23 years older.
Bagthumper whom Salina spoke of, is along the road past a mercenary camp.
My name is Martin Schulz. Salina has asked me to find her lover. Are you Runkel Bagthumper?
What? No ... er ... I mean ... yes. But I had nothing to do with the theft of her diadem!
That may be true. Otherwise you would have left town long ago. I thought you might have an idea where I can find Dranor.
Perhaps. There was a strange man at Salina's show earlier. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. But whereas everyone else had their eyes glued to her beautiful body, he only had eyes for her diadem. And believe me, I know
that look.
That certainly does sound suspicious. But how will that help us find Dranor? Do you think the mysterious stranger might be behind the theft?
Not necessarily. But he spoke with Dranor after the show and it looked as though he was threatening him. Dranor is an honorable rogue. He would never steal from the woman he loves.
If Dranor is mixed up in this then I'm sure that stranger has something to do with it.
What do you mean? Where could Dranor be?
That stranger is in league with the gang of murderers. If you can find those scoundrels then you will find Dranor. I don't know where their hideout is, but perhaps the innkeeper at 'The Jagged Blade' can help you. He knows the countryside hereabouts like the back of his hand. Perhaps he will have an idea.
I hope you find them. Thanks to Salina I can't take 10 paces without arousing the suspicions of the town guards and the villagers. We can never complete our mission without the help of someone who can move about freely.
Mission? What mission?
Hmmm... Me and my big mouth... Oh well, it's too late now: Dranor and I wanted to join the Guild of Thieves in Ferdok. We are actually here for our entrance examination.
I understand. Perhaps I can help you. What exactly is your mission?
Would you really help us? OK, listen up. We have to complete three tasks, each of which requires exceptional skill. Which is why I came here with Dranor - he's a born thief.
What do I have to do?
Great. Now to the tasks... There are three tasks but I only know the first one. Completing this task will lead us to the second task. Our orders are "Find the chest at the Aves' Shrine and steal its contents."
Thank you. May Phex be with you.
On the way to the inn is a peddler who offers 2 ducats in exchange for 10 oneberries. Easy money.
At the inn is a feisty young womyn who is to become Martin’s first party member.
Martin had to talk to the innkeeper for more information on the robbers.
A certain Runkel Bagthumper suggested that you might know more about the gang of thieves. Rumor has it that they might have stolen Salina's diadem. Do you have any idea where their hideout might be?
I have no idea where those outlaws might be hiding. And if I did I would have told the guards a long time ago. But if
I was leading a gang of outlaws I would hide in the Dark Forest - on Bald Mountain in the southwest. Bald Mountain is a high plateau with excellent views of the surrounding area and it's a long, long way from Sergeant Erland and his men.
Please tell me more about this bear you were talking about.
If you want to know more about the bear go and see Owlstone the Hunter. He has put a bounty on the bear's head. I'm not much of a Hunter myself so I can't tell you anything more.
Martin will need help if he is to enter the forest so he decides to recruit the amazon.
I couldn't help but overhear your conversation with the innkeeper. Perhaps I can help you.
Help?! Me? Hahaha! A Daughter of Kurkum
never needs helping, and don't you forget that!
I thought you might want someone to help you find a bear.
Pah! I am just getting bored of waiting for permission to continue on to Ferdok. When I heard that a wild bear had been attacking the villagers, I thought that might be something of a challenge and a nice way to pass the time.
Well if you are that bored perhaps you would like to accompany me to the Dark Forest. I am sure we will find plenty of challenges within its depths.
Hmm... By Rondra's sword, why not?! It certainly sounds better than listening to this blathering innkeeper all day. Alright then, I shall join you.
Good, let’s go.
Rhulana is p. badass.
The saber is Rhulana’s weapon of choice but it is useful to develop some other weapon talents too. In particular two-handed swords will be of interest later.
At the inn is also a Horasian merchant with a small task.
[Human Nature]: [This man is being too friendly. Perhaps he is trying to cheat you.]What can I do for you?
I'm a traveling merchant and I have lost a small parcel somewhere along the way to Ferdok. It doesn't weigh more than a couple of eggs. I will give you 4 silver thalers if you can find it for me.
What is in the parcel?
Um… some pipe tobacco.
You’d pay 4 silver thalers for some tobacco?
It's my favorite blend. There's nothing else like it in all of Aventuria. Sinoda Goldleaf. Griffinsford Cut on the other hand tastes as though you are smoking pinewood chips.
I don't believe you, Gallo. What is really in the parcel?
It's impossible to pull the wool over your eyes. I trade in delicacies. The parcel contains a packet of Kosh Bunting Tongues. These tasty morsels are among the most popular and expensive of my wares.
Tell that to the mighty Praios. I have the distinct impression that you tried to trick me. I'll have to weigh up every word you say in future.
Please consider my offer. I need the parcel.
Time to get down to business.