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Completed Let's Play Drakensang: the River of Time

VentilatorOfDoom

Administrator
Staff Member
Joined
Apr 4, 2009
Messages
8,600
Location
Deutschland
The demon, mentioned by Archon, can be defeated, even when not using any seal, but that's very time consuming and requires lots of arrows and potions.
Depends on how combat worthy you build your characters. I did it in ~7-8 minutes. I had to recast the attributo STR spell on Forgrimm once , duration is 5min so the fight took longer than 5min but was over before the second spell ran out. The key is:
Forgrimm needs to tank and never get knocked down so he doesnt lose aggro, hence he should have a STR close to 25 which is easily possible with the +3STR ring from the arena master and a good attributo spell and/or potion. The others need to shoot fire arrows, the burning dot will cancel out the regeneration the demon has. The ranged chars should also have the marksman skill at least, because that ignores armor value and the demon has a very high armor damage reduction value. Finally if you're feeling cheesy, all the effects like that attack penalty and the mana drain are debuffs he puts on the party when the fight starts and he never renews them so you can actually get rid of them with the spell Recindere. Though it's not a big difference anyway, it took between 5-10min with getting rid of the debuffs with Recindere and without bothering to remove all debuffs from everyone (12x recindere) it also took between 5-10min (i.e. had to recast attributo once), perhaps it took 1min longer or so, but no big deal.
The reward for not using any seal is a very good item.
 
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abnaxus

Arcane
Patron
Joined
Dec 31, 2010
Messages
10,849
Location
Fiernes
Part 24: Inner Sanctum

In the next part of the dungeon is the ‘evil presence’ the priestess mentioned. It is protected by traps and two rows of skeletons.

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There is also an easy to miss chest containing the cure for the mirebeast.

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The cure needs to be crafted on an alchemy workbench. At least Angela has all ingredients already.

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The ‘evil presence’, the source of the Elves’ nightmares, turns out to be two statues of the Archdemoness Thargunitoth. Skeletons constantly spawn here until the statues are destroyed.

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Destroying the statues is only half the work; Angela still needs to find the cure for Ardo. In any case, Archon Megalon pops up again after the statues are gone.

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Did you tell the Dark Amazons they would find their Dark Goddess down here?

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Those supposedly fearless ladies were merely victims of their own greed and delusions. My contribution was meager.

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The deceived women warriors murdered the Elf guards in cold blood. Now they are dead too.

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After the failure of test group one, I shall follow your own confrontation with the demon with interest. And of course, the decision you make with the seal stones.

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You can follow me all you want, so long as you don't keep me from the remedy my friend needs.

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I'll even help you in the right direction. The remedy you seek was hidden by its previous owner in a rather inaccessible location.

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It is in the Hall of Invocation under the summoning circle. But you must activate the pentagram to get to the theriac. This, in turn, will summon the demon.

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I will vanquish the beast. Now keep me here no longer.

In the deepest part of the dungeon, Angela finds a bookstand describing the seals the Bosparanians used.

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Bosparanians were experts on Demonology; in Realms of Arkania games it is actually possible to summon demons – in the Middenrealm demonology is wholly forbidden.

There’s a great hall in this part of the ruins where the main enemy appears: gargoyles. Incredibly annoying little gits that can parry p. well. They’re possible to wound, although they’re made of stone.

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In a room with an emerald spider is the first seal, the Seal of Curses.

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Fayris and Angela reach level 8 upon retrieving the seal.

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There are also two bookstands around describing the effects of the seals.

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Behind a trapped, locked door Angela finds another piece of that recipe.

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The Seal of Presence is gained from a gargoyle in a random room.

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Inside the gargoyle room is another bookstand describing the Seal of Defense.

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Deeper in the dungeon, past our crypt lice friends, is the Seal of Power and a description.

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The final piece of the recipe is in an easy to miss chest in the main hall.

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The Seal of Presence is in another room guarded by gargoyles.

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The final seal, the Seal of Magic, is in a hidden room that needs Dwarfnose to locate.


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With all six seals in hand it is time to head to the summoning circle and face the demon.

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Near the summoning circle is a hidden treasure with some goodies, including a new helm for Forgrimm and an Amulet of Courage.

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The research notes reveal the demon is a Zant, which is a sabertooth like lesser demon of Belhalhar (interestingly, the Dark Amazons used them as mounts after Borbarad’s return). The Bosparanians and their magic though turned it much more powerful than it normally is.

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At the summoning circle Forgrimm and Cano will start bragging but it is up to Angela to decide which sealstones to use.

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Angela will use Seal of the Curse, Presence and Power. Removing the demon’s regeneration, preventing him from lowering our party members’ vitality and preventing him from greatly decreasing our party members’ attack ratings.

Normally two seals would be enough as the demon’s regeneration can be countered with incendiary arrows, but at this point Fayris had around 50 left and I didn’t want to leave the dungeon to craft.

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The demon will appear after correctly aligning the pentagram.

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Forgrimm will do no damage here due to the demon’s defense power, but all he needs to do is distract.

All damage here comes from incendiary arrows and both Cano and Angela throwing stars.

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Eventually, the demon will go down.

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Banishing the demon has as reward the theriac, the healing item needed for Ardo.

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Archon Megalon will pop up again with his ‘reward’, some ducats and an armor recipe.

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I suppose there is no need to tell you that I defeated the demon.

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A correct inference. But indulge me with the details. How many seal stones have you brought me?

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Three.

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Your greed completely overcame your fear. Interesting ...

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Exactly, now give me my reward!

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I'll give you a piece of old druid wisdom in gratitude for participating in my experiment: 'Stay one step ahead of time, or it will catch up to you.'

Megalon is actually useful for once, since he can teleport everyone out of the dungeon. If we had to walk back out, we’d have to face more annoying gargoyles again.

The demonic armor is p. kewl, but rather complex to craft. The loss in vitality can be compensated by a Ring of vitality.

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The daemon slobber was dropped by the Zant, there’s only one of these in the game.

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abnaxus

Arcane
Patron
Joined
Dec 31, 2010
Messages
10,849
Location
Fiernes
Part 25: Revelations

The Theriak enables Alari to finally heal Ardo.

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I have the remedy. [Give the theriac to Alari]

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Today the sun shines on us! Let all your friends gather. As is the eternal custom of the fey'e, their thoughts shall help to heal Ardo.

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Note: these Elven words spoken by Alari are bastardized in human language as Balsam Salambunde, i.e. the healing spell.

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Reawakened and reinvigorated, a thankful Ardo will now finally spill all the beans.

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I don't see the problem. There it is. Everything's alright!

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Nothing is alright, woman!

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Appearances are deceptive. It was to me that Phex whispered the truth. This crown is... a glorious fake.

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A fake! That's how you knew Mora beat you to it!

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It seems I have missed rather a lot.

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Ardo, you need to know something: That scoundrel with the magic dagger. It was he who got Mora to steal the crown... and Cano.

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She didn't act alone? If she was working for somebody else, that means...

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So Mora was influenced by somebody unhappy with the regency of Emperor Hal and who wishes to sow discontent. We must think of the consequences. They are...

I suppose Angela is a patriot? Well, at least civic unrest is not good for one of the Phex trade.

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Now you know what's at stake... will you join us in our quest?

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You can count on my help, my friends.

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Your answer does you honor. I was right about you.

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Excellent, then let us find Mora! ... and the crown, of course. Now we know where the pirates are hiding...

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What are we doing? What are we waiting for?

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Forgrimm, show me the way to the ship! Or do you still need me here?

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Yes, please join me.

We will remove Cano from the party for now.

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Angela’s companions will now have a lot more to say.

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How do you assess the situation?

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The situation is extremely critical. If the crown falls into the wrong hands, then the Emperor can be discredited. That’s why it’s so important that we find out where Mora disappeared to with the crown.

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Tell me something about yourself, Ardo.

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I was born 34 divine cycles ago as the son of Hlûthar of Boarstock. Our family is one of the most established, storied ones in the Middenrealm. And my estate, Imperial Oxblood, lies in the Imperial Marches of Garethia.

I actually found some extremely detailed information on Ardo, all the way onto the names of his squires… Ardo’s wife is named Godelind von Luring and 8 years his senior.

It seems Ardo married young as at the time of the game (1009 BF) he has a 17-year-old daughter Alara (his heiress), a 12-year-old son called Raulbrin and a 8-year-old son called Halwart.


Also note that Ardo is cousin to Prince Blasius of Boarstock, the Kosh ruler at the time of the game.

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That's also the where our family seat, Castle Rudo’s Shield, is located. The Middenrealm emperor’s imperial insignias are kept there for safekeeping. No fortification in Gareth’s vicinity is as strong as Rudo’s Shield.

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However ... oh, but I digress, you wanted to hear some personal information ...

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... I take the duty of protecting the imperial insignias very seriously, but I don’t think much of any of the trappings of court life: Eating with knife and fork, bathing three times a day or spraying myself with every type of Horasian perfume.

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Better a proper hunt or a couple of tankards of pale ale with Forgrimm in our beer ... uh, guard room next to the insignias chamber.

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Tell me about Rudo’s Shield.

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Castle Rudo’s Shield is one of the oldest castles in the realm. It was expanded after Raul the Great’s triumph over Bosparan, so that the Empire’s insignias could be stored there safely.

Note: Raul the Great, first Emperor of Middenrealm, was actually a Tulamide.

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But the stronghold wasn't finished until Emperor Rudo's regency. That's also why its name is Rudo’s Shield.

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Tell me something about Raul’s Crown.

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It is said that after Bosparan fell, a griffin crowned Raul the Great with twelve golden feathers, which were transformed into a crown overnight. He had large gemstones set into it, to symbolize the Empire’s provinces.

Note: the Gods themselves actually interfered during the decisive battle between Raul the Great and Hela-Horas, because the latter had summoned so many demons that she lost control over them. The city of Bosparan was leveled by the Gods.

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The genuine Raul’s Crown has the power to sow courage, recognize duplicity and to give the ruler insight into the concerns of the people. But that only happens if it is worn by the rightful emperor. Otherwise it will call down the wrath of the gods!

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About sixty divine cycles ago, Emperor Bardo had a copy of the crown made for his twin sister Cella, in order to rule jointly with her. After Reto of Gareth seized power, the object ended up in the secret chambers ... or so we thought.

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How was it even possible for the theft to take place?

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Hm, that evening we received an unexpected delivery of Ferdok Pale Ale. Forgrimm and I were extremely busy with telling stories. Cano must have managed to sneak past us then.

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But we caught him red-handed, in the end. He was sitting in front of the crown, crying his eyes out and with chattering teeth, struggling with himself and his god. Ha ha ... that was a sight to behold! Forgrimm was ready to take off his head on the spot ...

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... but I first wanted to hear why he wanted to commit such a brazen burglary. Cano explained the forgery to us and that only a woman called Mora could be behind the scheme. It was clear to me that I ...

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... could only regain the crown with the help of this rascal. Forgrimm didn’t want to hear of it, but the three of us set off together the next morning to find the woman and the crown.

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Who would stand to gain anything if Mora stole the crown?

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The crown is the most important precious object symbolizing the Emperor's rule. If it became public that it is no longer in safekeeping at Rudo's Shield, then surely voices would be raised to challenge the Emperor’s legitimacy.

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And then if the crown turns up in the wrong hands, these people could attempt to lay claim to the throne. Altogether a rather tricky situation. At worst it could even lead to civil war.

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How did you know how to begin the search for Mora?

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We were able to meet a friend of Mora’s in Elvenhus through Cano’s contacts, a certain Gideon. He was able to tell us that Mora had gone missing following a pirate attack on the Great River.

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Since then we’ve been going up and down the river. Hm ... I admit that we were pretty unimaginative at the beginning of our search.

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What do you know about Mora?

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What can I say? The woman stole from me. But if I pay attention to Scallywag's words, I gather she must be something special. I‘m pretty interested in seeing what will happen when this ‘Master and Mistress Scallywag' meet one another.

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What do you think about Cano?

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Fortune favors fools, I say. And even if he is a scoundrel, he’s the key to finding Mora. And ... somehow I just like the fellow. But don’t tell Forgrimm I said that.

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How did you actually meet Forgrimm?

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Forgrimm entered my service when he was looking for a job to earn a few ducats for a return trip to his clan. Heh heh, he had spent all his money on pale ale.

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Well now, nothing came of his return trip, and Forgrimm and I have been comrades in arms and very good friends since then.

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What’s your opinion of Fayris?

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An amazing woman with a great deal of sensitivity. Exactly the right person for this task. She’ll go far. I hope she’ll be able to get over the loss of her good friend Jaakon.

Next, Angela speaks to Fayris.

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We should support Ardo’s quest with all our power. The consequences if we should fail can hardly be imagined. But I fear that it could cost many lives.

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What do you think about Forgrimm now?

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Have you noticed that Forgrimm and Cano are working together really well now? Apparently the common goal is having a positive effect on those two. The cruel words that they used to fling at each other’s heads now sound more like harmless teasing to my ears.

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What do you think about Cano now?

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Yes, he’s obviously still harboring a few secrets. Let’s wait and see if he has already told us everything. Yet we can trust him in general, he would never put us into a dangerous situation.

Next, Angela talks to Forgrimm.

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Yeah ... ehm, you’ll be able to manage it, I would say. After all, it was your doing that Ardo is in good health again.

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Ardo is healthy again. Are you pleased about it?

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Haha ... well, what do you think? If it hadn't been for you, then Scallywag and I would have botched it royally. But no matter ... now we have to get the crown back so that Ardo can smile again!

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What do you think about Cano now?

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Hm ... I think that the thing with Ardo did teach him a lesson. The fellow must have something like a conscience after all. Hm, and I even like a couple of his tricks.

And finally, a chat with Cano.

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It could get a little hairy with the pirates. Keep in mind that the end never justifies the means! But now we simply have to do everything possible to find Mora ... and the crown, of course.

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What do you think about Forgrimm now?

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He really seems to have calmed down a bit since Ardo was healed. He even has an occasional useful idea now and then. In some ways he can be quite funny, that little guy.

In any case, Ardo now officially becomes a party member. Like Forgrimm, he’s a fighter with some actually good skill too, as a nobleman.

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Ardo specializes in one-handed swords but it’s a good idea to train him in two-handed swords as well; after all, we still have an Andergaster lying around unused.

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Ardo also has in his possession two unique pieces of equipment.

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Before leaving the Elven woods, Alari has a task for Angela.

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What are you getting at, Alari?

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One of my little sisters recently left the tribe and no longer sends me thought pictures. When I sing the song of disquiet, I get only confusing answers to my questions.

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Would I know her if I met her?

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Oh, Sanraya is beautiful-dangerous and soft-wild! She feels healthy and safe, but surrounded by stench and disharmony. What can it mean?

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I will keep my eyes open, I promise!

Linwen Owlwing will now also have a new task.

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Although I already wield an excellent weapon, I do not wish to decline such an honor.

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Before we start work on the weapons, you must first attune yourself to the task. Only when you are more familiar with the location of the weapon forming, can you complete your work properly.

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Makes sense. How can I do this?

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Join me while I work on arrows. Even though our methods may differ, we can learn from one another.

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I will learn exactly how you work.

Linwen Owlwing basically wants us to craft some Elven arrows, this is something Fayris will take care of.

At this point the highest level of the Elven tree will also be accessible, but there’s nothing interesting there for now. Just one Elf we haven’t talked to yet.

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Can you tell me something about magic?

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Of course, but that does not mean you will understand it.

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How is Elven magic different from that of other peoples?

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We Elves learn to use our mandra in the same way that we learn to walk. Nature teaches us to trust in the fact that we can run faster when we are in danger.

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We learn and use our magic intuitively. We hear whether the melody of a spell can be introduced in harmony to the surrounding environment, which we call the iamanda. This harmony is obviously unimportant to many magicians.

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Or maybe they simply cannot hear it and therefore cannot really feel the magic. Otherwise, why would they learn magic from lifeless books and use it without consideration for the consequences?

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What can you tell me about the magic protecting the ruins?

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This was an act of magic that the Storm Sentinels were only able to perform in unison. But we were guided by Isaliel.

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We gathered every spring to replenish the magic with our renewed powers. Anyone who could breach it, must have incredible power.

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I would like to hear about how Elves work their magic together.

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In Salasandra, we combine our knowledge and our powers and are able to weave magic more powerful than we can individually.

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It is not easy to explain complete unity of thoughts and feelings to somebody who has not experienced it. I feel so sorry for you.

Last thing to do in the area is craft that cure for the mirebeast.

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Unfortunately, though, the mirebeast turns into a hostile ogre.

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After killing the ogre Archon Megalon pops up a final time.

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Well, you're not the only researcher on Ethra.

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Ah, you call yourselves researchers, do you? Shall we reiterate your research methodology? What was your hypothesis?

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The mire beast wasn't a mire beast and no longer wished to be one.

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That was two hypotheses. An assumed falsification of the first hypothesis made the second a premise of philosophical importance: 'Are animals self-aware?'

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Do you want to talk about my experiment or would you rather philosophize?

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I just wanted to remind you that every experimental process must be framed within a theoretical context. Now let's talk about the tools and variables involved in the implementation.

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The tool was the remedy and the variable was the mire beast.

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The dependent variable reacted as planned, despite the fact that the tool was not verified. The observer - that's you - then interrupted the experiment by prematurely killing the object under observation.

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I thought it might be a transformed Human or Elf.

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You base your arguments on speculation, rather than reliable causal statements. You still have much to learn if you wish to discover the true nature of the world.

Hammerberg is marked on the world map, but for now the Thalaria returns to Nadoret.

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drexciya

Augur
Joined
May 3, 2004
Messages
250
Location
Netherlands
The demon, mentioned by Archon, can be defeated, even when not using any seal, but that's very time consuming and requires lots of arrows and potions.
Depends on how combat worthy you build your characters. I did it in ~7-8 minutes. I had to recast the attributo STR spell on Forgrimm once , duration is 5min so the fight took longer than 5min but was over before the second spell ran out. The key is:
Forgrimm needs to tank and never get knocked down so he doesnt lose aggro, hence he should have a STR close to 25 which is easily possible with the +3STR ring from the arena master and a good attributo spell and/or potion. The others need to shoot fire arrows, the burning dot will cancel out the regeneration the demon has. The ranged chars should also have the marksman skill at least, because that ignores armor value and the demon has a very high armor damage reduction value. Finally if you're feeling cheesy, all the effects like that attack penalty and the mana drain are debuffs he puts on the party when the fight starts and he never renews them so you can actually get rid of them with the spell Recindere. Though it's not a big difference anyway, it took between 5-10min with getting rid of the debuffs with Recindere and without bothering to remove all debuffs from everyone (12x recindere) it also took between 5-10min (i.e. had to recast attributo once), perhaps it took 1min longer or so, but no big deal.
The reward for not using any seal is a very good item.
Interesting; there's so many spells which I haven't looked at during my plays of Drakensang I & II. Indeed you get a very powerful item when not using any seals. In general the Drakensang games are relatively skimpy with powerful items, but that's done in a good way.
 

abnaxus

Arcane
Patron
Joined
Dec 31, 2010
Messages
10,849
Location
Fiernes
Part 26: Dubm Ox

Back in Nadoret an easy-to-miss sidequest is now available. Right outside the harbour an ox driver appeared.

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There must be something wrong with my hearing. What did you say?!

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Oh, excuse me, I didn’t notice you there at all! Naturally I wasn't referring to you!

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Well, who were you talking about?

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Bogumil, my most important associate! I should actually have passed through the toll station long since, but the dumb ox has simply run off!

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He’s probably stuck at the 'Mellow Ox' tavern and I didn’t notice it. I should have known that would happen, after all, it isn’t the first time.

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Can’t you quickly go look what’s keeping him and nudge him to get moving? You'd be doing me a big favor. I can’t really leave the animals here unattended. It’s right down the path here.

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Why not? I always enjoy visiting a new tavern.

Bogumil turns out to be a literal ox.

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Heh heh.

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What’s so funny about that?

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Oh, nothing! I just think your idea of Bogumil is leading you astray...

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Then perhaps you would be kind enough to enlighten me?

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Of course... Look around the corner. Bogumil is standing in front of the tavern signboard.

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What’s he doing there?

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Better to ask him yourself… if you can, heh heh!

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I’ll do that, thank you.

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Yes, he belongs to old Hajo. It's not the first time that he's stood there as if rooted to the spot.

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I think Bogumil is magically attracted to the tavern's signboard.

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Maybe it's the helmet that's nailed to the sign. The horns do bear a strong resemblance to those of an ox.

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It took me a lot of time to find a suitable helmet.

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Would you lend it to me? Maybe I can use it to lure the ox away.

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Sorry, no hand-outs here... No free rounds of ale, no tabs and no loans. You'll have to put an adequate sum of money on the table.

Angela can haggle for the helmet and pay just a ducat.

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[Success] Yes, I suppose the helmet has seen better days. 1 ducat and it's yours.

Putting the helmet on Forgrimm leads to the best result.

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Forgrimm may look like a goat with the helmet on, the ox will still not move.

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And just how will you do that?

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My Uncle Gnawgrimm, he was a mountain goat herder. He had the manners of a billy goat and smelled like a whole stable full of them. When he had consumed at least five Pale Ales and approached the beasts stripped to the waist, they all followed him.

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How is that supposed to help us?

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Well ... I have an idea. I’ll turn into the lead steer, I already have this helmet, so I’ll do it for the fun and a couple of Pale Ales. Besides, nobody here knows me.

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Shall we risk it? Right then, let’s do it!

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Nothing will go down without a Pale Ale!

After five Pale Ales Forgrimm will be drunk enough for the ox to follow.

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Bogumil! Well, finally!

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Moo ... aha ha, what fun that was. And five Pale Ales at no charge, that was worth it. Ha ha!

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Yes, that was a real blast! And a story like that sticks with you forever. People never forget that kind of thing.

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Uh ... do you think so? Hm ... maybe it would have been better not to make an ox of myself.

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Forgrimm really deserves a reward for his deed!

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Hmmm, how about if I had this ox helmet repaired by the local blacksmith? You can pick it up there, then. I’m afraid that I hardly have anything that would be useful to you, otherwise.

With a successful haggle check Angela can get two more ducats out of the ox driver, but the real reward will be the helmet.

Anyway, after the ox diversion it is time to properly equip Ardo.

The helmet of Brig Lo fits Ardo as it was once worn by the founder of his House.

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We buy him also some greaves.

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Back at the barracks, our characters now learn some new skills.

Endurance gives +6 to endurance, each level of Armor use decreased Encumbrance from armour by 1.

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Sweeping blow doesn’t work that well in practice but might as well learn it.

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Shield fighting increases the shield parry value.

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Ardo might as well learn to use crossbow.

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The alchemist will now have some new recipes, Angela also buys precision scales.

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At the local bowyer Fayris crafts the Elven arrows Linwen back at the Elf woods needed.

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If we take Ardo to the cook at the Leaping Stag now, there will be a unique interaction.

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You should add nuts. It lends the whole thing a splendid flavor and a very special aroma!

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Nuts? I’ll have to try that right now. Just a minute!

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You were right. It tastes delicious with the nuts! It makes you feel as if you could take on anything. A breakfast that gives you energy for the entire day.

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Here! Take this recipe as my thanks. I call this creation 'Ardo's Breakfast of Champions'. Because you, esteemed Master Ardo, had the idea that gave it the final touch.

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Thank you very much, I uh ... feel honored!

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So, when you have nuts on you in the future, always give them to me. I’ll always buy them from you.

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So there’s actually a use even for the most disgusting junk.

Behind the Praios Temple is a merchant called Crooked Otto who sells a lot of peculiar items.

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Angela buys here crab pincers needed for a blacksmith recipe.

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Crooked Otto also sells amoeba spores… these look like they could be useful in the future.

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Dragon blood is an alchemical ingredient used for the most powerful potions; might as well get some now.

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Back at the Thieves guild Dilga will now teach the most powerful attack, Fatal Thrust, but Angela needs to increase CO to 15 for this first.

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For now, Angela will learn Bleeding.

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Ardo also learns Dodge (a lot of special attacks in the game can only be dodged).

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Angela also asks Odila about some thievery rumours.

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Sure I do, but that’ll cost you, hmm ... 3 ducats, because it’s you.

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All right. Here are 3 ducats.

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I heard there’s a worthwhile building in the northwestern part of town, at the fork in the river. There’s supposed to be fabulous treasure in the cellar.

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The problem with it is that the deceased owner allegedly laid traps all over the cellar. If you go in there, you should be extremely cautious.

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That sounds very interesting, thanks.

At this point Odila also sells Gloves of Shadow, but these are kinda overkill now.

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Angela buys the velvet gloves, though.

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Now at the mage tower a whole lot of p. interesting new spells will be available, but these are all Human-only.

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Note: the Horriphobus spell was created by Archon Megalon…

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In any case, the recipe Angela picked up in the Bosparanian ruins can be sold to Brookbeard in exchange for another recipe.

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What?! Bosparanian? Show me! Oh... oh... yes... now that is of extraordinary interest to me! I'll give you another recipe in exchange for it. What do you prefer... Incendiary arrows, incendiary bolts or incendiary bullets?

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The recipe for incendiary bolts.

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Here, I’ll give you this recipe for yours.

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A fair exchange, thank you.

The Elf who lives near Nadoret will now teach Marksmanship Mastery… but for this Fayris will need to raise her Base Ranged to 9… meaning investing 3 points among IN/DE/ST.

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The local smith will now sell the ox helmet, but even with a successful haggle it still costs 999 ducats… it is meant to be an endgame item.

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Old Hajo said that you did him a favor.

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That's why I’m going to give you a special bargain price for friends. 1000 ducats.

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A special bargain price for friends? Hajo told me he owed you a favor and that you don’t have to pay for the repairs!

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Hajo also claims that his oxen can talk.

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But 1000 ducats for an old helmet? Have you lost your mind?

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I don’t think you quite understand what kind of quality I’m talking about here.

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After the repair and reinforcements I did on it, the helmet went through the hands of the most talented craftsmen and magicians in this town to create something very special!

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Alchemist Auralia, Tailor Marcusi and even Master Tergion Brookbeard have all put in their best effort. That has a price. It has turned out to be a genuine masterpiece!

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[Haggle] Maybe it is a masterpiece. But 1000 ducats is hardly a special bargain!

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Very well, 999 ducats, because it’s you!

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Are you kidding me?

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By Ingerimm, no! I would ruin my business if I cheated my customers! Believe me, this helmet is truly a unique piece of a very special type!

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I’m sorry but that’s too expensive.

In any case, the smith now sells the recipe to craft Light plate armor but this stuff is too troublesome to craft now. We still buy it for later use along with some others.

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For now, we have Forgrimm craft only the Crab shell greaves for Angela.

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abnaxus

Arcane
Patron
Joined
Dec 31, 2010
Messages
10,849
Location
Fiernes
Part 27: Stone Prison

Angela returns to the Troll bridge south of Nadoret. Trolls are dubm, so it’s very possibly they completely forgot about her by now.

Of course, after reading Hubert Van Haring’s book we now know how to get past them.

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Yes. Go 'way! Nothing here for midget man...

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Correct. Road end here.

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I may not be a troll, but a magician is expecting me. I'm sure you know who I mean.

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'Course, we know! Glitterman good friend. And he sure not say we let other midget man through. So you no go through!

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Your loyalty to your oath is very commendable. He must be a really nice magician if he's your friend.

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Yes, he be. He give us always reward. Ku... emm... Ka... uh... Tongues! Sweet tongues! Maybe you bring sweet tongues, show us you friend of Little Spellcaster.

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"Sweet tongues"?! You don't mean candied Kosh bunting tongues, do you?

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Yaa, right name. Sweet, good!

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Kosh Bunting tongues? Are a few screws perhaps loose in your head? They don't only taste fantastic, they're also darn expensive! I'd rather eat them myself than give them to Trolls!

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Hairy midget man complain all he want, it no matter ... want to past us go, bring you sweet tongues. Mmmm, tastem soooo much gooood!

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Alright, then. As far as I'm concerned, you can have your "sweet tongues".

Crooked Otto is the only merchant with bunting tongues in inventory. Plus some other weird stuff.

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No, no, that was a special delivery that somehow fell into my hands. I don’t even know who the original recipient is. Now they’re looking forward to a new home.

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What exactly are they?

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Those are the legendary Valpodings! Chimeras that live here in the Kosh. They are extremely hard to find and therefore quite valuable. Well, have I piqued your interest?

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If my little cousin Anshold knew ... the princeling is completely nutty about the beasts. He dreams of his own zoo instead of working on his sword arm. Ha ha!

It’s possible to buy these bizarre animals but it doesn’t affect anything in the game. Angela purchases only the tongues.

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With the tongues in hand the trolls can be peacefully subdued.

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What did you think? A whole stack of them, even.

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You show. Quick!

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Here. Feast yourselves on these.

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Aahhh, much sweet tongues! Friend, friend, you gooood friend... You pass!

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Opting for the peaceful solution has an added benefit: a free piece of armour.

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We will stick the Tulamidian mail on Ardo.

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In the area past the trolls can be found some Olginroot… a plant that’s ridiculously difficult to locate let alone harvest.

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There’s also a hidden chest with some minor treasure.

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At the end of the area is a small lake with an island. The island can be reached by rowboat… this is clearly the location mentioned in Hubert’s book.

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As soon as Angela steps foot on the small island a voice calls out to her.

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What ... is someone talking to me? Where are you?

The voice appears to belong to a water nymph. Or necker.

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As an aside: if one leaves the main menu screen on for long enough, a water nymph will eventually raise from the water and walk past.

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At any rate, this nymph is the creature mentioned in Hubert’s book.

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I cannot hear you, but I can sense your voice inside my head ... don’t be afraid of me.

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I understand your thoughts. But the language of you landfolk is foreign to me.

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I was afraid that he had come back at first. He lived on land like you. He made me suffer a great deal. But he suffered, too. He hasn't come to this place for a long time.

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What is this strange place? Who are you? Do you live here?

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This is not my home. But I am a prisoner here. My name is Aililayal. I belong to the water folk. You who live on land call us the Water Nymphs, I believe.

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You say you’re being held prisoner here? What do you mean?

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The one who lives on land, who I told you about ... he shackled me to this place. Do you see these rocks here? He placed a mighty spell on them, so I that I’m unable to leave this island ...

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I’ve never seen a creature like yourself before. Do you really live under the water?

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Yes, the rivers and depths of the ocean are home to us. Yet at times we go on land, where we meet some of your kind. That frequently brings us children of the water a great deal of pain ...

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One of your kind saw me on the shore one night and came over to me. He said that I belonged to him now and bound me to this spot ... but I can’t survive here. I long to return to my people.

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What do I have to do to set you free?

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Perhaps there is a way. But to help me you must understand the herbs of the forest. The one who lives on land used them to work the spell.

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My senses were numb when he brought me here. I couldn’t see everything he did exactly. But he placed herbs in the bowls on these stones. A different one in each.

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Please continue.

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Then he turned the stones in a certain way and then suddenly there was light in this place that began flashing in a myriad of colors. It was like looking at the sun through a waterfall.

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Shortly after that it seemed as if my legs were turning into frozen water. Then I lost consciousness.

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Ever since then that happens every time I distance myself more than a few steps from the island. My body stiffens, as if it is turning to ice, and I lose my senses.

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I’ve been trying to escape from this spell for many moon cyles. But it’s hopeless. The herbs that grow on this island aren't the right ones to help me escape.

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Do you know anything else about these strange stones?

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They can be turned, but I can’t interpret the symbols on them. However, I do know that the right herbs are needed to work the magic.

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I beg you, help me! If you find the right herbs and turn the stones in the right way, then I’ll surely be set free.

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Fear not. I will do what I can to help you.

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The first thing to do is to align the symbols on the rotating disc with the symbols on the rotating pillars.

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Next, we need to put the right herb in the right pedestal. Some knowledge of Aventurian lore is required for this: the symbols correspond to certain elements.

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To break the spell that is holding the nymph, we put Oneberry in Water bowl, Firemoss in Humus bowl, Whirlweed in Fire bowl, and Toadstool in Earth bowl.

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And just like that, the nymph is freed.

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I’m so happy! I can finally go back to the waters of my homeland! Back home to my own people! Thank you!

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I don’t have anything precious that I can give you for it. But perhaps I can give you a gift that you will think is much more valuable. Open your mind to me ...

Now, if this had been a Wapanese game…

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That ... that’s quite overwhelming! Thank you. Good luck on your homeward journey.

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May the Twelfgods be thanked that the poor creature is free now. I had my doubts that the puzzle could be solved at all.

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Don't worry, old friend. A human did imprison the water woman here, but this place was certainly created by Dwarven Geodes. You can see that by the fine craftsmanship all around you.

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That means that Dwarves only construct prisons that can be opened again... I find that very reassuring. I doubt that whoever built this place had good intentions.

At this point Angela has enough to raise CO to 15, a requirement to be able to learn Fatal Thrust.

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abnaxus

Arcane
Patron
Joined
Dec 31, 2010
Messages
10,849
Location
Fiernes
Part 28: Pest Control

Passing past the mill south of Nadoret there appears to be a problem.

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What are you talking about?

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Vermin! My mill is infested with giant lice!

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Didn't you see them on your way here? They have taken over the whole mill! I don't dare even set foot on my own property!

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I'm sorry - I didn't see any lice.

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Since you are here anyway, couldn’t you take on this plague for me? You look like a brave sort... one who doesn't scare easily, and I have no one else to turn to.

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Dispatching this brood would be my pleasure.

There are four lice to kill but of course that’s not the end of it.

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That was child's play. Those four lice were easily disposed of.

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What? Only four lice? Excuse me, but I could have gotten rid of them myself.

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Please feel free to be a bit more grateful ...

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But I am grateful for your efforts! However, there are many more lice in the courtyard. Some take longer to crawl out of their holes. You only have to look around carefully and wait a bit.

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Then I’ll go back…

This time there are about twenty lice in total to kill… Angela also picks up a suspicious looking bottle of liquid along the way.

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If Angela doesn’t find the bottle, the quest ends immediately. Now there’s a follow-up.

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Yes, I've put an end to the plague.

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Oh, if you knew how welcome your news is! You have really helped me a lot. I just wish I knew what attracted these creatures...

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I may have an answer to that. I found this vial.

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Show me…

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Here you are.

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Hm, that looks very strange. It's not mine.

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Could it be something like a lure for them? But... Who...who would do something like that?

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Perhaps we should find out exactly what's in the vial first.

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An excellent idea! Could you perhaps ask around among the merchants in Nadoret? Auralia the Alchemist might know what it is!

There’s a possibility here to extract some ducats from the poor miller.

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Well, you would only have to speak to the merchants who sell potions and tinctures. However, I understand. Could 4 ducats change your mind, by chance?

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I’ll keep my ear to the ground.

Along the way to the marketplace, Angela decides to check out that warehouse Odila had told her about earlier.

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Some of the traps inside are ridiculously difficult to spot even boosting Perception over 20.

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There are two treasure chests with decent treasure.

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Angela also takes the time to purchase a rapier from Bakur.

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Then, at the marketplace Auralia is consulted.

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Let me see ... hm, fascinating ...

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Can you identify it?

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You have discovered a conspicuously rare liquid from the Khôm Desert.

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What is it used for?

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That’s a good question, for this secretion has a truly peculiar characteristic: It attracts Tomb Lice. The only question now is: who would have a need to attract these animals?

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Exactly. Do you sell this liquid?

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No. Who would have any interest in luring this vermin?

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If you are searching for answers, then go look up Crooked Otto behind the Temple of Praios. He has a taste for obscure things like that.

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Thanks for the tip.

Of course, we are already acquainted with this Otto.

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Let me see ... Yes, that did come from my collection. I recognized it immediately. The best quality. I’d take an oath on it.

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What exactly is the liquid inside the vial?

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This miracle drug is used when you want to play a dirty trick on your neighbor for revenge. If you sprinkle some of this in his cellar, it will soon be overrun with lice!

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Do you remember who you sold it to by any chance?

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Of course! But I can't think of the name right now. Strange ...

There’s a possibility to intimidate Otto, but that’s just too rude…

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Very possible! 2 ducats can sometimes work wonders.

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Here are 2 ducats. Now let’s see what kind of wonder we can work here.

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Ah, my memory is suddenly coming back ...

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... a few days ago a young girl bought this substance from me ... peasant clothing, brown hair, freckles ... I really don’t remember any more than that.

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There you go ... your memory is fantastic! Thank you.

Back at the miller the culprit is quickly revealed.

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Actually, I did manage to find out some interesting details.

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Don't keep me in suspense! What is it?

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Well, the liquid was actually for attracting lice.

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Oh no! ... But... whoever would do anything like that?

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The purchaser was apparently a young peasant woman with dark hair and freckles.

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Dark hair and freckles? Are you sure? Maybe you misheard?

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You've gone very pale. What's the matter, all of a sudden?

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By all that's holy, that description fits my daughter! Oh Berisa, what have you done?

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What could have induced her to do such a thing?

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Ahh, we had a very bad argument about nothing. That girl has got such a temper, I tell you! I just don't know what to do with her!

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Don't worry about it. They're always a bit difficult when they get to a certain age.

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How right you are! My wife should speak to her. She is better at handling delicate situations like this...

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That’s a good idea.

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The gold ring reward is crap… but at least the many lice eyes we collected can be sold for decent profit to the local cook.

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oscar

Arcane
Joined
Aug 30, 2008
Messages
8,036
Location
NZ
I'm only up to near the end of the toll river fortress but loving this game so far. Surprising it's so little mentioned on the Codex as a fairly fluid detailed rpg with plenty of use for social/non combat skills, robust character development, good writing and still quite pretty graphics. It's been a very very long time since I've been 'sucked in' by a rpg before like this.
 

ERYFKRAD

Barbarian
Patron
Joined
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28,242
Strap Yourselves In Serpent in the Staglands Shadorwun: Hong Kong Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire Steve gets a Kidney but I don't even get a tag. Pathfinder: Wrath I'm very into cock and ball torture I helped put crap in Monomyth
I'm only up to near the end of the toll river fortress but loving this game so far. Surprising it's so little mentioned on the Codex as a fairly fluid detailed rpg with plenty of use for social/non combat skills, robust character development, good writing and still quite pretty graphics. It's been a very very long time since I've been 'sucked in' by a rpg before like this.
It has very few players in general. I'd say the inability to position and block enemies is the only real criticism of this game.
 

abnaxus

Arcane
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Messages
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Location
Fiernes
Part 29: Witcher’s work

There’s something going on on the Boron’s field north of Nadoret. Angela goes to talk with the Boron deont.

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You thought… what?

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Well, graves have been defiled … the coffins were dug up and opened - and the corpses that had not already disappeared had bite marks on them, as if something had fed on them.

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Do you have any idea what it could have been? A wild animal, perhaps?

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No, I think not. I have suspected something evil afoot there for some time now. Do you see the crypt there? That is the final resting place of a noble family who lived around the time Nadoret was built.

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I repeatedly have thought I was hearing sounds coming from inside that crypt recently... but when I stopped to listen, there was nothing. I tell you... something terrible is lurking there.

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If you were so concerned about it, why didn't you just go and check it out?

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The Twelve forbid, no! I may be a servant of Boron, but I do not have the necessary... emm... abilities required to confront things like that. I thought you would be more suitable for this task.

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Well, it's no problem for me. I'm not afraid, at any rate. Is there anything special I need to remember?

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Oh yes. The head of the family at the time ordered that the crypt be secured with traps and numerous locks... just to make sure that their last resting place would never be disturbed.

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You will need this key to get in. It has been passed on from Boron Deont to Boron Deont since time immemorial. You will need it to get further into the crypt. Unfortunately, that's all I know.

In the crypt entrance is a locked door with many trapped locks that can be opened after solving a small puzzle.

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A bookstand mentions the room needs to be darkened and indeed, darkness reveals the true lock to open the door.

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There are many fire traps inside the crypt; the creatures plaguing he crypt turn out to be ghouls.

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There’s also an optional part inside the crypt: collecting emblems to complete a blazon.

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A bookstand elsewhere tells the story of the man buried in the crypt.

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Once all the ghouls are killed the final emblem is obtained.

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Completing the blazon will open a secret door to where Joachim is buried… but there’s no reason to disturb the grave as it will simply wake a lot of skeletons lying all over the place.

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The smart thing to do is head back outside and get the reward from the Boron deont.

Angela and Fayris reach level 9 after completing the quest.

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drexciya

Augur
Joined
May 3, 2004
Messages
250
Location
Netherlands
I'm only up to near the end of the toll river fortress but loving this game so far. Surprising it's so little mentioned on the Codex as a fairly fluid detailed rpg with plenty of use for social/non combat skills, robust character development, good writing and still quite pretty graphics. It's been a very very long time since I've been 'sucked in' by a rpg before like this.
It has very few players in general. I'd say the inability to position and block enemies is the only real criticism of this game.
I agree on that. Maybe people also don't like that you can only create one character in your party, but that's hardly unique. Apart from that there's a lot to love. I really like the character system for instance.
 

abnaxus

Arcane
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Messages
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Part 30: Arena

The arena is a good place to make some ducats… there’s not only betting but Angela can also fight herself (although Fayris will highly disapprove of this).

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I can fight here?

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But of course! If you don't want to bet on anyone else, you can try your own luck in the ring! And who knows... perhaps I have the future Champion standing in front of me at this moment?

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That sounds interesting!

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There are rules of course. We are not street fighters here! Ha ha ha!

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It's 2 ducats for the first fight. If you win, you can double that. And when you win, your next opponent will be.. uhhh... somewhat stronger.

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Your stake increases with every new opponent you fight. If you win, you double your money!

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We fight one on one. Friends stay out of the ring!

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During the fight there is only one rule: There are no rules! We have no sissy stuff here... the stronger man wins. That's all that counts. The first one down loses.

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Well? Are you man enough, or do I have a little chicken standing before me?

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Of course I’ll enter the ring!

Angela just oneshots the first opponent.

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Entry fee for the next fight is 4 ducats.

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The gladiator dude fights almost naked but with his trident can use precision strike.

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Entry fee for the next fight is 6 ducats.

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Ifirnia is a true, non-evil Amazon. She’s not bad but at this point nary a threat. The Bleeding special attack is devastating.

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After the fight, Ifirnia even has a gift.

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You were a worth opponent.

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Nevertheless, you defeated me. Your fighting skills deserve recognition.

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So permit me to present you with this gift.

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Thank you! I will cherish it.

Amazonian helmet, not a bad souvenir…

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Please excuse me now. I'm going to rest for a while and think about what I should do next. Maybe I'll see you in the tavern and we'll have a chat.

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The Dwarf is the first dangerous opponent since with his hammer he can perform Hammerstrike. Some care needs to be taken.

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Final opponent is an Ork… but not really any tougher than other Orks Angela fought by now.

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Thurazz was also the last normal opponent. Turns out there’s one more special opponent.

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Against whom?

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Since all my fighters have been defeated, I'll be your opponent! Apart from that, I want my ducats back, ha ha ha! What do you say?

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I must prepare myself for this fight.

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Deal! Come back when you’re ready.

Angela will first check out the tavern where the defeated arena opponents are chilling.

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You were a worthy opponent!

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We fight again maybe one day, then I win!

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Perhaps!

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Haven't you had enough yet? I'm not a cheater!

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Yes, yes, alright. You were probably just lucky. It happens.

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Tell me about yourself. How did you come to Nadoret?

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I left my order at times to improve my fighting skills against different opponents. And I learned a few new tricks and moves while fighting in the Arena.

Actually, every Amazon is required to at one point leave their stronghold and make babies… preferably girl babies.

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But now I've severely clobbered enough drunken sailors and idlers. I'm hungry for some truly honorable and Rondra-pleasing combat again.

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It was a good fight. Don't fret about it.

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You won, I lost. That's all there is to it.

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If you say so.

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My head is killing me. Leave me alone.

Before taking on the arena master Angela finally learns Fatal Thrust. Unfortunately for Ardo, Fatal Thrust does not work with normal swords and he cannot go beyond Precision Strike.

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It is also not a bad idea to learn some better ranged skills.

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We also pick up some other stuff for Ardo and Forgrimm.

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The arena master has high VI, high AT, high PA and spams Knockdown and Hammerstrike. However, he does not really have a defense against Fatal Thrust.

Not to mention, Fayris cast Ice-Cold Warrior on Angela beforehand just to be safe.

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Here, the 30 ducats are yours. And take my old sword too.

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My time for adventures has come to an end, but you're worthy of carrying my sword. May it help you achieve fame and honor while you make your reputation in the world out there.

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You are now the deserving and official Champion of the Arena! However, remember this: Even a Champion must always train his skills in order to remain a Champion. Discipline and endurance must be your constant companions.

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You’re right there. I’ll remember that.

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Even though you've defeated me, maybe I can still teach you a trick or two. You'll always be welcome here.

Wolfgrim now becomes a melee trainer. His sword, btw, is exactly the same as a normal Andergaster.

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Speaking of swords, Forgrimm forges the improved longsword, which will be needed for later.

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After becoming the Arena Champion, the Fab Four will have moved from the tavern to the harbour.

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But do you think that Arnd will manage without us?

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Of course!

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Well, after all, we’re his best fighters.

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Arnd doesn’t need us. He was already successful here before we joined him.

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That’s exactly right.

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I hope the ship turns up soon.

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If we had taken the overland route to begin with, we wouldn’t be waiting here now!

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You don’t cover a distance like that on foot!

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And even less so with such short little legs!

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Argh! I dare you to say that again, Connar!

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Only joking! Ha ha ha.

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Humph…

Angela decides to inquire what’s up.

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What are you doing here at the harbor?

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We have decided to follow the call of Tronde Torbenson the Hetman and move to Thorwal.

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Rumor has it that he is looking for heroes to search for a lost sword in the wilderness of Orkland.

This is a clear reference to Blade of Destiny… which takes place just before the Third Orkstorm (1013 BF).

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And now you’re waiting for a ride?

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We even had a boat which would have taken us to Havena at the end of the Great River... but Tragash is mulish when it comes to travel by water.

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The boat was old, and its wood was rotten too. That wreck's probably already sunk, believe you me!

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Coward!

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Shut your mouth!

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Tragash-Scared-of-the-Water! Ha ha! Your new name! Heh heh...

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You'll land in the water yourself if you don't...

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Quiet! All three of you! You're behaving like children!

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But I'm not scared! And I'll prove it too... I'll board the next boat that's going to Havena! So there!!!

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That will certainly be an unforgettable adventure. I hope we meet again some day!

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I hope so, too! Have a good journey!
 

drexciya

Augur
Joined
May 3, 2004
Messages
250
Location
Netherlands
As far as I can recall, all spells are cleared when entering the arena. How did you manage to get lots of spells active during the arena fights?
 

abnaxus

Arcane
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Messages
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Fiernes
Part 31: Temple of Efferd

Now is a good time to check out the ancient Temple of Efferd.

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Right at the entrance is a book providing some background information.

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The stairs down are unfortunately blocked at one point. But there’s another journal.

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To bypass the broken stairs Angela needs to progress through a yuge cave complex infested with giant crabs and morfus.

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The stats of the crabs are as follows: VI 50, AT 9, dam 2D+2, AR+6, plus they have a pincer attack that can cause wounds. So actually p. tough.

There are several big groups of crabs to be fought here (final groups are 8 to 10). Not too easy at this point, but at least there’s 8 experience points earned per crab. Getting in here some levels later means fighting millions of crabs and get 0 experience for it.

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Fayris’ Meek you be/Master of Animals spell is useful here but it seems the crabs have high RM since the spells fail often.

Once past all the crabs the final set of stairs is reached with a final journal.

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At the very bottom of the temple is a sliding block puzzle.

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It is clear that the puzzle needs to be solved to be able to continue but Angela is missing a piece.

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At least there’s a transversalis ring near to teleport right back to the entrance.

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It seems the final piece of the puzzle will be obtained later.

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Another protection against intruders, no doubt. But whoever completes the mosaic should be able to pass. There must be another artifact somewhere else.

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It would not surprise me if it were guarded by a creature as foul and terrible as the Kraken Newt. Seek a mighty monster of the deep. There you will find what you need.

Next, we’ll revisit the hunting preserve.

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abnaxus

Arcane
Patron
Joined
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Messages
10,849
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Part 32: Ogerschlacht

At the hunting reserve there is a new hunting quest available.

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There’s a group of about ten boars. Some care needs to be taken since boars can cause wounds.

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More importantly, the previously blocked bridge can now be crossed and the rest of the Orks can be exterminated.

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There’s a small Ork camp across the bridge with a lot of Orks and one ogre.

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Using Better Offer on the ogre, he was very helpful by taking out most of the Orks with his sweep attack.

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When the ogre is dead this area is cleared off Orks.

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However, the main camp of the Orks is located in a hidden area that can only be accessed through a cleft.

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In the main camp is the Ork Leader, a shaman and a really big ogre.

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Deeper in the camp are two more ogres. Killing everything in this area will bring the Ork quest to a close.

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All that remains in the Hunting grounds are two more trophy collection quests.

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abnaxus

Arcane
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Joined
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Messages
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Part 33: Signs of Power

Fayris had created some Elven arrows a while back, Angela now returns to the Elven woods to show them to Linwen Owlwing and continue his quest.

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Yes! It is as if the arrow was already in the branch from which you formed it.

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Three Elves must combine their magic to form three weapons with you. Speak with Calenleya Arrowsong and Ilcoron Sparkweaver and ask them if they wish to help.

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I’m on my way already.

Ilcoron Sparkweaver will ask for a pommel, luckily Angela already had one in her inventory.

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Here is a pommel. [Give Ilcoron a pommel]

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Oh, very interesting... call for me when you wish to begin.

Calenleya Arrowsong is in an area we haven’t been to yet – the Fairie Forest.

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Linwen sent me. Would you be ready to help me make weapons?

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The question is whether you are ready. Do you really know the wood you intend to form? If not, it will not wish to merge its song with yours.

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How can I ‘know’ the wood better?

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We find the hardest wood in Spritewood which lies beyond this bridge. Go there to seek out the melody of this wood.

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But remember, the wood is more than just the trees. It is also all the creatures that live among them. Everything is one. Come again when you can tell me how many deer live there.

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If that is all…

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Hark! You will only hear all the notes if you listen long and carefully. Be at one with the woods and move carefully and quietly so that you do not scare its creatures.

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I will try.

So, more treehugger nonsense ahead.

There’s a fairy around the Spritewood, an optional challenge is to push it back into the fairy circle.

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Fayris, a treehugger herself, in is in her element here.

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These woods are no different from any others. Trees everywhere, open air and at worst, grass that tickles your belly. Listen for the melody... What nonsense!

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Oh Forgrimm! Stop complaining. Just because you can't hear it, doesn't mean it's not there.

Behind the fairy circle in a tree stump is a unique bowyery ingredient: the Inspiration.

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Pushing the fairy back into the fairy circle requires some stealth.

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The fairy leaves behind fairy dust… it has no use in the game (not even for alchemy) but can be sold for some ducats.

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In any case, to be able to count all deer Angela’s supposed to walk slowly through the forest… in total there are nine deer.

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Were you successful? How many lairja and laërka are there?

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Nine.

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You have seen them all, and heard the sound of their hooves on the forest ground. Do you now carry the song of the Spritewood within you?

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As far as I can judge, yes.

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You have gained knowledge of the wood that you wish to form. Eôrla, I will help you to form your weapons.

Now the three Elves will gather and sing gibberish. Angela needs to correctly repeat the gibberish to continue.

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Yes, let us begin!

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Magic and song will help to define the form. To work in harmony with us, you must open your senses by singing with us.

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I call on you all! Unite and channel your powers into this weapon. Diun i'dao sala mandra!

Of course, if the main character is an Elf too, there is no guessing needed.

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Eôrla, it is done! This weapon now lives and will grow with you.

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It will therefore serve to remind you that where you bring zerza, you must balance it with nurdra.

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I thank you for this masterpiece.

The weapons Angela just created are Soul bow, Soul spear and Soul knife… however, to perfect the weapons the Inspiration ingredient is needed of which there is only one.

It is best to create the Perfect soul bow for Fayris.

For now, we can craft the Improved Iama Soul Bow. The Perfect soul bow requires a Greater healing potion to which we have no access yet.

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By the way, elsewhere is an Elf called Fianna Leafsong who looks like Calenleya Arrowsong’s twin. Angela hadn’t talked to her before.

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Sanraya would sometimes accompany me on my excursions, often climbing to the highest treetop. But she did not come to observe changes, she started to seek change herself.

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But isn't that what you look for too? To keep your tribe informed?

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We observe. We react to maintain balance. We do not conceive of reality, we listen to dreams. Sanraya's voice became harsher, her melody like a scornful yawn.

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What does badoc mean?

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It means losing balance. This happens if we seek meaning, material and might in the same way as Humans. The path of the badoc is a dangerous seduction.

Guess any Elven main character would automatically be badoc, then. :sawyer:

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The more you follow it, the more it will ensnare you. Some cannot return to their origins because they no longer feel the fey, the light within them.

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Please tell me about the history of the Elves.

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Before time began, we were beings of pure light. The reality of Ethra enticed us into this world. To endure threats such as the Orks and the Goblins, we began to expand and defend our lands.

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The greatest danger was posed by the dark hordes of the Nameless God, whom we call dhaza. The Dragon Pyrdacor seduced us into badoc, bringing us power and the insanity and destruction that went with it. Gwendala can tell you more about the High Elves.

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While the Humans lived through ages of darkness, new conflicts broke out with the Dwarves. But a common enemy in the Orks led to a peace treaty. After the fall of the Bosparanian Empire, the Priest King began to persecute us.

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Isaliel, the oldest of our tribe, experienced the period that followed, when we Elves were at variance as to how to deal with the Humans. We fought together with the other peoples against the Demon Master of Borbarad and in the Mage Wars.

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Why do you live here?

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Isaliel is the only one of us who was not born here. After her tribe in the north was almost completely annihilated by dark powers, she wandered Ethra until she found this place. Here, she and other fey'e founded the Storm Sentinels.

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As I'm sure you can tell from the song of our name, we all feel a close affinity with the wind. It carries us, it surrounds our home, it speaks with us while we watch over the Zertaubra beneath the ground that brings great terror.

Next, we’ll return once more to the Tollgate.

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abnaxus

Arcane
Patron
Joined
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Messages
10,849
Location
Fiernes
Part 34: Mage Wars

At the Tollgate there’ll now be some hubbub around a rather well-known figure in Aventuria lore, Rakorium Muntagonis.

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Is there a problem? Can I help?

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Oh, that's an interesting theory, my young friend! Are you also familiar with Galotta's commentary on Philosophica Magica, according to which we are all just imaginary figments dreamt up by alien beings?

Note: Galotta was one of the most powerful mages at the time, and later became a Heptarch.

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[Arcane Lore] You are clearly alluding to the fact that some scholars doubt the actual existence of our third sphere.

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Quite right. In his treatise, Galotta also says that Ethra and the Cosmos actually only exist as ideas and can therefore be changed at any time. Worrying, don't you think?

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At that time, the colleague believed it was the Gods who dreamed our world. But really there's no reason why it couldn't be me, for example. An interesting concept, I think.

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Do you mind if I ask your name, incidentally? One wants to know... one whom has imagined... eh? Haha...

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My name is Angela Merkel. Can I help you in some way?

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Hmm, maybe you could look for Nottel for me, yes? Please tell him that I need him here urgently. He's probably forgotten the time again. Absent-minded boy that he is

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Where could Nottel be?

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Well, I did tell him about those old witch stones up there... Very powerful... Good for sphere travel and blood magic... hmm, hmm...

Good thing Angela already visited these stones once.

By the way, at this point Janah will have heard more rumours about Angela’s actions.

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Heading to the stones, there will be some fireflies teleporting out of nowhere, guardians apparently.

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Nottel will indeed be standing in the middle of the stones, rooted at the spot.

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Are you Nottel?

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Oh, ... You've already spoken with Master Rakorium? Yes, I'm his apprentice. I'm actually called Ungfred, not Nottel. The Master just seems to find it easier to call me that, I guess.

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What? Your master can't even get your name right?

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Well... Nottel was the name of Master Rakorium's first apprentice. And to make things easier, that's just what he calls all his apprentices now. He's a little... ahem... His duties as Dean mean he's a very busy man.

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Rakorium is looking for you.

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Praise be to the Mother of Wisdom! I wasn't even sure he would notice I was gone. Could you help me? Otherwise I'll be standing here all night.

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What happened?

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I wanted to take a look at this stone circle. The Compendium of Miraculous Stones describe it as an unusual specimen. It resembles the work of Dwarven Geodes, but it's much older.

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I noticed some strange magical traps on the way here. Obviously some type of contained Transversalis The stone circle itself seems to have a powerful magical aura. Very strange.

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I cast an Analytica spell on the stones and it must have caused some kind of feedback. Now the arcane currents have me trapped here. Err, are you still listening?

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How can I help you?

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There's some kind of magical matrix between these stones that won't let me leave. You have to find a way to interrupt the flow of magical energy.

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I think the source of the energy is somewhere below the stone circle. I saw a cave on the way here. Maybe you'll find something there.

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Unfortunately the entrance looked like it was blocked. But I'm sure Master Rakorium can help you with that. He's an expert in transformation magic.

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Please, go and ask him to help you. Go to the cave and look for the source of the magic and try to cut it off.

Back at the harbour, Rakorium will provide Angela with an interesting magical item.

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I found Nottel!

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Oh, that's good... umm, yes... where is he then? Is he with you?

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Nottel is trapped. He says you can help me free him.

The guardsmen won’t let Rakorium leave, so it’s up to Angela again.

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Oh, that's right... these two gentlemen wanted to discuss something with me... hm, then I shall have to stay here... it's only polite, hmm, hmm...

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Can't you go and free him? How is he trapped, hm?

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[Arcane Lore] He seems to be trapped by the stone circle's magical matrix, making him a living part of the magic there. The source seems to come from somewhere beneath the stone circle.

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Beneath? Now, to break the bonds, you just need to disrupt the power at the source. To do that, you must get to the source of the magical energy.

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That's exactly the problem. The cave entrance is blocked.

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Hmm? Blocked? Oh, I know that from my expeditions... here, take this. It really works wonders on mineral manifestations of every type. It may need several applications.

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Reaching the blocked cave entrance, there will be more magical guardians popping up. This time, spiders.

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With Rakorium’s pick it is no issue to enter the cave.

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There seems to be a wide cave complex underneath the stones; there’s also a mysterious mage awaiting.

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I am Angela Merkel, and I seek the source of the magical energies in this cave.

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Magical energies? Do you mean our ritual? It was interrupted! Weeks of preparation and then somebody up there fools with the stones! I'm sure he had a hand in this!

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He's been trying to thwart me ever since the ritual was interrupted! He's using every means possible to stop me completing it! He's constantly hiding the components!

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Don't believe his lies! It's obvious he is not to be trusted! You should help me find the ingredients!

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Who are you?

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I am Marawamir ay Elburum, mage and researcher of arcane secrets. The ritual I began must be ended! He must not succeed!

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Who is he?

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He was once my companion, but now he shows his true face. He is evil and unscrupulous to the core. He wants nothing more than destroy me. He must not achieve his goal!

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No time! I must continue! Bring the ingredients to me when you have them! I shall wait for you in the cave beneath the stone circle! And be careful! I'm sure he's laid traps.

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Transversalis!

After the mage teleports away, the group soons comes across a group of spiders again. The big spider drops a strange ingredient.

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Soon after collecting the ingredient, “he” apparently appears.

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Who are you?

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I am the Master here! My name is Riwaram the Dark! Everything in this cave serves my power!

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If you serve me, I shall richly reward you. I have the power to grant your wishes. Oppose me and I shall destroy you!

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Collect the components from the surrounding rooms and bring them to the center of the place of ritual! I shall wait for you there.

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Transversalis!

To free Nottel, Angela is forced to comply with the two idiot mages.

A group of fireflies drop a herb.

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A group of scorpions drop berries.

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A giant crab drops a leaf.

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Finally, a group of giant beetles drop exotic blooms.

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With all ingredients in hand, the skeleton mage will pop up again.

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The moment of decision has come... the other one is weak... I have the power to reward you richly... give me the components!

Since neither of the mages appear trustworthy, it seems best to stall for time.

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I need to think about it.

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Consider your decision carefully... it will shape your fate...

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Transversalis.!

At the heart of the cave there’s another smaller stone circle. The other mage is here.

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Yes, I have all five here.

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Yes! Good! Now I can end the ritual... I can atone for what...

Before Marawamir can finish his story the skeleton mage will pop up again. The two mages will start a magical battle, constantly teleporting in and out.

It is again up to Angela to decide how to finish this.

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We should have laid truly deadly traps... our ritual would never have been interrupted! ... Your weakness held us back!

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You there... give me the components! I shall end it now...

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No! I will... stop you! ... You, please... place the components for me. The sequence is... the book! ... You must consult the book!

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... But you must change it! The notes... here in my pocket... You have to... ahh!

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Don't listen to that fool! Place... the components... use the book! Complete the ritual!

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I will ensure... that this pathetic presence... no longer... disturbs... the ritual! Tell me when the ingredients... are arranged!

The book in the room makes it clear in what sequence the ingredients must be placed in order to complete the ritual… but there’s more to it.

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Pickpocketing a notice from the skeleton mage mentions reversing the ingredients.

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Reversing the ingredients is what it takes to banish the skeleton mage… this is the path Angela chooses.

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Yes, I am ready.

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Did you get... the order right? A mistake would have... serious consequences... for your friend... up there!

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I am sure.

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Good… so be it then.

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Potentia infinita, Satinav, Elemental power! Vita aeterna, Power of the spheres, Soul split!

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It is done! I feel the transformation! Just one more moment and...

Unfortunately for the skeleton mage, reversing the ritual means he banished himself.

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The reward is another Ring of Life. More importantly, Nottel should now be free.

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Back at the harbour, everything can now be wrapped it.

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Yes, I managed to free him.

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Oh, thank Hesinde! I thought I'd have to get another one... hm, yes.

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Well, shall we be on our way? This time we should make it to Havena... I hope Prince Bennain won't be too annoyed by the delay... Get ready then, and...

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But master, what about our research material? Surely we can't just leave it here?

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Oh, ah yes... We should take that with us, shouldn't we? Come along then, Nottel. Transversalis ...

Angela receives a potion from Nottel but Rakorium teleports away before he can finish explaining what it does exactly.

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Teleport!

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Next up, Angela will finally get to Hammerberg.

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abnaxus

Arcane
Patron
Joined
Dec 31, 2010
Messages
10,849
Location
Fiernes
Part 35: Hammerberg

No warm welcome at all in Hammerberg.

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A beardless ugly dwarf greets the group as they take off.

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We're just simple traveling merchants. This is... err... Gammlund. What's it to you?

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I see, merchants are you? And what are your goods? Elven puff, by any chance?

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Elven puff is in high demand at the moment. What can you offer?

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Ah, you have some? 20 ducats ought to be a fair price. You won't get more for it elsewhere.

With high enough Haggle Angela can actually pick up 40 ducats here.

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[Haggle] That doesn't sound right to me. In fact, your offer is insulting. I want double.

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They call me Goldtooth and I'll tell you what it has to do with me. First, I don't tolerate competition. Second, I take care of my businesses here.

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And third, I tell my friends when my nose tells me something stinks. Something's not quite right about you and your cronies.

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You're no different to me. People like us make our own rules, am I right?

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That's an attitude that will gain you both followers and enemies. But the rules here apply to all, understood?

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What rules are they?

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Differences are settled at the dueling ground. Keep your weapons sheathed anywhere else. If somebody tries to take your life, defend yourself. But no vendettas and no complaining! Any questions?

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I think I can manage that.

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Do you like waiting in the reeds?

This is some kind of code that requires very high Streetwise to respond properly too.

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Huh? Do I like what ... where? ... Is that some kind of euphemism? Well... err... I'd really just like to know whether you saw a red-haired woman.

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I see... I can't tell you anything about that.

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[Human Nature] You don't know anything? Or you're not allowed to tell me anything?

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[Success] Yes, yes, you're right. Hookensang brought a woman with him a while ago. But you'll have to look for the Captain yourself. He hasn't shown his face for a while.

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Is she alright? Please, take us to her.

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Ah, I see... You want to talk to Thunderfist! But I'm afraid I must disappoint you. We don't let just anybody do that.

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What do I have to do?

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You can only meet Thunderfist if you have enough people vouch for you. Not just anybody, of course. People with a certain amount of influence. Like me.

Getting them votes will be the first part of the main quest in this area.

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I see. And who has influence here?

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I need to know more about these council members.

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Yes yes, but you won't manage it anyway... hehe... who would you like to know about?

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What about you, ‘Goldtooth’.

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Ay, Avarosh, Son of Gramtax is my name. And my tooth isn't all the gold I have either, hehe. I mine precious metals in the delving and I run all kinds of other lucrative businesses.

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Loans, for example. At interest, of course. That reminds me... I need someone to call in a few debts for me. It seems to me, you want to get on my good side, don't you...

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You’re dead right.

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Yes, yes. Then make yourself useful! Those who don't make their payments get a visit, understand? Will you take care of it?

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Who do you want me to visit?

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The first is 'Growler' Bodo, a dog breeder. You'll find him near the back harbor. He's stubborn as a mule, that one! Threats of violence don't work on him. And don't call him Growler.

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The second one is Radomir, the 'Tavern King'. I'll give you three guesses where you can find him. A tricky fellow! Don't let him fool you.

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And then there's Zira, our tender 'Snow White'. She hangs around behind the tavern fluttering her eyelashes and waiting for business. Heh, yes, yes!

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Is that all? As you said earlier, time is gold!

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And I'm losing gold as we speak! Growler Bodo owes me 12 ducats, Radomir owes me 11 ducats, and Snow White owes me 8 ducats. That's 31 ducats in total. Any questions?

Funnily enough, at this point Angela could easily pay this sum herself.

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Tell me about ‘Irontaste’.

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Phewin Soorman is a dangerous man. Ay! He got into the banditry business early in life. First coaches, then ships. Who knows what else!

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The only thing that's certain is you won't have much fun speaking with him. He spends a lot of time doing deals in the tavern.

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First you must speak with his bosun - a stinking Blackfur, hehe. I wonder if you'll survive that? Ay... we shall see!

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Tell me about ‘Widowfriend’.

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Rumpo Perchbold. A man who made it from common mercenary to captain... How did he do it?

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Ay, I'd like to know that. He's usually over at the back pier, that show-off. Ask him yourself, hehe.

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Tell me about ‘Bardshock’.

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Hehe, Jadira Cruento is a Zahori. You know... a traveling people. She took over the booze house after they strung up the old innkeeper here. Now they all dance to her tune down there.

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Tell me about ‘Hookensang’.

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Ahh, our very own nobility, Timorn of Stoneground. But he'll soon be residing on a stony riverbed if he's not careful, hehe. You can still find him in the tavern.

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The woman we were talking about... Can you tell me what happened to her?

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Maybe. I do make my own rules, just like you. But why should I?

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[Fast Talk] I think you know. It would be better to have somebody like me on your side.

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[Success] Hehe, possibly. I wonder whose side that woman is on. But she's certainly not here anymore. Only Thunderfist knows where she is right now.

Anyway, after all the talking Angela can get down to business. Goldtooth’s task should be easy with her rogue skills.

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”Snow Rose”, another floozy, is not far from the pier freezing her ass off.

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Avarosh sent me. It’s about your debts.

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Ohhh, good old Avarosh. But I already told him I don't have his money.

Funny enough Ardo can try to use Seduce her. Unbecoming for a man of his standing.

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[Success] You’re right! Maybe Avarosh's losing patience with me. Here's the money!

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Avarosh will be pleased and you'll be left in peace at last.

Angela gets to level 10 after convincing Snow Rose. At this point, Angela also notices a familiar face.

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It’s the coward that knocked out Angela during the pirate attack on the Star of Ferdok.

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I remember. You came up behind me and knocked me down right at the beginning of my adventure.

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I hate you! Everything went wrong in my life after I gave you that beating.

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Tell me what happened, I’m curious.

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I ran off when your cronies stuck their noses in. In the rush to escape, my ship floundered on one of the great rocks. I barely made it back here on the ship's tiny lifeboat.

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Most of my people went down with the ship. Worst of all, before all this happened I had a chance of getting on the Council. Now that Hookensang sits there instead of me. It's all your fault!

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At least I don’t need your vote.

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I don't care about that. I feel like giving you another bump on the head for everything that's happened because of you and your cronies.

Burgess will attack but be beaten into submission very quickly.

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By Rondra, let that be a lesson to you for waylaying innocent people!

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Hmm, there you have it! You'd best make yourself scarce the next time you see us, hahaha!

Fuck that loser.

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Past Burgess is a bridge leading out of the town but we can’t pass here yet.

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Past a house are two fellows that with high enough Streetwise can be identified as forgers. This might come in handy in the near future.

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Elsewhere, Hookensang’s boy “Boy” from the swamp greets Angela.

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The second person in debt, Yapper Bodo, is behind the inn.

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You owe money to Avarosh. I’m here to collect.

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He can wait until I've sold this litter here. Then he can have his ducats. Tell him that!

Ardo apparently knows something about dogs and is helpful here.

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What? A true expert! Are you also a breeder? Here, take the money. I won't deny a fellow dog-lover.

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You have spared me a deal of trouble. Thank you.

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I know Avarosh won't leave me in peace until I pay and you seem to be alright, even though you're a stranger here.

Captain Rumpo is not far from the dog breeder, might as well see him next.

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