Second update of the day. Don't expect this to be a regular two-a-day LP but might as well get on a roll early.
Oh. Well, good to hear my companions handled the remaining pirates after I was cutscened unconscious, and were good enough to take me to Nadoret.
Waking up, woozy, dazed...on a pier?
Whoever survives a blow like this must rank high in Phex's favor.
Phex, bah! Phex is the God of thieves and travelers. Or, rather, a disciple of the one God Rastullah (obviously) in charge of thieves and travelers.
Maybe someone like that is just a tough nut to crack ... You with your Phex all the time, bah!
Bah!
You two
at loggerheads, translator. At least, I think he means to say they're quarrelsome, not that they're dumbasses. But who knows?
Oh yeah? And how about that time, when you and Forgrimm ...
... oh... seems like someone is coming around.
Thanks for finally noticing me, dunderheads.
Good to see you alive and in one piece. It seems you are really tough. These two quarrelsome fellows are Cano and Forgrimm.
Baroshem.
It is an honor.
Cano is significantly nicer to the PC if it's a female. Also, behind him is a fismonger, who sells, well, fish, that can be used as low-grade weapons. She also carries one of the more powerful early magical items, which I'll be sure to get off her as soon as opportunity permits.
And I am... uhhh... oh, well just call me Ardo.
[Intelligence] I think there's more to him than just plain Ardo.
My name is Sayyid ibn Nasreddin. Forgive me, but ... I'm a bit confused. Where are we? What happened to our ship? Where are the guys who attacked us?!
I see, yes. You were... emm... unconscious. Just take your time to ask any questions and you'll get an answer.
At least he's well mannered. For a heathen and all. Also he saved my life, I guess.
Where am I? And why was I lying here on the pier?
[Perception] indeed
You are in Nadoret. Captain Albass was in a hurry to set sail. He told us that you also wanted to go to Nadoret. So we said we would care for you until you recovered.
Of course, we would have put you up at an inn. But you beat us to the punch and here you are, on the pier and conscious. You recovered very quickly indeed.
Tough nut, that's me (Constitution: 11!)
That explains everything. I really am feeling somewhat better now. Thank you!
Why were you so stand-offish at the field camp earlier?
Oh, don't take that so seriously. We just didn't want to be disturbed. And we didn't know who was skulking around our camp. Pardon our... gruff manner...
Ach, let's forget the whole thing. After all, you did save my life.
What happened after I was injured?
It was like this: when I saw what the gutless thugs had done to you, I jumped in the middle of a bunch of the cowards - I must have given about a dozen of them a good whupping ...
A whole dozen? I really am deeply indebted to you, Forgrimm. It's only thanks to you that I'm still alive.
I think the concussion is getting to Sayyid. What's with the whole naive act?
Well, it's not even worth mentioning. I ...
That's the truth... Forgrimm forgot to mention that his dozen opponents were so demoralized by my fencing skills that they just gave up fighting - at least those who hadn't been already knocked out by the reek of alcohol on his breath.
Bah! 'Fencing skills' - don't make me laugh! They couldn't stop laughing when they saw you waving that thing in the air like an idiot - and you can't fight when you're laughing! If I were you, I'd...
That's enough, you two! If you had been able to forget your vanity for a while, these cowards would never have got away from us... and now we're back where we started!
Excuse me, but what do you mean by 'back where we started'? Did you
want to be attacked?
Ha ha ha, did you hear that? Who likes to be attacked, eh? No, no... it's the merchandise that we lost when we were attacked. Without it, we're back to where we started!
Whatever. At any rate I'm grateful to you for rescuing me. To all of you.
Whatever? Also I never really noticed that "merchandise lost" line. Is Cano just pulling the wool before our eyes or what, because I don't think that ever comes back in the story.
Fine. If you want to know anything else, just ask.
Now that I come to think about it, I have no time to be standing around chatting. See you soon.
You are right. Enough talking. It's good to see you on your feet again - we too have to move on.
Wait! Is there anything I can do for you during my apprenticeship here? After all, I owe you my life.
Hmm ... I believe you could. Keep your eyes and your ears open. Perhaps you'll hear a snippet or two of information about the river pirates. Come tell me in the 'Leaping Stag' if you hear anything.
Before I forget: Forgrimm, Cano, you both already know what to do. Let's go, we have no time to lose!
And thus begins our first side-quest: Gather Information on the Pirates. The remark "during my apprenticeship" might be a bit of a hint, because this quest closes soon after, so it's best to tackle it before you do much else.
Anyway, Nadoret:
Pretty as a high-class houri. It's a small but affluent harbor town, close to Ferdok (the main town of the Dark Eye). It was constructed over a channel, which left it with a large-ish undercroft that we'll explore later on (no, it's not a dungeon crawl).
The harbormaster appears displeased with that odd-looking dwarf. As soon as I approach, the dwarf speaks to me.
Stop in the name of your heathen idols, is it? Very well, speak your piece.
If you so wish. May I ask what you want?
The Riverfather and his Voice observe all things that take place on the river. Use caution in your deeds and plans! We will be observing you!
Guess he's some kind of pagan prophet of this River Father, and that he's speaking of my little "sacriledge" earlier. Hah! If a troll toad and a crazy dwarf is the furthest the Riverfather's reach goes, he is not even worthy to gaze upon the soles of Rastullah's feet as the mighty one crushes him! Praise be to Rastullah! Still, time to apply some of what the heatens call "diplomacy", even if I can not finish this adventure without any combat.
I, er ... am not quite sure what you're trying to tell me, but thank you for your advice anyway.
By the thunderboxes! Emmeran! Stop pestering travelers with your blathering!
It is fairly impossible not to immediately despise Harbortmaster Orbert, not just because he bullies this distinguished old dwarf, but also because he talks in a snivelling, whiny voice. Good casting.
Day in and day out, you let your burdens be carried on his back! Therefore you should pay homage to him and honor him. His...
I've had enough of you! Get out of here now and leave the people in peace!
Begging your pardon, but your nagging doesn't exactly make his babbling any more bearable.
Two insults for the price of one.
And you! Keep your nose out of my business, if you please! That fellow isn't welcome here! He ...
There is more to lose here than mortals could ever know. So beware of the dark tentacles! Otherwise death and destruction will befall you!
Dark tentacles? Am I glad I didn't pick a female PC.
I'm the chosen one? Anyway, he unlocks a location on my map and insists I visit him there.
Enough, you stinking piece of flotsam! Leave this place right now - and take your raft with you! You have blocked my jetty long enough today!
You may be the master of the harbor here - but you aren't Lord of the River. Nevertheless, I'll do what you ask. However... only until the next time, Farewell... Orbert.
With that out of the way, let's remind ourselves why we came here to begin with. Here's the letter of recommendation:
Harbormaster Orbert can probably help me find this mage who is not mentioned by name in this letter.
Beilunk riders are one of the biggest courier companies. This one is really only there to provide you with items you got by preordering the game. I do have said codes from the game's files but obviously won't be using them. Notice the inconscpicuous man talking to him.
Anyway. Orbert!
Where are you headed for, if I may ask?
I'm in Nadoret to complete my training. My name is Sayyid ibn Nasreddin.
How nice for you. Then you can disappear from my harbor - now.
One of these days I might learn how to disappear before your eyes. But until then, perhaps you can tell me where I can find Master Brookbeard.
Good comeback.
Strong words from someone so far away from their homeland, Novadi. However, you are in luck - I know your Master.
The game doesn't skimp on people reacting to and mentioning your culture and class, which is unusual in a fully voiced game.
My homeland is wherever I can learn. Tell me where I can find my master.
Yes... alright. Ask the guard at the town's North Gate. He's not only horribly happy by nature - he can also tell you exactly how you can get to the old tower.
And give Master Magician a message from me: if any more people here complain about his bizarre hocus pocus, I'll send a couple of bailiffs over to attend to him.
Of course. I'll let him know.
I'll let him know about a snivelling little coward who roams around the docks and is to be taught a lesson in respect towards practicioners of magic.
Was that it then? I have more important things to do.
Who was that peculiar dwarf?
Him? That was old Emmeran! He's a crank who believes that the Riverfather sent him to us personally. Just ignore him.
Hmmm ... I can agree with that.
Could you tell me anything about the recent pirate attacks, or do you know anyone who could give me a report on them?
Pirates, bah! The whispering about those horror stories is starting to wear on my nerves. Only ignorant peasants believe nonsense like that.
Of course there are pirates, there have always been pirates. The minute more than one boat is attacked, you hear that pirates are in control of the entire Great River.
Begging your pardon, but I was attacked by pirates myself on the way here. We anchored several miles before Nadoret and were surprised in the night.
That proves nothing! That just means that you didn't select your mooring place very well. Things like that just happen sometimes...
I'm sure Captain Albass was not careless in selecting our mooring place. Anyway, you must know something, whether you believe the stories or not.
Enough! I've already wasted too much time with all these fairytales about pirates. Ask the merchants here at the harbor. They're more talkative than a crowd of fishwives! But in the name of the Twelve, leave me in peace!
The harbor area hosts two fairly worthless stalls, one selling low-grade equipment, the older low-grade healing items. Still, it's worthwhile to talk to Huckster Olbin.
Maybe it's just me but he seems modelled to be a stereotypical Jew merchant. Not what you'd expect in a German game.
I'd like to know more about the pirates who've been making the Great River unsafe recently.
Oho, that really is something, isn't it? Everyone's talking about these pirate robberies. And some of the stories going around are really fantastical, I tell you...
Just by chance, I overheard two of the river folk saying that the attacks were going on because the pirates had a competition going. They're all looking for a treasure trove that's supposed to have been lost in the river.
What nonsense is this?
That really does sound exciting. Perhaps you know someone else who might know something about them?
Perhaps someone who knows something that isn't obviously nonsense?
About the pirates? You could ask old Greyhair. That crafty old fox has ears everywhere. You'll probably find him near the market, trying to beg, steal or borrow a farthing or two.
Oh! I almost forgot about Bailiff Rabig. If anyone knows about that he does. During the day you'll find him at the town's South Gate. Perhaps he can help you.
Updated my journal.
Well, I'm new in town. Perhaps you could tell me something about Nadoret.
Of course! What do you want to know?
What's interesting here in town? Where can you experience something exciting?
Try the undercroft ... I've heard that there are lots of Phexian delights there.
I saw this statue at the harbor... Does the Baron live here in the town too?
Here in town? No. His castle is outside of town, on the other side of the forest. They say that the walls are made of pure gold! And that the finest Bosparanian wine flows in the fountains...
Uhm...
What's the word on the street?
Man, unspecific questions much?
There is supposed to be a Thieves' Guild here. That's right. The leader is supposed to be a young woman, but she's not from this region. She's a powerful spellcaster, they say. Who knows, maybe it's even Nahema in person?
I think he's referring to Nahema ai Tamerlein, an eternally young witch/sorceress and one of Aventuria's more powerful spellcasters. Don't think she'd stick around a dump like this to run a Thieves' Guild though. Nahema was kind of infamous in our circles for popping up as a deus ex machine when a lazy GM got his back to the wall. Not a highly thought of character, by most.
Back on track.
Do you perhaps have a small task for me?
It's an RPG, I can instinctively sense when people have tasks for me.
Oh yes, I am glad you asked... The innkeeper of the Mellow Ox has ordered some merchandise. Please take it to him in the tavern. He will surely reward you for doing this. You will find the tavern to the north of Nadoret.
Look who we run into next, prancing about town, the very self same Baron Dajin of Nadoret. He basically does a little tour where he brags and scoffs at things throughout town, though I'm not sure who he is actually talking to. Let's try and speak to him.
Hey, you, take a hike! Baron Dajin doesn?t want to be pestered by riffraff during his visit to the town!
Uncouth cur! Your blood will boil under a thousand suns!
Oh, good.
Do you know that pirates are marauding the lands hereabouts? My ship was attacked!
Pirates? Around here? How dreadful! You know, you should really hand in a petition to my servants in the castle, then I'll deal with it right away.
After the preparations for my next party are complete, of course! Now then, away with you, we would like to continue our stroll.
There is obviously no point in talking to this man.
Heading north, we bump into this panicked man running away from his enraged wife.
Shameful behavior. Do these barbarians have no idea how a society should be properly ordered?
The small market houses a two merchants, specialized in high-quality and expensive armor and weapons. Like many merchants in Nadoret, their stock improves as you advance the plot. They're of no use to us right now.
Barracks. If you're a warrior class your training begins here. Still worthwhile to talk to some NPCs, like the captain of the guard.
What can you tell me about the harbormaster?
Oh, the harbormaster. I hope the gods...grrr... That man is corrupt and a real... But I shouldn't get so upset about it.
Let it all out, Nimralph.
'Old Orbert', they call him. There's no villainy over the last few years that the walls of his quays haven?t borne witness to ... but he has a special relationship with Baron Dajin. For whatever reason...
... Corruption and protection! These are the evils by which a town can perish! And Orbert stands for both. Forgive me... I just can't stay calm when I think of that thug!
Interesting stuff. Nimralph is good people. Make note not to trust Orbert, in case anyone was planning to. (You discover quite a bit more on Orbert in the thief/rogue or warrior class opening missions, I don't think mages learn much about him)
Moving on, quartermaster Bornhelm is also worth a chat.
Can I help you? I am Quartermaster Bornhelm.
Is there anything for me to do?
We have some wanted posters for a gang made up of the worst Kosh criminals... and they're supposed to be roaming around in this area. The infamous Bickerbold gang... three slippery brothers and their mother.
Watch yourself with that riffraff... they're all the worst kind of thieves, cutthroats and murderers. Take a good look at these wanted posters. You'll find all the details there.
Here is the wanted poster for the youngest brother, Odo Bickerbold - a loathsome fellow. Bring me proof that you've caught him and the allotted reward money is yours!
Money, eh? I'll do it! This is one of the game's handful of unmarked quests. They get you less experience than quests that go into your questlog, but are generally still worthwhile. Most marked quests (though not all) use quest markers. A few let you just figure it out yourself, and unmarked quests always do. In this case, you're supposed to follow the lead given by the reward poster. We'll get to this in the next update, first more tourism.
Checking in with the north gate guardsman that Orbert sent me to.
Long live the Baron! What do you wish?
Harbormaster Orbert sends me. He said that you could tell me the way to the old watchtower.
Sure, but ... what do you want there?! Don't you know that the tower is inhabited by an eccentric magician?
What are you, blind?
I am aware of that. I am being sent there to complete my training.
I might have guessed that, actually. The way you?re clothed. Very well, I?ll tell you how to get there.
No shit, Sherlock. Guess they don't hire guardsmen for their brains.
From here you follow the path going east, until you've passed Boron's Field. From there you follow the curved path going north, up the hill and past Boron's shrine.
Got all that? Well, it doesn't matter, there's a quest marker.
Then I shall be on my way. Thank you for your help.
My pleasure. And good luck with your apprenticeship with that odd fellow. You'll need it.
No rush. We head to the market.
Three stalls in the market, housing a tailor, a jeweler and an alchemist. There's also a black market salesman tucked behind the church, and a healer and bowyer nearby. The church is a Temple of Praios, the heathen god.
It's bigger on the inside!
Hopefully we can share with the Praios Deont (priest) how we feel about his little heathen cult.
How can a servant of Praios help you?
Hmmpfh.
Praios the Sovereign God, Ruler over the Gods. His all-seeing eye is the sun that moves over the firmament, burning the evil-doers, for truth and order are his highest goods.
Sovereign God? Ruler?! I should cut out your tongue and feed it to the dogs for this heresy!!
Of course, I can not. Let's talk to his pupil, perhaps we can convert him at his young age to the true faith.
Y..yes? Can I do anything for you?
Who are you?
I am Alric of the Source... a novice in the Order of our Lord Praios!
Do you perhaps have a small task for me to do?
Well, now that you mention it, I left my prayer book somewhere in the temple. Could you find it for me?
Ugh. Well I did ask for it.
I'll see what I can find...
Oh for...it's all of 10 yards removed from him.
Y..yes? Can I do anything for you?
I've found your prayer book!
I thank you! Now I can prepare my sermon. May Praios reward you.
Yegh. My skin crawls to stay in this den of iniquity. I must away!
Oh, it's our old, unassuming friend talking to the beggar. He politely but firmly declines any attempt to talk with him. As suspicious as I am of him, we have to let him be for now. Let's talk to the beggar instead, one of our leads to discover more on the pirates.
Burn it with holy fire! Uh, I mean...
Perhaps. Do you know anything about the pirates that have been preying on the shipping on the Great River?
Heh heh, very well. There's already some talk going around about why no one has managed to get these fellows. People are saying that the pirates can make their ships invisible by magic!
Just more gobbledegook.
Hm, an interesting story. That would explain how they manage to escape so quickly!
Please, will you give me some alms? One hand washes the other.
I'm not washing you for all the gold in Hasrabal ben Yakuban's palace.
Oh, forgive me. I don't have any money on me unfortunately.
One of the stalls belongs the alchemist Auralia. She is one of your possible followers in Drakensang: The Dark Eye, but quite a bit younger here.
She's a merchant, but also one of this game's trainers. With enough leveling points and money one can learn any skill, barring race or class restrictions (for spells specifically).
She also has a little sidequest for us.
Do you see those scandalmongers over there by the temple? They've been getting on my nerves for days now. Could you please bring them this 'special beer?, to teach them a lesson?
Should be amusing.
Well, what do you want?
I wanted to invite you to enjoy a tankard of beer with me ...
I can't say no to that.
Hey, give me some, too!
Of course! There's enough for both of you! Here, be my guest.
Hah! Wonderful.
I gave those scandalmongers some of your
beer!
There's some high levels items being sold around town right from the get-go. Items aren't locked off by level (though some items have stat requirements), but there's no way you can gather the money to purchase these kind of items. I have all of two ducats to rub together and this robe costs 500D. It's one of the most expensive items in the game, casting a permanent Fandango of Fireflies on you. For magicians (and possibly rogues) that regularly go into close combat, it's well worth the price.
There's two Corbett children, one selling newspapers and the other one standing near a well.
Step right up, Sir, and fulfill a wish for only one farthing!
One wish for a farthing?
Ten farthings make up one thaler, ten thalers make up a ducat. A farthing will buy you a stale loaf of bread, that's about how valuable it is.
Yes, just throw a farthing in the well and make a wish. Your wish will be granted!
What a superstitious lot these people are. Might as well play along for now.
[Throw farthing in the well] Make a wish for a farthing ... well it's worth trying!
Your wish will soon come true, I'm sure of it! Good day to you!
I wished for 73 almondeyed houris, but none are forthcoming.
The smith works near the south gate, but he is of no interest to us. However, Huckster Olbin did tell us of a a guardsman here who might tell us more of the pirates. The guardsman is stationed at the gate. Notice how there's no quest marker, as this is one of those non-guided quests.
Greetings! Can I help you?
Perhaps. As a member of the Town Guard I'm sure you are aware of what has been going on around here. Have you heard anything about the recent pirate raids?
Yes, as a bailiff I hear quite a lot about what's going on. However, I don't have much to say about the pirate attacks. It's rumored that their ringleader has lizard blood in his veins.
Incredible the superstitions these people sink to. I should cleanse their stupidity from Ethra.
Hhm, interesting. Thank you for your help.
You don't really want to pick a fight with them, do you? If there are really any lizard monsters behind it, I would be very cautious if I were you.
I'd scoff some more, but perhaps, like so many wild rumors, there's a grain of truth in here somewhere?
I'll be careful. Thank you again.
That exhausts the leads I got for the pirates for now. Let's head back to meet Ardo in the Leaping Stag.
Typical den of sin, really.
Wandering around, I stumble into the kitchen.
Hey, what are you doing just walking into my kitchen like that?
I hope that it's something important!
Well, I guess it's not that important. I had better go.
Wait, wait! Not so fast. Maybe I was a little snappy. You look as if you get around a lot.
That's true. Why do you ask?
Well, I like to try out new ideas for recipes. To do that I look for a wide variety of ingredients that can?t simply be bought from a merchant.
What sort of ingredients?
Well, we shouldn't discuss it too loudly. I need rat tails, I've run out of those. And, yes, lice eyes and frog legs are supposed to be delicious.
We are witnessing the birth of Linnert's own fast food chain. Remind me never to eat here.
Er, well, that sounds rather exotic.
Oh man up, you're a Novadi.
But it tastes delicious! Believe me, some things taste better than they look!!
That may be. At least I have to respect your daring and experimental approach.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained! If you happen to come across rat tails, frog legs or lice eyes during your travels, then bring them to me. I pay well. Oh, by the way, I also accept old rolls.
I'll bear that in mind.
The bartender might be worth quizzing about the pirates.
I'm sure you hear many a rumor. What are people saying about the river pirates?
You know, if I had a piece of gold for every rumor that I hear, I'd be a rich man. I haven't paid attention to rumors around here for a long time - and I'd advise you to do the same.
Hah, I hear that.
Is this the only tavern in the city?
Yes, we are the only tavern inside the town walls... but if you follow the towpath northwards, you'll soon reach the 'Mellow Ox'. It's mostly merchants and travelers who stop off there.
Time to confess to Ardo that all I've discovered is a bunch of codswallop and nonsense.
Ah, there you are. Did you find out anything useful?
As a matter of fact I did, and from a huckster. He said he had happened to overhear two of the river folk talking about the pirates.
That's not much, but at least something I suppose... what did they say?
Well, that all these attacks were taking place because the pirates had a competition going. Apparently they're all looking for a treasure that's supposed to have been lost in the river. What kind of a treasure it is remains a mystery.
Seriously? Well, it's your money...
Bailiff Rabig has taken me into his confidence regarding a rumor about the pirate leader.
And? Does it have anything to do with the pirate attacks?
Not directly. But he did tell me that people are saying that the pirate leader is of lizard blood.
This should help us somewhat. Please take these farthings as a small token of my support. Did you find out anything else?
I was able to find out something about the pirates from a local panhandler, Old Greyhair.
Aha! And what did he tell you?
If I've understood him correctly, people are saying that the pirates can use magical means to make their ships invisible. That's why it's so difficult to arrest them.
Thank you for asking around. But now you must turn your attentions to successfully concluding your apprenticeship, otherwise I'll feel guilty.
Please take this as a small token of my support. I'll pass on the news to Forgrimm and Cano.
Fairly useless information, but hey, a thaler and some AP for each tidbit I gave him. I'll take it.
Next update, we explore the undercroft, hunt some outlaws, and experiment with mind-altering drugs, as we continue to procrastinate before we head to Master Brookbeard.