HoonDing

CloudStrife.jpg

Beyond Good & Evil had a great multi-stage boss fight. At one point the game even reversed the controls.

But... but... it's about the story.

After all the hard work, the party returns to Avarosh to finally obtain his vote. Now only Soorman's vote is left. GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: That took a cursed long time, by Phex! Did you take care of everything? URDIRIEL: I met a Leprechaun in your delving, but I managed to drive him away. GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: Good, good! those Leprechauns are a terrible plague! I'll hire some more Dwarves to make up for the lost time, yes! URDIRIEL: Do I finally have your vote now? GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: Yes, yes, if you wish. But now I must take care of the delving. URDIRIEL: Could there be a reason for the Leprechaun's actions? GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: Errm... sure. The reason is... Leprechauns are malicious, snot-nosed little pests who just like to cause trouble. URDIRIEL: You shouldn't be digging in that delving, Avarosh. GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: Bah! Old ghost stories! Just as stupid as all that talk about the River Father. The only thing I believe in is hard, shiny, jingling cash. Here, take a little for your trouble and forget the whole thing. URDIRIEL: I'll leave it to your conscience. GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: Hehe, you're talking to the wrong Dwarf there. I don't go in for all that Praios-like prattle, understand? URDIRIEL: Whatever you say. At any rate, it is time to return to Soorman and see what task he will have. CAPTAIN SOORMAN: Your people are vermin. Didn't I send you away already? URDIRIEL: I understand you don't seem to like Elves. CAPTAIN SOORMAN: You understand? What do you understand? Shut your mouth if you don't know what you're talking about. URDIRIEL: I haven't even said what I want. CAPTAIN SOORMAN: The last vote so you can finally meet Thunderfist? CAPTAIN SOORMAN: You won't get my vote for a personal favor. I need more than that. The question is: 'Can I trust you?' URDIRIEL: How do you intend to find out? CAPTAIN SOORMAN: Take this letter to my friend. He owes me a share of the loot from his last raid. Give him this letter with my instructions unopened. URDIRIEL: Is that all? CAPTAIN SOORMAN: The man is called Big Nose Barnabas. His place is in the woods east of here. ... Meet me back here with the loot. Nice and easy, hmm? URDIRIEL: Just as you say. I'll be back. Outside the tavern, Urdiriel decides to open the letter anyway. The message is rather unexpected. However, the situation can be turned to our hand by pulling a little "Phexcapade". Behind one of the houses are two ruffians called Bragan and Jorgen that can help us. CANO: [streetwise] I'm starting to think you provide special scribe skills at a price. BRAGAN: But what Praios doesn't know brings in the dough... right? JORGEN: Do you do fake sayings now as well as coins and letters? It's 'What Praios doesn't know, won't melt the snow.' BRAGAN: Praios is the Sun God, you Goblin fart! Why would he worry about the snow? JORGEN: And why would... oh, I give up... I just know I'm cold. And the 'wisdom' of Praios is more likely to burn witches at the stake these days. URDIRIEL: Hmm, very informative. So you're a forger. BRAGAN: The penny has dropped, has it? Would you like to avail yourself of my services? URDIRIEL: I need a letter with this handwriting, but with a different message. BRAGAN: Let me see. Hmm. Changing this message would be a worth a lot to you, wouldn't it? What do you want it to say? URDIRIEL: "Give the bearer of this message the loot and all your gold!" BRAGAN: I'll do it for 10 ducats. URDIRIEL: Deal. Do it! With the faked document in hand, the party heads to Barnabas' farm. The ploy works like a charm. ZEKE BARNABAS: Hmm...? Are you lost...? URDIRIEL: This is a letter from Captain Soorman. ZEKE BARNABAS: Soorman? But we had an agreement... URDIRIEL: Hmm, aha... Loot and all your gold... I see. [reads quietly] ZEKE BARNABAS: Phew, I'm relieved that we're quits. Here, take it. Returning to Soorman, he doesn't seem to be in the least surprised when the party shows up with the loot. CAPTAIN SOORMAN: Did you take my message to Big Nose Barnabas? URDIRIEL: Here's the loot. Or did you think I wouldn't manage it? CAPTAIN SOORMAN: Hmhm, you have exceeded my expectations. URDIRIEL: The errand wasn't exactly what I was expecting either. CAPTAIN SOORMAN: I think you get to know people best when you surprise them. URDIRIEL: So do I get your vote now? CAPTAIN SOORMAN: My vote? Do I look like Arella the river mermaid? Do I have shells on my chest or the tail of a fish? Hmm? URDIRIEL: Err, what? No, but... CAPTAIN SOORMAN: Listen to me. If you want to see your friend again, then do exactly as I tell you. URDIRIEL: Another errand before I get to meet Thunderfist? CAPTAIN SOORMAN: Hmm, no. Thunderfist is too stubborn to tell you where you'll find the red-head. I, on the other hand, can help you if you help me. URDIRIEL: You want to go behind your leader's back? CAPTAIN SOORMAN: More than that. I want to be the leader. And you will kill Thunderfist for me. URDIRIEL: Kill? That's a suicide mission! CAPTAIN SOORMAN: There are enough people ready to help me seize power. As soon as you attack, they will fight by your side. CAPTAIN SOORMAN: Should you decide to speak of my plans to anybody else, then Golgari's wings will be the next thing you hear after the screams of your friends. URDIRIEL: I see. CAPTAIN SOORMAN: So you know there is only one right answer to my question. Will you do it? URDIRIEL: No. If you think you can use me for your purposes, you're badly mistaken. CAPTAIN SOORMAN: Oh really? Very well. Take the eastern path through the woods to the gate. I will tell the guards to let you pass through the cave. Think hard about what your friend's life is worth to you. Hmhmm. Outside, the party is suddenly approached by Leti the barmaid. BARMAID LETI: Wait! I... I heard. I heard everything. URDIRIEL: Calm down and start again from the beginning. BARMAID LETI: He wants to force you to kill Thunderfist? You mustn't do it! ... I feel so bad. URDIRIEL: Why do you feel bad? BARMAID LETI: Because I helped him too! But I didn't know his intentions! I don't want them all to kill each other... URDIRIEL: But you know one of them will have to lose, don't you? BARMAID LETI: *bursts into tears*...! But I don't want to live with a murderer. What if he has you killed too? I couldn't stand it! ARDO: Poor girl. That rogue has no scruples whatsoever. It's good that you have seen his true face. CANO: A clever man considers all his options. Come, my dear. A pretty girl like you shouldn't cry. You should sparkle like a star! JAAKON: Soorman has already tried to lure us into a trap once before. We should take care. BARMAID LETI: So... so now what? URDIRIEL: I would rather not talk about my plans. But thank you for your honesty, Leti. BARMAID LETI: I understand. The Twelfgods be with you! Oh... what have I done? Thus, our party heads to the gate Soorman spoke of and can finally meet up with Thunderfist. NEXT: less talkin' and moar fightin'

After locating the second stone dwarf, Urdiriel gives the wrong answer to the Bosnickel's question in order to get teleported and gain access to a hidden treasure chest. Even after giving the wrong answer, the stone Dwarves can still be easily saved by using the "Break Enchantment" spell. But answering questions correctly gives more experience. Second letter: "O". The third Dwarf is near a flooded hallway. After answering the Bosnickel's question ("What is the longest river in Aventuria?") we get the third letter, "G". And finally, the fourth Dwarf and the final letter, "O". Now, the Bosnickel can be banished. The party finds him in the deepest part of the delving. BOSNICKEL: Who's that crashing about like a heffalump? Now I have to sing my rock to sleep again! BOSNICKEL: What? Here already?! And crashing around like a heffalump! I didn't expect that. Rules are rules. Now my final question: What's my name? URDIRIEL: Are you Dave? Or Kevin? No. How about NOGO? BOSNICKEL: What? How? I don't believe it! You tricked me. Just like my cousin Rumplestiltskin. So be it. My vanquisher, command me! URDIRIEL: Listen! Leave this delving. BOSNICKEL: Today is different, this isn't the last you've seen of me... If you're greedy, look in the crate at the back. Be warned! Avarosh is the greediest of them all. He will find only corruption where he seeks.

I ordered it and am expecting to have fun.

It would be nice if all that left-over data in the demo was fake and was put in by BioWare on purpose just to rattle their fanbase even more.

I found it on the DA2 lulz thread on NeoGaf.

Does this game require a lot of graphical power? I just realized my computer sucks.

I finally gave the demo a try.

That's likely going to be Fallout 4.

Past the drawbridge, on their way to the Dwarven delving, the party meets Sanraya, Alari Springborn's lost sister. SANRAYA: Hey, you! I don't know you yet! JAAKON: That is correct. But I would still venture to ask what such a beautif... errm what an Elven woman is doing... oh, I haven't even introduced myself... Jaakon Zagor is my name... SANRAYA: There's no cause for concern, dear Jaakon. I'm here because it suits me. And you? I have only seen one kind of magician here and she is not known for her openness. JAAKON: I have nothing to do with that magician. In fact, quite the contrary, I... URDIRIEL: Ahem! JAAKON: ... oh... well, perhaps we will have the opportunity to speak later on. We must now continue on our secret quest... URDIRIEL: Jaakon? SANRAYA: Do tell. What are you doing here? URDIRIEL: I would like to ask you something. SANRAYA: Ask and learn! I also sell herbs and various things I have gathered on my travels. URDIRIEL: Are you Sanraya of the Storm Sentinel tribe? Alari is worried about her sister. SANRAYA: Alari Springborn? Ahh, I miss her too. But this life would not be for her and I will not return to the say'dhaba. URDIRIEL: You are so certain of that, although you only recently left your tribe? SANRAYA: Elves grow as old as the trees, but for Humans seven years is a long time. There are so many stories in this place! You know, everybody came here to be free. URDIRIEL: Why did you leave the forests of your home? SANRAYA: The song of the tribe was filled with disharmony because I wanted to see more... and that is what I have done since I left the tribe. You can understand that yearning, can't you? You too are far from your tribe. URDIRIEL: Yes, but do you never intend to return? Do you think that your tribe would not take you back? SANRAYA: I may be closer to badoc, but that is no loss. I gain because I understand so much more! I feel another, more powerful creature within me ever since I lost my iama. URDIRIEL: You lost your instrument? How? SANRAYA: On my travels I came upon a wondrous cave. I saw a sparkling in its depths. But as I approached, a scaly creature full of anger and greed arose from the waters! URDIRIEL: A greedy, scaled creature? Something like a Water Dragon, perhaps... SANRAYA: Fear possessed me and I fled... I did not notice that I dropped my harp. I tried to make another, but... I can show you where it happened on your map. Hence, Sanraya put the location of the Water Dragon on our map. She is also a merchant who sells a lot of powerful equipment and alchemical ingredients, including the final ingredient needed to craft the Perfect soul bow. Just the party approaches the Dwarven delving, a distraught Dwarf comes running out. MERCHANT UNGRAM: Take care! Do not enter the delving! It could end horribly! URDIRIEL: Calm down! That's exactly why Avarosh sent me. Tell me what's wrong. MERCHANT UNGRAM: A crazy Bosnickel has run amok in the delving. Anyone stupid enough not to leave the mine gets turned into stone. URDIRIEL: What's a Bosnickel? MERCHANT UNGRAM: You don't know what a Bosnickel is? A nasty Leprechaun with a thing for metal, that's what. It turns things into stone and changes gold into worthless fool's gold. URDIRIEL: Tell me more about the Bosnickel. MERCHANT UNGRAM: He turned up in the delving a few days ago. He started with practical jokes, trying to get us to leave. Things got worse and worse until Avarosh ordered us to catch him and silence him. URDIRIEL: And that didn't work? MERCHANT UNGRAM: Of course not! The Bosnickel was powerful. Much too powerful. He turned all my friends to stone. He got to me last. Instead of turning me to stone, he just giggled. URDIRIEL: Why did he spare you? MERCHANT UNGRAM: He said I was lucky. And then he babbled something like: "Fiddlesticks and poppy****, not again! Only four letters in my name. Can't turn you into stone, I've already made four statues." URDIRIEL: This story gets stranger and stranger. MERCHANT UNGRAM: True. Maybe it had something to do with his name. I heard you can drive them off if you learn their name. But that's just a legend. URDIRIEL: Well, it's better than nothing. MERCHANT UNGRAM: Finding out his name to drive him out is one thing, but please try to turn my four friends back. JAAKON: [Arcane Lore] A "Break Enchantment" spell might work. MERCHANT UNGRAM: Maybe you could ask the elf down at the riverbanks. She lives in a house on stilts and seems to know a little about magic. URDIRIEL: Do you have any idea why the Bosnickel singled you out? MERCHANT UNGRAM: Well ... err. No... well, maybe... the delving borders on Norgamashzrom. URDIRIEL: Norgamaschrum ... zrom? What's that? MERCHANT UNGRAM: Norgamashzrom. An ancient Dwarven delving, deserted long ago. CANO: [Human Nature] You're keeping a secret! How am I supposed to help you if you won't help me? MERCHANT UNGRAM: You're right. Forgive me. It is forbidden to seek Norgamashzrom. King Arombolosh must have a reason for his decree. URDIRIEL: Wait out here! I'll deal with it. Inside the delving, it doesn't take long before the Bosnickel shows himself. Soon, the party finds the first stone Dwarf and the Bosnickel appears again. BOSNICKEL: Heeheehee, and another player takes the stage. Unwelcome and uninvited. URDIRIEL: Who are you? BOSNICKEL: Heeheehee... I'm the all-singing, all-dancing Bosnickel! Your worst nightmare! URDIRIEL: Haha, you're not my worst nightmare at all. BOSNICKEL: I have a warning, heehee. URDIRIEL: A warning? About what? BOSNICKEL: A warning of the secrets of the delving. Do you see this next to me? This shapeless pile of rocks? This was once a Dwarf. I turned him into stone! He will delve no more! Heehee, but who are you? And what do you want? URDIRIEL: Why are you doing all this? BOSNICKEL: I'm not telling. I warned you, didn't I? Isn't that enough? URDIRIEL: Avarosh sent me. I'm here to get things running properly again! BOSNICKEL: Oh, not good. But games are in my nature, so I say: will you play a game with me? URDIRIEL: What game? BOSNICKEL: I'm not telling. First you must say yes, heehee. URDIRIEL: Yes. BOSNICKEL: Here's the game: Questions and answers, we will play. If you win, you get my name and can command me. The Dwarves I'll turn back too. But you will not win... heeheehee. URDIRIEL: Good, let us begin. BOSNICKEL: Tatatada! Let the show begin. Clear the stage for the riddle master! BOSNICKEL: On myyyy leeeft! One of those pint-sized surly Dwarves. If you guess right, I'll turn him back and he'll whisper one letter of my name to you. Guess wrong and you'll have to do it yourself to get my name. URDIRIEL: Please get to the point. BOSNICKEL: Quiet please! I'm about to tell you the rules Listen well! BOSNICKEL: 1. Only you can answer. 2. You must answer immediately. 3. You can ask one companion only once. 4. You can buy one answer with rat tails. 5. You may lock out two wrong answers once. Understand? URDIRIEL: Yes. BOSNICKEL: What is a popular Aventurian woman's name beginning with N. A) Alrik B) Lena C) Cella D) Niame URDIRIEL: Niame. BOSNICKEL: Right! You win. My bearded helper will now give you your reward. Thus, we get our first letter of the Bosnickel's name. The other stone Dwarves are located deeper into the Delving. NEXT UPDATE: getting the final votes.

On their way back to the tavern, the party goes to look for the runaway Goblins for Soorman's Ork. To the south of the city, they come upon a lone Goblin hiding in the bushes. YOBBO: Hey! You look Goblins run off? URDIRIEL: Maybe. Are you one of them? YOBBO: No, no. But know where runoff Goblins go. I tell and you give reward? URDIRIEL: Tell me! I'll check. If it's true, you'll get your reward from the Bosun Ork. YOBBO: Ohoh, Bosun Ork baaaaad! But if he give reward, then I tell you. High behind hill... there shaman and other Goblins. Her fault! YOBBO: Reshamama is shaman and help run off! She not dumb like other Goblins. I wait here and come with you later for reward. URDIRIEL: Just up the hill... we'll see. Following Yobbo's directions, the party soon finds the runaways. Killing them is not necessary, however. RESHAMAMA: Hello, do you wish us ill? If not, begone! URDIRIEL: Are you one of the escaped Goblins? RESHAMAMA: By Weruuul and Kaysetoost! I knew you would come, river man. But we will fight. URDIRIEL: I'm not one of the pirates from round here. But I'm looking for the ones in charge. Who helped the Goblins escape? RESHAMAMA: I, Reshamama! Will you kill me now? I won't surrender! URDIRIEL: I have an idea. I met a Goblin not far from here who told me we would find the escaped Goblins here. RESHAMAMA: Must be Yobbo. Wretched traitor! URDIRIEL: Fine, they want a guilty Goblin. We'll give them Yobbo the traitor. What do you think? RESHAMAMA: Your suggestion is good. I will disappear with my Goblins and you take Yobbo the Traitor to the Ork. I thank you. You are wise... wise like Reshamama. Take my staff in thanks! URDIRIEL: Thank you, Reshamama! Good luck... and hurry! They're already looking for you. The party then returns to the bosun Ork and betrays the traitor. SHIP's ORK ZUTAR: Ahguoar! Haha, you have mangy Redpelt. CANO: [Fast Talk] Yes, this is him! YOBBO: You lieeee! I help Zutar and tell on other Goblins. Pleeeasse no crunch with me. Ohohohoh... SHIP's ORK ZUTAR: [success] Shut up, you fish food now. But I can make very long crunch with you. So be quiet! SHIP's ORK ZUTAR: Guoarta! Go to Irontaste, he will hear you now. From now Zutar and Irontaste sometimes maybe like you. The party returns to the inn to give the bottle of schnapps to Jadira. After obtaining her vote, she also has a new task for the party. URDIRIEL: Here's the schnapps. Onl one barrel, unfortunately... JADIRA: What? I expect there's a good reason for this... hmm? URDIRIEL: A couple of Trolls have wrecked the distillery and drunk the schnaps. I drove them off. The distiller is ok, and I thought I'd bring the rest of the schnaps. JADIRA: Well done. You're not afraid to act. I like that. You'll get my vote on the Council and plenty of free beer to wash away the smell of troll. URDIRIEL: Maybe I can help you, since you made it so easy to get your vote. JADIRA: You are a darling! Maybe you can... I have some business with Rumpo that makes me so sad. *sigh* URDIRIEL: The Captain? Rumpo Widowfriend? JADIRA: Don't call him that. He got that name because of his boastful talk. He used to be so different. He was rough and ready, he spoke his mind. URDIRIEL: Used to? Jadira... you and Rumpo? You were a couple? JADIRA: Yes. *sigh*... Then he went out raiding and came back a changed man. The old Perchbold had turned into that foppish widow-chaser. I just don't like him any more. I want the old, crude, ugly but honest Rumpo! URDIRIEL: Do you want me to talk to Rumpo? JADIRA: Absolutely not! I already spoke with Sanraya the Elf. She's going to brew me a potion. She just needs a lock of hair from Rumpo's head. Maybe you can get it and take it to Sanraya? URDIRIEL: I'll see what I can do. In the meantime, Urdiriel takes the time to talk to Soorman. Soorman has a personal grudge against Elves for some reason. CAPTAIN SOORMAN: Bah! Another long-ear? I want nothing to do with you! URDIRIEL: Zutar said you would listen to me. CAPTAIN SOORMAN: Oh really? A pointy-ear wants me to speak for them. Hmhmm. URDIRIEL: This is an important matter for me. I'm looking for a woman... CAPTAIN SOORMAN: So you're looking for a woman... and I'm neither a pimp nor a private investigator. URDIRIEL: What do you mean? CAPTAIN SOORMAN: What do I mean? Hmhmm. CAPTAIN SOORMAN: You may be able to win the other Council members' votes. But you will still need my vote. I'm the most important man here. Now get away from me. Captain Soorman wants to stress his authority by being the last pirate captain to grant his vote... thus forcing Urdiriel to finish Goldtooth's task at the Dwarven delving first. Outside, "Snow rose" can reveal why Soorman hates Elves. SNOW ROSE: I'm not here to have a chat. Although I can see myself enjoying a little Rahja worship with you, honey... URDIRIEL: Rahja worship? What do you mean? I just want to talk to you. SNOW ROSE: Well, you can talk all you like... as long as you pay! 2 ducats and I'll tell you some really interesting things about the village. URDIRIEL: It sounds like someone wants their money back. Alright then, here are your ducats. SNOW ROSE: Alright then, listen up! It's a secret, but Soorman once tried to rob an Elven coach in Farindel Woods and was held prisoner in Spriteland for ten years. That's why he's so scared of the supernatural. Keeping in mind Jadira's second task, Urdiriel returns to Captain Rumpo. However, this task can be solved without obtaining a lock of his (greasy) hair. JAAKON: [Arcane Lore] It's almost as if some enchantment is at work here... CAPTAIN RUMPO: What do you mean? Surely, you jest. Unless, of course, you mean the ladies. They're all enchanted with me. JAAKON: [Arcane Lore] This ring, is truly enchanting... CAPTAIN RUMPO: There's no reason to look so embarrassed. Do not fear, I take no umbrage at your comment. CANO: [Pick Pockets] You have such strong hands. Please show me... what impressive calluses! [Try to steal Rumpo's ring] CAPTAIN RUMPO: [success] Yeah, I got a good grip. Wanna feel? Burp! Oops... hehehe! Stealing Rumpo's ring removes his magical attraction and ends Jadira's task.

The party heads into the tavern, The Captain's Wheel, where the pirate leaders Hookensang, Bardshock and Irontaste are. Since the party had good dealings with Hookensang in the recent past, Urdiriel goes to speak with him first. HOOKENSANG: By the Twelfgods! Ethra is small indeed! I am most pleased to see a familiar face. What brings you here? URDIRIEL: I am searching for someone, and therefore need to see Thunderfist. Can I can count on your vote? HOOKENSANG: You helped me get the Elven puff. Of course I will help you! However, I fear my vote does not count for much around here. URDIRIEL: Why not? You're a Captain on the council, aren't you? HOOKENSANG: I urgently need help against a person who is trying to discredit my leadership. Otherwise the crew will refuse to guide my ship to safe harbors. URDIRIEL: Let me guess... your first mate? HOOKENSANG: He accuses me of personal profit at the expense of the crew. After meeting with the sponsor of our last mission, the share of the loot to be distributed to the crew went missing. URDIRIEL: Do you think he's the thief? HOOKENSANG: Judge for yourself. He's just over there splashing out on expensive liquor. His very presence here is a mockery because every time he toasts me he also spreads his lies. URDIRIEL: Maybe I should listen to his "lies"... over a few drinks. HOOKENSANG: I trust in your discretion. Be advised, you will be at a disadvantage when drinking with him. Unless... you buy him something a little stronger. Prem Fire, for example! URDIRIEL: That's a good tip. I'll deal with him. HOOKENSANG: I thank you - once again. Your helpful attitude will not go unrewarded. Urdiriel follows Hookensang's advice and drives the first mate, Matt Bravethorn, drunk. Following the drunken Bravethorn outside leads the party to the graveyard, where Bravethorn hid the pirate loot. Driving off Bravethorn and returning the loot to Hookensang grants him his vote. Three to go. Next, Urdiriel returns to the tavern to speak with Innkeeper Jadira, aka "Bardshock"... and find the Tavern King, the third person who owes Goldtooth some ducats. JADIRA: A new face! Just call me Jadira and feel free to talk to me any time. URDIRIEL: Your name sounds so exotic. Where are you from, Jadira? JADIRA: I'm a true Zahori, my people are a traveling people with fire in their blood. This is why I traveled the land when I was young. I stayed nowhere for longer than a month and had many adventures. Sometimes I worked as a camp follower or I sang and I danced. JADIRA: Then I met Rumpo and followed him here. The old innkeeper had just died so I took over the business. Now they play the music that I want to hear. URDIRIEL: I'm looking for Radomir, the Tavern King. Is he here? JADIRA: Radomir? That drunken dog is bound to be here soon. Why not keep me company until then. URDIRIEL: Jadira, you're on the Captain's Council. I... JADIRA: ... you need my vote, I presume. You'll get it, but first I want see if you're too fancy for a little job. I can't stand people who can't get stuck in. JADIRA: Go to the distillery just outside the village and ask the lazy dog there where my delivery is. Get him to hurry up and bring the schnapps right over. Do that and you'll get my vote. URDIRIEL: A simple errand... I understand. After speaking with Jadira, the Tavern King will come waltzing in. RADOMIR: Hmmm... who're you? Tavern King wants to drink! URDIRIEL: Avarosh wants his money back. RADOMIR: Avarosh Greedy Pockets? He can wait. Not the only one I owe money. An' now I need a drink. URDIRIEL: Pay up first before you drink all your money! RADOMIR: Not a chance. Now leave me in peace. CANO: [Fast Talk] Avarosh said this is your last chance to pay up. Otherwise, he wants to settle the matter differently. RADOMIR: [success] Oh, did he! Then I'm lucky you're such a peashful fellow. URDIRIEL: I'm glad we understand one another. RADOMIR: Here's the money. Now let me dr...drink in peace. Regards to Avarosh Greedy Pockets. Now, after getting hold of the 31 ducats of owed debt, the party returns to Avarosh. But of course, the little pest still has another job to do before granting his vote. GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: Yes, yes. Here comes my lackey... well? Did you call in all the debts for me? URDIRIEL: I got your 31 ducats. It was child's play. GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: Child's play? Yes, yes... well you're not getting my vote for child's play. You knew that, right? Hehehe! URDIRIEL: Yes. How do you intend to further exploit my predicament? GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: I'm told my mine is haunted and work has ground to a halt. Get my Dwarves delving again, yes? URDIRIEL: You haven't told me where the delving is. GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: Over the bridge and then right. Not left, got that? I'll put a nice big cross on your map in case that's too much for you to handle. There, hehe. URDIRIEL: What exactly is haunting the delving? GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: If I knew that, I wouldn't have to send anyone, would I? Must I explain everything to you? Go on, time is gold... how many times do I have to I tell you? URDIRIEL: Alright, I'll help you one last time. Before heading to the delving, the party leaves through the town gate to fetch the booze for Jadira. They also come upon Soorman's bosun Ork just outside the gate. SHIP's ORK ZUTAR: Tarock, stranger! You want leave village? URDIRIEL: Yes! Are you Soorman's Bosun Ork? I have to come to you first if I want to speak to him? Right? SHIP's ORK ZUTAR: Zutar! Great ship Ork of Captain Irontaste! You careful, lots! Say me 'Blackfur' and I make crunch on you! URDIRIEL: Soorman? I need his vote. Can you help me? SHIP's ORK ZUTAR: Goar woahl, you smart! No-one bother captain. Orders! URDIRIEL: How can I convince you to let me speak with the Captain? SHIP's ORK ZUTAR: Har har, you smart enough - you come when work to do. Get Baruckas like little Redpelt here. They gone! Can always get new ones. But I want make crunch, teach others not leave! URDIRIEL: What? What are you talking about? I don't understand a word. SHIP's ORK ZUTAR: Want crunch leader of runaways. Then other Redpelts know... not good run away. Bring me leader! Then you go Irontaste, Kaya! URDIRIEL: Sounds mean, but I'll do it. SHIP's ORK ZUTAR: Katwar! Haha, and you go quick south. Soorman clever. So you better go quick, if you want talk Captain. JAAKON: If I understood him correctly, he said we should go south. We should hurry before his men beat us to it. What a bizarre way of speaking... Near the distillery, it soon becomes apparent why Jadira didn't receive her delivery. Trolls again... DISTILLER: Help me! Please help me! URDIRIEL: What happened? DISTILLER: It's terrible! These trolls just turned up... wanted sugar, anything sweet. They smelled the alcohol and tried it. Now they're smashing the place up looking for something sweet to eat. Get rid of the trolls! Otherwise they'll tear my hut apart too. URDIRIEL: I'll deal with it. There's a choice between either fighting or outwitting the Trolls. ERGAMACK: Sweet powder! We want mooore! CANO: [Fast Talk] You were too greedy! You ate and drank everything too quickly. Now the 'Sweet powder spring' has run out. ERGAMACK: [success] Oh no! That's bad! No more sweet powder? Never? Baaaad. URDIRIEL: Never again! Unfortunately! ERGAMACK: Oh no! Come! We get bee nests now. They grow back. After driving off the Trolls, the distiller grants the party with what remains of the booze... one bottle of schnapps.

The party finds "Snow Rose", the first of the three that owe Goldtooth Avarosh money, near the exit gate. SNOW ROSE: Who are you? Competition or adventurers? URDIRIEL: Competition? I earn my money in different ways. SNOW ROSE: Pleased to hear it. In that case, we won't get in each other's way. URDIRIEL: Avarosh sent me. It's about your debts. SNOW ROSE: Ohhh, good old Avarosh. But I already told him I don't have his money. CANO: [seduce] Oh! You disappoint me, good lady. How can a lady of your class be indebted to a ruffian like Avarosh? With your Rahja-given looks, I'm sure you don't need it! SNOW ROSE: Sweet thing, what pretty words. You certainly know how to talk to a lady like me. Hmm... and those big brown eyes. Here, take the money and come back again soon. URDIRIEL: Avarosh will be pleased and you'll be left in peace at last. The next person in debt, Yapper Bodo, is with his dogs behind the tavern. YAPPER BODO: I suppose you want to buy a dog? Well you can forget that. They're all reserved. URDIRIEL: You owe money to Avarosh. I am here to collect. YAPPER BODO: He can wait until I've sold this litter here. Then he can have his ducats. Tell him that! ARDO: Tell me, are all your dogs pure-bred Grimmtooth Bull Terriers? I've rarely seen such splendid specimens. They respond well to a little praise when they do something right. YAPPER BODO: What? A true expert! Are you also a breeder? Here, take the money. I won't deny a fellow dog-lover. URDIRIEL: You have spared me a deal of trouble. Thank you. YAPPER BODO: 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. Not far from Yapper Bodo on the dock is Captain Rumpo, aka "Widowfriend", who despite his hideous looks is strange alluring to the opposite sex... CAPTAIN RUMPO: What glorious creature approaches? Your aspect alone entrances me. Pray, let me hear your voice. URDIRIEL: Err... what? You are ... ? I... errm... CAPTAIN RUMPO: Such power in your words! How gladly would I pit my strength against yours until we both reclined exhausted. URDIRIEL: Mind your mouth. I could challenge you in another discipline that might not be so pleasant for you. CAPTAIN RUMPO: I like strong women. ... Oh, that reminds me of my problem. URDIRIEL: I knew you had a problem. CAPTAIN RUMPO: You're just in time to help me out of a difficult situation, should you be so disposed. JAAKON: [Human Nature] Such educated discourse and unkempt appearance are rare companions. Something's wrong here. CAPTAIN RUMPO: There is no need to whisper. Speak openly! URDIRIEL: Well, I could help you, if only you would give me your vote in return. I want to meet with your leader. CAPTAIN RUMPO: I would be pleased to do so, but first I would ask that you help me. URDIRIEL: Then pray tell how awkward your predicament is. CAPTAIN RUMPO: I trust you will handle the following information discreetly. I trust that I will not have to ask Master Farfara here to deal with any problems that might arise from your actions. URDIRIEL: Of course! CAPTAIN RUMPO: I recently forgot my snuff box during a secret tryst with the barmaid in her chamber under the tavern. There is now a danger that her sweetheart will find it and make an unfortunate inference to my person. URDIRIEL: What's the problem with getting back a snuff box? CAPTAIN RUMPO: Leti's sweetheart is Captain Irontaste. He has been spending a lot of time conducting his business from the tavern recently. I'm sure you appreciate my problem? URDIRIEL: I'm not stupid. So we have a deal? CAPTAIN RUMPO: Naturally, I would be most grateful if you could retrieve the snuff box as quickly as possible. I presume... I can trust in the good impression you have made on me! URDIRIEL: Growler Bodo is right by the back exit. One false move and the dogs will bark down the whole village. CAPTAIN RUMPO: How could I forget the dog breeder? Forgive me! Well, Alrico tricked him once by telling him he was taking a crate of Stonesoftener to the cellar for Jadira. URDIRIEL: And was he succesful? CAPTAIN RUMPO: It's a strong Dwarf schnapps from Angbar. Bodo and Hookensang are the only ones here who drink the stuff - for good reason. URDIRIEL: Why don't you use that pretext yourself? CAPTAIN RUMPO: Bodo recently found out that somebody gave his dogs a sleeping potion. I don't want him to suspect me. You're new here, so he won't consider you. URDIRIEL: Alrigh then, I will try Alrico's trick. Once inside the tavern tavern basement, it appears the barmaid is still in her room. However, she soon leaves for the bathroom, enabling Urdiriel to sneak into the room and look for Rumpo's snuff box. Strangely enough, there are two snuff boxes lying around... Returning the snuff boxes to Rumpo, he will identify the correct one. However, he still has a second task before granting his vote: cheering up his bosun, Alrico Farfara. ALRICO FARFARA: Who... ah, what a warm sight in this cold wilderness. Allow me to introduce myself. Alrico Farfara, a son of Grangor, the fairest city of Fairfield. ARDO: Greetings, noble Alrico Farfara. I am Ardo of Boar... err Ardo, a merchant of the Middenrealm. CANO: My name is Cano ui Benadin of the fairest city in Albernia, the beautiful Havena. I spend so much time surrounded by these ruffians, it's wonderful to meet a nobleman. JAAKON: Jaakon Zagor, guild mage of Festum. ALRICO FARFARA: And to whom else do I owe the honor? URDIRIEL: Err... Urdiriel Teardream is my name. ALRICO FARFARA: My lady, the pleasure is all mine. And how can Alrico Farfara help you? URDIRIEL: Your captain is worried about you. He wants me to help you and cheer you up. ALRICO FARFARA: Oh, I had just forgotten the shame that fills my heart with grief. But you bring me hope, if the captain thinks that you might be able to retrieve the thing most precious to me above all others. URDIRIEL: What exactly is the problem? ALRICO FARFARA: It is my rapier, a noble weapon made of the finest steel, fashioned by the best smiths in Grangor. It is a family heirloom that has been with the Farfaras since time immemorial. Stolen by a worthy servant of the notorious Soorman... CANO: [Human Nature] Hmm, go on, noble Alrico. [i shouldn't let him beguile me. He has a silver tongue.] ALRICO FARFARA: Well, I have tried everything to retrieve my rapier, but the fellow just won't give it back. Either I must spill blood or live with the eternal humiliation and shame. URDIRIEL: I could try talking with the thief. Where can I find him? ALRICO FARFARA: Wonderful! Maybe you will be able to take back what is mine from that blockhead. But you should know he's a mean customer and he has like-minded friends. You'll find him with his cronies at the dueling ground. At the dueling ground, Alrico's task can be elegantly solved by letting Cano pickpocket the rapier off the thugs' leader. After Alrico has his rapier back, Rumpo's vote is ours. Four to go.

Is there any chance for a demo? I don't remember whether the first game had one. I'd like to know how well it will run on my computer... last I checked, I barely passed the minimum requirements.

Must be tough, playing games you don't like.

BG2, Darkensang: River of Time & Divine Divinity.

Hammerberg turns out to be a cold, snowy place at the foot of the Anvil Mountains. On the docks, a dwarf named Avarosh quickly addresses the party to give the rundown of the place. GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: Tell me, who are you? What do you want? Time is gold! URDIRIEL: We... er... we're just simple traveling merchants... This is... err... Gammlund. What's it to you? GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: 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. And third, I tell my friends when my nose tells me something stinks. Something's not quite right about you and your cronies. URDIRIEL: You're not different to me. People like us make our own rules, am I right? GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: That's an attitude that will gain you both followers and enemies... but the rules here apply to all, understood? URDIRIEL: What are these rules? GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: 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? URDIRIEL: I think I can manage that. GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: Do you like waiting in the reeds? URDIRIEL: 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. GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: I see... I can't tell you anything about that. CANO: [Human Nature] You don't know anything? Or are you not allowed to tell us anything? GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: [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. URDIRIEL: It's this woman I'm looking for. Where can I find her? GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: I see... You want to talk to Thunderfist! But I'm afraid I must disappoint you... we don't let just anybody do that. URDIRIEL: What do I have to do? GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: You can only meet Thunderfist if you have enough people vouch for you. Not just anybody, of course... people with a certain amount of influences. Like me. URDIRIEL: I see... and who has influence here? GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: The Council members. Apart from me, there's "Irontaste", "Widowfriend", "Hookensang" and "Bardshock"... Hehe, but I doubt you'll be able to get their agreement. URDIRIEL: I need to know more about the Council members. GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: Yes, yes, but you won't manage it anyway... hehe... who would you like to know about? URDIRIEL: What about you, "Goldtooth"? GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: Aye, Avaroth, 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. GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: 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? URDIRIEL: You're right. GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: Yes, yes. Then make yourself useful! Those who don't make their payments get a visit, understand? Will you take care of it? URDIRIEL: Who do you want me to visit? GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: 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. GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: 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. 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! URDIRIEL: Is that all? As you said earlier, time is gold! GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: 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? URDIRIEL: Tell me about "Irontaste". GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: Phewin Soorman is a dangerous man. Aye! He got into the banditry business early in life. First coaches, then ships... who knows what else! The only thing that's certain is that you won't have much fun speaking with him. He spends a lot of time doing business deals in the tavern. GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: First you must speak with his bosun - a stinking Blackfur, hehe. I wonder if you'll survive that? Aye... we shall see! URDIRIEL: Tell me about "Widowfriend". GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: Rumpo Berchbold. A man who made it from common mercenary to captain... how did he do it? Aye, I'd like to know that. He's usually over at the back pier, that show-off. Ask him yourself, hehe. URDIRIEL: Tell me about "Bardshock". GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: Hehe, Jadira Cruento is a Zahori. You know... the 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. URDIRIEL: Tell me about "Hookensang". GOLDTOOTH AVAROSH: 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. On their way from the docks, the party bumps into an old friend. CAPTAIN BURGESS: Hey! You there! You're the one I gave a good beating! URDIRIEL: I remember. You came up behind me and knocked me down right at the beginning of this adventure! CAPTAIN BURGESS: I hate you! Everything went wrong in my life after I gave you that beating. URDIRIEL: Tell me what happened, I'm curious. CAPTAIN BURGESS: I ran off when your cronies stuck their noses in. In the rush to escape, my ship floundered on one of the greatest rocks. I barely made it back here on the ship's tiny lifeboat. 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! URDIRIEL: At least I don't need your vote. CAPTAIN BURGESS: 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. Unfortunately for him, Captain Burgess gets trounced badly and whimpers off. Revenge is sweet. NEXT: various tasks for the Council.

Back at the Tollgate, a mage will now appear near the docks. It is Rakorium Muntagonis, the brilliant (but absent-minded) Dean of the Quicksilver Hall in Festum. Another legendary figure in the Dark Eye setting who is also a fairly important NPC in Drakensang 1. ARCHMAGE RAKORIUM: Oh, err... Nottel, finally! Oh, forgive me... I thought you were my apprentice... oh dear, oh dear... URDIRIEL: Is there a problem? Can I help? RIVER GUARDSMAN: This man just appeared on the dock with a pile of crates. He says he's the Dean of a magic academy, so we're trying to be as respectful as possible... RIVER GUARDSMAN: ...but whenever we ask him something he just starts talking about someone called Nottel! I don't think he even exists! ARCHMAGE RAKORIUM: 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? JAAKON: [Arcane Lore] You are clearly alluding to the fact that some scholars doubt the actual existence of our Third Sphere. ARCHMAGE RAKORIUM: 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? 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. ARCHMAGE RAKORIUM: Do you mind if I ask your name, incidentally? One wants to know... one whom has imagined... eh? Haha... URDIRIEL: My name is Urdiriel Teardream. Can I help you in some way? ARCHMAGE RAKORIUM: 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. URDIRIEL: Where could Nottel be? ARCHMAGE RAKORIUM: Well, I did tell him about those old witch stones up there... Very powerful... Good for sphere travel and blood magic... hmm... RIVER GUARDSMAN: You mean that stone circle to the northeast? I've been there... it's an eerie place... ARCHMAGE RAKORIUM: Yes, haha... it's the kind of thing that interests young people... no wonder Nottel has been away so long... The party heads to the stone circle and finds Nottel rooted in the middle of it. NOVICE NOTTEL: 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. URDIRIEL: Are you Nottel? NOVICE NOTTEL: 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. URDIRIEL: What? Your master can't even get your name right? NOVICE NOTTEL: 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. URDIRIEL: What happened? NOVICE NOTTEL: I wanted to take a look at this stone circle. The Compendium of Miraculous Stones describes it as an unusual specimen. It resembles the work of Dwarven Geodes, but it's much older. 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. NOVICE NOTTEL: 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? URDIRIEL: How can I help you? NOVICE NOTTEL: 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. 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. NOVICE NOTTEL: 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. Please, go and ask him to help you... then go to the cave and look for the source of the magic and try to cut it off. Rakorium grants the party with a magical pick-axe that is used to clear the entrance to the cave that Nottel spoke of. Inside the cave, soon an unknown magician appears out of nowhere and addresses the party. MARAWAMIR AY ELBURUM: What? Who are you? What are you doing down here? Did he send you? URDIRIEL: I'm looking for the source of some magical energies. MARAWAMIR AY ELBURUM: 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! MARAWAMIR AY ELBURUM: He's been trying to thwart me ever since the ritual was interrupted! He's using every means possible to stop me from completing it! He's constantly hiding the components! Don't believe his lies! It's obvious he is not to be trusted! You should help me find the ingredients! URDIRIEL: Who is he? MARAWAMIR AY ELBURUM: 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! URDIRIEL: Who are you? MARAWAMIR AY ELBURUM: I am Marawamir ay Elburum, mage and researcher of arcane secrets. The ritual I began must be ended! He must not succeed! MARAWAMIR AY ELBURUM: 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. Soon after Marawamir teleports away, "he" appears... and is apparently Marawamir's undead version. MARAWAMIR AY ELBURUM: Halt! I know that you're helping that weakling by looking for the components for the ritual! Forget that pathetic worm! From now on, you shall obey my will! URDIRIEL: Why should I obey you? You don't look particularly trustworthy. MARAWAMIR AY ELBURUM: If you serve me, I shall richly reward you. I have the power to grant you any wishes... oppose me and I shall destroy you! Collect the components from the surrounding rooms and bring them to the center of the place of ritual. I shall wait for you there. After going through the entire cave complex, the party gathers the five ingredients, which turn out to be five rare plant components. Taking the ingredients to the ritual place, the two mages will start battling and Urdiriel must make a decision which of the two mages to help... by either completing or reversing the ritual. To complete the ritual, the ingredients must be placed in the correct order in each of the bowls. The correct order is revealed by solving a small puzzle. The only way to release Nottel is to reverse the ritual. When the skeleton mage then attempts to complete the ritual, he disappears. MARAWAMIR AY ELBURUM: Thanks be to Hesinde, he is gone! Some things shouldn't be shared. As old Rohal said: "When you stare deep into your soul, eventually it stares back." MARAWAMIR AY ELBURUM: Very clever of you to arrange the components in the opposite sequence... that reversed the ritual. The stones above ground are no longer charged with magical energy, if you're interested. MARAWAMIR AY ELBURUM: Well, err... I think I'll dedicate my time to different research in the future... Maybe I'll go back to dissecting small animals, or big ones... err, farewell! Transversalis Teleport! Heading back to the docks, Nottel and Master Rakorium are reunited. NOVICE NOTTEL: Hello! Thank you for saving me. When I felt the magical powers abating, I went straight back to Master Rakorium. Now I need to deal with the tollkeepers... the two guards look shaken up. Speak to my master again, he's sure to reward you... if he recognizes you. ARCHMAGE RAKORIUM: Aha, you're back again! And there's.. err... ah, Nottel... URDIRIEL: Yes, I managed to free him. ARCHMAGE RAKORIUM: Oh, thank Hesinde! I thought I'd have to get another one... hmm, yes. ARCHMAGE RAKORIUM: 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... NOVICE NOTTEL: But Master, what about our research material? Surely we can't just leave it here? ARCHMAGE RAKORIUM: Oh, ah yes... We should take that with us, shouldn't we? Come along then, Nottel. Transversalis... Master Rakorium teleports away and now the party can finally move on to the pirate hideout, Hammerberg.

Back at the Hunting Preserve, Enno of Vardock will now offer a quest to do some Spring cleaning and rid the place of marauding Orks. The Orks are located in the western part of the preserve and are not too difficult to deal with. However, there are also Ogres among them. Ogres hit very hard and have a large amount of HP. They can however be efficiently beaten by using melee debuffs followed by applying wounding attacks. On the stone bridge, there are two Ogres to fight. The party finds the way beyond the bridge blocked by a tree. Enno of Vardock's servants will remove it, but this will take a while... the party will return later to finish the job. Back at the Elven woods, Urdiriel hands over the Elven arrow she crafted to Linwen Owlwing. He now has two more tasks before he will help making the ultimate weapon. LINWEN OWLWING: You have now discovered that there is more to weaponforming than the right grip techniques. It is important to start with a clear idea of what you want to create. URDIRIEL: Yes... it is as if the arrow was already in the branch from which you formed it. LINWEN OWLWING: Three Elves must combine their magic to form the weapon with you. Speak with Calenleya Arrowsong and Ilcoron Sparkweaver and ask them if they wish to help. Calenleya Arrowsong tasks the party with some typical Elven hippie stuff, i.e. walking around the woods and listening to the melody of it. Upon returning to her, she will ask how many deer live in the forest. Ilcoron Sparkweaver asks to craft a pommel for him. After performing these two minor tasks, Linwen Owlwing, Calenleya Arrowsong and Ilcoron Sparkweaver will gather with Urdiriel and sing the perfect weapon into existence. LINWEN OWLWING: Magic and song will help to define the form. To work in harmony with us, you must open your senses by singing with us. LINWEN OWLWING: I call on you all! Unite and channel your powers into this weapon. Diun i'dao sala mandra! CALENLEYA ARROWSONG: The bond is complete... Fey'y sanya sala ia'dhamandra-mha aya tharmandra! URDIRIEL: Fey'y sanya sala ia'dhamandra-mha aya tharmandra! ILCORON SPARKWEAVER: Ia sala biuanda sany'ray! E

Fable 3 coming to PC on same day as Witcher 2

Is there a PC demo? I'm interested since this is supposed to be the spiritual successor to Painkiller.

Pure FPS are about shooting enemies non-stop, not watching cutscenes and scripted events every ten minutes.