Dark and Darker

Alright, let's dive into Part 2 of our Dark and Darker journey. This section is all about getting you set up with the right crew and understanding some key mechanics that'll make your life a whole lot easier. Think of it as building your foundation before the real chaos begins.

Thievery & Companions:

• Talent Checks: Don't sweat it if you fail a talent check a few times early on. Three failures mean nothing, but if you whiff on the fourth try, it's definitely time to pump up those stats.
• Pickpocketing: Seriously, pickpocket everyone you can, especially when you're just starting out. It's a great way to snag some extra gold and items.
• Secondary Weapons: Always have a backup like a bow or throwing weapons ready. This is crucial for characters like rogues or mages who tend to hang back.
• Companion Influence: Without specific companions like Gladys or Dranor in your party, some shady characters in Ferdok might just ignore you. Keep this in mind when you're trying to get information or quests.

General Game Tips:

• Read the Rules: Drakensang is built on Pen and Paper rules. Seriously, take some time to understand the basics. I learned the hard way why my dwarf kept getting wounded and what that weird formula was when I right-clicked my attack value! Don't make my mistake.
• Explore First: Always explore the map thoroughly before diving into dungeons. You never know what you might find.
• Low Vitality: Be prepared – your character will likely have low health points (vitality). I managed to beat the game with around 68 base vitality plus a ring that gave me 10 more.
• Expert Mode: Use Expert Mode when creating your character. It lets you reallocate points from skills, weapons, or spells you don't plan on using, letting you boost others or save them for later.
• Key Locations: Only three places stay unlocked throughout the entire game: Ferdok, Tallon, and Murolosh. Make sure you resolve every available quest before leaving any other area, or you might not be able to go back!
• Quest Navigation: Your quest journal is your best friend. Click on a quest, and the destination (whether it's a place or a person) will be marked on your map with a green icon.
• Companion Priority: Get your companions first, and *then* start tackling quests. This ensures they gain the necessary experience points (EP) alongside you.
• Camera Glitches: If the camera ever goes wild, just right-click, hold it down, and move your mouse. This should snap it back to a normal view.

Main Story - Part 2: Avestrue & Ferdok

This part of the game acts as a big tutorial, easing you into the world.

Avestrue: An Invitation from an Old Friend

You'll start by creating your character and heading towards Ferdok after receiving an invitation from Ardo of Boarstock. On the bridge, Sergeant Erland will mention that Ferdok is closed off unless you have two important people vouching for you. He'll point you towards Mage Rakorium at the inn and some bandits in the woods (these are side quests). In the marketplace, Salina, the Queen of Mountebanks, needs your help. Her heirloom was stolen by Dranor, and she'll vouch for you if you retrieve it. You'll need to recruit Rhulana from the inn and then talk to Runkel Bagthumper and the innkeeper to get Ferdok marked on your map. Along the way, two apprentices, Rufus and Nottel, will mention their master is missing. Head towards the bandits' location. You'll run into two bandits, Botho and Lund, guarding a chest. Defeat them, loot the chest, and head inside. A cutscene will play where a dragonling orders his men to kill Dranor and then teleports away. Help Dranor, recruit his aide, loot the area, and return to Salina. You won't get her heirloom back, but you'll get your reward – one voucher secured! Check out 'The Bear' side quest to find and help Mage Rakorium for your second voucher. After that, head to Nandor, collect your reward for dealing with the bandits, and get your pass to Ferdok.

Important Note: Ignore side quests until you have Rhulana and Dranor with you. This ensures they get their EP.

Pro Tip: After you give Bredo Bento his Oneberries in a sidequest, come back later and pickpocket him a few times. You'll be surprised how many Oneberry juices you can rack up!

Ferdok: The City of Murders

Once you arrive in Ferdok, the gate guard will mention Ardo's house and some gruesome murders that have caused the city to be locked down. Outside Ardo's house, another guard will inform you of his murder and tell you who to contact next.

Murders in Ferdok:

Speak with Guard Captain Barla Borkensmith to get more details and a deputy to help you investigate.

Investigate Ardo's Murder: Your first task is to find Ardo's bodyguard, Forgrimm, and his friend, Gladys Shladromir. Head to The Silver Pitcher inn in Praios and talk to the innkeeper for a plant-based remedy to cure Forgrimm's drunkenness. Give it to him, ask him some questions, and recruit him. He's a fantastic tank, just make sure you protect his back and cast some buffing spells on him. Your next stop is Wagoner's Home. Fight three robbers led by Boris, then enter The Serene Sow inn. The innkeeper and three shady customers – Cripple Reto, Goldtooth Yallik, and Fourfinger Sam – will ignore you. Leave the inn, go left, and you'll notice Yallik following you. Keep going downhill, and Gladys will show up. Recruit her and begin investigating the murders. Visit Ugdan Docks and the location where Ardo was killed. The guard there will mention Ardo's body was discovered by head guard Tashman. Speak with Tashman, who doesn't know much except that Ardo was trying to uncover some criminal activity at the docks.

Investigate Eelko's Murder: Go to the site of Eelko's murder. A neighbor who was present that night will mention Eelko's lack of fortune, except for one piece of jewelry. Ask who his closest friend was – apparently, it was a cat named Mimi, who was fed salmon monthly by a nearby merchant. Visit the fish merchant and get some leftover salmon. Feed the cat and follow her. She'll eventually stop near a wall, revealing Eelko's brooch. Report back to Barla in Praios Square. Guard Reuben will direct you to an informant and give you a code phrase. Go in front of the Praios temple and speak with archivist Loisane, who will hint at a conspiracy.

Investigate Dragon's Murder: Visit the Flat Footed Ferret inn or head directly to the murder scene. At the scene, break open a barrel to find another piece of jewelry. Visit the inn, but everyone will ignore your questions. As you leave, Alina, Dragon's former lover, will approach and give you crucial information. Report back to Barla. You'll learn that both pieces of jewelry were made from the same material. Reuben will then point you towards the archivist behind the Hesinde temple. Speak with her, and you'll discover that Dragon and Eelko were descendants of dragon slayers, and the next victim, Jessica, is at Wagoner's Home. Once there, the maid Lana will scream that Jessica has been kidnapped. Use the metal door on the left. Walk through, and you'll find Jessica's body on the floor. Take the list of victims from her body and explore. To the left, you'll find rats and a hidden wall...