The Assassin at Large

Navigate the treacherous paths of Elmshore and Hearthsong in Pillars of Eternity. This guide helps you tackle ogres, uncover secrets, and manage companion quests.

Alright, let's dive into the 'Assassin at Large' section for Pillars of Eternity. This part can be a bit of a maze, so stick with me and we'll get through it. First off, a crucial tip: make sure Sagani, Pallegina, and Hiravias are in your party. Their companion quests can progress here, and you don't want to miss out on that. Also, and this is super important, save often and in different slots. Seriously, party members can get stuck in the scenery, and the only way to fix it is to reload an older save. Don't learn that the hard way!

You'll start in the northwest corner of Elmshore. Just hug the northern edge, and you'll run into a nasty group: four Ogres, an Ogre Druid, and an Ogre Matron chilling outside a cave. Take them down, then head inside. If you've unlocked the bounty, you'll find Nalrend the Wise, the ogre shaman, along with two Elder Bears, two Ogre Matrons, and an Ogre Druid. Once they're dealt with, grab Nalrend's head and check the locked chest (it's level 5) for some decent magic items.

Keep heading east across a bridge. On the other side, you'll find a poor guy propped against a tree, getting harassed by some Stelgaers. After you deal with them, have a chat with the Dying Monk. He'll tell you he was attacked on a mission and give you a scroll for his order in Twin Elms, kicking off The Sealed Missive quest. If your Dexterity is really high, you can actually read the letter, which hints at an artifact's location in Elm's Reach. Don't worry if you don't read it, though; you can still find the artifact later.

Cross back over the bridge and start heading southwest. You'll pass the Adra Pillars, where you'll find two groups of Rain Blights with some Adragans. Keep going west, and you'll start running into Forest Trolls, Adra Beetles, and Forest Lurkers. When you reach the Adra Arch landmark, you'll find another clue about Persoq.

Now, head across the bridge to the southeast. Once you're on the other side, you'll get another vision of Thaos. He'll grill you about your relationship with someone named Iovara. Just answer however you feel is best. After that, follow the path and take the exit to Twin Elms.

As you approach Hearthsong, a guard will let you know you can explore the district but others are off-limits. He'll give you the name of someone who might grant you further access: Anamenfath Bethwl. He'll also mention that the riots in Defiance Bay have finally stopped. This is good news because it means you can head back to Caed Nua to pick up the next set of bounties from Warden Fyrgen, and then complete three from the third batch.

If you fancy a bit of sightseeing, head east from the gate. You'll find a lift run by an ogre named Rotuk that takes you up to the Celestial Sapling. Before you hop on, though, have a word with Rinatto, a rather irate Vailian merchant. He's furious because the herbalist Alarhî sold him some bogus 'Elardh Golah' that didn't work. If you agree to mediate, you'll start the Hard Bargain quest.

Head up to the Celestial Sapling. You can chat with Ellitherion at the bar if you want, then go up the stairs to the right. You'll find a group of Monks there. Speak to the High Monk and tell him you found one of his order in dire straits. Give him the sealed message from the Dying Monk. If you didn't read it (or at least, didn't read it *very* carefully), you'll get the unique shield, Aila Braccia. If you did read it, well, prepare for a fight, and you can loot the shield from the High Monk's corpse.

On the other side of the inn, you'll find an elven woman named Cwineth. She's part of a team looting Engwithan ruins and needs your help. She's learned that some Glanfathans are planning to ambush her colleagues. Agree to warn them, and you'll trigger At the Mercy of the Tribes.

Back in the taproom, you'll find a Frightened Villager. He'll tell you that killing Raedric once wasn't enough – he's back, and he's personal. Agree to deal with him again to kick off The Champion of Berath.

Now, head back down to Hearthsong. There's a Glanfathan Home you can't enter yet. If you need to shop, the Hearthsong Market in the top left is a good bet. Tamra sells animal-skin goods, Derwn has weapons and armor (including a great club and flail), and Rhanet also stocks some unique items. Don't forget to speak with Iŵen, the herbalist minding the store for Alarhî. She'll point you to Alarhî's dwelling in the north of the district. Head up to the raised section with the Builders Hearth monument and go into the house on the left. Alarhî will explain her side of the story: the problem wasn't with her root, but with Rinatto's own... well, you get the idea. She wants Rinatto out of Twin Elms, so agree to deliver her message. For now, though, don't go back to Rinatto. Instead, make your way to the Passage of the Six. As you travel, you'll pick up a new pet: an Orange Tabby Cat!

The Passage of the Six can be a bit tricky to find on the map; it looks like it's on the upper level but it's actually a building on the middle level. Head inside and go towards the end of the hall. Pallegina will voice some concerns about the trade deal she's supposed to be negotiating, suggesting a deal that doesn't exclude Dyrwood would be better. Your response here will earn you Disposition points but won't change anything else. Continue forward to meet Anamenfath Bethwl. She's not exactly thrilled to grant you permission to visit other districts. As she's giving you a piece of her mind, you'll sense another presence in the hall – an orlan...