Victory! The villainous Lescanzi have been banished from the Rukkenvahl, their plot undone by a handful of stalwart legionnaires. Life slowly returns to normal for the valley’s humble citizens, but you’ve little time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Odo has asked that you venture to the city of Stonebridge, where the Legion’s Grand Chapterhouse stands. The journey won’t be easy, for Stonebridge lies beyond Ehb’s foul Eastern Swamp, home of the First People.
Eastern Swamp Bluffs
Swamp Romp
Discover a treasure chest in a nook after crossing the bridge that leads into the Eastern Swamp Bluffs. Lay waste to the roaming packs of spiders you encounter along the following trail—they pose little threat. Press onward to encounter a traveler named Leopold.
Leopold
This traveler warns you that there’s trouble ahead. Apparently, the armies of the Azunite Church, which serve Jeyne Kassynder, are clashing with a faction known as the royalists in the swamp. Leopold divulges that the Azunites have the royalists pinned down within Glitterdelve Mine to the northwest, which explains the odd choice of battlefield. Thank Leopold for the warning before carrying on.
Find Another Route
An upturned wagon blocks the trail beyond Leopold—you’ll need to find another way through the swamp. Venture down the overgrown trail to the left to encounter a group of Azunite soldiers. These dangerous men serve Jeyne Kassynder, and they attack you on sight. Dodge to avoid the knights as you eliminate the gunmen, then continue to evade and slip behind the knights, assaulting them from the rear.
Bioluminescent Caves
Cut through the Caves
Dispatch more Azunite soldiers as you delve into a luminescent cavern. Collect treasure from three chests on your way through the caves. You should have little trouble passing through this short tunnel, but remember to retreat if the enemy starts to gain the upper hand.
Swamp Battlefield
Talk to the Royalist Leader
The cave leads directly to the swamp, which is currently under the control of royalist forces. Follow the path to locate the royalists’ leader, a grizzled man named Lord Devonsey.
Lord Devonsey
Struggling against the Azunites has taken a terrible toll on the royalists, and Lord Devonsey is clearly shaken. If Lucas is by your side, explain to Lord Devonsey that you’re “with the Legion” to gain Influence with him, or if Katarina is your current companion, lie and say “we’re just travelers” to gain Influence with her instead. Devonsey informs you that the western road has collapsed—the royalists are trapped in this impassable marshland, as are you. However, Lord Devonsey offers you a ray of hope in saying that one of his men—a scholar named Phineas—somehow has the power to raise a land bridge out of the swamp’s massive roots. Sadly, Phineas has been captured by the natives that live in the swamp, along with several other royalist soldiers. There’s no telling what’s become of these poor men, but Lord Devonsey agrees to muster what few troops he has left and join you in an effort to rescue them. To gain more Influence with Lucas, tell Devonsey that maybe you could “negotiate” with the First People. Or if Anjali is by your side, instead voice your eagerness to “attack the village” to gain Influence with her.
Side Quest: Lost in the Swamp
Explore the royalists’ campsite to encounter a troubled soldier named Roderick, who has a favor to ask of you.
Find the Missing Scouts
Roderick sent two scouting parties into the swamp, but neither has returned. He has asked that you watch for them and send them back to the royalist camp if you find them.
Simply follow the walkthrough and you’ll locate Roderick’s missing royalist scouts as you explore the swamp. Remember that the quest guide can lead you to each group as well.
Find the First People Village
Save your progress at the royalists’ camp, then search the campsite to find two hidden treasure chests. Afterward, find Leopold (the merchant you met on the trail to the swamp), who’s peddling his wares at a nearby stand. Have a look at Leopold’s selection of goods (he offers a couple of precious artifacts), then follow the quest guide out of camp and into the foul bog beyond.
Gloamwood Bog
Bogged Down
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Vicious spiders reside within the bog.
Beware the bog’s aggressive wildlife—giant leeches and disgusting worms regularly spring up from the putrid water. These creatures are resilient, but not particularly life-threatening if you’re quick to evade and react. Explore the bog thoroughly to claim a handful of treasures. You’ll eventually find Lord Devonsey standing with his men near the edge of the First People’s village.
Devonsey’s Plan
The royalist leader suspects that Phineas and any other royalist prisoners are being held at the far side of the First People’s village, or perhaps somewhere in the trees above. Devonsey goes on to say that everything depends on finding the group’s leader—their chief shaman. If you can manage to capture their leader alive, you can negotiate with the natives from a position of strength. Devonsey’s plan sounds viable, though the enemy’s superior numbers are certainly cause for concern.