You won’t have to go far into Darkwood Marshes before you learn why your chums were best left back in the previous area. The Balverines that prowl Darkwood are as ferocious as they are fast. Worse still, they’re able to withstand a fair amount of damage, meaning you’ve got your work cut out here.
Be wary of two moves in particular when going up against a Balverine. Firstly, look out for its powerful pounce attack, which can be dodged if your reactions are good. Secondly, Balverines can leap straight into the air, disappearing completely for a few seconds at a time. Don’t let your guard down, however—eventually, they slam back to earth, usually close enough to take a chunk of flesh straight out of your Heroic frame. This one’s easily avoided, though, by moving around prior to its reappearance. If you’re finding that Balverines are simply too quick to hit, try using the Slow Time Spell to bring their movements to a crawl.
Luckily, there’s just one solitary Balverine to deal with on your arrival in this area. When it’s taken care of, return to Darkwood Entrance and lead your party onward, trundling down the stone steps just past the Darkwood Marshes Demon Door. There’s a chest containing a Jet gemstone off to the left and the misty murk of Darkwood Marshes lies before you. Be careful here—those suspiciously luminous mushrooms peppering each tiny island will explode if you get too close.
Thankfully, you can destroy them in a matter of seconds using your Lightning Spell. Alternatively, if you’re some kind of Will-hating loon, use your Ranged weapon to painstakingly take them out one by one. When the coast is clear, lead your buddies west toward the exit. Instruct them to Wait before passing into Darkwood Lake alone.
Darkwood Marshes Demon Door
“Beware, traveler—I block the way to all but the most combat-hardened. If you request, my Guardians will test your mettle in combat. Meet their challenge, and the reward I hide is yours.”
This door wants to see you go a few rounds in battle, and unleashes several waves of increasingly tough Hobbes if you accept the challenge. Before you do, though, leave your entourage back at Darkwood Entrance, if you’re in the midst of the Trader Escort quest. It’s a relatively simple fight if you keep your wits about you, so pile on the carnage until victory is yours. Once the door opens, step into the Darkwood Sanctum to claim the imminently useful Dark Will User’s outfit.
