Knothole Glade

There’s plenty to do in Knothole Glade but, first, you need to dispatch the Balverines marauding outside. Once they’ve all been destroyed, the village gates open and you’re free to head in. There’s still danger afoot, though—a fearsome White Balverine has broken through Knothole Glade’s defences and the village Chief wants you to deal with it. Locate the beast using the Gold Quest Marker on your mini-map and lay on some damage.

When the White Balverine makes a run for it, visit the south-western end of the village and prepare for a second encounter. After you land ten blows, it scarpers back into the depths once more—just as its (ex-) wife approaches. Accept her gift of the Silver Augmentation and be ready to do battle again. Attach the Augmentation to your preferred weapon then get stuck in. Smack it around five times then head to Witchwood Lake to finish it off for good.

This powerful Balverine is considered the leader of the pack by Knothole Glade locals and, after you’ve dished out some more damage, it summons its Balverine minions into the fray. If you’re on a roll and want to lay waste to your main target first, feel free—just bring down the remaining Balverines when you’re done. If you don’t fancy having to face a whole bunch of Balverines at the end of the fight, however, you can always pause to pick them off each time they’re summoned.

Once the White Balverine has howled its last howl, you receive the White Balverine Head Trophy in recognition of your efforts. Return to Knothole Glade and speak with the Chief to end your quest, picking up Theresa’s Letter and the portentous tome “The Bloodline” as an additional reward. Have a read of both when you get a moment—books are cool!

There’s another quest waiting for you back at the Heroes’ Guild now, but it’s worth exploring more of Knothole Glade before returning. Those Heroes with a hankering for body art should visit the tattoo parlour, while competitive adventurers can test their skills in another tavern mini-game—or take on the final Fist Fighters challenge. Meanwhile, there’s a Silver Key to be found in the dirt alongside the house for sale in the south-west: 1,000 Gold in a chest at the Blacksmith, plus a Ruby and some Chainmail Boots in two occupied homes. Fans of fast-travel should also rejoice at the sight of a brand-new Cullis Gate just outside the village.

Card Sorting at the Tavern

There’s another mini-game to be played at the Knothole Glade tavern. All you need do is flip each card in order, from lowest to highest—ace, incidentally, is low here. There’s a hellishly strict time limit, however, so you might want to cast Slow Time before playing to make things easier—particularly if you hope to finish in 25 seconds or under and win the Scarlet Robe Hero Doll.

Fist Fighters Gang ~ Finals

If you’ve completed all three previous Fist Fighter challenges, you’re free to participate in the fourth and final contest in Knothole Glade. Visit the ring in the east at night and speak with the Chief to enter—it’ll cost you the usual 50 Gold. This time, there are seven rounds to beat and your opponents can land some devastating blows. As usual, block, dodge, and Flourish as much as possible—and consider boosting your Physique and Toughness Attributes beforehand, too. Your final opponent is the Chief himself and he’s a fearsome fighter. He has around 1,000 health points to his name and a killer punch—so powerful, in fact, that you can only withstand a single blow. Complete the challenge to be crowned champion and earn the coveted Fist Fighters Trophy.

Knothole Glade Demon Door

This door will gladly swing open if you shoot it hard enough with a Spell or Ranged weapon. You shouldn’t have much trouble if you already own a Longbow or Crossbow of Ebony quality or higher—and it’s also possible to complete the challenge using an Oak-quality weapon if you’ve secured the Multi Arrow Spell or increased your Accuracy Attribute to Level 5. Alternatively, sling a Level 2 Fireball at the door’s face if you’re feeling magical. Once successful, enter the Hidden Copse to claim an Elixir of Life as your reward.

Shopping in Knothole Glade

CLOTHING

WEAPONS

ITEMS

WANTED

The Arena Contest

Once you’ve exhausted the delights of Knothole Glade, return to the Heroes’ Guild, spend your Experience, and collect your next main story quest—The Arena. Be aware that the Slow Time and Multi Arrow Spells are especially useful during the challenges ahead, so consider acquiring them if you haven’t already.

The Arena ~ Boasts

Given that you’re about to go through eight rounds of increasingly tough combat, only the most fearless Heroes should attempt No Protection or Without a Scratch Boasts in the Arena. However, Evil characters should definitely select Clean Sweep, while Good ‘uns should go for Merciful Hero.

Once you’re all set, teleport back to Knothole Glade and make your way to Witchwood Lake. The Arena lies over the bridge to the north, so off you pop.