Continue along the path and pause at the pond on the right to reel in another Silver Key. Before you tackle the Demon Door opposite, have a rummage around the rest of the area. You can find an Obsidian Greathammer in a chest behind some thorns, just as the northern path splits in two, plus some Chainmail Gauntlets in an alcove to the north-east. When you’ve exhausted Witchwood Stones’ looting potential, go speak to the Demon Door—cracking this one wide is integral to your current story quest.
Witchwood Stones Demon Door
“I only open to those who know my name. If you know it, find and hit the magic stones to spell it out. Only one person knows my name, but I doubt you’ll find him. Even at the Temple of Avo.”
This door only opens to those that know its name. Fortunately, there’s just such a man loitering around the Temple of Avo. You could take the path that leads east and get some answers—the gentleman you seek loiters just south-west of the temple. However, he’s only prepared to provide the information you need in exchange for a shiny Ruby. If you’d rather save yourself a bit of Gold, it’s easy enough to figure out the door’s name without assistance.
Make your way back to the northern part of Witchwood Stones and examine the four mysterious stones standing proudly (and a little eerily) nearby. It shouldn’t take long to learn that each is marked with a letter: H, I, T, and S. You need to strike each stone in the correct order, spelling out the door’s name as you go. Somewhat improbably, it’s called “HITS,” so smash those stones in turn. Foul-mouthed Heroes should note that any attempts to spell a particularly naughty word are greeted by a baying pack of Balverines. So best keep it clean!
Once the Demon Door has swung open, head back and pop inside. Maze’s history-loving pal is less than happy to make your acquaintance when you do, but at least you’ve completed the Find the Archaeologist quest. Before rushing off again, have a rummage to uncover a 15-Key Silver Key Chest containing a Health augmentation, plus some Chainmail Leggings and a Resurrection Phial in the smaller chest. Finally, there’s a Howl Tattoo and some books on the shelf, plus a Sapphire and Ruby concealed in some barrels nearby.
With that bit of business out the way, the Guildmaster alerts you to a brand-new quest awaiting back at the Heroes’ Guild. Teleport on over, spend your Experience, and check out the Map Table to accept the White Balverine quest—feel free to make a Boast if you’re in the mood. When you’re suitably prepared, return to the Witchwood Cullis Gate and proceed to The Temple of Avo, just east of Witchwood Stones.
The White Balverine ~ Boasts
| Boasts | Criteria | Wager | Reward |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Protection | Do the quest naked. | 800 | 1,800 |
| Without a Scratch | Take no damage. | 500 | 2,500 |
Bandits in Witchwood
As you enter Witchwood Stones from the south a second time, a man comes charging down the path, in desperate need of assistance. However, the specifics of his request differ, depending on your current Alignment.
If you’re a saintly sort, the man asks you to help his wife and leads you north toward the stones. Unfortunately, it’s a trap and you’ll be ambushed by Bandits. Run back along the path to draw the nearby Guards’ attention and gain some allies in battle. Once it’s over, go find the man to the north. If you choose to spare him, you receive a Resurrection Phial as a reward for you benevolence.
Bad Heroes are approached by a man requesting help in roughing up a rich Trader. Follow him north and, this time, you’re attacked by Guards. Finish them off with help from the Bandits nearby, then go find the man to teach him a lesson. Talk to him to receive a Resurrection Phial—or show him the pointy end of your blade for 60 Evil points.
