Part 1: Gathering Force at Magran’s Fork and Black Meadow
Enter Magran’s Fork (41), a mid-sized area of wilderness on the way to Black Meadow, then head southeast down the path, pausing to slay the Wolf to your left (west). Foelmar is to the right (42). After speaking with him, a large Wolf attacks. Defeat the beast, then talk to Foelmar again. Before he runs off, he gives you three Potions of Minor Endurance, which is very helpful when used during battle. Make sure you’re familiar with quick item slots!
Inviting the Priest, Durance
Head southeast to the fork in the road for which the area is named. There’s a signpost here (hinting at the direction of Anslög’s Compass and Black Meadow) and another party member (43) to gather, a priest by the name of Durance. He stands beside the statue of Magran. During the conversation, Durance says that you and he were meant to travel together—he saw your soul in the flames. End the conversation with “Company would be welcome on the road” to have him join your party.
You can inspect the old ruins if you wish, checking the interior of the cottage (44) for food and camping supplies, and combating a Will’O Wisp. A small brick also highlights inside the ruined silo—there’s some coinage behind it. This teaches you to be very thorough in your search for items.
There’s a Forest Troll (45) along the southern edges of the area (guarding a slain adventurer), wild boars just north of there, and a pack of four wolves north of the fork. We suggest taking on all these battles for the experience and items gained. This also allows you to get familiar with how the priest’s magic works into your party’s attack style.
To the east is a possibility of combat between your party and two Goldpact Paladins and a magician named Ludrana (46); all can become hostile, if you do not sneak past them. They’re hunting travelers. You can read Ludrana’s orders if you wish to gather more Lore flavor.
Part 2: A Tough Slog Through Black Meadow
Head down the road (49) and you pass an overturned cart (The Smith’s Shipment side quest updates) (50). Just north of the cart are six Wichts to battle. While in the area, inspect an empty camp to the east, but prepare to battle a lurking Spear Spider and its three Spear Spiderlings. Scout search the tent for Camping Supplies.
Follow the path north (51) to the burned grass and main path that bisects this location), then continue east, passing the skeleton remains of the dragons that scorched the earth. Watch for a Forest Troll skulking near each of the four dragon remains. Separately, the Forest Trolls are not a tough battle for such a large party.
If you’re looking for more experience, head to the northwest corner of the meadow and battle the two Forest Trolls, then take on the large Forest Lurker (53) in the northeast corner. An item crate is revealed only by Scouting. Look in the shrub-covered Galawain monument nearby. Travel to a nearby road exit. As long as you follow the roads to the east (54), you can see Caed Nua on your World Map. Go there now. You’ll find a secret container in the skull of the leftmost dragon skeleton in the Black Meadow.