Ultima VII: The Black Gate/Trinsic


 * Companions: Iolo, Spark

When you arrive you'll talk to Iolo about the murders. If you have The Forge of Virtue installed there will be an earthquake just then, and Iolo suggests to ask Lord British about it. The mayor arrives shortly after and explains some more about the murders. Agree to investigate, but say you haven't looked at the stables yet (which you likely haven't). Go into the stable and grab the key by the body. Also be sure to get the bag of golden goodies in the upper room. Pocket the bucket of blood if you want to have some fun later. Be sure to talk to Petre about the events.

Talk to the mayor about the key and he'll send you to Spark, the victim's son (100S, 4E). Ask about his nightmares and the people that appeared in them (a man with a hook and a wingless gargoyle). Agree to let him join the party. Use the key you found in the chest upstairs and grab the contents. If you hit the parrot with the gavel you'll be told of a secret treasure trove (169S, 28E).s

Now go to the healer's (112S, 2E) and talk to Gilberto, the guard standing there. Ask about the attack and the Crown Jewel, then talk to the other guard for more info. Gilberto tells you to ask Gargan about the ship, so go do that.

Gargan reveals it sailed to Britain but he doesn't know who was aboard. Go to the Fellowship Hall (108S, 10E) and talk to Klog about the murders and about Abraham and Elizabeth. Now talk to Gargan again and this time he will also mention Hook and the wingless gargoyle.

Be sure to nick the Sextant from his crates (he's got plenty to spare), the other goodies are largely optional. If you don't want to steal it, don't buy one either, you can get one in the next town for a fraction of the price.

If you want some good loot head to the weapons shop and nick things when the shopkeeper's back is turned (or at nighttime). Look for an almost hidden switch behind the black buckler to open the otherwise inaccessible upper room. This is loaded with armour, arrows, and various weapons.

Now go and report to the mayor. He will ask a series of copy-protection questions:

Once he's satisfied he'll give you the password that will allow you to leave Trinsic.

Before you leave
NOTE: if you have the Quests and Interactions mod installed, be sure to talk to ask Finnigan about Trinsic and then about the Rune of Honor. This will then unlock the Rune of Honor sidequest.

Before you leave you should go get some equipment. If you have the money you should buy Petre's carriage (parked just north of Trinsic), or if you're a bit short you might want to go buy some Swamp Boots. You don't really need them (even though Iolo says you do when you arrive) but if a party member steps on any green part of the swamp without them on they'll be poisoned.

Anyway, take the southern exit if you want some goodies, or if not just head vaguely north until you find either your carriage or the swamp. Either tell the guard the password or just double-click on the chain to say it automatically.

Head SW until you reach 128S, 4W. Look for a chest almost entirely hidden by some trees. Drag it out into a clear area and break it open by attacking it.

It contains a full set of Magic armour, 600 gold, a Crossbow and some Magic Bolts, not to mention a Sword of Defense, a Fire Sword, some Swamp Boots (equip these) and three rings. The Fire Sword is especially valuable; with it equipped you can explore dark caves without ever worrying about torches and their limited lifespan.

Now head back through or around the village, and then northwards to the swamp. If you bought the carriage head NE from the gate to find it. Climb aboard and drive NW. The actors have no story purpose, but you can pay to watch their play if you wish to learn more about the Fellowship. Anyway, continue north to the swamp.

The next town you'll come to is Paws. You can either solve the sidequests there or continue following the core plot. If you're intent on catching up with the murderers head on through to Britain.