WARNING! This guide is still under construction, but I will add more info every 1-2 weeks.
Thanks to Steam Cloud - some images here tend to disappear - don't worry, I'll replace them as soon as I notice.


Hello, fellow hardcorers! Now what will you say if I show you how to complete Ironman mode as easy as possible, while saving every single playable character on your path? Sounds good? Read further then.

Also, I had in mind your immersion, and tried to steal as little of your freedom as I could. Don't worry though - here you'll find my every step and all my choices if you need them.


Here are the signs of different importance, and their meaning:


(If you make this choice you'll get resources (strixes, gold, morale, health or loyalty). You can easily ignore these choices, however if you ignore them all - you may not reach Opacum at all.)


(If you don't make this choice somebody will die.)


(Important! If you don't make this choice you won't get Ironman achievement - because either Thorn or Lo Pheng will die, or both.)

Also:
All fights will be described separately.
All merchants and all their items will be shown and described.
All difficult choices and their alternatives will be described as well, just to grant you maximum freedom and immersion.

Any choice without sign - is just a log and you can safely ignore it (unless you wish to follow my every step).

I wish to give you advice - try everything in this guide WHILE playing in Story mode, because if you have any questions about this playthrough, you can ask me BEFORE you spend a lot of time in Ironman. And even more - if you're in a difficult situation in Ironman and wish my help, 99% that it's already too late and I can't help you. Don't come to me frustrated, I won't help.

Besides - if you save that Story playthrough you can easily return to it at any moment and try different variants if you meet something unexpected while playing Ironman.

And as a bonus, I'll give you some basic, but very useful info, before we start anything. Maybe you know all of this already, but if you don't - you might have many absolutely unnecessary problems.

So here it is - basic info.

Autosaving:
Unlike in most other hardcore games, your progress here is saved only after you finish any event or dialogue by pressing this cross:

or this one:

And, what is even more pleasant - you always can press 'ESC' (before you press that cross), then just load the last save and make another choice or meet another event at the same place.

Is it exploit? No, I don't think so - after all, they said 'write your own story' - and that's how you do it. Knowledge of such thing grants you almost unlimited opportunities.

Free Experience:
If your character kills someone in a fight - he/she will receive some XP per kill. But what if there is a character who didn't anything, not even attacked anyone? Answer is - they will still receive +3 XP just because they were in that fight. Here's example:

And if your character wasn't participating in any fights, they will still receive +2 XP per fight (let's call this one 'Lazy experience' - you'll see why it's important, soon enough).

Important! If you kill someone with a card - none of your characters will receive any XP for this!

Rewards:
For each fight you'll receive some certain predetermined items or/and cards, so you always can be sure about what you'll get. But not about strixes and gold. Just look:

And sometimes these rewards can be too much different:

14 strixes! And sometimes up to 35 ! Like at the Water Menhir, for example (there you can get either 70 or 84, or even 105 strixes).

Why it happens? Honestly, I don't know.
What I can say for sure is that in Ironman mode knowledge of this can be lifesaving, because with 30 more strixes your entire team can live one full day without the Reaping.
That's the main reason why I'll show you exact number of strixes that I received after each fight. And if you didn't get enough strixes - just replay that fight.

And since you'll have to do it often, I recommend you to set animation speed at maximum.

The Reaping:

You may be surprised but the Reaping is your best friend in this game. Yes, at first it adds some difficulty to the game, but indeed every character benefits from it more than they lose.

Every next level of the Reaping will add:
- 1) + 10% XP per level (with exception of 'Lazy experience' see above ^^^^)
- 2) more enemies in each fight (more XP)
- 3) enemy reinforcements (even more XP)

So much XP means only one thing - all your characters will be very powerful, if they leveled properly.

Here is actual limit of the Reaping - level 18:

It just can't go any higher: if you try to increase it even more - it will fall to level 10 and cycle will repeat.

It's easy to raise the Reaping - every 4 days after leaving Albius, you will be prompted with choice already familiar to you.

However, maintaining this deadly balance is not so easy. But I will show you how, a bit further.

Strixes:

Here you can see all characters and how much strixes they need per day:

Thorn's Party:

Thorn - 3
Gleda - 2
Mact - 2
Krieger - 3
Hode - 3
Sopp - 3
Flitt - 3
Brett - 3
Fisk - 2
Vai - 3
Ramlin - 3
Helm - 2
Skoor - 2*
Andra - 2*
Foshta - 2*

*not 100% sure - maybe more

Lo Pheng's Party:

Lo Pheng - 0 (yes, exactly zero)
Khama - 0
Reet - 3
Bolla - 3
Kendi - 3
Swarty - 3
Shannet - 3
Dume - 3
Ruor - 3
Alus - 3


About fights:
All fights were completed at version 1.5.23 and I truly hope that devs won't change important things with next versions, however even if they do - you'll still have a plan of action, but you'll have to adapt that plan to certain changes.

Major Update is coming soon and eventually it will replace the base guide.


What you can expect in the updated guide after I finish renovation?

• much more optimised playthrough - so, now you will be able to complete Ironman mode in less than 16-18 hours;
  
• you can save Hederlig now, as well as some other secondary characters;
  
• since even small choices matter - you will see my every step now (not just important actions);
  
• all fights are optimised now and can be completed even with minimal skills;

...I will start writing it after I complete my video guide.




Right now, I'm working on the video guide - and here's a tiny teaser for you (1920x1080):
https://youtu.be/ZuqS0BxoFR4
You can go to my channel and see my other videos:


Current progress on the video guide (2560x1080):
- Thorn: Chapter 1: Fight 1 - at the Market of Albius (Done)
- Thorn: Chapter 1: Fight 2 - at the Gate of Albius (Done)
- Thorn: Chapter 1: Fight 3 - at the Watchtower, 3 videos in 1 (Done)
- Thorn: Chapter 1: Fight 4 (in progress)
...and more is coming soon.


Current progress on the entire video playthrough (2560x1080):
- Prologue (Recorded)
- Thorn: Chapter 1 (in progress)

So, let us truly begin - the first important choice you stumble upon is here. And... despite the warning you see, I can say you, that depending on more than 120 playthroughs I played already - you won't notice anything. Yes, that's it - you can choose any variant freely - it won't hurt.

Now what really matters - go to Padagang's market stall and buy silk handkerchief, without it Krieger will die in Chapter 3 - at the Arch (Double) Menhir.


But before you buy it - you'll meet this woman. Do not mock her, I know you like it - but not today, please. We desperately need her husband's help. We'll meet him on the road to the Dynford Menhir, a bit later. 'Greet the woman politely'.

You met Dorpkhal? Good - here is uneasy choice which depends more on your play style. If you choose 'I beg you, leave my daughter alone', the overall game will be easier, Thorn won't be injured and you'll save 8 strixes.



But I recommend you to choose 'No, I'm going to live a while longer', because additional +10% XP bonus, which you'll receive with the higher difficulty - absolutely worth all the troubles. These +10% will be with you up to the end, giving you more opporunities to level up your characters.





Then you'll meet these 3 bandits. It's easy fight and the only one on Thorn's path that I won't describe in details.

But here's one thing to remember - let Thorn kill all bandits, because only finishing strikes are giving you XP. And we can't rely on Gleda in this playthrough - in attempt to save everyone we must leave her with Philia in Chapter 4, and she'll miss all important fights.


Here are the results:


-
Manor
-

At the manor, tell Tenner: 'Don't you dare mention their names!', and you'll receive 500 gold this way.



Now go meet Krieger.


Then talk to Gleda and help her fasten that package. You can meet certain merchant much later and sell that scroll at 100 (maybe 230 ?) gold. It's quite possible to meet him, but not often.




After this go and talk to Sopp. Ask him 'Why are you staring at the gate?', but don't ask him about anything else. Tell him 'All right, enough talk' and his loyalty will increase.






Every 1-2 levels of loyalty mean additional +10% to health, energy and attack, thus it's quite important to keep this in mind, especially at the beginning.

I however, didn't talk much to my companions in my day, thus if there's missing something useful - you may add it in comments to help other players, if you wish so. But I'm not planning to add something to this guide, yet. Mostly because I'm showing here already completed playthrough.

Stop spending your time here and leave the manor.

While leaving, DO NOT ask about the sign on the gate or Flitt will die at the Dynford Menhir. And we need him alive - he will solve one small but very important puzzle, without him this entire playthrough will be in vain.

I must repeat - it's very important to save Flitt, at least until you reach Opacum.

And now it's time to fight.

-
Gate of Albius
-

Before attacking those guards we can increase loyalty of our friend Krieger. Ask 'Shall we try breaking through?', then 'Enough pondering. It's time to act!', - and now Krieger is a bit more loyal and powerful, right before the fight.



Fight 1: Gate of Albius

https://steamproxy.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2051925146
Jokes aside - this is the hardest fight in the game, so if you can overcome this one - you will win every next one.

Here are the results:

-
To the Watchtower
-

Who has more strixes - has more days. So, go on the right to the Watchtower. There are few bandits with strixes - rob them.

Fight 2: Watchtower
-
I'll describe this fight later. Just keep in mind these banits are using cards: chokehold and spirit strike.
-

Why I'm completing all fights with Thorn alone? Because if Thorn can do it alone - then 2-3 characters can do it much easier.

-
Watchtower
-


Search for Stein and tell him 'Don't touch the gate', then support Kreiger. And as result - get some additional loyalty. Now Krieger is even more powerful.






Here's nothing to do anymore. Go out and leave this place, but don't return and kill Stein.
Why it's so important? Because this means to us one more fight near Opacum - and more strixes, right when we need them the most.


-
To the Dead Spring
-

Do you still remember that woman from Padagang's shop? Here at the Dead Spring you have about 30% chance to meet Muellase - her husband. If you didn't meet him here - I recommend you to load the last save before you press that X button in another event.

It's quite important to meet him here. Also, remember if you mocked his wife - he won't trade with you.

(Surprise! I reached the word limit in the previous ^^^^ part!)
-
-
-
So... You need to meet Muellase here:


'Say hello' and trade with him first, but rob him later.



-
Alright, the leather purse? +300 gold per fight and Thorn will have at least 26-28 more fights on his way to Opacum. Now guess - how good is this? Buy it, of course! Just don't forget to equip it.
-

-
No need to buy a cracked emerald - we easily can take it while we rob Muellase, unlike the leather purse.
-

-
Merchant's bracelet, equals +20 strixes. And we're currently spending 22 per day. Do you want to live another day? Buy it then.
-

-
Paralysis? Good thing. But you need to rob Muellase before you get the final piece.
-


-
Healing and Vigor? Now enemy is going to outnumber you, but you still wish to heal them? Save your money.

Now rob the money changer.


Fight 3: Muellase
-
I'll describe this fight soon, please wait.
-
Here are the final results. And that cracked emerald, along with paralysis.



Warning! After this fight, the game is not autosaving - if you wish to exit at this point you need to save your progress manually:

Go to the camp screen -> then to the squad management screen -> then exit and make sure your game is saved.

Keep in mind that sometimes this game is not saving your progress automatically, but you can always save it manually, like above.

Now just move towards the Dynford Menhir. There will be nothing important... unless we find this woman.

Let me be honest with you: your best bet is to put her out of her misery - because we'll get another free event at the beginning of Chapter 3. If we'll do so - we'll get strixes. And we desperately need strixes.
BUT it's just not heroic option... So I'll show you that we can save her, and still will have good chances to save all your team members.
Go and 'Try to help'.

Fight 4: Dynford's bridge
-
As always - I'll describe this fight as soon as I can. Just keep in mind - enses are using ranged attacks.
-
Here are results:



Now go and talk to Vai. Ask him 'Show me your neck. Are there any marks on it?', but don't ask him about anything else. His loyalty will increase.




Talk to Ramlin. He will offer you his locket - refuse to take it (the trick is - you'll get it anyway) and his loyalty will increase.




Then tell him 'I expect you to do more than just stand there', and his loyalty will increase again and he'll give you his locket +5 strixes.





That's all you can do here. Leave this place and proceed to the next Chapter.

After you met 'His Holiness' Nakoma, go and talk to Pelko Soturi - he will order you to kill Reet. Refuse to do so.

It is important: DO NOT kill Reet - or Lo Pheng will be on the wrong side at Opacum.


-
Lo Pheng: Fight 1: Wodan's Plaza
-
This one - is interesting fight. I'll describe it later. Just remember that 10 XP will give you 1 level, so try to kill as many as you can.
-

Here are results:

While playing as Blance, your main objective is to solve Childao's riddle, or everyone at Opacum will die including Blance himself.

Thus I will omit all unimportant events and dialogues, and will show you how to solve this riddle, instead. Fights are omitted too, because they are easy enough and I'm sure that to win them is faster than to read about them.

The first thing we need at Albius - go and find Coronzon, he'll ask you about Amma. But your answer here is not important. Not in this playthrough, at least. Instead, cut that talk and go to the Town hall.



Climb the bell tower and fight.


Here is the riddle. And 'the seven parts of wisdom' are indeed the seven magic inscriptions that we need to find and read.

But before we begin saving the world, we need to talk to the prince a bit.

And again your answer here is not important in the current playthrough. Leave Albius as soon as you can.

Ake will give you the first tip.


The 'Burnt-out ruins' are the Abandoned Camp on your map. And a place 'where is no water' is already familiar to you - the Dead Spring. Which one to choose is up to you. I prefer the Dead Spring.




At the Dead Spring you'll meet a girl. Choose 'Ask her if she needs help.'
This will decrease your Curse a bit, right after the event.



Press 'Accept and drink the water.' And you'll get a tip about the first magic inscription. Also you'll receive a free skill point and -4% to the Curse.




Then just follow the road to the Dynford Menhir.



And when you get there, guards will ask you to remove the sign of the Reaping. Inspect Menhir and touch it.







You will lose one day, but you will get one skill point and -4% to the Curse. Besides this one day is life-changing for both Thorn and Lo Pheng - you will see soon why.

While moving to the Jeranan Tower, you'll meet this peasant. Give him the newborn. Also you can give him some money, if you're such a kind person, but the truth is - this doesn't change anything.




Do not escort them - it'll cost you 1 day and 28 strixes, and may prove fatal to one of your team members in this playthrough.

Continue your path to the Jeranan Tower.

Move to the Ruined Tavern next.


Before you begin exploring these ruins, 'search the closest shrubs'. There's crossbow trap waiting for unaware stranger.



Now search the ruins and turn over the wooden sign.


Remember I told you about some kind of a puzzle that Flitt will solve? Here the first part of it - two ancient words 'parm' and 'hoxmarch'. When you gather all the words, you can ask Flitt to translate the ancient text at the Refuge of the Wretched, much later.

In case you need more info on this puzzle you can read this guide:
https://steamproxy.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1839610828

Turn over the sign and read the second word.


There's nothing to do at these ruins anymore. Just leave.

You'll find next part of this puzzle at the Woodland Watch.

---

Alright, now go to the Puppy Ford and meet there Pan.




There's 50% chance to meet him here. So if you meet here bandits instead, then just load the Last Save before you press that 'X' button.

And if you're as lucky as me - you might need to replay this moment a few... dozens times, actually. But it's definitely worth it.

'Talk to him,' and he'll offer you a discount. Trade then.



-
A crooked bone? With 100% chance to avoid injuries? Very useful thing, especially if you're not fighting in my style. I recommend. And I will buy. But I won't use.
-

-
A marble figurine +8 strixes. Cheap and useful.
-

-
Tiger's Eye. Useless thing. Save your money for something else.
However you can afford it if you wish.
-

-
If you kill someone with a card - you won't get XP for this. Therefore I prefer to have as few of such cards as possible. Besides it's overpriced. Don't buy.
-

-
'Trauma' card is a nice thing. Buy it. You'll find other parts while fighting at the shop in Ursus.


Rob him now. And you'll receive +30 strixes, which are equal +1 day of life for your team.



-
Go now to the Arch Menhir.
-

Fight 5: Before the Arch Menhir
-
This is a small fight which I'll describe soon.
-

Here are the results:


After this small fight, go find Ramlin and talk to him.



He'll suggest that Menhir may heal you. All you need is just walk beneath it.



Do as he told you and your entire team will be healed by 1.





After this talk to Chila. Ask her how to stop the Reaping. But she'll tell you how to save Krieger, instead.







Go and talk to Krieger. Give him silk handkerchief with the Thread of Life you bought at Padagang's shop. Do not forget about it or Krieger will die in the next fight.



Now go shopping. There's no much reason to tell Vegen about the strixes, and even less to share.



-
Dreamcatcher? Money waster... Don't buy.
-

-
Iron Ring is almost like Dreamcatcher (+4 health equals +2 energy, remember?), and costs even more. Don't buy.
-

-
Steel Bracelet is too much expensive. Sorry but we can't buy it. Don't cry.
-

-
Menhir Figurine +18 strixes is what we really need. But only after we buy Strix Pendant.
-

-
+32 strixes is more than one day of life. Value your life? Buy Strix Pendant then.
-

-
Stone Skin card is insanely good thing, especially when you know where to find other parts. No worries, I will tell you where to search. Buy it.
-

-
Deadly Balance? You're not receiving XP when you're killing someone with a card. Don't buy.
-

-
The Sacrifice. Do you know that in Ironman mode we just can't allow our characters to stay injured? It's because they can die if you don't have enough strixes. And there will be such situations. Don't buy. Unless you wish to try it with that Crooked bone charm.



Go to the gate and fight Enses now.

Fight 6: At the Arch Menhir
-
As always, description will be here soon.
-

And here are the results:

And word limit again...



So if you had no money to buy something - here is another opportunity for you, right after the fight.


There is nothing to do here now. Leave this place.



Before you leave, Vegen will capture Fisk. There's no reason to pay 1000 gold (or even 500) for him. Do not try to negotiate, 'fight for Fisk' instead.




And continue your path to the next chapter.

Your way leads to the entrance of the Gellian tunnel. Notice that Lo Pheng doesn't spend strixes... And yes, that's right - he won't suffer any damage from the Reaping.



Now about Reet. I always was surprised when Lo Pheng was killing her. There was nothing in Ironman mode that was able to save her and she died by his hand again and again, unless I done a few things that I didn't before. And now she's surviving in every next playthrough.

What I changed in my playstyle?
Here are the choices I recommend you to do, and to my surprise none of them are marked as important in the game:

- 1) reminisce at every opportunity - I didn't this before.
Chapter 3
- 2) before going in the tunnel, talk to Reet and reply - I ignored her and didn't talk in the past.
Chapter 5
- 3) at the Triple Menhir when she's telling you 'that's not your concern' answer her 'Yes. It's not my concern' - I was choosing 'I don't care' instead and the final result was bad.
Chapter 6
- 4) meet and save that dehydrated woman - I didn't meet her on my path before, and I guess this event contributes to Lo Pheng's mercy.
- 5) meet and approach that spinning dancer on the Qimra path - I tried to avoid him usually, because it's way too risky to approach him, but as you can see now avoiding him doesn't contribute to the happy ending.

I don't know which one choice saves Reet at Opacum. But all of them are easy to perform, so why should you risk your entire playthrough to know which one exactly? And even more - I'll tell you when you reach one of these choices. So you even don't need to remember them.

And here it is - reminisce every time you can.


Continue your path to the tunnel.


Lo Pheng: Fight 2: Gellian tunnel
-
Just a short fight which I'll describe later.
-

And here are the results:


Now go to the workshop and talk to mechanics.



Talk to Reet, and then reply to her. This may contribute to Reet's survival at Opacum.





Ask Dume to drive in the tunnel. Your way is to the Altar now.



Reminisce at every opportunity.



Notice that you're spending strixes now.


Lo Pheng: Fight 3: the Altar in the Tunnel
-
This one fight is the most unpredictable in the game, but easy enough. I will describe it later.
-

Results are here as always:


After the fight, find Bolla at the Altar.



She'll give you some card fragments, mostly useless, however the Touch of Chaos may help.





But we're here not because of the cards. Tell her 'While we walk together, we share in everything'. Only this way she'll give you an inquisitor's insignia with 10 strixes.




There's no reason to talk to someone else. Except Dume. Talk to him and leave this area.



Reminisce again.



And move further to the exit.



At the exit 'Join the battle' and save Ruor. He's capable warrior.


Lo Pheng: Fight 4: The Reaper
-
As far as I'm aware - people often consider this fight as one the hardest fights in the game. But indeed this is one of the easiest fights if you know what you're doing.
And I'll show you soon what you need to do, please wait.
-

Here are the results:



Move on to the next chapter.

On your way to the Jeranan Tower, you'll have such choice. 'Give in to the Curse' this time. Thorn is not ready for higher difficulty yet. And Hopper needs one more skill point before Ursus.




Then just follow the shortest path to the Arch Menhir.




Now it's time to resist the Curse. This choice is entirely yours, though, and depends more on your playstyle.

What is interesting, is that only one fight will become a bit harder for Thorn (that one with enses at Ursus). But you'll get +10% more XP after each next fight for this. Isn't this a good exchange?

So resist the Curse.


Continue your way to the Arch Menhir now.


While you talk to Vegen, ask him 'Do you know where Thorn was headed?'.

Otherwise he won't tell you about Chila and her magic inscription. If you ignore/miss one inscription nothing bad will happen, BUT if you miss 3 or more, you may have some serious problems at Opacum, which may result in death of some (or even all) characters.

So it's better not to miss them.


Start here, at the tent.



Tell Vegen 'I need to go', and go to the Menhir.



Inspect Menhir and read inscription. And enjoy your +1 skill point for this.





There's nothing to do here anymore. Move to the gate. Vegen will tell you one more tip.

...And from the Arch Menhir, down to the Woodland Watch. It's time to gather some ancient scrolls.

Read this guide if you need more info:
https://steamproxy.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1839610828
Meet Mark Sinvicta there and 'ask him what happened the first time' > then 'ask him to see the deed' > 'offer money for the document' > and 'pay the proposed price.'






OK, now you have two more words: 'ialpor' and 'harg'. Keep the extra scroll with you, as well.

Flitt will translate the ancient prayer based on these words, and your team will receive +50% morale, right before Opacum. This actually means that you can play as evil Thorn throughout entire game, rob and kill everyone on your way, whom you normally can't kill and rob without major penalty to your morale.

The trick is that low morale usually leads to inevitable conflict between Thorn and Lo Pheng. And one of them dies in that fight. But now you can gather all these words and avoid that fight with Lo Pheng, even if Thorn was evil and robbed every single person on his way. Which means a ton of free strixes for you.

Just don't forget to gather all these words.


On your way to Ursus, you can meet Bahlder - you don't need him here. You need Sid instead.

So... again, if you meet Bahlder here - just load the Last Save, before you press that 'X' cross.


I usually meet Bahlder up to 60+ times before I meet Sid here, that's on average. So just be patient, please.

As usually, trade first and rob later.


-
Rune of Aim. I'm quite sure that you don't have money for this one. Don't worry - there will be better items than this rune. Soon.
-

-
Snake Totem +7 energy, - 7 health. Just ignore this one.
-

-
Shaman's amulet. Please DO NOT be tempted to buy this thing. It costs 150 more gold, than the same amulet in Ursus. And if you buy it here, then cheap amulet in Ursus will disappear.
-


-
The Reaping's Breath and Burning Souls cards aren't too much important. They can be easily ignored.

Also I'm not sure if you can collect all their parts. It's normal in this game that some cards cannot be collected in a complete set. At least before Opacum.
-

-
Stone Skin card is the main reason why we are here. Buy it. Final part will be in Ursus.

Now attack and rob him.

Fight 7: Sid
-
I'll describe this fight a little bit later.
-

Here are the results:


And here is one unpleasant surprise for you - one of your characters will be injured.



The best possible outcome for you If either Gleda or Hode is injured.



But there's no much reason to worry if it's someone else, maybe except those characters who fight for you. You may just have some extra problems while travelling from the White Tower to the Water Menhir in Chapter 7. No much reason to replay, though.



Also you'll receive +20 additional strixes after this fight.



Warning! The game is not autosaving after this fight and you may need to save it manually, if you wish to exit now. Go to the Camp Screen > Squad Management > then continue your journey. And make sure that game is saved.


Follow the road to Ursus now.



At the gate you'll meet Sheck, tell him 'What use are your service beyond the wall of Ursus?'.



However this choice is not important in the current playthrough and only matters if you don't want to go to prison.



Now go to the Menhir. And 'tell Vai to go to the abbot', and Vai will leave your team. If you need his healing power don't worry - you'll meet him again soon.

But you'll save additional 24 strixes this way. Because 8 days (without Vai) and 3 strixes per day (that he needs) are equal 24 free strixes for you. Surprise!



Don't forget to visit that small shop before you go to Unda.



-
Healer's bag is not for Ironman mode. There's no such opportunity to rest even a single day in this playthrough. Don't buy.
-

-
Wind amulet is a good thing, but you can buy something much better soon. Save your money for now.
-

-
Heirloom ring, +10 health... and now you may wonder, why I didn't tell you about this ring before and you don't have money to buy it now.

I'll tell you these three reasons why:
First, you almost had no chance to gather 3500 gold while buying every single strix on your way.
Second, you already have such thing - it is the Cracked Emerald. Technically it gives you +9 health (+7 energy equals +14 health, and it takes away 5 health at the same time).
Third, you can buy two more things like this very soon and at half price.

So, just consider this ring as too much overpriced. And don't buy.
-

-
Shaman's amulet +22 strixes? Buy it, of course!
-

...and word limit again.



-
Time acceleration. And yes, you can get other parts after a fight at the Burial Stockade. Maybe useful... But save your money.
-

-
The final fragment of the Stone Skin card. Buy it and enjoy.
-

-
Miraculous healing. To heal enemy that outnumbers you - is not a good decision... really. Don't buy.


Now go to Unda and meet Philia:

Fight 8: Unda's house
-
This is a short fight that I'll describe a little bit later. Just remember to keep your distance and everything will be ok.
-

Here are the results:


After this fight you'll go to prison. Your words and choices are not important now.

Now just follow the Old Gebonan Road to Ursus. Hopper will notice the first hollow tree. Do not approach it - there's a venomous snake inside. Ignore this tree.




Ride further to the Bread Market. There is another hollow tree.




'Check the tree hollow yourself'. And you'll receive +1 free skill point.



Continue your way to Ursus.


And now it's time to resist the curse once more.

If you resist it here, then the first fight after Thorn's escape will become significantly harder. While other fights will remain the same. But you'll receive +10% XP after every next fight. And since you have the Stone Skin card now, I'm sure there's no reason to worry about the difficulty.

The same is true for Lo Pheng, the first fight with Gells will become harder, too. But other fights will remain the same.

Whether to make the game more difficult or not - it is entirely your choice, but just think about these +10% XP. Don't you really wish more XP in exchange for just a few difficulties in the beginning?

Resist the Curse.


...and fight with enses. Just in case, I'm showing here my build.



After this small fight and a short talk with Sheck, go to the jail and meet Thorn.



As Thorn, ask Hopper only about getting you out of the prison and nothing else. This way you prevent Thorn from staying in prison (and he may want to stay there, you know).






Go to the Inn now.



And 'Do not meddle in Thorn's fate'.

And now it's time to escape. Tell 'I don't really have a choice. I'm coming with you.' Then leave the prison and fight mercs.


Fight 9: Ursus. Escape
-
I'll describe this fight later. Just remember to kill all spearwomen and archers first. Better before they even move.
-

Here are the results:


Right after this fight, go to the Inn.



Do not kill or rob Teek. Or you'll get only somewhat 500 gold, but will miss a good opportunity to trade.

Forget about it.


-
Bear Totem +4 health +2 energy (and equals +8 health in total, I hope you remember why). Nice thing. Worth buying.
-

-
Bear Claw Amulet +1 attack +1 energy. Good thing. And you can afford it, if you wish.

Just keep in mind that you can buy the Wild Rose Pendant (+1 attack + 2 walking speed) at the Burial stockade for 4000 gold, which is much better than this one. You have money to buy them both, though.
-

-
Rune of speed. Running distance +1. Mostly useless thing. Don't buy.
-

-
Temple ring +8 strixes. Exactly what we need. Buy it.
-

-
Stone Skin. We already have all 5 fragments. There's no need to buy more.
-

-
Inspiration. Good card... And usually you have almost zero chances to gather all parts of it. In this playthrough, however, you'll have this card right before the fight with Nakoma. Buy it.
-


-
Berserker's Fury. There's the same issue with this card - quite low chances to gather all parts. Save your money.

Go to the shop now.


'Enter the shop' and 'Attempt to steal supplies without being noticed'




You'll receive 230 gold.



And 8 strixes...



...and will fight with mercs again.

Fight 10: Ursus. At the shop.
-
As always, I'll describe this fight later. There's nothing difficult, though.
-

And here are the results:


Along with 2 final fragments of Trauma card.



If you had no money to buy something, you still can do it before you leave Ursus.



Now just go to the gate and leave 'inhospitable' Ursus.


Fight 11: Gate of Ursus.

!!!

Warning! If you lose this fight, there will be no 'Play again' button. Please, do not click 'Close' instead, or Thorn will be executed and you will have to start entire game anew.

!!!

Here are the results, as always:


As you can see Andra and Foshta are always participating in this fight, which is not bad for us, really.

This chapter is just a short cutscene. There's nothing special about it.

We are not going to the Burial Stockade, right now. We must reach the Drunken Hawk Tavern at the Highland Settlement, first. Read this guide to understand why:

https://steamproxy.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1839610828



On your way you'll see a large squad of Berkanan guards. Do not avoid them, 'Take the risk and go straight'...



...because you can rely upon either Andra or Foshta in this situation, no reason to worry.



Move to the Highland settlement and search the tavern.



On the door, you'll see a small tip about your next target on your map - the Eastern Stockade.

'Check the pantry', first. There is the reason why we're here: two more words - 'velucorsapa ef'.



Then 'Peek into the kitchen', there is a scroll for you.



Now, just leave. And move to the Scarlet Tower.




You can stumble upon many different events here, but I recommend you this one - with the 'village idiot'.




'Shake him off' and get additional 20 strixes this way.



As always, if you didn't meet him here - load the last save, before you press that 'X' button while in another event.



Follow the Wild Boar's path to the Eastern Stockade, when you're ready.



Starting from here you can encounter any random event, basically this doesn't matter for as long as it provides you with strixes... and experience (the main reason why we are playing at the higher level of the Reaping). So we need fights. And a lot of them. To fight every day, perhaps, is the only way to live long and happy life in Ironman mode. That's why this mode is named so... I guess.

Let us begin with this fight. It decreases your team morale, which is unimportant at this stage of the game, but will give you some troubles if you try this later. It is the fight with the guards:



'Search the corpses' and get +8 strixes.



...and fight.


Fight 12: Berkanan Guards
-
This is one of the easiest fights, because it's unaffected by the difficulty. I'll describe it later.
-

Here are the results:


Along with a Mirror Shard:



Warning! After this fight the game is not autosaving. If you wish to exit now or save your progress before the next fight, save it manually. Go to the Camp Screen -> Squad management -> then just continue your journey and make sure the game is saved.


Move to the Eastern Stockade. You'll meet Nick there.




Kill him. Pick up two scrolls from his body. And fight with Berkanan guards again.



Fight 13: Eastern Stockade
-
This fight isn't much harder than previous. I'll describe it later, too.
-

Here are the results:


And two more words - 'quasb etharzi'.



Warning! After this fight the game is not autosaving, as well. If you wish to save your progress - do it manually. Go to the Camp Screen -> Squad Management -> continue your journey and make sure the game is saved.


Go to the Woodland Camp and then to the Burial Stockade. Fight with a bandits on your way.



Fight 14: Woodland Camp
-
This fight with the bandits will be much easier, than with the bandits in Chapter 1. But still, I'll describe this one, too.
-

Here are the results:


Cursed Ruby:



...and Vai.



Now, about all three choices:
I spent some time trying to understand the difference... but I can't notice any. It seems like you won't receive neither gold nor strixes, if you take something from the wagon. So, just choose whatever you like and move further to the Burial Stockade.




At the Burial stockade, deliver the wagon to the Sergeant, first.



Then recruit Helm to your team.



Don't forget to visit a market.



-
Rune of Flame, +1 attack. Nice thing, but before you buy it, look at the Wild Rose Pendant.
-

-
Emerald amulet, +5 energy (which are equal +10 health). Buy it.
-


-
Wild Rose Pendant, +1 attack, +2 walking speed. This one will make all further fights much easier. Buy it.
-

-
Monk's Beads, +16 strixes for just 900 gold? Guess what... Buy them, of course!
-


-
Soul Swap and Vampirism cards. It's your choice here, to buy them or not. I'm ignoring them, though.
-

-
Inspiration card, definitely worth buying.


Then just follow the road to the Wasteland.

Word limit again...
-
-
-
You may notice that some choices in dialogue with Skoor are marked as important. This means, if you choose 'Helm is no friend of mine' and 'You're right, no good will come of us meddling in each other's affairs' - there will be opportunity to increase his loyalty, soon enough - right before the Marsh Watch.



After some time, Enses will try to ambush you on the road.

Fight 15: Enses at the Burial Stockade
-
Thorn alone can overcome any number of Enses in this game, so no much reason to worry about them here. I'll describe this fight later.
-

Here are the results:


Follow any short road through the Wasteland to the Marsh Watch, I prefer this one, which leads to the Bone Well.



After a short talk with Skoor, continue your path.



Starting from here remember to fight every day, because fights are equal more strixes, gold and experience for you, making overall playthrough (much) easier.

Actually, any fight will do. But if you like the 'Transformation' card (which swaps health and energy), then fight with ragtags here. 'Stay put and fight the ragtags'.


Fight 16: Ragtags at the Wasteland
-
Just don't tell me that you're having problems with these guys... I'll describe this fight later, though.
-

Results are here, as always:


Move further, through the Cursed Village.



It's easy to fight Enses while you have Thorn on your side.

That's why I'll describe another fight here, instead. Because Gells are much stronger.



So... if you find this old chest, with the figures of a warriors around it, then just 'open the chest' and 'fight the warriors'.



Fight 17: The Old Chest
-
All melee warriors are strong but slow in this fight, so just keep your distance and you'll be safe. I'll describe this one, too.
-

Here are the results:


Also you'll receive +8 additional strixes after this fight.



...and you will lose some of your team morale. But we already have zero morale in this playthrough, so it's absolutely unimportant here.



Move further to the Marsh Watch.



Now, if you made those two choices in dialogue with Skoor at the beginning of the Wasteland, Skoor will ask you a question. This is a great opportunity to increase his loyalty.



Tell him 'I saw my dead wife'.



And his loyalty will increase.



At the Marsh Watch, go and fight with bandits, 'Scare them off with threats', and they'll attack you.


Fight 18: At the Marsh Watch
-
In this fight you may receive 70 strixes, which are not enough. Try again and earn 84 strixes, instead.
-

Here are the results:


And here is Gleda:



She'll ask you about that dream at the Wasteland.
Tell her 'Yes. And it's probably something you should heed'. You can save up to 2 days this way. Because you can skip Friga, now.



But this is not enough. You still need the White Tower marked on your map, before you can ignore Friga. Go and talk to Rask.



Ask him 'Do you know anything about a white tower?'. And he'll mark it on your map.



Also he'll give you +20 more strixes before you go.



Do not forget to visit a shop.



-
Menhir Shard, saves 1 strix per day. Currently it's the 23 day, and we'll arrive at Opacum on the 43 day. Which equals +20 strixes. Buy it, of course. Just don't forget to give it to someone.
-

-
Blackthorn Bracelet, +2 attack -8 health. Surprisingly good thing. Buy it.
-

-
Warrior's Charm, +6 health. It may be useful. Buy it.
-

-
Back in Time card, it's your choice here, to buy it or not.
-

-
Transformation card... IF you met those ragtags at the Wasteland, Buy it.
Notice that you need to buy only one (1) piece of this card here (because you already have 2, and you'll get 3 more from gells, before you reach the White Tower).
-


-
Deadly Balance card, if you bought the fragments of this card at the Arch/Double Menhir, then you can buy more fragments here, if you wish.



Also you can take Skoor with you. Just go and invite him to your team once more.

But I do not recommend you to invite him in this playthrough.

//// Here's the reason why:
Let's do some math (you can just skip this part)
- Even if you don't invite him, he'll join your team at the Water Menhir (the 37 day in this playthrough)
- He needs 2 strixes per day
- It's the 23 day right now

So: (37 - 23)x2 = 14x2 = 28 (but he saves 33 strixes and one day, right after the White Tower)

With total +5 strixes as a bonus while he is with us.

But we'll reach the White Tower only on the 31 day in this playthrough, because we still need to visit Heiborg first, before we go to the Tower.

And:
(31 - 23)x2 = 16 (so we need 16 strixes but as you'll see at the Chapter 6, even gathering every strix on my way, I still have only 5 free strixes at the White Tower).

But we need 16 - 5 = 11 (!) more strixes...

... in such case we're risking to reach the White Tower with four of our characters injured.

So, look at my strixes - there're 208 strixes. In case you have more - you can invite him.
Otherwise I cannot recommend it.
////

When you're ready, just follow that road to Friga.

The first thing we need - more strixes, you can buy some at the Red Market. Follow the Qimra Path. Besides the Qimra Path is the shortest of all roads (especially in the Chapter 6).

You'll meet Gells here, attack them on sight - we need their strixes too.

Lo Pheng: Fight 5: Saving Alus
-
You may need to use cards here. I'll describe this fight later.
-

Here are the results:


Warning! After this fight the game is not autosaving and you may need to save it manually, if you wish to exit now. Go to the Camp Screen > Squad Management > then continue your journey and make sure that game is saved.


Move further to the Red Market.



And save Reet... Because if you don't - then Orkan will send Lo Pheng to the Reclining Menhir, instead of Milky Mountains, killing him this way, at the end of the Chapter 6.

So, 'give Reet your stone'. It is important.


In addition, you will lose 1 day, but you will heal your entire team by 1.




In dialogue with Reet, remind her 'You were saying something about a shortcut'.



And her loyalty will increase. Keep in mind though, if you save game and then load it from here - there will be no such choice anymore.



So, don't stop here and go to the Red Market.



'Try to negotiate' with guards.



And 'look at the merchandise'. Buy strixes first.



-
Blackthorn bracelet, +2 attack, -8 health. This one is incredible good thing. Buy it.
-

-
Rune of Wisdom, +1 experience per fight. And we'll fight every day, starting from here. So, this rune is a very nice addition. Buy it, just don't forget to equip it.
-

-
Emerald amulet, +5 energy. It's good, but Lo Pheng won't use it. The same with any other item that increases energy. You can't give it to him. You can buy it if you wish, though.
-

-
Shaman's amulet, +22 strixes. Buy it - it's great. And cheap.
-

-
Menhir figurine, +18 strixes. Buy this one, too.
-

-
Will of Steel card. Do you really want to give your enemies even more defense? There is no need in such card. Don't buy.
-

-
Stone skin card, can be safely ignored.
-

-
Paralysis card, this one is already familiar to you. And I think you'll agree - this card is good. Buy it.

Move to the Hot Springs now. Always follow the Quimra Path, it is the shortest.


Before you reach the Triple Menhir, you'll need five random fights. It's absolutely not important in which order you'll complete them - you can even complete those fights, which I'll describe in the Chapter 6. It's all up to you.

However, I recommend you to start with this one, which 'feels like a brewing thunderstorm', because it's the easiest of them all. This will give you a better start.



You may ask your companions about this menace, if you wish. But you'll need to 'make a decision' anyway.



'Wait for the menace to go away', and you will have a lot of problems... I mean a lot of experience: since only this way you can encounter both Enses and Gells in a single fight.



Lo Pheng: Fight 6: Brewing Thunderstorm
-
Attack enses first, and gells later. I'll describe this fight, too.
-

Here are the results:


And move toward the next fight.



Which in my case is this one: with a frisians near the flaming hut.

'Attack the frisians and send one of your companions to rescue the woman'.

Lo Pheng: Fight 7: Flaming Hut
-
Crossbowmen are the most dangerous. Move while they can't attack you. I'll show you how to do it, later.
-

Here are the results:


Go to the Hot Springs now.



And here is a frisian camp.



'Organize a raid'.



Let's start from here: 'Search the rightmost tent'.



'Stun the Frisian Commander'.



'Take the necklace and open the chest'.



Here are 8 strixes...



...and 500 gold.



Now all we need to do - is just to provoke our enemy a little bit.
'Search the leftmost tent'. Let's kill someone.



'Examine the waterskins'.



Kill a frisian.



'Check the central tent'.



'Look inside the sacks'.



'Inspect the strange devices'.



'Disable the weapons' in order to make our presence here truly unforgettable.



Also while leaving, kill one more of them.

Word limit, again... I have no words...



Now, since they are totally aware of you - fight them.

Lo Pheng: Fight 8: Mobile Camp
-
Distance is your key to victory here. I'll describe this fight later.
-

Here are the results:


And to the Triple Menhir, once more.



Ah... The gellian noble.



Please, don't stop Swarty - we need one more fight.



Lo Pheng: Fight 9: Gellian Noble
-
Gells are tough enemies, I know. But most of them here are melee warriors. So, just keep your distance.
-

Here are the results:


Move further.



Alright, here's the frisian crossbow patrol. And you have no idea why they are searching for you, right?
'Get ready to beat back the attackers'.


Lo Pheng: Fight 10: Crossbow Patrol
-
Distance, timing, cards. Business as usual... well, almost as usual.
-

Here are the results:


There is only one direction, so just follow the road.



You'll notice an unconscious merchant there, 'Bring him to his senses'.




He'll give you 8 strixes for your help.



Let's trade now.


-
Guard's ring, +8 health. It's a great addition to your equipment. Buy it.
-

-
Pearl necklace, +4 energy. Judging by the image, definitely not a pearl necklace... It's useful, though. But Lo Pheng won't use it, like any other item that increases energy. However, you can buy it, if you wish. You won't need any gold before the middle of the Chapter 6.
-

-
Datura stem, +1 walking speed. Distance is your best weapon in any fight. And the further you can move the better you can control this distance. Buy it.
-

-
Strix pendant, +32 strixes, a lot of strixes. Buy it.
-

-
Temple ring, +8 strixes, and we need all strixes we can get. Buy this one, too.
-

-
Cure card, here are only 3 fragments and we need 4. I haven't found the last one. Besides you already have better cards. No reason to buy this one.
-

-
Trauma card, is very useful card, and we already have 3 parts, so just buy other 2 and use it on the most dangerous enemy every next fight. Buy it and try it.
-

-
Chokehold card, it's just like with the cure card - you already have better cards. No much reason to buy this one too.

Go to the Triple Menhir now.



Reminisce every time you can. It's good for Lo Pheng's mercy.




And here we are, finally.



Don't waste any time and 'attack the enses'.


Lo Pheng: Fight 11: At the Triple Menhir
-
This fight is quite simple. But you should pay attention to the number of strixes you're getting after this fight. This is important. I'll describe it later, anyway.
-

Here are the results:


Reet will heal one of the enses, after this fight. Go and talk with Reet first. There's no need to ask her why enses wear masks or where did they come from.

Tell her 'it is your responsibility now'.


And now here is interesting and complex moment in this game:
(you can skip this description)
////
Let me say that I played Ironman mode somewhat 20+ times and of course there were times when I was acting mostly in the same manner. And sometimes Lo Pheng was killing Reet at Opacum, but sometimes not.

Morale had no effect on this: I still remember that shock I experienced, when he just killed her even with 50% of his team morale.

And I started looking into my save games to find some answers. To my surprise I really found there a few strings about 'Rit' (not Reet), and most of them were with the Triple Menhir in their name. So, I tried to change my usual answer here. And every next time Reet was surviving Opacum since then...

I can't prove if this answer affects anything. But even if this answer just increases Lo Pheng's humanity - you'll still have more chances to save Reet in the end.
////



Tell her 'Yes, It is not my concern'. In my experience this increases your chances that Reet will survive at Opacum.


Now go and talk with Khama.



When you ask him all questions you wish (or just tell him 'I have no further questions' in the first place), there will be very important choice for you.

Answer 'Let it come with us'. Otherwise Lo Pheng will not reach Opacum, at all.
This is important - Khama must be with you at the Roaming Menhir.


Now we need Dume. Go and talk with him.



Ask him 'Does it make a difference?'



He'll suggest that you should walk between the Menhirs.



Go to the Triple Menhir.



And do as Dume told you.



You'll heal your party by 1 this way.



No need to walk there more times, just leave.



And move on to the next chapter.

Go to Unda's house, right after the dialogue. You need a stone table there.


'Move the table'. You'll find magic inscription there. And a tip about where you can find another inscription, too.

All magic inscriptions are important, because we need the good ending. So try not miss this one.




Then go with Sheck to the palace. It's time to save prince Ho (Hode).



There's nothing difficult here and as a result Hode will be at the full health even if was injured before.



Leave Ursus now - it's time to continue our way to Friga.


But before we get there, we need that 'tall building' - just like in the magic tip. Let it be the Scarlet Tower.

Any short path will do: go to the Tavern, first.


Then to the Crooked Menhir.



And to the Scarlet Tower itself.



You'll meet Atori there. 'Ask her to let you see the tower'.



Then 'ask Atori about her matters in need of attention'.



And now it is important: 'Offer help'.



After you complete a small task for her, she'll let you see the tower with another tip.
I agree, these tips seem like they're not worth it - but without these tips you can't gather magic inscriptions which are very important.



Now we need the Burial Stockade. Go to the Stony Watch first.



Resist the Curse. Do not be afraid because only one fight on Lo Pheng's way will become harder, while other fights will become significantly easier, thanks to the awkward changes in enemy classes.



Then go to the Woodland Camp



And to the Burial Stockade.



Now our target is the Marsh Watch. Choose any path you like. I prefer this one - which starts with the Bone Well.



Resist the Curse again. Now we'll have in addition to easier fights, more XP via reinforcements.



To the Bone Well now.



Then to the Cursed village.



And to the Marsh Watch.



While speaking with Chirlan (Rask) you'll notice another magic inscription.



That's all you need here - move on to the next chapter.

Now we'll go to Heiborg: there we'll find final ancient words, scrolls and map with ancient temple. This is important in this playthrough.

Read more in this guide if you need:
https://steamproxy.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1839610828

But before you go - do not forget to equip that Menhir Shard you bought already:



There's no need to give it to Thorn - it can be equipped on any character, and you can even return that character back to party - it's not important:



If you did everything right you'll see that your team needs less strixes now:



So, to Heiborg now:



We need more fights: any fight will do. I had this one with Vandil archers:



Don't talk just 'Join the battle':


Fight 19: Vandil archers
-
Anger and Knockback... but I believe you already know, about this. I'll describe this one.
-

Here are the results:


It is worth to mention, that starting from this chapter - it is not important to look at the gold reward in the results, anymore. You simple won't need as much gold...

Now go to Heiborg



'Open the door'. Here you'll find the last ancient words.



'Check the floor above'. You'll meet Chris there.



'Leave Chris'. Do not kill or threaten him. You'll find a map there, with your next target - Refuge of the Wretched.



'Explore the hallway'. Here's the scroll for you.



'Inspect the cellar'. Here's another scroll.



'Exit the house and leave'. Do not search the house - you'll spend time and strixes in vain.



Now follow the Old Gebonan road to the Serpent Tower.



It's better to meet these Gells here, if you wish the last fragments of Transformation card:



'Tell the Gell to stuff it'. And you'll fight:



Fight 20: Gells extorters
-
These gells are almost all melee. Wait until they move, then hit them while they're vulnerable.
I'll describe this one, as well.
-

Here are the results:


Along with the last fragments of Transformation card which may be useful when you fight cannibals at the White Tower.



Warning! The game is not autosaving after this fight and you may need to save it manually, if you wish to exit now. Go to the Camp Screen > Squad Management > then continue your journey. And make sure that game is saved.


There is Shaman's Tower on your way. Go there.



We need to fight, any fight will do. I had frisian patrol here. 'Kill the invaders'.


Fight 21: Shaman's tower 1
-
Crossbowmen are pain. Kill them as fast as you can, and everything will be alright. I'll describe this fight, too
-

Here are the results:


Warning! The game is not autosaving after this fight and you may need to save it manually, if you wish to exit now. Go to the Camp Screen > Squad Management > then continue your journey. And make sure that game is saved.


Continue your way to the Shaman's Tower.



And frisian patrol again.


Fight 22: Shaman's tower 2
-
This fight is quite short and easy, nothing special. I'll describe it too, however.
-

Here are the results:


Warning! Again... The game is not autosaving after this fight and you may need to save it manually, if you wish to exit now. Go to the Camp Screen > Squad Management > then continue your journey. And make sure that game is saved.


Follow the shortest path to the White Tower, via the Stone Gates. You are saving a couple of days, following this shortest path...

DO NOT go to Friga - if you asked Rask about the White Tower before, then this Tower is on your map now.

Word limit, again... What can I say?



There's small cutscene, you can't miss it... So, no fights here.



After this continue your way.



This is the last day, before you reach the White tower, and you don't need any fights and strixes here - save all good fights and events for later - if you have enough strixes to reach the White tower (30 strixes per day in my case). Because you will lose all your strixes, soon after the White Tower, anyway...

Look at this image - at the time of this event I have 32 strixes, which is enough, to reach the White Tower.



Any event here will do. Especially that - which increases team morale:
We are getting closer to the end of the game - so it's good time to start thinking about team morale. Before we reach Opacum, team morale must be high enough - or Thorn will attack Lo Pheng.
We'll get +50 team morale at the Refuge of the Wretched, though.

This event is good for morale, while you have the Twins in your team... And they will leave you at the White Tower, anyway. So try to get their help now, while you still can.

'Send one of your companions to the rescue.'






Now move to the White tower, in a better mood than before.


Fight 23: The White Tower
-
The fight with cannibals is long, but not hard. The only unpleasant trick they have - card which swaps your health and energy. This may be dangerous and can injure some of your team members during the fight. So keep this in mind.

To reverse the effect of their card you can use your 'Transformation' card, about which I told you before.

I'll describe this fight, too.
-

Here are the results:


Dialogues here are not important. Do what you wish and move to the next Chapter.

There's only one way here - just follow the road...



And another fight again. Any fight will do - with Berkanan scouts, too.
'Attack the strangers'.


Lo Pheng: Fight 12: Scouts of Berkana
-
All these scouts are dangerous, but especially archers. One kill per turn is exactly what you need. I'll show you how to do it, later.
-

Here are the results:


Time to move further...



However this is a very bad place in this game - and for 2 days we will spend here 72 strixes instead of 48 - this is perhaps a bug - i don't know...
You may notice it on this image:



In addition here is one event - 'with dehydrated woman' - this event contributes to Lo Phengs mercy, at a cost of 24 more strixes, so 96 in total...

Here's the dehydrated woman:
'Save the woman' - don't worry - even after you saved her, you will still have enough strixes to reach the Roaming Menhir.

Honestly, you can find a fight here, instead of this event, but I recommend you to spend some time on merciful deeds, because in the end - the more merciful Lo Pheng becomes - the higher chances Reet has to survive at Opacum.



And here's small gift from that woman: +5 strixes, so 91 strixes we lost in total.



There's still long road ahead, though.



Here's another event which I recommend to you - 'with a man spinning on one foot':



However, this event is very tricky and if something will go wrong - Lo Pheng may remain with 3 injuries after this event. But this event contributes to his mercy.

If you're not sure in what you're doing - it's better to avoid this event and find any fight here instead!

'Ask Reet about the dancer.'




'Approach the dervish.'



'Draw closer.'


First injury:


'Decide to take a few more steps.'


Second injury:


'Take the final steps.'


Heavy injury:


Before you finish this event - pay close attention to the last pages. This one and the next:




And if they are not the same as on these two images ^^^^ above, or you are not sure and don't want to risk - do not press that 'X' button, but press Esc, load game and find another event or a fight here instead.

But if you did everything right - your entire party will be healed by 3.



Move to furthe until you reach crossroads at the Black Obelisk. There will be no events.



The Qimra Path - is the shortest - choose it and follow the road to the Torture Stockade.



Here, as always - any fight will do. I had this one - with Gells at the gates of small enclosure:
'Join the battle'. Do not send Alus as envoy - or he'll be wounded.


Lo Pheng: Fight 13: Small stockade
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Almost all Gells here are melee warriors, so this will be quite easy fight. I'll describe it later.
-

Here are the results:


After this fight, just follow the road. There will be no events, too.



Alright, now what to choose? The Prisoners' Path seems shorter than the Qimra Path? Nope. They are the same. I still recommend the Qimra Path, though.



I had here this event - 'with Frisian and dogs' - which is not bad event, because you'll get some gold if you help this Frisian.
'Intervene'.





And here +230 gold, right before you meet a merchant in the next event.



Move further to the Shepherds' shelter.

And word limit, again...



You'll meet a merchant here.
'Ask the merchant if he has anything for sale'.





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Snake Totem, energy +7, health -7. Nothing special. You can try it if you wish. Lo Pheng can't use it, though. Just like any other item that increases energy.
-


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Bear Totem, energy +2, health +4. Quite good thing. Lo Pheng can't use it. Buy it for others.
-

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Moon Charm, 80% chance of avoiding injuries in battle. Definitely not enough. However, if you consider yourself lucky, you can try it. Which I do not recommend - this thing is overpriced.
-

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Berserker's Fury card. We already have all fragments of this card - there's no reason to buy more.
-

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Sacrifice card, all three fragments are here. We are so close to the end of the road - you can use it if you wish. But we already won all the hardest fights, there's just no need in this card. However, this is your choice, and you can buy it if you wish.
-

-
Monk's beads, +16 strixes. Buy it, without any doubt.


And move further.


I had here this event - 'with Reet's kinsmen' - this event increases team morale, which is always good investment, especially before Opacum.



'Say nothing'.


+5 strixes:



+10 morale, as the result:


Go to the Roaming Menhir now.



'Reminisce' at every opportunity - it's good for Lo Pheng's mercy.



Move further - there's only one road.



Here i will describe the fight with Gells, which starts with this 'demon's tower':



This is hard and very interesting fight. That's why i'm describing it here.
'Search in your memory' or ask one of your companions.



'Examine everything one more time'.



'Burn the half-finished tower and leave', this way you will meet maximum possible number of enemies.



Lo Pheng: Fight 14: Demon's Tower
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Keep your distance and attack only when enemy can't reach you. Also try to kill axe throwing berserks as soon as possible. I will describe this fight, too.
-

Here are the results:


Then continue your way to the Roaming Menhir.



Here you will meet grave robber.
'Kill the marauder' and you will increase team morale by +10. There's no reason to trade with him - he has items which are mostly useless in this playthrough.




And here's +10 team morale.



Continue your way - it is the final step to the Roaming Menhir.




Most choices in dialogues here are not important except this one:

Ask Reet:
'Is this guardian merciful?', or 'who is this guardian?',

BUT do not ask her 'Who do you propose we kill?' - because if you ask her about killing someone she will lose her loyalty, along with all combat bonuses which loyalty provides.



'Rest and then continue our journey'.



Tell Reet: 'We should give up on the shortcut'.

It is important - do not sacrifice anyone here.


Lo Pheng: Fight 15: The Roaming Menhir - Gells
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Let your enemies make their moves - then attack while they can't reach you. Those Berserkers are the most dangerous - so make sure you kill them as soon as possible. I will describe this fight, later.
-

Here are the results:


Then there will be Enses, right after this fight.


Lo Pheng: Fight 16: The Roaming Menhir - Enses
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Enses will use Chokehold (-10 health) and Mental Strike (-10 energy) cards on you. So be prepared for this, and maybe increase your attributes with free skill points you have - just to offset this risk. I will describe this fight too.
-

Here are the results:


Choices here are not important - so talk to Orkan first, and then approach Menhir.



After you touch Menhir - there will be another fight with Gells.


Lo Pheng: Fight 17: Milky Mountains - Gells
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Gells are divided into two small squads here - attack one squad before another one can help them. I will describe this fight as well.
-

Here are the results:


After small talk, continue your way - there will be Enses - fight with them.


Lo Pheng: Fight 18: Milky Mountains - Enses
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This fight is quite easy. Kill the most dangerous enemies first, then finish others. I will describe it later.
-

Here are the results:


Warning! After these two fights the game doesn't autosave and you need to save it manually, if you want to quit at this point. Go to 'Your Company' screen, then close it and make sure the game is saved.

And just another word limit...



After this fight, you will meet Amma. Ask her:
'Are you a seeress?'




And your entire party will be healed by 1.



Your other choices here are not important.





Go and talk with Ruor now. There's opportunity to increase his loyalty.



He wants to talk with you about Amma. Ask him:
'What if she really is a queen?'.




Then he will ask you about Pallian enchanters. Answer him:
'The ones that can make warriors fearless?'.




And his loyalty will increase.



Now go and talk with Bolla. You can increase her loyalty twice in this dialogue.



She looks happy and says that everything will be fine. Ask her:
'What do you mean by 'fine'?'




She will tell you and her loyalty will increase.



She will also tell you that she's happy to see her homeland Berkana, where she never been before. Ask her:
'Are you like a seed eager to impregante the soil?'




She will answer you and her loyalty will increase again.



And now it's time to talk with Reet.



Your choices here are not important.



Then go and talk with Amma. And proceed to the next chapter.

This chapter is not ready yet.



On the road to Friga we need to visit the Warden's Mansion:
Here you will receive a tip about the 4th magic inscription (which is important part of Childao's riddle). And we need to solve this riddle in order to prevent 'bad ending' and to save everyone (including Thorn and Lo Pheng).

So, follow the Secret Pathway to the Warden's Mansion:


If you need more information about Childao's Riddle - search for 'the Baptism of the Triune' achievement here, in this guide:
https://steamproxy.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1619669160
Also, here you need to make a decision about the Curse.
But keep in mind that you already completed somewhat 90% of the game and there's no reason to increase difficulty of the final fights - so, I do not recommend you to resist the Curse anymore.
Yes, exactly - starting from this moment we will always allow the Curse to spread. Don't worry, though - in this playthrough it won't become stronger than 40%.

'Give in to the Curse'.


The Curse will become stronger by 8%, while also stealing some power from Blance making him weaker:



But the level of the Reaping will not increase and you will receive 1 skill point for this:



At the Warden's Mansion you will find Gaynore - he's injured and we need to save his life. He has very important information for us.
It is important! If you won't help him - you will miss magic inscription later at Friga.

'Help him'.


Do not use your magic or anything else - go and collect some herbs in the forest, instead. There are bandits awaiting for you and you will gain one more skill point after this easy fight.
Also you will find the archer who injured Gaynore.

'Go collect some herbs'.



When Gaynore will feel better - he will tell you the tip about the next magic inscription.
It is name - Lon. You will meet him at Friga.



When captain Elias will arrive - show him the arrowhead you took from the dead archer and tell him about the bandits in the forest. He will understand everything and you will be free to leave the mansion without any troubles.

'Show the peculiar arrow-head'.



We need to visit Friga now - there you will find the 4th magic inscription.
Go to the Wicked Gulley, first.



Then go to the Woodland Bastion.



And go to Friga.



Here you need to make a choice about the Curse again. But as I told you before - there's no reason to resist the Curse any longer and to make the last fights even harder.

'Give in to the Curse'.


The Curse will become stronger by 8% again, while also stealing some strength from Blance:



However, the level of the Reaping will not increase and you will receive 1 skill point for this:



At Friga we are searching for Hederlig. But since Thorn never was at Friga and never fought with Gells at the western gate - Hederlig is dead now. It is not important for us, though, because we need Lon. And he is exactly here.




Your choices here are not important.




And, if you did everything right at the Warden's Mansion, Lon will give you the 4th magic inscription now.



Also, you will receive 1 skill point for this:



There's nothing else we need to do here anymore. Ask Lon about Thorn and leave Friga.



Before you go, Lon will tell you another tip. It's part of Childao's riddle too.



Leave Friga and continue your path.

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This chapter is not finished and will not be finished, but instead will be replaced with Updated Version of the Guide. However, ALL important actions are here - just with less description than usual.
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While talking with Nakoma:
If you choose another answer - Mabok (Drooket) will die 100%, however he's just secondary character. If you decide to follow my steps, remember - never argue with Nakoma at the Water Menhir, or Gleda may kill herself much later at Opacum.

'I will never serve you, Atraakh!'



Here I had fight with Enses, and power of the Curse lowered by 4% after this fight. It is ot important, however, just don't worry if you see your Curse is at 44% at Opacum instead of my 40% - you did anything right.







Another magic inscription is here:



And another part of Childao's riddle:




It is important! Enter the tower and aswer all the questions as you see here:









If you answered everything right - Bernard will tell you 'Correct' and will give you another tip about Childao's riddle - it is the most important part and even if you missed one or two magic inscriptions before - you will find all parts at Opacum.

-
This chapter is not finished and will not be finished, but instead will be replaced with Updated Version of the Guide. However, ALL important actions are here - just with less description than usual.
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Since all strixes you get on your road to the Water Menhir will be consumed 100% - I recommend you to avoid any events which reward you with strixes and save them for later use. Currently, you can choose any events which reward you with team morale or just empty events. Only, if you have injured party members - you may consider events with strixes to save those characters.











It is very important! Tell your companions to touch the Menhir - they will be fully healed. If you don't do this - probably many of them will die in the next chapter because of the Reaping and lack of strixes, even if you will fight every day.

'Urge your companions to touch the menhir'.







It is important! DO NOT argue with Nakoma - or he will scare Gleda and she will kill herself at the end in Opacum. If this happens Thorn will fight with Lo Pheng (and sometimes with Blance), which will be fatal for this playthrough.

Tell him:
'I don't see why I shouldn't accept a kind deed from a good man'.


It is important too! You need no less than 105 strixes after this fight, if you get less - I recommend you to replay it before you accept the results. This will save you from unnecessary problems in the next chapter on your way to Opacum. Though, 84 strixes are acceptable but this will give you much more problems, than just a few replays. While 70 strixes may be fatal for some of your characters and unacceptable at all.

-
This chapter is not finished and will not be finished, but instead will be replaced with Updated Version of the Guide. However, ALL my choices are here - just without description.
-

-
This chapter is not finished and will not be finished, but instead will be replaced with Updated Version of the Guide. However, ALL important actions are here - just with less description than usual.
-




While talking with Coronzon, ask him if he still mad at Treeg. If you dont ask this question - Treeg will be killed, a bit later.

'Are you still mad at Treeg?'



Go to the Menhir - there you will find all magic inscriptions you need for a good ending.




Treeg will not let you go, until you answer all his questions, no matter in which order.



Then go and talk with Amma.

-
This chapter is not finished and will not be finished, but instead will be replaced with Updated Version of the Guide. However, ALL important actions are here - just with less description than usual.
-



Before we reach Opacum, we need to visit the Refuge of the Wretched - there you will translate the prayer of the Triune with Flitt's help. This will grant your team +50 morale - which incredible increases your chances to successfully finish this game. So, it's very important to visit this place.



We still need strixes - so, you need to fight every day as usual.











Warning! After this fight the game does not autosaving - save it manually by going to 'squad management' menu.



Now it is very important! BEFORE you go to the Refuge of the Wretched you need someone to translate all those scrolls and all the ancient words you gathered on your way.

In your camp - find 'Temple Tongue' menu, and ask one of your companions to translate it.




Then go to the Refuge.




'Ask Flitt to decipher the inscriptions'.


'Read Flitt's prayer'.


If you did everything right before, and gathered all the words - now you will see this text. And your team will receive +50 morale and additional loyalty to every companion. Essentially this means that Thorn will not start fighting with Lo Pheng at Opacum. Though, Lo Pheng still can start a fight with Thorn, if he doesn't have enough humanity. To prevent even this - I highly recommend you to take control of Lo Pheng in the final chapter.







Save your game manually after this fightt.







Save your game manually after this fight, too.







Your entire party will be healed by 1 at Opacum.














---
I recommend you to buy only 'Speed Potion' and 'Whirlwind Soul' here.
---

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This chapter is not finished and will not be finished, but instead will be replaced with Updated Version of the Guide. However, ALL important actions are here - just with less description than usual.
-












I highly recommend you to play as Lo Pheng in the final chapter. Even considering that we did everything right, and Lo Pheng has enough humanity - there are still risks. Do you really want to risk your entire playthrough?

If you take control of Lo Pheng, even if he has not enough humanity - the worst thing he can do is to kill Reet. But ultimately he will remain alive and as far as I know - this shouldn't prevent you from getting your well deserved achievement, now.

Choose Lo Pheng - there will be much less risks for you.

-
This chapter is not finished and will not be finished, but instead will be replaced with Updated Version of the Guide. However, ALL important actions are here - just with less description than usual.
-











If Thorn has enough morale - he won't try to kill Reet now, and won't attack Lo Pheng.



And if Lo pheng has enough humanity - he will invite everyone to his team.



All you need to do now - is to kill the Reaper.



That's all. I hope this guide was helpful. ❤️