The cave stinks of death. A dozen bodies slump against the walls. Flies crawl over their pallid skin. Their lips and fingernails are black. Poison.
Judging by their coarse wools, coarse furs and coarser hair, they were Ferelden: refugees from the Fifth Blight, no doubt, turned to banditry. Of their leader, the woman with the missing finger, there is no sign.
At the back of the cave you find most of the goods stolen from the merchants. Many of the chests have not even been opened. What will you do with them?
Available actions[]
1.
Requisition the goods The merchants don't really expect them back. You can put them to good use.
Result: For the good of the Marquisate Remembering the bandits' black lips, you have the vittles tested before consigning them to the château's cellars. Only a single barrel of wine - one that was open in the middle of the cave - was poisoned. "Havard's Grief," the Purveyor of Teas tells you. "An unsubtle toxin, but reliable. Very popular in the Grand Game. Or so I am told.'' The merchants take some solace in hearing that their robbers met an unpleasant end, but return empty-handed to Val Royeaux. They will not be back. The woman who led the bandits has disappeared, but your agents continue the search. Sooner or later, she will make a mistake.
+1 Viands, +1 Secrets, +1 Tangled Web, +3 Bags of Royals, Your 'An Unsolved Case: the Dashing Outlaw Strikes Again' Quality is gone!, Despite the attempt to frame her, the Dashing Outlaw was innocent in this.
2.
Return the goods to the merchants They could be the first trickle in a river of gold flowing from Val Royeaux.
(uses an action)
Result: Sanctified The merchants are dumbstruck. One of them declares his intent to buy the Chantry and declare you Anointed, so that your kindness will be rewarded forever by a place at the Maker's right hand. They are as lavish with their praise when they return to Val Royeaux, and other members of their guild begin calling at Serault on their trade circuits. The only thing you keep is the open barrel of wine that stood in the middle of the cave. You have the Purveyor of Teas test it. "Havard's Grief," the Purveyor tells you. "An unsubtle toxin, but reliable. Very popular in the Grand Game. Or so I am told." The woman who led the bandits has disappeared, but your agents continue the search. Sooner or later, she will make a mistake.
+2 Dignity, +40 Prosperity, +1 Secrets, +1 Authority, +1 Tangled Web, Your 'An Unsolved Case: the Dashing Outlaw Strikes Again' Quality is gone!, Despite the attempt to frame her, the Dashing Outlaw was innocent in this.
