THE LEGEND OF SKARA BRAE - A Neverwinter Nights Mod

MECANDES' PLOT CONVERSATIONS

You'll find below the original scripted conversations as written by Mecandes, and referenced in the "Skara Brae mod outline.htm" file. You should read the mod outline first, if you haven't already.  (See also "The Legend of Skara Brae.pdf" for the original source material.)

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Drainc.  Male halfling druid.

----------

Leaning heavily on an intricately carved staff, the stately demeanour of this halfling seems a striking contrast to his otherwise diminutive stature.  "Greetings, friend.  Allow me to introduce myself," he says, extending his hand.  "I am Drainc, druid and member of the Adventurer's Guild."

	1. "Well met, Drainc.  My name is [full name]."
	2. "I haven't time for formalities, halfling. State your business with me plainly!"
	3. Leave.

1.  Drainc nods, smiling warmly.  "I had heard of our new member, and I am glad now to finally have the opportunity to meet you in person."  A sudden gust of wind can be heard howling against the sides of the guild building, and Drainc shakes his head sadly.  "But this sudden foul and unseasonable weather may keep you from seeing our town at it's best, I'm afraid."

2.  Drainc calmly lifts an eyebrow in surprise.  "With such an attitude, you may not last long here."  A sudden gust of wind can be heard howling against the sides of the guild building, and Drainc shakes his head sadly.  "This sudden foul and unseasonable weather may test your patience more than I, I'm afraid."

3.  [Skip down to "Before you go..."]

	1. "Isn't it unusual for a druid to speak thus of the forces of nature?"
	2. "A little cold never killed anyone..."

1.  "Alas, but I fear this is not the work of nature," Drainc replies.  "No, I sense something dark at work..." His voice trailing off, you think you hear him mutter, "but my powers have availed me naught..."  Suddenly seeming embarassed, the halfling changes the subject.  "But enough of that.  Would you like me to tell you more about our town before you set out?"

2.  "On the contrary," Drainc interrupts, "I sense something dark at work..." His voice trailing off, you think you hear him mutter, "but my powers have availed me naught..."  Suddenly seeming embarrassed, the halfling changes the subject.  "But enough of that.  Would you like me to tell you more about our town before you set out?"

	1. "Yes, thank you."
	2. "No, that's alright."

1.  "As you probably know, Skara Brae is a relatively small town, located in a pass that separates the capital city of Candarr from the city-state of Tangramayne and the nearby costal port city of Hamelin.  Naturally, Skara Brae's position has made it somewhat of a hub of commerce between the larger and more influential cities of the realm, and wealthy merchants travel from afar to hawk their wares in the Gran Plaz, a large plaza located in the center of town."

2.  [Skip down to "Before you go..."]

	1.  Keep listening.
	2.  Leave.

1.  "Our Lord King, from his royal throne in Candarr, has appointed the Baron Harkyn to be the local magistrate, and he resides in a small castle on the north-west side of town," says Drainc, gesturing in a vaguely north-westerly direction.  "Though a noble, he does not assume complete control of the town, but rather sits as head of what we call the Board of Review, on which the lords Kylearan, Mangar and Kavilor also sit; though I'm sure these names mean little to you right now."

2.  [Skip down to "Before you go..."]

	1. Keep listening.
	2. Leave.

1.  "It has been quite some time since the Board of Review has met in an official capacity.  Rumours persist that there has been some sort of dispute."  Drainc shrugs, and then shakes his head. "I'm sorry, a seasoned adventurer such as yourself is probably more interested in practical information, of course, of course..."  

2.  [Skip down to "Before you go..."]

	1. Keep listening.
	2. Leave.

1.  "If you need to outfit yourself with the more traditional forms of weaponry, I recommend visiting Garth's Equipment Shoppe, conveniently located just across the street from our guild.  The old dwarf is a bit crotchety, but you will find him a most capable blacksmith.  If you are in need of more arcane supplies, you might visit Roscoe's Energy Emporium, located on the north-west side of the Gran Plaz.  Roscoe is... well, unique.  But trustworthy, I think."

2. [Skip down to "Before you go..."]

	1. Keep listening.
	2. Leave.

1.  "Incidentally, Skara Brae is also seen as the spiritual centre of the realm.  There are many temples near the Gran Plaz where the One God is worshipped faithfully, and you may be able to find healing and solace there if your adventures take a turn for the worse.  Also, the constant flow of merchants and travellers through our town has necessitated presence of many inns and taverns, which are generally reputable and turn a tidy profit."

2. [Skip down to "Before you go..."]

	1. Keep listening.
	2. Leave.

1. and 2.  "Before you go, I should warn you that the going is tough right now in Skara Brae town," says the druid, hurriedly.  "Even though the trees about town are still green, and the flowers blooming, the surrounding lands have been buried in this unnatural snowfall that has plagued us the last few days, and it has become impossible for the trade caravans to travel.  The gates of the town have been closed to all."

	1. "Is there no contact, then, with the outside world?"
	2. "You mean I'm trapped in this wretched place?"

1. and 2.  "I am afraid that seems to be the case," says Drainc.  Suddenly, a look crosses the halflings face as if he has just remembered something important.  "You know, that reminds me -- the last person who came through the gates stopped by here, looking to hire some adventurers.  None of the locals who were here at the time seemed interested in helping an outsider, but you have the look of someone in need of income at the moment, if you don't mind me saying so..."

	1. "No offense taken, tell me more."
	2. "Mind your own affairs, and stay out of mine, halfling."

1.  Drainc shrugs.  "As I recall, the man's name is Pellis, and he said he would be staying at the Scarlet Bard Tavern.  It's located at the end of the road south of the guild, on Rakhir Street." Gesturing south, Drainc continues, "Even if it doesn't work out, you never know -- a taste of wine might lead to ready adventure!" 

	1. "Thank you, Drainc.  I will seek him out."
	2. Leave.

[Journal Entry Update:  The Scarlet Bard Tavern
"Seek out Pellis in the Scarlet Bard Tavern, located in the south-east corner of Skara Brae."]

---------- Pellis quest accepted but not completed

"Yar!" calls Drainc, in the traditional halfling greeting.  "Having trouble finding Pellis at the Scarlet Bard Tavern, are you?  Well, just go south and east as far as you can within the city, and you'll find the tavern -- there's a very distinctive sign right out front.  If you can't find Pellis in the common room, talk to the innkeeper, perhaps -- he may know more."

	1. Leave.

---------- Pellis quest completed

"So, you've learned there may be something more sinister behind this magical storm our town is suffering through," says Drainc, stratching his head quizzically.  "That would explain a lot of things.  Foul creatures have been seen in the city, and some rumours even talk of the living dead walking the streets -- it must be related, somehow.  I hope you can learn the truth behind all of this."

	1. Leave

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Mecandes - Half-elf male bard.  High level.  Black hair and beard.

The middle-aged bard doesn't seem to notice you as he caresses the strings of his harp and begins to sing:

	1. [More...]

"The song I sing will tell the tale of a cold and wintery day;"

	1. [More...]

"Of castle walls and torchlit halls and a price men had to pay."

	1. [More...]

"When evil fled and brave men bled the Dark one came to stay,"

	1. [More...]

"Till men of old for blood and gold had rescued Skara Brae."

	1. Leave.



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Pellis.  Male human fighter.  High level.

----------

Heavily scarred and weather-beaten, this old man has the look of a seasoned veteran.  Coughing harshly, he takes a long swig of his ale to sooth his throat.  Noticing you watching him, he nods at you.  "Aye, can I help ye with somethin'?  They call me Pellis."

	1.  "My name is [first name].  I was sent by the Adventurers Guild; they said you were looking for help."
	2.  "Me? Need help from an old-timer like you? You must be joking."

1.  "Ah, well met, [first name]."  A sudden fit of coughing errupts from Pellis, but he makes a calming gesture as he regains his composure. "No, no, I'll be fine.  It's just this bloody cursed weather, taking it's toll on this old sea-dog."

2.  A sudden fit of coughing errupts from Pellis, but finally he regains his composure. "Curse this bloody weather -- it's taking it's toll on this old sea-dog."  Ignoring you, he turns back to his ale.

	1. "You are a sailor?"
	2. "Aren't you a little far from port, old man?"

1.  "Aye, but that was long ago." Clearing his throat, he shakes his head.  "Skara Brae is not the only place in the realm suffering ill weather, ye know -- I come from Hamelin, and the port is scourged by thunderstorms the like of which no one has ever seen. There are waterspouts, and whirlpools -- ships are unable to make safely to port. I've lost more friends to the cursed weather than..." He breaks off and tosses back his ale.

2.  "It has been many a year since I've sailed the seas." Clearing his throat, he shakes his head. "Skara Brae is not the only place in the realm suffering ill weather, ye know -- I come from Hamelin, and the port is scourged by thunderstorms the like of which no one has ever seen.  There are waterspouts, and whirlpools -- ships are unable to make safely to port. I've lost more friends to the cursed weather than..." He breaks off and tosses back his ale.

	1.  Wait for him to finish.
	2.  Tap him roughly on the shoulder.

1.  Wiping the ale from his moustache, he continues.  "This ungodly weather is not my only problem. Something sinister is at work, here and abroad. It is not yet widely known, but the viscount of Hamelin, Lord Garrick, disappeared shortly after the odd storms began. I've come to Skara Brae seeking him."

2.  Shaking your hand off roughly, he continues.  "This ungodly weather is not my only problem. Something sinister is at work, here and abroad. It is not yet widely known, but the viscount of Hamelin, Lord Garrick, disappeared shortly after the odd storms began. I've come to Skara Brae seeking him."

	1.  "Do you require my aid? How can I help?"
	2.  "...and you need help. Typical. What's in it for me?"

1.  Pellis nods, a warm smile breaking slowly across his scarred features.  "Aye, this wretched sickness has laid me low. Soon, I fear I shall have to keep a-bed. I am looking to hire someone to look into this matter for me."  Reaching to his belt, he unhooks a leather purse and hefts it in his hand.  "The viscount's family will pay well for information on his whereabouts," he says, winking.

2.  Reaching to his belt, he unhooks a leather purse and hefts it in his hand.  "The viscount's family will pay well for information on his whereabouts," he says, winking. "This wretched sickness has laid me low. Soon, I fear I shall have to keep a-bed. I am looking to hire someone to look into this matter for me."  

	1.  "I'll gladly help. Do you have any leads so far?"
	2.  "This better be worth it, old man..."

1.  "In fact, I've just learned from the barkeep that a man matching Lord Garrick's description rented a room here recently -- but she hasn't seen him in several days," Pellis sighs. "The tavern keeper seems busy at the moment -- I was waiting for an opportunity to speak to him when ye came in."  Another coughing fit seizes Pellis.  When he recovers, he makes to leave, saying, "Speak to him for me -- I must retire to my room..."

2.  "It will be, don't ye worry.  Now, I've just learned from the barkeep that a man matching Lord Garrick's description rented a room here -- but she hasn't seen him in several days," Pellis sighs. "I was waiting for an opportunity to speak to the tavern keeper when ye came in."  Another coughing fit seizes Pellis.  When he recovers, he makes to leave, saying, "Speak to him -- I will be in my room..."

[Journal Entry:  The Scarlet Bard Tavern
Speak to the tavern keeper of the Scarlet Bard to see what he knows of Lord Garrick.]

----------

Here, I was hoping we could script it so that Pellis would leave the main room of the tavern and go up to one of the smaller upstairs rooms.  Later, when the PC learns the fate of Lord Garrick, they'll need to (optionally) seek Pellis upstairs to get paid by him.



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A note about Pellis conversation before I forget:  In a certain place Pellis says "In fact, I've just learned from the barkeep that a man matching Lord Garrick's description..." -- that "barkeep" should be changed to "barmaid" (in two places, both the "good" and "bad" response) Whoops!

William.  Male human fighter/thief.  Should be the "heavy" build.

----------  If PC hasn't got Lord Garrick quest yet:

You try to get the innkeeper's attention, but he is busy serving other patrons.  Maybe you can take this opportunity to get to know some of the locals while you wait for a chance to speak to the innkeeper.

	1. Leave.

---------- 

"Hail traveller!" calls the innkeeper, "Step to the bar and I'll draw you a tankard."

	1.  Accept the ale.
	2.  Ask for wine instead.
	3.  Order a ginger ale.
	4.  Leave.

1.  Sliding the foaming mug across to you, the innkeeper begins to dry some empty mugs with a washcloth. "You've the look of a foreigner," he says.  "What brings you to our fine town in the middle of this storm?"

2.  Raising an eyebrow, the innkeeper dusts off a wine glass and fills it from a bottle under the bar.  "I pride myself on my collection of fine wines," he says.  "What brings you to our fine town in the middle of this storm?"

3.  "One ginger ale, coming up!" shouts the innkeeper playfully, loud enough for the whole tavern to hear.  You blush as the women in the common-room laugh at you.  "You must not be from around here," he laughs.  "What brings you to our fine town in the middle of this storm?"

	1.  "I'm looking for the viscount of Hamelin," you say, offering a brief description.  "I believe Lord Garrick took a room here."
	2.  "Just keep the drinks coming.  And while you're at it, tell me what you know of this so-called viscount," you say, offering a terse description.

1.  "Aye, he did," says the innkeeper, clearly surprised.  The shock is even more evident in his voice when he continues. "You mean to tell me that Garrick fellow was a Lord, the viscount of Hamelin, no less?  Oh, bloody hell.  I fear I've mistreated the man...", he says shakily.

2.  "You mean to tell me that Garrick fellow was a Lord," the innkeeper says shakily, "and the viscount of Hamelin, no less?  Oh, bloody hell.  I fear I've mistreated the man..."

	1.  "What do you mean, you've mistreated Lord Garrick?"
	2.  "You fool!  You're lucky the viscount didn't have you hung..."

1.  The innkeeper motions you closer, and speaks a little quieter.  "The other night I heard the sound of breaking bottles down in my wine cellar, and I went downstairs to find Garrick -- I mean, Lord Garrick.  He was drunk, and mumbling nonsense... something about 'false gods', I think..."

2.  "Aye, he may yet have me hung."  The innkeeper motions you closer, and speaks a little quieter.  "The other night I heard the sound of breaking bottles down in my wine cellar, and I went downstairs to find Garrick -- I mean, Lord Garrick.  He was drunk, and mumbling nonsense... something about 'false gods', I think..."

	1.  "What did you do?"
	2.  "Wonderful, his great Lordship is a common drunkard," you snicker.

1. "I had no idea that he was a member of the nobility, you have to understand," he says, glancing around the tavern.  "When the man resisted my gentler attempts to get him to come upstairs, I'm afraid I had to get a little more... persistent... with him.  I'll tell you, it was no easy task to haul him all the way up to his room.  I left him there to sober up; but when I went back to check on him in the morning, he was gone.  I have not seen him since."

2.  "I had no idea that he was a member of the nobility, you have to understand," he says, glancing around the tavern.  "When the man resisted my attempts to get him to come upstairs, I had to get a little more... rough... with him.  I'll tell you, it was no easy task to haul him all the way up to his bed.  I left him there to sober up; but when I went back to check on him in the morning, he was gone.  I have not seen him since -- he's probably arranging for my execution as we speak..."

	1.  "What do you think the viscount was doing down in your wine cellar?"
	2.  "Your neck is going to be stretched for sure," you laugh, mockingly.

1.  "Well, I'm sure a noble of the viscount's stature would appreciate the fact that I have the only 50 year-old wine in town," says the innkeeper, a touch of pride in his voice.  "Other than that, I'm not sure what to tell you -- except that recently, my wine cellar seems to have become plagued with large rats and other critters."  Drawing a simple key from his belt, he says, "I've taken to locking the door.  But here, take this key and have a look downstairs if you like."

2.  The innkeeper subconsciously reaches up behind his beard, as if already feeling the burning rope.  "I'm not sure what to tell you -- except that recently, my wine cellar seems to have become plagued with large rats and other critters."  Drawing a simple key from his belt, he says, "I've taken to locking the door.  But here, take this key and have a look downstairs if you like... Perhaps if you find the Lord Garrick, you can convince him to be merciful..."

	1.  Accept the key, saying, "I'll have a look downstairs."
	2.  Shrug and grab the key, saying, "Maybe I'll wander down when I'm done my drink."

[Acquire key from William.]

[Journal entry:  The Scarlet Bard Tavern
Find out what Lord Garrick was doing in the wine cellar of the Scarlet Bard Tavern.]

Quest is completed simply by entering the sewers, when the journal could be updated thus:
[Jounal entry:  The Scarlet Bard Tavern
I found an entrance to the sewers in the wine cellar.  This explains the rats.  Perhaps this is what Lord Garrick was looking for?]

----------  Quest accepted but not completed

The innkeeper eyes you warily as you approach him. "Have you found anything in the cellar?" he asks, scratching his beard nervously.

	1. "Not yet," you reply.

----------  Quest completed

The innkeeper eyes you warily as you approach him. "Have you found anything in the cellar?" he asks, scratching his beard nervously.

	1. "I found an old entrance to the sewers downstairs."
	2. "I found out where the soup of the day comes from."

1. & 2. "Ah -- but how did that sewer grate get opened again?  I sealed it firmly many years ago," says the innkeeper, puzzled.  "That explains the rats.  Anyway, I appreciate your help and your, er... discretion in this matter.  Here, take this as a token of my gratitude -- it was left in one of the rooms by a patron a few weeks ago, and she never returned to claim it."

[Receive a magic bag from William.]

	1. Leave.

---------- Quest completed and reward already given:

"Hail traveller!" calls the innkeeper, "Step to the bar and I'll draw you a tankard."

	1.  Accept the ale.
	2.  Ask for wine instead.
	3.  Order a ginger ale.
	4.  Leave.

1.  Sliding the foaming mug across to you, the innkeeper begins to dry some empty mugs with a washcloth.  "That's my own special brew," he winks.

2.  Raising an eyebrow, the innkeeper dusts off a wine glass and fills it from a bottle under the bar.  "I pride myself on my collection of fine wines," he says.

3.  "One ginger ale, coming up!" shouts the innkeeper playfully, loud enough for the whole tavern to hear.  You blush as the women in the common-room laugh at you.

	1. Leave.



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Gwendolyn.  Female half-elven fighter/thief.  Low level.  Black hair.  Wields a dagger.

----------

The raven-haired barmaid jumps a little as you approach her.  At first, her hand instinctively reaches towards the dagger sheathed at her waist.  Noticing that you approach her unarmed, she relaxes a little and asks, "Who are you?  How did you get down here?  I'm sure I locked the door behind me..."

	1. "My name is [first name]. The innkeeper gave me the key."
	2. "I go where I will, girl. What are you doing down here?"

1. "Oh," she says, sudden understanding in her eyes, "he's probably sent you to deal with the spiders.  Heaven forbid anything should get between old William and his fine wine collection!"  Winking conspiritorily, she adds, "I had to dispatch several of the foul creatures just to come down and fetch a bottle or two."

2. "Oh," she says, "I work here. I've just come down to fetch a few bottles, but I had to dispatch a few of those nasty looking spiders, first." Sudden understanding in her eyes, she adds, "Of coruse, the innkeeper has sent you to deal with the things -- Heaven forbid anything should get between old William and his fine wine collection!"

	1. "Do you know where they are coming from?"
	2. "What do you know of these beasts?  Speak quickly, girl!"

1. and 2. "You know, just before you came in, I heard noises coming from the North-West corner of the cellar, over there," she points, "and the other day, I found broken bottles in that corner."  Unsheathing her dagger, she twirls it deftly in her fingers.  "Alas, I long for the life of an adventurer, but it seems lowly spiders and meagre bar tips are all I can hope for," she sighs.

	1. "There may be more adventure here than you think.  Why don't you come with me?"
	2. "A sad fate indeed. I better be going. Farewell."

1. The girl's face lights up at your words.  "Really?  I mean, of course!  Let's hunt some spider!  Anything would be more exciting than fetching wine bottles..."

2.  "Okay, bye then," she says sadly, returning to her work.

---------- Later conversation, not in party:

The raven-haired barmaid looks up, and a glimmer of hope flashes in her eyes as she recognizes you.  "Hello again, [first name]! Do you think I could tag along on your little adventure?  I've seen enough dusty wine bottles for a lifetime..."

	1. "Sure, Gwendolyn -- I could use your help."
	2. "Sorry, girl -- this work is out of your league."

---------- Later conversation, in party:

The former barmaid seems much more comfortable with a dagger in her hand than a wine bottle, though you now suspect she could be lethal with either.  With a toss of her raven coloured hair and a mischievous glint in her eye, she turns towards you.  "Do you think we'll encounter any giant spiders, soon?  I have a special hatred for them," she says with an eager look around.

	1. change tactics, etc., etc....

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Corfid op Orfin.  Elven male bard.

---------- Before NPC has found the parchment of Lord Garrick, Corfid is singing the lines of the Bard's Tale II song (floating over his head like Mecandes.)

---------- After NPC has found parchment

The tall, graceful elf is gently stroking the strings of his harp, and a haunting but beautiful melody fills the common room.  Seeing you approach, he nods a greeting as the last few notes fade.  "It's called 'The Watchwood Melody'," he says in a strong but melodious voice, "The better part of an ancient gnomish balad.  I learned it while studying lost compositions in the libraries of the castle of Candarr."

	1. "What brings you all the way to Skara Brae?", you ask.
	2. "What's a learned aristocrat like yourself doing in a dump like this?", you say, sarcastically.

1. "Like most bards, I travel to share my knowledge with the people through balads and tales," he replies, "as well as to broaden my bardic horizons, so to speak."  Lifting his harp, he cradles it gently in his arms, as a man would his child.  "I have been learning some of the rich history of Skara Brae, in my never-ending search for more tales to tell abroad."

2. The elf seems oblivious to your sarcastic tone. "I have been learning some of the rich history of Skara Brae in my never-ending search for more tales to tell abroad," he replies, sincerely. "Like most bards, I travel to share my knowledge with the people through balads and tales, as well as to broaden my bardic horizons, so to speak." Lifting his harp, he cradles it gently in his arms, as a man would his child.

	1. "Perhaps you can help me, friend.  What do you make of this?" you ask, handing him Lord Garrick's diary. 
	2. "When you're done fondling your instrument, maybe you can tell me what this means," you sneer, thrusting Garrick's diary at him.

1.  Taking the weathered book, Corfid opens it almost reverently. "Yes. This name is familiar to me," he says, and then adds, more quietly, "Though I warn you that it is never spoken aloud in the streets of this town." Motioning you closer, he continues softly, "This man, Tarjan, was thoroughly evil. It is rumoured that he sold his soul in exchange for the terrible magical powers he wielded. He summoned forth an army of undead, and enslaved this town."

2.  The elf eyes you curiously, unperterbed, and clearly intrigued by any knowledge the book might contain.  He opens it, reverently. "Yes. This name is familiar to me," he says, and then adds, more quietly, "Though I warn you that it is never spoken aloud in the streets of this town."  Motioning you closer, he continues softly, "This man, Tarjan, was thoroughly evil. It is rumoured that he sold his soul in exchange for the terrible magical powers he wielded. He summoned forth an army of undead, and enslaved this town."

	1. "What happened to him?" you ask.
	2. "I'd do it too, if I had half the chance," you mutter.

1. "His power and magics drove him quite insane in time, and he had the gall to proclaim himself a god. In his madness, he was unable to see the plots of the powerful wizards of Skara Brae working against him, and they managed to overthrow him. History doesn't record how they did this, and it is unlikely anyone still lives who remembers exactly what happened."

2. "His power and magics drove him quite insane in time, and likely the same would happen to you, my foolish friend," the elf laughs, not really taking you seriously.  "He had the gall to proclaim himself a god, and in his madness, he was unable to see the plots of the powerful wizards of Skara Brae working against him. They managed to overthrow him. History doesn't record how they did this, and it is unlikely anyone still lives who remembers exactly what happened."

	1. "Why do you think Lord Garrick would be concerned with this old affair?" you ask.

1.  Scratching his ear thoughtfully, the elf ponders your question. "I don't know. But I do know that in recent years it has been said that a secretive underground cult exists which claims to worship the 'Mad God'. They are percieved as somewhat harmless and misguided small-minded vagrants, but one has to wonder why they are tolerated at all." A sudden thought seems to occur to the bard. "A hundred years ago, Tarjan had a temple erected in his honour right in the Gran Plaz at the heart of the city. It has since fallen into ruin of course, but you may find more clues there..."

[Update Journal:  The Mad God's Temple
Investigate the cult of the Mad God at Tarjan's ruined temple in the center of Skara Brae.]

	1. "Thank you, this has been very helpful," you say.
	2. Leave.

---------- After this conversation has taken place and journal updated, Corfid could go back to singing his song.

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