Bardon's brother, Riodan, and Bardon in a confrontation

The words of Bardon, Royal Mage and Alchemist:

"Many have not known that I have had a brother... indeed, not even M'lord British knew. Though Riodan and I both grew up together, we were both rivals, and exceedingly skilled in the arcane arts. However, while I chose to study magic and alchemy, Riodan chose to study the dark art of necromancy. Finally, after I begged him to stop studying necromancy, he left me, and I did not see him for many years. However, he had returned. After his first appearance, he had aroused the suspicion of the guards. The guards did their duty and attacked him, however, he turned them all to stone, one by one. He marched into the throne room, turning whomever he saw to stone, and confronted me. He said he was to ask Lord British to voluntarily surrender the throne unto him, else he shall take it by force. After a brief battle in the throne room, he fled. However, he attacked me again in the streets of Vesper, and caught me off my guard. He imprisoned me in the lowest level of the dungeon Deceit, which he claimed to have made his study for studying whatever dark arts pleased him. Luckily, Riodan's arrogance had gotten the best of him. He appeared in front of a group of powerful warriors and told them to come to Deceit if they ever wished to see me again. Brave souls that they were, they battled their way through all four levels of Deceit to free me. Many of them lost their lives that day, but the group pressed on, and eventually made it to Riodan's lair. However, before they could free me, Riodan violently attacked them, killing many and using spells of which I have never dared so much as to approach. Riodan fell, finally, with two warriors remaining; these two warriors freed me, and we all fled the dungeon immediately. Alas, Riodan, that thou hast strayed from the right path, for thou wert assuredly one of the most potent mages in all the land!"

Quest began on: 3/2/02
Quest difficulty: 9/10
Quest rewards: Red, named, full spellbook, a +12 sword of virtue, and 50,000 gold.
Notable facts:

  • This was the most difficult and the most rewarding quest on the shard so far
  • The first time on the shard anyone's ever gone to Deceit level 4 and lived to tell the tale
  • It is possible that other members of Bardon's family will be introduced later on