Author's note: Aaaaand here's where I start to deviate a little from the normal quest. It will, of course, have the same plot elements, however, I'm cutting down on some of the events that take place, and rearranging others. So to those of you who are hardcore "stick to the game" types, sorry! But the plot is in my hands now...

Disclaimer: Not my game. As usual.


Rowan keeps his mouth shut and his ears open as he is passing through town. After all, one might glean valuable information from the words of unsuspecting townsfolk, no matter how desperate their situation is. Admittedly, he does regret not doing more later on, but for now he keeps his eyes and ears on alert. Sadly, what he hears is disheartening at best. Apparently, the Skeleton King is a formidable foe, and the restless spirit of a long dead king. From what he hears, and what Rumford and Leah have told him, the King's fall was due to none other than the Lord of Terror himself, Diablo. This does not bode well for the future, and Rowan fears that the Skeleton King is only the first of other, greater evils. Unfortunately for him, and the townsfolk as well, the Skeleton King seems to be the only one posing a distinct threat to the town. So he decides that it will be his mission to kill the Evil that resides in Tristram, and put an end to the Mad King Leoric once and for all.

Naturally, this is received with a variety of responses. Leah, for some reason, seems oddly happy, and even volunteers to accompany him to the Cathedral. First, however, they need to retrieve the key. The former captain of the guard, Captain Daltyn took the key with him. He had it on him when he was killed, and as a result, the only way to gain access to the Cathedral is through killing and searching the former guards. He does not relish the thought. Leah, while not opposed to the plan, seems anxious to make sure that Rowan isn't hurt or killed. He supposes it is because he volunteered to find her Uncle, and if possible, bring him back. They agree to set out on the morrow, and despite the villager's protests for Leah's safety, she decides to come with him as far as the Cathedral. When they at last part ways, she gives him a brilliant grin, obviously in good cheer about seeing her Uncle again.

Rumford, on the other hand, comes very close to cursing Rowan out, and finally gives up, slumping against the wall of the inn. He alone knows exactly how skilled the former Captain was, and he alone knows that Rowan might be very close to losing his life.

"Don't say I didn't warn you, you blasted idiot."

He, however, is resigned to the fact that Rowan is leaving, and instead of trying to prevent him from going, Rumford directs him to the town blacksmith, in order to get "something other than that rusty plate you call armour", and hopefully a new bow. His is getting old.


As it turns out, the blacksmith has his fair share of problems. When Rowan approaches, the man seems to be on the brink of some sort of nervous breakdown. When he gets closer to the poor man, however, the blacksmith turns and fixes him with a look that could melt steel (and probably does). Rowan, as always, manages to complicate things further by asking him if he can offer any assistance. The blacksmith is, naturally, eager to hear this, and after introductions (the man's name is Haedrig), he explains the problem. Haedrig's wife has been locked in a cellar with The Turned.

As soon as Haedrig says it, Rowan can feel his stomach turning to ice. Trapped in a cellar with The Turned can only mean one thing.

Haedrig's wife must be killed.

Thankfully, Haedrig sees that, and explains that he realizes the horrendous job which he must undertake, and that the only reason he asks for Rowan's help is because he needs someone to steady his hand when the time comes. Rowan's heart goes out to the man; to all of them. To the stoic Captain of the Guard who is really just a farmer, to the Blacksmith who must kill his wife, and to the Girl, who may just lose her only family as well.

He agrees.