Baal Orun

Guru · Swamp Camp

"You not only proved that you are on our side, but also that you are able to defend our cause with a blade if need be."

A test of loyalty

Baal Orun is a guru who notices when the Hero stands up for Ghorim. He calls that action the right thing to do for a brother in need, then treats it as evidence that the Hero may want to join the Brotherhood.

His approval is not free: Cor Kalom needs fresh swampweed for his experiments, and the Hero must collect it from the harvesters in the bog and carry it to Kalom's laboratory.

The harvesters' delivery

When the Hero asks where the harvesters are, Baal Orun bristles at being addressed without permission. He eventually relents—May the Sleeper forgive you for this blunder—and tells the Hero that someone who truly wants to join will find them.

The task tests both loyalty and initiative; a recruit is expected to understand the importance of the delivery without being led by the hand.

Sweat in the swamp

After the Hero protects the harvesters, Baal Orun credits him with proving that he is loyal and capable with a blade. He promises to recommend him if Cor Kalom asks.

He also explains that the novices are pushing themselves to the limit to produce enough for the Brotherhood and for trade with the other camps, work they accept because their sweat honors the Sleeper.

A conditional reward

Once the Hero delivers the swampweed to Cor Kalom, Baal Orun rewards him with a one-use scroll that can put someone to sleep. At other times he answers casual greetings with nothing more than a disappointed sigh.

For Orun, attention follows service: the Brotherhood's work earns a conversation, while empty familiarity does not.

What other NPCs say

Ghorim and Talas mention Baal Orun while trying to avoid punishment or explain why they cannot leave their workstations. His authority is felt in ordinary camp labor: he watches the mashers, expects people to remain at their posts, and can send an uncooperative novice back to harder work.

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