Joru

Novice · Swamp Camp

"You scratch my back, I scratch yours."

An accomplished novice

Joru introduces himself as an accomplished novice, proud that his standing lets him teach the Sleeper's wisdom rather than mashing herbs or cleaning huts. He mentions that Master Y'Berion once said he might become a proper baal one day, though he admits he's been slacking lately and is content to wait his turn, calling the work of spreading the Sleeper's word a great honor.

The swampweed tests

Asked how to win over the gurus, Joru says he can share useful advice, but wants payment first, asking the Hero to bring him smoke rolls from Fortuno's daily ration. He also reveals that novices like him are used to test new swampweed strains that Cor Kalom grows in his lab, delivered every other day by Caine, describing the effect as something that opens your mind though it can be as exhilarating as it is taxing.

He notes that only the gurus get enough swampweed to truly reach the spiritual realm and witness their master, something he hopes to experience himself someday.

Advice for the gurus

Once the Hero brings the smoke rolls, Joru gives his advice: Baal Cadar, who teaches the novices magic, can be impressed by using a scroll near him, ideally putting one of his students to sleep rather than casting something aggressive like a Windfist. Baal Namib, the one stationed by the entrance, he calls a tough nut, suggesting the Hero ask Lester for help when the old man isn't around.

The rest of the gurus, he says, just need to see the Hero make himself useful and be noticed doing it.

What other NPCs say

Viran names Joru beside Balor while looking for people who want to leave the swamp camp. The reference comes from planning an escape rather than a Brotherhood ritual, showing Joru as someone caught between the camp's religious demands and the possibility of getting away from them.

Joru’s exact price for advice

  • Bring three rolls of black sage: Joru does not mean a vague offering of swampweed: he asks for exactly three rolls made from black sage. The Hero gets them from Fortuno’s daily ration, then returns to Joru for the advice.
  • What the advice unlocks: Joru’s advice points to practical ways of impressing the gurus: use a magic scroll near Baal Cadar, ask Lester about approaching Baal Namib, and make yourself useful where the remaining gurus can see it.

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