Blacksmiths take great pride in their work. Using intense heat along with their hammer and anvil, blacksmiths can forge and shape all sorts of metals. Products can range from tools, to decorative items, to weapons. In Ulos, weapons are often the product of choice. Swords of all sizes. Shields of all shapes. Forged properly, these items are worth their investment and will serve those who wield them well.

Standing in Wildwood, your mind flashes back to that fateful night. The night when a sorceress in dark robes approached your shop well after hours. She demanded a custom blade…and was willing to pay a substantial amount to have it created.

You suspected dark magic was involved. Blinded by the gold, and against you better judgement, you agreed to forge the weapon for her. Little did you know that you were the final step in her dark ritual! She left you with an uncurable infection. Almost uncurable. Local sages have told you that destroying the blade may save your life. You are hopeful that the Heroes Guild will help you fulfill your quest.

Quickly, you close up your shop. The pain in your chest is severe. Standing has become difficult. But you know this is your only choice. As you leave your smithy, you wonder if you will ever see it again.

Entering Gulpax's Workshop, you find Gulpax working on what appears to be a giant finger of iron. She is not happy about the intrusion. Neither is the Construct with her.

Alpha-Zero never misses,“ Gulpax warns. “So, kindly explain yourself. Why are you here?” - Servants of Azema (GS-ADV2)

• You attempt to persuade her that you mean no harm. Using your knowledge of the forge, you may just be able to convince her.
• You attempt to disarm the sentry. You manage to identify weak points in his construction and possibly gain the upper hand.

You find that Alpha-Zero is not as soundly constructed as she appears. Gears grind together. Fluids leak from joints. She is definitely an older model. Gulpax attends gets her back up and running.

Joining with Gulpax, you and Lomar have traveled to Ty Farzan. The time comes for you to part ways, but she leaves Alpha-Zero with you.

You manage to find a trading post near the mining camp. Much to your delight, you find an anvil and a pile of discarded weapons. Junk according to the Dwarf Eregrun. He gives you free reign to choose whatever you want.

• Fix the shattered sword.
• Work on the cracked head of the axe.

Your work impresses Eregrun. Before you can truly admire it yourself, your body is racked with pain. The infection is spreading. Your time is fading. The sorceress and her cursed blade must be found. Soon!

While at the Bugbear encampment, you manage to borrow some polish from Brimlough. The rest of your party is thankful as you tend to their worn weapons.

As you continue your quest, Alpha-Zero once again needs mechanical help. Eregrun could use your help.

• Lend aid to the repairs.
• Use this time to search the village further.

A repaired Alpha-Zero could very well save the lives of many Dwarves currently trapped in the nearby mine.

Standing at the edge of the Dunshab Lakebed, you atare in the fissure at your feet. You are hit by a sudden waive of nausea as the pain in your infected scar flares up. You can sense that the Sorceress in Black had been here. Perhaps recently. Her fallen enemies lay beneath you.

A shadowy phantom reaches out to you. One of her victims no doubt. More and more figures surround you, inviting you to join hands with them.

• Join hands with the spirits. Their memories mingle with your own. You feel possessed by a multitude of spirits.
• Ask them to come with you on your hunt for the sorceress. They accompany you, ready to follow your commands. You have gained some powerful allies.

The Sorceress in Black has left a clear trail. She is making her way to the Frozen Expanse. So must you.

You arrive on Merrin's Hammer. You spy another ship in the distance, surrounded by dark and foreboding clouds. She has arrived!

• If you have been possessed, ignoring the searing pain in your chest, you attack. You are joined by Captain Landrus and his crew.

“You crafted an exquisite sword. And now you bring me a fresh barch of victims. How generous.” - Sorceress in Black - The Frozen Expanse (GS-ADV6)

• If the spirits are your allies, they surround her, attempting to rip her soul from her body. The pain in your chest seems to lessen as you draw closer to the accursed blade.

The sorceress flees, discarding the sword as she runs. It is such a powerful weapon. Your finest work. In the right hands, it could be used for good.

• Keep the accursed blade. As long as you have it in your possession, you feel no pain.
• Destroy the sword and end the curse.

The sorceress will bother you no more.