Being a bodyguard is not easy business. Threats are everywhere. Kings, queens, and other royalty must be protected in all situations. Ever vigilant, bodyguards constantly seek out potential danger to their clients and eliminate it.

While wandering the streets of Wildwood, you are approached by Kora Alarkus. You have served her and her family for generations. She brings disturbing news about your brother, Malto. He has served Queen Gimnax for many years.

Your brother has been accused of abandoning his post. A clear act of treason. Something seems wrong. He would never leave his post without good reason. But what could that be? Joining the Heroes Guild is your best way of gaining an audience with the queen. And perhaps solving this mystery as well.

Before leaving town, you have one last task. A quick visit to the House of Alarkus, whom you have served faithfully, is necessary. The house has been turned into an infirmary thanks to the recent outbreak in the village.

You watch from a distance as Myla, the youngest of the family, circulates amongst the beds of the sick. One of the patients grabs her violently as hair sprouts from his skin. Calling on all your instincts, you race across the room and manage to wrestle Myla from his grasp. He is quickly dispatched by the queen's soldiers.

“Thank you. You saved her life. For all these years, we've benefitted from your protection. Now I absolve you of your obligations to this household. Go and find your brother.” - Myla's mother - Festival of Heroes (GS-ADV1)

The queen agrees to see your party. You reveal that Malto is your brother. In turn, she reveals that she had assigned him to protect Gulpax on her adventures. He never returned.

You make your way to Gulpax's workshop. While there, you have the choice to:

• Reveal that Malto is your brother. Gulpax is more than willing to talk about him. Her Construct, Alpha-Zero, on the other hand, is not so willing.
• Search the workshop for clues. You find a journal that mentions your brother and his disappearance. Oddly, some pages are missing.

You leave the palace with more questions and more than a few suspects.

Alpha-Zero recalls a story about your brother. He last traveled with them to the Frozen Expanse, but never returned.

“You think he was murdered. Do you have a suspect?” - Alpha-Zero - The Hive (GS-ADV3)

• Accuse Queen Gimnax.
• Accuse Gulpax.
• Accuse Alpha-Zero.

The truth comes out. Gulpax had made a deal with the Flayers. They became violent and Malto intervened. He paid with his life.

• You threaten to expose them both.
• You agree to keep their secret.

While visiting Lorkheim Village, things turn violent. Fortunately, you are able to assist your party using your specialized training.

Stopping for a break near a quiet pond, a traveler stops to chat. She introduces herself as Hazan. You have been well trained against many styles. You may just have the upperhand on her. (GS-Guide-ADV4-2)

“I’ve been practicing with the warhammer. If you can best me in battle, you will have my respect and a lifetime discount. But if you lose, you’ll have to pay extra. What do you say?” - Hazan - Explorer's Guide (GS-Guide-ADV4-2)

On the edge of Dunshab Lakebed, you and your party witness a group of Saurian priests performing a ceremonial ritual.

• You approach the group and attempt to use your training to talk down a potential threat.
• You recognize their defensive stance and use your training to attack them while they are distracted.

Following your interaction, the Saurians move on and you are left staring into the dark depths of the nearby fissure.

All of your leads have brought you to the Frozen Expanse. You hope that you will finally find the answers you seek in the snow and ice around you.

You approach the Arcazion Tunnels. You are greeted by Alpha-Zero. He is accompanied by the Flayer Ksh'al who admits that he was the one responsible for your brother's death.

“The moment I told you that your brother had died in the Frozen Expanse, I knew you would come. And now you've reached your journey's end.” - Alpha-Zero - The Frozen Expanse (GS-ADV6)

• If you had earlier chosen to expose the truth, Ksh'al launches a psychic attack against you, attempting to wipe out your memories.
• If you had promised to keep their secret, Ksh'al presents himself to you, accepting whatever punishment you decide he deserves.
  • You kill him.
  • You forgive him.

You're quest to find the truth as come to an end. May your brother finally rest in peace.