Aldanon's Manse, Main Level
On your way to the Manse, you’ll have to deal with a hostage situation. Marshall Cormick is being held captive by some thugs who’ve raided Aldanon’s place. Sergeant Blackburn is holding the fort outside. You can deal with the thugs in straightforward fashion, but at the cost of Cormick’s life. Or you can try negotiations whereby you barter the thugs’ freedom in return for Cormick’s life. The early phases require modest skill checks (e.g. Spellcraft or Intimidate). Convincing Blackburn to go along with it requires a very high Diplomacy check. If you succeed, you’re confronted with a roleplaying choice to observe the deal in good faith or back out of it once Cormick is safe. The former earns lawful points, while the latter can earn you Chaotic or even Evil points.