Black Tar Prophecies is one of the critical side quests that delve into the mystical fiction and moral grayness of Avalon. Situated in the Horns of the South, the quest invites players to make critical choices that impact the story and subsequent play of the game.
Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon Black Tar Prophecies Walkthrough
Initiating the Quest
To initiate this quest:
- Prerequisite: Finish the side quest “The Lenses and Eye of the Sage,” which Jann Heber at the Horns of the South gives.
- Starting Black Tar Prophecies: Finish the prerequisite, then go to speak with Jann Heber. He will be worried about the changed state of the Ancient Cromlech and ask for your help in getting it back.
Locating Drest the Hermit
Jann Heber thinks that a reversal of the transformation into the Ancient Cromlech would be possible only for a person who is well familiar with druidic magic. He orders you to locate Drest, a lone hermit who has the talent.
- Locating Drest: Visit the remote hut of Drest as indicated by the quest marker.
- Persuading Drest: Drest refuses to help in the beginning. Feeding him is the way in which he is persuaded to help. After being persuaded, he accompanies you to the Ancient Cromlech to carry out the cleansing ritual.
The Ritual and a Mysterious Interruption
Drest performs the ritual to cleanse the location at the Ancient Cromlech. The ritual is interrupted by a mysterious woman called Iona.
- Revelation: During their encounter, it is made clear that Iona is Drest’s daughter, whom he had left as a child. She blames him for why he should be the one to preside over the ritual, placing the blame on his previous choices.
This encounter is the most critical decision-making point that will decide the success of the quest.
Making the Crucial Choice
You have two main options:
Option 1: Stand with Drest
- Action: Decide to stand in favor of Drest, that is, battle Iona. She calls upon wolves to join her, and there is a ferocious battle.
- Outcome: Successful battle against Iona, Drest has been ritually cleansed. He shows remorse for what he did in the past, offering further depth to character.
Option 2: Stand in favor of Iona
- Action: Talk to Iona, feeling for her complaints. Standing in her favor, Drest is killed during the ritual.
- Consequence: Iona cleanses herself. This act doesn’t fight but has some lasting consequences because Drest’s death will impact other quests in which his role matters.
(Note: If you’d like to do other quests with Drest, it’s best to make them first before doing this option.)
