Doler

An ominous taskgiver permanently seated in the common room

> *What do you want?*
>
>

Doler is a mysterious figure with uncertain loyalties who was one of the first people encountered by The New Arrival during his stay in the city of Devil's Deep. The advice he gave them would set the stage for all of their future endeavors in the city.

## Appearance and Character

A very rugged and scruffy man, Doler spends all his days drinking in the common room of the Devil's Inn. His hair is matted, his beard is tangled, yet his ears are always open. Doler hears every word spoken around him, and in his quietude he is always listening. Seemingly motivated by altruism to help any traveler he comes across, but can you really trust this man?

Perhaps, or perhaps not...

## History

Both Doler's past and present are shrouded in mystery. The only things we know for certain is that he's an Imperial by birth, apparently originating from the city of Seacourt, and that he seems very eager to help lost travelers find their way in the city of Devil's Deep. Perhaps a little too eager...

When The Sunchaser arrived at the main gate to Devil's Deep, it's Captain, Halvard, quickly suggested to The New Arrival that they visit Doler in the Devil's Inn, as he ''knows this city inside out.'' Doler then proceeded to point the new arrival in the direction of the Witch Hunters' Guild, so that they can help the Witch Hunters in ridding the city of the monstrosities plaguing various parts of the city. He also gives them a book listing various folk that may require help with a specific task.

At face value Doler seems to be motivated by altruism, but one cannot help but wonder if there are hidden depths to his character. He isn't even a native of Devil's Deep, so why does he know so much about it or its inhabitants? And why does he care so much for the well-being of aforementioned citizens? Could something deeper be at play here? A lot of questions, yet little time for answers it seems, as The New Arrival quickly sets out on their many tasks after their brief conversation.

The New Arrival saw Doler again in a vision they had on their self-exploratory quest guided by Archmage Arcadius. In this vision they saw Doler lying abed in his paid room at the Devil's Inn, while a strange man leaned over him wielding a dagger.

## Theories

There are several possibilities as to where Doler's true loyalties lie, some of these are the following:

### **Doler is an Imperial spy**

There are a few clues sprinkled throughout the playable map that may support the interpretation of Doler as an Imperial spy.

## Trivia

* Doler's name and character are actually references to the character of Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. In that book/movie the main characters first encounter Aragorn in the common room of a tavern, where they note that he is very scruffy and unshaven. Aragorn first introduces himself to the party as ''Strider.'' In the Dutch translation of the novel however, he introduces himself as ''Doler.''

## Quotes

* *''What do you want?''*
* *''What kind of information do you need?''*
* *''This book has all the information you need. Come back to me if you need another one.''*
* *''There you go.''*