The Drunken Lizard Pub

While in Bordertown my character and Erik, the blacksmith, were attacked by several thugs. Ultimately they were slain, but so was Erik.

I guess I can't fulfill his quest anymore?

I guess I can't see what equipment he has to buy or what I might sell him?

I guess that's life in the ether world?

This is very realistic, but certainly a disappointment.

n.b. I didn't realize that Erik was dead until I had saved the game and reread the transcript. Oops.

Yeah, you can't access his quest or inventory if he's dead, sorry. Nasty things happen to bordertown quite often; you'd think they'd have better guards, what with all the ne'er-do-wellers about!

Don't run the thugs to border town. There are better fighters next door in darkford. Run lower on the screen to avoid attracting the border town npcs.

Another option is to cast lvl 6 Entangle and take the buzzards out yourself. It's best to use Entangle when your opponent is at least 1 step away from you. Alternately, you can step away and come back for the full benefit of the spell.

Predator Sight and Bless at lvl 6 with hide in shadows skill will also allow for taking out the meanies without assistance.