Nomad Camp - Pool of Radiance

This guide will help you navigate the Nomad Camp in Pool of Radiance.

Nomad Camp Map

Area Overview

The Nomad Camp is involved in a quest from the City Council. You’ll need to prevent the nomads from joining the enemy forces. There are two ways to do this. You can kill the nomads, or you can defend them against some kobolds.

Killing the nomads is pretty easy. Just wander around the camp until you’re challenged by some nomads, and then choose to fight them. If you keep wandering and keep fighting, then you’ll eventually be challenged by the headman, and defeating him will end the threat. For this method you’ll receive 5000 gold pieces, bracers of AC 2, a wand of magic missiles, and scale mail +2.

If you want to help the nomads, then “parlay” with them when they challenge you, and accept their invitation to the feast that night (it’s in your honor after all). During the celebration the headman will talk to you (journal entry 55), and he’ll ask you to stay and help against the kobolds. Then you’ll be escorted to your tent (#2). Six hours later, the headman will return to you and ask you what your plans are. You should “stay and fight.” (If you don’t, then the kobolds will kill the nomads, and while that will complete the quest, you won’t get any loot. If you don’t want to help the nomads, then you should attack them yourself.)

At this point you’ll have the opportunity to rest again, and you should take it even if you don’t need to, just to pass the time. About 24 hours after first entering your tent, you’ll hear the sounds of battle coming from outside, and you’ll automatically encounter some kobolds. After the battle, start wandering the camp. You should eventually have two more battles with kobolds. Kobolds are pretty wimpy, and the nomads will be helping you, so the battles should be straightforward, if rather slow.

For this method you’ll receive about 8000 gold, a two-handed sword +2, and a wand of magic missiles.

Regardless of the method you choose, you’ll receive about 6000 total experience and some gems and jewelry when you return to the Council Clerk.