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{{infobox area
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::: ''"Processing. Plant life is not indigenous to structure."'' - [[Nordom]]
  
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| image = File:Black_barbed_maze.jpg
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| imagewidth =
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| type = Maze
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| id = AR610
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| level =
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| location = Unknown
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| subareas = Ravel's Secret Garden
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| leader =
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| inhabitants= [[Ravel Puzzlewell]]
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| factions =
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| exits = Portal: [[Curst]]
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| appearances= ''[[Planescape: Torment]]''
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}}
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{{quote|Processing. Plant life is not indigenous to structure.|[[Nordom]]}}
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The '''Black-Barbed Maze''' is one of the [[Lady of Pain]]'s many mazes. Once a lifeless stone structure, the maze became an overgrown bramble-filled garden after a single black seed was planted by [[Ravel Puzzlewell]]—the night hag who inhabits the place.
   
  +
The maze is reached after using the [[Unfolding Portal]]. [[Sigil]] will not be returned to until after [[Curst Prison]], where the potential companion [[Vhailor]] can be recruited. It is necessary to leave Sigil with five or fewer [[Companions (PS:T)|companions]] if he is a desired companion, otherwise another companion will have to be permanently abandoned there.
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A tangled mat of roots covers the ground. If [[The Nameless One]] built the Dreambuilder in the [[Great Foundry]] (but who built The Nameless One (TNO), and so on), then the player can have seen this place already, in a cutscene.
  
   
  +
The next area after Ravel's maze is [[Curst]].
−
:''This is the first area after leaving [[Sigil]], and there will not be an opportunity to return until after coming to [[Curst Prison]], in which the potential [[:Category:Companions|Companion]] [[Vhailor]] can be found. If the party is full with six companions, then he can be recruited for the XP, but either he or another Companion will be lost forever in Curst Prison, as there is no coming back. Players should leave [[Sigil]] for Ravel's Maze with five or less companions''
  
   
  +
== Map ==
−
The lurking [[Trigit]]s can be compared perfectly with the Constructs in the [[Modron Maze]]; they are weaker than [[Medium Threat Construct]]s and stronger than [[Low Threat Construct]]s, and their 750 XP falls in the middle, also.
  
  +
To view X, Y coordinates in-game, press L.
   
  +
Click the map to enlarge it.
−
A cutscene of sorts triggers after the player has advanced 6 yards or so, after which, portals appear in the northwest, northeast, and southwest, which will teleport to the next portal, in clockwise fashion.<ref>http://speeddemosarchive.com/PlanescapeTorment.html Speed Demos Archive</ref>
  
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[[File:Ravels_maze_map.jpg|thumb|700px]]
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{{clear}}
   
  +
== Walkthrough ==
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[[Ravel]] patrols around 2400, 1900. Whenever enemies are killed in the Maze, they will later respawn, with the obvious exception of Ravel. The game cannot be saved with hostile Trigits nearby, but Trigits can be cleared away temporarily to make room for a save. The game is best saved next to Ravel, as she begins friendly, and should be kept that way as long as possible. Do not say you will attack her, always say nice things to her
  
  +
If [[the Nameless One]] completed the Dreambuilder in the [[Great Foundry]], this area will already have been seen during a cutscene. The maze is full of [[trigit]]s, all of which eventually respawn after being killed (750 XP per trigit killed).
   
  +
There are many alignment shifts possible while talking to Ravel, including one shift towards chaos that cannot be avoided if all "flattering" answers are given. There are a limited amount of lawful and chaotic alignment shifts in the game, so if the player is pursuing the +3 [[strength]] bonus from [[Vhailor]] (or any other "lawful"-aligned things), choose "[Truth]" whenever possible.
   
  +
During the conversation there are chances to flatter Ravel. These dialogue options can lead to additional XP and stat gains at the end of the conversation, but this does not change the information learned and is not necessary to progress. See below for more information on specific dialogue options.
   
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Ravel roams the center of the maze (X=2400, Y=1900). Greeting her grants 90,000 XP. Allowing her to touch the Nameless One leads to a memory being recalled if he mimics her touch (16+ intelligence or wisdom required, no XP granted).
−
There are quite a few alignment shift possibilities here, including one shift to Chaos that cannot be avoided if all eight of the Nice answers are to be given. There are a limited amount of Law and Chaos alignment shifts in the game, so if the player is pursuing the +3 [[Str]] bonus from [[Vhailor]], then as always, Truth whenever possible.
  
   
  +
Early on while talking, Ravel makes it clear that she wants some answers from the Nameless One. Refusing to answer here or at any point after leads to combat. If companions were brought to the maze, Ravel will ask TNO what they mean to him. "Truth/lie" answers here do not influence lawful/chaotic alignment (unless stated otherwise under "Alignment," below). Saying cruel things about companions lowers their morale, while saying kind things increases it. If [[Fall-from-Grace]] and [[Annah]] are both present, conversation options involving Fall-from-Grace come first by default. Telling Ravel that TNO could "fall in love" with both Fall-from-Grace and Annah leads to combat.
−
XP given and Alignment changes can be seen -during conversation- in the infinitesimally short breaks between dialogue; the computer of course is fast enough to show them no problem. When the XP displays, the alignment changes can be seen as well. So the player can know what Int gains they have already received, ingame, to further the Int based requirements. During the conversation up to this point, 1 point of Int can have been gained. And it is also possible to see an alignment change from Neutral to Lawful and back again, due to the two Truths before "What can change the nature of a man" and a lie afterwards.
  
   
  +
All of this ends up leading to the ultimate question: what can change the nature of a man? Though all of the answers are "truth/lie" responses, none of them here influence alignment. Telling Ravel you cannot answer the question leads to combat. Interestingly, the "[lie]" option that calls Ravel beautiful does not count as a flattering option (requires 16+ charisma).
−
There are also a lot of potential but avoidable [[Morale]] losses for the party, and one avoidable Morale shift, if you like, a possible Morale gain for one of the female PCs with an accompanying Morale loss for the other.
  
   
  +
Eventually, Ravel explains that she does not know where the Nameless One's mortality is. With 16+ intelligence, the Nameless One can ask if she knows someone who ''does'' know where his mortality is (no XP granted). Regardless of whether the Nameless One asks, Ravel reveals that there is an angel who does. Asking where the angel can be found grants 180,000 XP.
−
::: ''"Ooh... from bad to worse we go!"'' - [[Annah]]
  
   
  +
If Ravel is asked about herself, she will ask TNO what he thinks of her appearance. The "truth/lie" options here '''do''' influence alignment. If Ravel is told she is ugly she will change her appearance to that of a lovely woman – Grace or Annah if either is present (if both are present she will shift to Grace first); if neither is present she will appear as a random beautiful woman. Ravel asks if the shape is more pleasing; if the answer is no she will change her form to that of Annah (if she had just appeared as Grace) or will change back to herself. Otherwise Ravel can be kissed while in any of the forms TNO accepts. Kissing Ravel while she presents herself as Grace or Annah will affect morale: if Ravel is kissed while presenting herself as Grace, Grace will gain morale and Annah will lose morale, and vice versa.
   
  +
After this, Ravel can be asked about her other forms she has taken – Mebbeth, Ei-Viene, and Marta. If any of them are dead then there are no rewards for asking about them.
−
== Penultimate bonus ==
  
−
There are two things other than simple error that can stop the player getting the maximum bonuses in Ravel's Maze. One will restrict gameplay to a single class for 12 levels, and the other merely requires prior preparation and choosing one line of dialogue rather than one of the other two. So this guide presumes that players read the [[Ragpicker's Square]] or [[Mebbeth]] articles and chose "power".
  
   
  +
*'''Mebbeth:''' the bonus gained when discussing Ravel's role as [[Old Mebbeth|Mebbeth]] (90,000 XP) depends on the answer the Nameless One gave Mebbeth for why he wished to learn the Art. The response given then is echoed here:
−
* Requirements for Penultimate bonus: Eight out of eight "Nice" answers, which means seeking out all questions. [[Attribute]]: [[Intelligence]] 16, or 15 if TNO told [[Mebbeth]], way back in [[Ragpicker's Square]], ''"Because I want power"'' or ''"Because I just want to know"'', as +1 is granted before it is needed. Attribute: [[Charisma]] 16 ([[Friends]] is your friend; TNO can only use it on himself, but he can change classes before it wears off and it will last the entire conversation, without having to hurry through the options)
  
  +
**"Because I may need it to solve the mystery of who I am," grants +1 [[wisdom]], 90,000 XP.
  +
**"Because I just want to know," grants +1 [[intelligence]], 90,000 XP.
  +
**"Because I need power," grants +1 [[wisdom]] as well as +1 [[intelligence]], 120,000 XP.
  +
*'''Ei-Vene:''' when asking about Ei-Vene, Ravel will reach out to stitch up the Nameless One. Choosing to "stand your ground" and "let her work" grants permanent Max HP +3.
  +
*'''Marta:''' when asking about Marta, Ravel will reach out to cut the Nameless One. Choosing to "stand your ground" and "let her work" leads her to giving TNO his own intestines.
   
  +
After asking Ravel why she was imprisoned within the Black-Barbed maze, she explains that she tried to free the Lady of Pain from her [[Sigil|cage]]. She didn't believe that anything should be kept imprisoned in such a way – not even a power like the Lady. The Nameless One can ask if that's why she helped him (16+ [[wisdom]] or [[intelligence]] required). This causes her to pull some [[Ravel's Gray Hair|hair]] from her head, which she gives to him (90,000 XP). This functions as the key to a portal within the maze (see "Ravel's Secret Garden," below).
−
Total penultimate Attribute bonuses: +1 Int, +4 Wis
  
−
Total penultimate XP bonuses:
 
   
  +
When asking Ravel to teach you some of the Art, if you are not a mage she will decline. With 12+ charisma she can be convinced otherwise. If you are a mage she will ask your level of skill. Though the options appear to be, none of these count as "flattering" dialogue options; they influence the reward given after:
−
::: ''"Plenty to burn here."'' - [[Ignus]]
  
  +
*"I am but a rudimentary student."
  +
*"I am but a rudimentary student, beautiful Ravel." (Charisma 16+ required.)
  +
*"A master in the arts."
  +
*"A master in the arts, beautiful Ravel." (Charisma 16+ required.)
  +
*"I really couldn't say... I seem to be alternately complimented and ridiculed for my efforts."
   
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The XP/items granted varies depending on the Nameless One's stats and answer given:
−
* Penultimate Bonuses, in order they are received, with requirements:
  
  +
*"I am but a rudimentary student [beautiful Ravel]" or "a master in the arts [beautiful Ravel]" (16+ charisma required to call her "beautiful" in either instance):
−
* 90,000 XP for speaking with Ravel
  
  +
**Int 11 or lower: one black-barbed seed (also grants 30,000 XP if Ravel was called "beautiful")
−
* Nice: Requirement: [[Chr]] 13: ''"How could I forget you, Ravel?"''
  
  +
**Int 12 or 13: 3 seeds (also grants 60,000 XP if Ravel was called "beautiful")
−
* Memory: Requirement: [[Int]] or [[Wisdom]] 16: TNO lets Ravel touch his face, and touches hers
  
  +
**Int 14 to 16: 6 seeds (also grants 60,000 XP if Ravel was called "beautiful")
−
Required: Allow her to ask questions, or she goes hostile
  
  +
**Int 17 or higher: 6 seeds, 1 black-barbed charm (also grants 90,000 XP if Ravel was called "beautiful")
−
* Alignment shift: ? point(s) toward Lawful: ''"Your rules are fair."''
  
  +
**Mage specialization:
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* Nice: Requirement: Chr 16: ''"Of course...beautiful Ravel?"''
  
  +
***Single: 6 seeds, 1 black-barbed charm (also grants 90,000 XP if Ravel was called "beautiful")
−
* Alignment shift: ? point(s) toward Lawful: "Truth: ...the companions chose to walk this path..." / Alignment shift, ? point(s) toward Chaos: "Lie: ...the companions chose to walk this path..."
  
  +
***Double: 6 seeds, 1 black-barbed charm (also grants 120,000 XP if Ravel was called "beautiful")
−
* [[Morale]] loss: According to the guides, the following few questions will not affect Ravel, and supposedly to Lie or retract your statements does not affect alignment here. The statements here ''can'' affect the [[:Category:Companions|companions]] negatively, through being less happy, otherwise known as loss of [[Morale]].
  
  +
*"I really couldn't say... I seem to be alternately complimented and ridiculed for my efforts" grants one seed, no XP.
−
* Nice: Requirement: Charisma 16: Lie or Truth, say Grace is as nothing next to Ravel. No Alignment shifts, supposedly.
  
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** Potential Morale loss: There is much less evidence available for how the happiness of [[:Category:Companions|Companions]] is affected, but it would seem as though, if the game is testing what TNO's feelings for Grace and Annah are, then their [[Morale]] could be affected by the answers to these questions. Telling Ravel to go ahead and hack Grace and/or Annah to pieces does not actually make her do that, of course, but it must make Grace or Annah even less happy, so Not Recommended.
  
−
* Nice: Requirement: Chr 16: ''"...the way was difficult..."''
  
−
* Nice: Requirement: Chr 16: ''"...it is *your* charms that persist..."''
  
−
:''"What can change the nature of a man?"'' Here is your chance to tell Ravel, and by extension, the universe, exactly what you think. All answers lead to the same response...Shame TNO cannot say "all of the above", but he would be essentially talking to himself
  
−
:If outraged at her slaughter of the many who answered 'wrongly', say so, she does not care
  
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:How was TNO made immortal?
  
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:Is the Mortality still intact?
  
−
* Bonus XP: 180,000 XP: ''Where'' is the Mortality? A few exchanges later, Ravel mentions that Trias the Angel may know where
  
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:TNO wants to know about RAVEL
  
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:Who is she, a Night Hag?
  
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* Nice: No requirement?: "Lie:" that she is "beautiful". No other way to get the Nice, this shift towards Chaos is unavoidable if going for the maximum Wis bonus, and Ravel gives you the [[Ravel's Hair]] portal key for it, too
  
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** Alignment shift: ? point(s) toward Chaos: "Lie"
  
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:If [[Grace]] or Annah are in the party, Ravel will change herself to look like one of them
  
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:Grace is chosen to appear first by default, unless only Annah is in the party
  
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* Morale gain AND morale loss: Whomever you choose to kiss (Grace or Annah) will become more happy, while the other's Morale is lowered
  
−
* Bonus Item (indirect): The player will lose no benefits from Ravel directly by choosing not to kiss Ravel/Grace or Ravel/Annah. In fact, not kissing her seems expected by the script; it fits her comment to him that he is 'hard to please', better than if he does. However, kissing her adds the [[Tattoo|Tattoo of Ravel's Kiss]] to [[Fell's Tattoo Parlor]] when the party gets back to [[The Hive]] much later, which adds +2 [[Str]] and [[Con]] and a save bonus, but also -1 to [[Int]] and [[Wis]]
  
−
:Ask about what other forms Ravel has taken, and she goes into a sort of trance, speaking as [[Mebbeth]], [[Ei-Vene]] and [[Marta]]
  
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:Mebbeth was kind to you, therefore Ravel was kind to you. Okay, but after all the "you are my moon, my sky" flattery, one might expect a little more elaborate gratitude for the times Ravel actually deserved it. Guides direct the player to address Ei-Vene and Marta politely, but the dialogue is just written with much less politeness than The Nameless One shows elsewhere in dialogue with Ravel. He calls Marta "barmy", and acts as though he is doing Ravel a favor by describing them as helpful
  
−
* Bonus to XP AND Bonus to [[Attributes]]: Dependent on previous actions in [[Ragpicker Square]]
  
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** +1 [[Wis]] if TNO explained to [[Mebbeth]], ''"Because I may need it to solve the mystery of who I am"''
  
−
or
  
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** +1 [[Int]] if TNO said to Mebbeth, ''"Because I just want to know"''
  
−
or
  
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** +1 Wis AND Int AND additional 30,000 XP if TNO told Mebbeth, ''"Because I need power"''
  
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The player should make TNO stand his ground, and let E-Vene and Marta do the Unnecessary Surgery that Ravel is so fond of. Ei-Vene's reward is not all that big a deal...
  
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* Derived statistic bonus: Requirement: Kindness to Ei-Vene (not a Nice point): +3 MaxHP
  
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...but the next one is:
  
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* Bonus Item: Requirement: Kindness to Marta (not a Nice point): [[Intestinal Phylactery]] (bracelet, and bracelets are rare), +9 HP, +2 AC
  
−
Why was Ravel imprisoned here? Ravel gives her reasons, and Morte and Grace again have some things to say about her. Do not agree with them; back Ravel up in her defense of setting the Lady of Pain free to roam the Multiverse. This is Nice (and cool, of course, Go forth, Lady of Pain!), and supposedly is not an alignment shift, but it would seem as though it were pretty Chaotic. Merely agreeing with this action is not as Chaotic as actually freeing [[Coaxmetal]] oneself, but then, alignment shifts are pretty cheap elsewhere; this should be worth at least one point.<br>
  
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Backtracking to ask again why Ravel was imprisoned is necessary to get both 'did the right thing' and 'trying to set me free' dialogue paths
  
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* Nice: No requirement?: ''"you did the right thing"''
  
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** Nice: Requirement: [[Chr]] 13 ''"...At least you *tried*..."''
  
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* Bonus Item: [[Ravel's Hair]] (portal key), 90,000 XP. Requirement: [[Int]] or [[Wis]] 16: 'were you trying to set me free, too?"
  
−
* Bonus to XP and bonus [[:Category:Item|Item]]: Requirement: Chr 13 / Mage class. [[Attribute]]- / [[Specialization]]- dependent reward
  
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** 30,000 XP, one [[Black Barbed Seed]]: Requirement: Int 11
  
−
or
  
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** 60,000 XP, three to six Black Barbed Seeds: Requirement: Int 12
  
−
or
  
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** 90,000 XP, six Black Barbed Seeds, one [[Black Barbed Charm]]: Requirement: Int 17
  
−
or
  
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** 120,000 XP, six Black Barbed Seeds, one [[Black Barbed Charm]]: Requirement: Double [[Specialization]] as Mage
  
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* Alignment shift: ? point(s) toward Evil: 'just cannot wait for all of the Multiverse to bend to my will, muahaha!'
  
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* Alignment shift: ? point(s) toward Good: 'Hmm. Nah'
  
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And now a requirement that you cannot lose anything concrete over: [[Intelligence]] or Wisdom 14, to figure out that the most important question is...how to leave. As you leave conversation, all the Nice things TNO said to her pay off
  
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* Attribute bonus and XP bonus:
  
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** Attribute bonus: Requirement: Nice ? out of eight times
  
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*** +1 [[Wisdom]], 90,000 XP
  
−
or
  
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** Attribute bonus: Requirement: Nice ? out of eight times
  
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*** +1 Wis, 120,000 XP
  
−
or
  
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** Attribute bonus: Requirement: Nice all eight times
  
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*** +2 Wis, 180,000
  
−
Completing this dialogue sequence with all eight Nice answers also triggers the sale of a second +2 Charisma [[Tattoo]], [[Tattoo of the Silver Tongue]] at [[Fell's Tattoo Parlor]]
  
   
  +
Options for non-mage asking to be taught magic (Charisma 13+ required):
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Up to this point, Ravel has seemed pretty well in control, both of herself and to a certain extent, [[The Nameless One]]. You can pretty much say, she loses it, here. Protesting all the way, that we can all be friends and perhaps we should all just calm down, rather than taking the first opportunity to smush her, may not make any concrete difference, but makes a more dramatic scene. Ravel summons a few [[Trigit]]s, and with enough [[Charisma]], or high enough totals or something (evidence: with Chr 14, no Trigits, with Friends and 21, three Trigits.
  
  +
*With intelligence of 11 or lower: one black-barbed seed, 30,000 XP
  +
*Int 12 or 13: 3 seeds, 60,000 XP
  +
*Int 14 to 16: 6 seeds, 60,000 XP
  +
*Intelligence 17 or greater: 6 seeds, 1 black-barbed charm, 90,000 XP
  +
*Single-specialized mage: 6 seeds, 1 black-barbed charm, 90,000 XP
  +
*Double-specialized mage: 6 seeds, 1 black-barbed charm, 120,000 XP
   
  +
When you try to leave, Ravel informs you there is an important question you have yet to ask (with int 14+ or wis 13+, you can ask it yourself without her having to tell you). The question is how to leave the maze. There are portals scattered around the maze's edges. One of them leads out, but she's not certain which one. After this, there is a last chance to flatter her by saying "You have done me a great service, beautiful Ravel..." Here is where all of those "flattering" options come into play. Depending on how many "flatter" options were chosen throughout the conversation, the reward Ravel grants is different:
−
Ravel gives 32,000 XP, and drops:
  
  +
*6 or fewer: 90,000 XP and permanent +1 wisdom.
−
* [[Fiendish Eye of Kalem'Dar]], the best bonuses on an Eye available up to this point, albeit ones that could potentially cut down on XP, from the minus to Wisdom
  
  +
*More than 7, fewer than 11: 120,000 XP and permanent +1 wisdom.
−
* [[Ravel's Fingernail]]; arguably, the best Blades weapon up to this point
  
  +
*11 or more: 180,000 XP and permanent +2 wisdom.
−
* [[Blacksphere]] spell, previously only available as a single [[Murk]] item from the [[Warrens of Thought]]
  
−
* Three [[Black Barbed Necklaces]]
  
−
* Three [[Heart Charms]]
  
   
  +
==="Flattering" responses===
−
[[Shadow]]s and [[Greater Shadow]]s have spawned, their spawn points near the portals in the corners, and will move to the center of the maze, and continue spawning should those ones die, probably infinitely. They are easy enough to kill, but do not give very much XP, and the party will be unable to rest in the Maze.
  
  +
There are many "flattering" dialogue options during the conversation with Ravel. Two of them require both [[Fall-from-Grace]] and [[Annah]] to remain in the party for the conversation—if Annah is allowed to leave during the dialogue with Grace, one of the options will become unavailable.
  +
*"I assure you, I did no such thing..." (Possible if "How could I forget you, Ravel?" is chosen when first greeting Ravel; 13+ charisma required.)
  +
*"Of course they knew. Who would *not* want to travel..." (Possible after Ravel asks why you traveled to the maze with companions, and if they knew you were headed there; requires having gone to the maze with companions, as well as 16+ charisma.)
  +
*"I thought we might speak alone, beautiful Ravel..." (Possible after Ravel asks why you have come to her maze without companions; 16+ charisma required. This is also possible if companions were brought but left far enough away to not be included, and then Ravel was truthfully told that they were left behind so you could speak alone.)
  +
*"Lie (or Truth): 'What is she to you, beautiful Ravel? She cannot even compare...'" (Possible when Ravel asks TNO what his companions mean to him, specifically regarding Fall-from-Grace; 16+ charisma required. There is no alignment shift for the Lie/Truth here, or during any of the other "how I feel about 'X companion'" bits.)
  +
*"Lie (or Truth): 'Nothing, beautiful Ravel. Only you hold meaning to me...'" (Possible when Ravel asks TNO what his companions mean to him, specifically regarding Annah; 16+ charisma required.)
  +
*"The way to this place is difficult, beautiful Ravel..." (Possible after Ravel asks why the Nameless One waited so long to return to her; 16+ charisma required.)
  +
*"Nay, it is *your* charms that persist, beautiful Ravel." (Possible after the previous flatter option listed. No additional charisma required, but 16+ charisma is a requirement for the dialogue option leading to this.)
  +
*"Lie: 'I would call you beautiful, Ravel.'" (Possible after TNO asks about Ravel, when she asks what he thinks of her appearance. No set charisma required.)
  +
*"I think you did the right thing trying to set her free, Ravel." (Possible after learning Ravel tried to free the Lady. The "[lie]" variant of this option also counts.)
  +
*"So you are at fault, Ravel? At least you *tried*..." (Possible after saying you think Ravel was right to try to free the Lady; 13+ charisma required.)
  +
*"You have done me a great service, beautiful Ravel..." (Possible after Ravel shares how to leave the maze.)
   
  +
==Ravel's Secret Garden==
−
The original Trigits will of course continue spawning; they are hostile to the Shadows as well, the enemies will fight where their paths cross, seemingly without being able to kill each other
  
  +
:''"The black barbs covering these trees are quite fascinating."'' —[[Fall-from-Grace]]
  +
The purple depressions in this area will prompt the Nameless One to hum and feed seeds to the hungry twigs.
   
  +
The player can choose to use up all the seeds, creating up to six [[Black-Barbed Wand]]s that have multiple charges of the [[Black-Barbed Curse]] of the seeds, OR [[Black-Barbed Shield]] of the necklaces, but do not stack in inventory. One to three of the seeds can be kept to add Black-Barbed Curse to spellbooks, but it is a level 2 spell that does only 4-16 damage. It is worth keeping at least one of the seeds to later give to [[Mebbeth]]. (See [[Ravel Puzzlewell#Fragments of Ravel|Ravel]] for more information.)
−
The portal to exit the Maze entirely is in the northeast, but is triggered by a dialogue box, so the nearby northeast portal that teleports to the southwest is still usable by clicking
  
   
  +
The wands have a number of charges that depend on int and whether TNO asked to learn Ravel's magic:
−
<cutscene> upon leaving, preferably after the next section
  
  +
*Nine charges: [[int]] 15
  +
*33 charges: [[int]] 16
  +
*66 charges: Ravel's magic teachings, [[int]] 15
  +
*99 charges: Ravel's magic teachings, [[int]] 16
   
  +
Find the arch and use the portal to get back to the main area of the maze.
   
  +
The portal to leave the maze altogether is in the northeast (upper right), 4250, 850; [[shadow]]s are everywhere, and some move towards the center of the maze. A dialogue box appears when near the portal. Its use leads to [[Curst]].
−
== Black Barbed Briar Patch ==
  
−
::: ''"The black barbs covering these trees are quite fascinating."'' - [[Fall-from-Grace]]
  
−  
−
[[Ravel's Hair]], given for Lying that Ravel is beautiful, is the key to a portal next to one of the arching tree-sized barbs in the center of the Maze, which leads to a special area. Clicking on the purplish depressions in this area will prompt TNO to hum and feed seeds to the hungry twigs.
  
−  
−
The player can choose to use up all the seeds creating up to six [[Black Barbed Wand]]s, which have multiple charges of the [[Black-Barbed Curse]] of the seeds OR [[Black-Barbed Shield]] of the necklaces, but do not stack in inventory. Or keep one to three of the seeds to add Black-Barbed Curse to spellbooks. But it is a level 2 spell that does only 4-16 damage, less than 40% of a maxed-out level 2 [[Ice Knife]] spell. It does physical damage, but being able to do non-physical damage types is part of the reason for using spells anyway. Or keep a(nother) seed to give to [[Mebbeth]] on return to Sigil for 12,000 XP.<ref>http://www.sorcerers.net/Games/Torment/Walkthrough/act9-back/back-overview.php</ref>
  
−  
−
The Wands have a number of charges that depend on Int and whether TNO asked to learn Ravel's magic.
  
−
* Nine charges: Requirement: [[Int]] 15
  
−
or
  
−
* 33 charges: Requirement: [[Int]] 16
  
−
or
  
−
* 66 charges: Requirement: Ravel's magic teachings, [[Int]] 15
  
−
or
  
−
* 99 charges: Requirement: Ravel's magic teachings, [[Int]] 16
  
−  
−
Find the arch and use the teleporter to get back to the main area
  
−  
−
The portal to leave the Maze altogether for [[Curst]] is in the northeast (upper right), 4250, 850; [[Shadow]]s are everywhere, and some move towards the center of the maze. A dialogue box appears when near the portal.
 
−  
−
::: ''"Hey, let's find a way out of here before this place grows on us, okay? Literally?"'' - [[Morte]]
  
−  
−
<cutscene>
  
−  
−  
−
== Maximum bonus ==
  
−
* Requirements for Maximum bonus: Same as Penultimate bonus, but with full Specialization in Mage (achieved level 7 and 12 in Mage before any other class, not recommended)
  
−
** Max bonus total: Same as Penultimate bonuses, but with 30,000 more XP, out of hundreds of thousands total
  
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−
== Story ==
  
−
The vegetation, and presumably the Trigits, are all grown from a single seed that hitched a ride in Ravel's hair, aided by her magics.
  
−  
−
=== Review ===
  
−
Like the previous hour or so of gameplay, an insightful look into flattery and deception. And bribed by the interesting dialogue, and XP and [[attribute]] bonuses, we will doubtless overlook these things, but... The encounter with Ravel is ironic when compared to the previous hour's search for evidence of his previous incarnation's manipulation of Deionarra, that could be seen as damning or even shocking. Here he is, the supposedly reformed character, doing it all over again with Ravel. And well, okay, so say he has to protect himself, because of Ravel being the incredibly dangerous witch that everyone says she is, but when she finally attacks, she is...not dangerous.
  
−  
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With all the [[Morale]] shifts and the potential kiss with the form of the love interests in the game, and either [[Grace]] or Annah being chosen first... There is another game where a female character is chosen to suddenly appear and participate in a romantic gesture, which led me to wonder if the character chosen here was not chosen for exactly the same reason. Are there "Love Points" in PS:T? Hmm, well, sort of. And are they based on the same criteria as in Final Fantasy VII? Well, no. See [[Morale]]. Length of time each character has spent in the party is certainly possible. XP gained is possible. Number of times TNO speaks to them? Love point dialogue grinding, anyone? Just for reasons of pure research, you understand.
  
−  
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== Alignment: neutral ==
  
−
There were enough alignment shifts from the beginning of dialogue with Ravel to the middle to change TNO's Law-ward from Neutral, and from the middle to the end of dialogue to change TNO's Alignment Chaos-ward <u>back to Neutral</u>. Alignment changes can be seen -during conversation- in the infinitesmally short breaks between dialogue; the computer of course is fast enough to show them no problem. When the XP displays, the alignment changes can be seen as well. The one and only advantage to TNO being right on the edge of Law was that I could observe a lot of alignment changes directly without hacking the game, so I might as well take advantage of it. Does this change the answers you should give? Probably not. TNO lied thrice: Once, the obligatory 'Nice' lie. And then, twice, once each to not set Ravel above Grace or Annah, by lying that they were as nothing compared with Ravel, instead of Truthing that, which would mean that they really did mean nothing to TNO. But those are not supposed to change alignment. . But at least you won't be expecting to get all Lawful out of this encounter when you can't, very much.
  
   
  +
:''"Hey, let's find a way out of here before this place grows on us, okay? Literally."'' —[[Morte]]
   
 
== Tattoos ==
  
== Tattoos ==
  +
There are a few [[tattoo]]s that can be unlocked while in the Black-Barbed Maze:
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Returning from Ravel's Maze adds [[Tattoos]] to [[Fell's Tattoo Parlor]], in addition to the 'Tattoo of Ravel's Kiss' noted above. Tattoo of Ravel gives +1 [[Charisma]], and Immunity to Panic. Two others can only be worn by TNO in Mage class, and bought by Mages: Tattoo of the Black-Barbed Call, which invokes [[Black-Barbed Shield]], and Tattoo of the Black-Barbed Maze, which invokes [[Black-Barbed Curse]]. But that will not be for some time
  
  +
*[[Tattoo of Ravel]]: unlocked when Ravel is first spoken to.
  +
*[[Tattoo of Ravel's Kiss]]: unlocked if the Nameless One accepts Ravel's offer of a kiss.
  +
*[[Tattoo of the Silver Tongue]]: unlocked if the Nameless One is very flattering to Ravel.
  +
*[[Tattoo of the Black-Barbed Call]] and [[Tattoo of the Black-Barbed Maze]]: both are unlocked if the Nameless One heads to the Black-Barbed Maze as a [[mage]], depending on the specialization level.
   
  +
==Alignment==
  +
*[[Lawful]]: telling Ravel that her "rules are fair" when she wants the Nameless One to answer her questions.
  +
*[[Lawful]]: answering truthfully when Ravel asks why the Nameless One's companions have chosen to follow him.
  +
*[[Chaotic]]: lying to Ravel that she is beautiful when she asks about it.
  +
*[[Lawful]]: choosing "Truth: 'Only truths do I speak, Ravel,'" when she doesn't believe the Nameless One after saying his companions chose to travel to the maze to see if tales of Ravel's beauty were true.
  +
*[[Chaotic]]: choosing "Lie: 'Only truths do I speak, Ravel,'" under the same circumstances as the previous option.
  +
*[[Evil]]: telling Ravel that the Nameless One's companions are nothing more than tools.
  +
*[[Chaotic]], [[Evil]]: telling Ravel to go ahead and "strike down" Fall-from-Grace and/or Annah after claiming they mean nothing to him (counts whether it's the "[truth]" or a "[lie]").
  +
*[[Evil]]: choosing "Ha! More fools they..." after answering Ravel's question about what can change the nature of a man.
  +
*[[Chaotic]]: lying to Ravel when telling her she is beautiful.
  +
*[[Lawful]]: truthfully telling Ravel she is beautiful because she has a sharp mind.
  +
*[[Lawful]]: truthfully telling Ravel that she is ugly.
  +
*[[Good]]: telling Ravel that you think she did the right thing by trying to free the Lady of Pain.
  +
*[[Chaotic]], [[Evil]]: lying to Ravel when saying you think she did the right thing by trying to free the Lady of Pain.
  +
*[[Evil]]: telling Ravel that you would have let the Lady of Pain stay imprisoned.
  +
*[[Evil]]: telling Ravel you look forward to the day when the planes bend to your will (requires having asked her to teach you some of her magic with a certain skill level – int 17+).
  +
*[[Good]]: telling Ravel you do not want the planes to bend to your will (requires having asked her to teach you some of her magic with a certain skill level – int 17+).
   
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== See also ==
 +
== External Links ==
  +
*http://www.gamefaqs.com/pc/187975-planescape-torment/faqs/7964 Dan Simpson's Faq
  +
*http://www.gamebanshee.com/planescapetorment/walkthrough/ravelsmaze.php Ravel's Maze (AR0610)
   
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[[de:Ravels Labyrinth]]
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== Citations ==
  
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{{reflist}}
  
   
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{{footer PST areas}}
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== External links ==
  
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[[Category:Quests (PS:T)]]
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* http://www.gamefaqs.com/pc/187975-planescape-torment/faqs/7964 Dan Simpson's Faq
  
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[[Category:Areas (PS:T)]]
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* http://www.gamebanshee.com/planescapetorment/walkthrough/ravelsmaze.php Ravel's Maze (AR0610)
  
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[[Category:Area]]
  
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[[Category:Lady of Pain]]
  
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[[Category:Places]]
  
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[[Category:Quest]]
  
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[[Category:Ravel]]
  

Revision as of 12:17, 5 October 2019

“ Processing. Plant life is not indigenous to structure. ”

—Nordom

The Black-Barbed Maze is one of the Lady of Pain's many mazes. Once a lifeless stone structure, the maze became an overgrown bramble-filled garden after a single black seed was planted by Ravel Puzzlewell—the night hag who inhabits the place.

The maze is reached after using the Unfolding Portal. Sigil will not be returned to until after Curst Prison, where the potential companion Vhailor can be recruited. It is necessary to leave Sigil with five or fewer companions if he is a desired companion, otherwise another companion will have to be permanently abandoned there.

The next area after Ravel's maze is Curst.

Map

To view X, Y coordinates in-game, press L.

Click the map to enlarge it.

Ravels maze map

Walkthrough

If the Nameless One completed the Dreambuilder in the Great Foundry, this area will already have been seen during a cutscene. The maze is full of trigits, all of which eventually respawn after being killed (750 XP per trigit killed).

There are many alignment shifts possible while talking to Ravel, including one shift towards chaos that cannot be avoided if all "flattering" answers are given. There are a limited amount of lawful and chaotic alignment shifts in the game, so if the player is pursuing the +3 strength bonus from Vhailor (or any other "lawful"-aligned things), choose "[Truth]" whenever possible.

During the conversation there are chances to flatter Ravel. These dialogue options can lead to additional XP and stat gains at the end of the conversation, but this does not change the information learned and is not necessary to progress. See below for more information on specific dialogue options.

Ravel roams the center of the maze (X=2400, Y=1900). Greeting her grants 90,000 XP. Allowing her to touch the Nameless One leads to a memory being recalled if he mimics her touch (16+ intelligence or wisdom required, no XP granted).

Early on while talking, Ravel makes it clear that she wants some answers from the Nameless One. Refusing to answer here or at any point after leads to combat. If companions were brought to the maze, Ravel will ask TNO what they mean to him. "Truth/lie" answers here do not influence lawful/chaotic alignment (unless stated otherwise under "Alignment," below). Saying cruel things about companions lowers their morale, while saying kind things increases it. If Fall-from-Grace and Annah are both present, conversation options involving Fall-from-Grace come first by default. Telling Ravel that TNO could "fall in love" with both Fall-from-Grace and Annah leads to combat.

All of this ends up leading to the ultimate question: what can change the nature of a man? Though all of the answers are "truth/lie" responses, none of them here influence alignment. Telling Ravel you cannot answer the question leads to combat. Interestingly, the "[lie]" option that calls Ravel beautiful does not count as a flattering option (requires 16+ charisma).

Eventually, Ravel explains that she does not know where the Nameless One's mortality is. With 16+ intelligence, the Nameless One can ask if she knows someone who does know where his mortality is (no XP granted). Regardless of whether the Nameless One asks, Ravel reveals that there is an angel who does. Asking where the angel can be found grants 180,000 XP.

If Ravel is asked about herself, she will ask TNO what he thinks of her appearance. The "truth/lie" options here do influence alignment. If Ravel is told she is ugly she will change her appearance to that of a lovely woman – Grace or Annah if either is present (if both are present she will shift to Grace first); if neither is present she will appear as a random beautiful woman. Ravel asks if the shape is more pleasing; if the answer is no she will change her form to that of Annah (if she had just appeared as Grace) or will change back to herself. Otherwise Ravel can be kissed while in any of the forms TNO accepts. Kissing Ravel while she presents herself as Grace or Annah will affect morale: if Ravel is kissed while presenting herself as Grace, Grace will gain morale and Annah will lose morale, and vice versa.

After this, Ravel can be asked about her other forms she has taken – Mebbeth, Ei-Viene, and Marta. If any of them are dead then there are no rewards for asking about them.

  • Mebbeth: the bonus gained when discussing Ravel's role as Mebbeth (90,000 XP) depends on the answer the Nameless One gave Mebbeth for why he wished to learn the Art. The response given then is echoed here:
    • "Because I may need it to solve the mystery of who I am," grants +1 wisdom, 90,000 XP.
    • "Because I just want to know," grants +1 intelligence, 90,000 XP.
    • "Because I need power," grants +1 wisdom as well as +1 intelligence, 120,000 XP.
  • Ei-Vene: when asking about Ei-Vene, Ravel will reach out to stitch up the Nameless One. Choosing to "stand your ground" and "let her work" grants permanent Max HP +3.
  • Marta: when asking about Marta, Ravel will reach out to cut the Nameless One. Choosing to "stand your ground" and "let her work" leads her to giving TNO his own intestines.

After asking Ravel why she was imprisoned within the Black-Barbed maze, she explains that she tried to free the Lady of Pain from her cage. She didn't believe that anything should be kept imprisoned in such a way – not even a power like the Lady. The Nameless One can ask if that's why she helped him (16+ wisdom or intelligence required). This causes her to pull some hair from her head, which she gives to him (90,000 XP). This functions as the key to a portal within the maze (see "Ravel's Secret Garden," below).

When asking Ravel to teach you some of the Art, if you are not a mage she will decline. With 12+ charisma she can be convinced otherwise. If you are a mage she will ask your level of skill. Though the options appear to be, none of these count as "flattering" dialogue options; they influence the reward given after:

  • "I am but a rudimentary student."
  • "I am but a rudimentary student, beautiful Ravel." (Charisma 16+ required.)
  • "A master in the arts."
  • "A master in the arts, beautiful Ravel." (Charisma 16+ required.)
  • "I really couldn't say... I seem to be alternately complimented and ridiculed for my efforts."

The XP/items granted varies depending on the Nameless One's stats and answer given:

  • "I am but a rudimentary student [beautiful Ravel]" or "a master in the arts [beautiful Ravel]" (16+ charisma required to call her "beautiful" in either instance):
    • Int 11 or lower: one black-barbed seed (also grants 30,000 XP if Ravel was called "beautiful")
    • Int 12 or 13: 3 seeds (also grants 60,000 XP if Ravel was called "beautiful")
    • Int 14 to 16: 6 seeds (also grants 60,000 XP if Ravel was called "beautiful")
    • Int 17 or higher: 6 seeds, 1 black-barbed charm (also grants 90,000 XP if Ravel was called "beautiful")
    • Mage specialization:
      • Single: 6 seeds, 1 black-barbed charm (also grants 90,000 XP if Ravel was called "beautiful")
      • Double: 6 seeds, 1 black-barbed charm (also grants 120,000 XP if Ravel was called "beautiful")
  • "I really couldn't say... I seem to be alternately complimented and ridiculed for my efforts" grants one seed, no XP.

Options for non-mage asking to be taught magic (Charisma 13+ required):

  • With intelligence of 11 or lower: one black-barbed seed, 30,000 XP
  • Int 12 or 13: 3 seeds, 60,000 XP
  • Int 14 to 16: 6 seeds, 60,000 XP
  • Intelligence 17 or greater: 6 seeds, 1 black-barbed charm, 90,000 XP
  • Single-specialized mage: 6 seeds, 1 black-barbed charm, 90,000 XP
  • Double-specialized mage: 6 seeds, 1 black-barbed charm, 120,000 XP

When you try to leave, Ravel informs you there is an important question you have yet to ask (with int 14+ or wis 13+, you can ask it yourself without her having to tell you). The question is how to leave the maze. There are portals scattered around the maze's edges. One of them leads out, but she's not certain which one. After this, there is a last chance to flatter her by saying "You have done me a great service, beautiful Ravel..." Here is where all of those "flattering" options come into play. Depending on how many "flatter" options were chosen throughout the conversation, the reward Ravel grants is different:

  • 6 or fewer: 90,000 XP and permanent +1 wisdom.
  • More than 7, fewer than 11: 120,000 XP and permanent +1 wisdom.
  • 11 or more: 180,000 XP and permanent +2 wisdom.

"Flattering" responses

There are many "flattering" dialogue options during the conversation with Ravel. Two of them require both Fall-from-Grace and Annah to remain in the party for the conversation—if Annah is allowed to leave during the dialogue with Grace, one of the options will become unavailable.

  • "I assure you, I did no such thing..." (Possible if "How could I forget you, Ravel?" is chosen when first greeting Ravel; 13+ charisma required.)
  • "Of course they knew. Who would *not* want to travel..." (Possible after Ravel asks why you traveled to the maze with companions, and if they knew you were headed there; requires having gone to the maze with companions, as well as 16+ charisma.)
  • "I thought we might speak alone, beautiful Ravel..." (Possible after Ravel asks why you have come to her maze without companions; 16+ charisma required. This is also possible if companions were brought but left far enough away to not be included, and then Ravel was truthfully told that they were left behind so you could speak alone.)
  • "Lie (or Truth): 'What is she to you, beautiful Ravel? She cannot even compare...'" (Possible when Ravel asks TNO what his companions mean to him, specifically regarding Fall-from-Grace; 16+ charisma required. There is no alignment shift for the Lie/Truth here, or during any of the other "how I feel about 'X companion'" bits.)
  • "Lie (or Truth): 'Nothing, beautiful Ravel. Only you hold meaning to me...'" (Possible when Ravel asks TNO what his companions mean to him, specifically regarding Annah; 16+ charisma required.)
  • "The way to this place is difficult, beautiful Ravel..." (Possible after Ravel asks why the Nameless One waited so long to return to her; 16+ charisma required.)
  • "Nay, it is *your* charms that persist, beautiful Ravel." (Possible after the previous flatter option listed. No additional charisma required, but 16+ charisma is a requirement for the dialogue option leading to this.)
  • "Lie: 'I would call you beautiful, Ravel.'" (Possible after TNO asks about Ravel, when she asks what he thinks of her appearance. No set charisma required.)
  • "I think you did the right thing trying to set her free, Ravel." (Possible after learning Ravel tried to free the Lady. The "[lie]" variant of this option also counts.)
  • "So you are at fault, Ravel? At least you *tried*..." (Possible after saying you think Ravel was right to try to free the Lady; 13+ charisma required.)
  • "You have done me a great service, beautiful Ravel..." (Possible after Ravel shares how to leave the maze.)

Ravel's Secret Garden

"The black barbs covering these trees are quite fascinating." —Fall-from-Grace

The purple depressions in this area will prompt the Nameless One to hum and feed seeds to the hungry twigs.

The player can choose to use up all the seeds, creating up to six Black-Barbed Wands that have multiple charges of the Black-Barbed Curse of the seeds, OR Black-Barbed Shield of the necklaces, but do not stack in inventory. One to three of the seeds can be kept to add Black-Barbed Curse to spellbooks, but it is a level 2 spell that does only 4-16 damage. It is worth keeping at least one of the seeds to later give to Mebbeth. (See Ravel for more information.)

The wands have a number of charges that depend on int and whether TNO asked to learn Ravel's magic:

  • Nine charges: int 15
  • 33 charges: int 16
  • 66 charges: Ravel's magic teachings, int 15
  • 99 charges: Ravel's magic teachings, int 16

Find the arch and use the portal to get back to the main area of the maze.

The portal to leave the maze altogether is in the northeast (upper right), 4250, 850; shadows are everywhere, and some move towards the center of the maze. A dialogue box appears when near the portal. Its use leads to Curst.

"Hey, let's find a way out of here before this place grows on us, okay? Literally." —Morte

Tattoos

There are a few tattoos that can be unlocked while in the Black-Barbed Maze:

Alignment

  • Lawful: telling Ravel that her "rules are fair" when she wants the Nameless One to answer her questions.
  • Lawful: answering truthfully when Ravel asks why the Nameless One's companions have chosen to follow him.
  • Chaotic: lying to Ravel that she is beautiful when she asks about it.
  • Lawful: choosing "Truth: 'Only truths do I speak, Ravel,'" when she doesn't believe the Nameless One after saying his companions chose to travel to the maze to see if tales of Ravel's beauty were true.
  • Chaotic: choosing "Lie: 'Only truths do I speak, Ravel,'" under the same circumstances as the previous option.
  • Evil: telling Ravel that the Nameless One's companions are nothing more than tools.
  • Chaotic, Evil: telling Ravel to go ahead and "strike down" Fall-from-Grace and/or Annah after claiming they mean nothing to him (counts whether it's the "[truth]" or a "[lie]").
  • Evil: choosing "Ha! More fools they..." after answering Ravel's question about what can change the nature of a man.
  • Chaotic: lying to Ravel when telling her she is beautiful.
  • Lawful: truthfully telling Ravel she is beautiful because she has a sharp mind.
  • Lawful: truthfully telling Ravel that she is ugly.
  • Good: telling Ravel that you think she did the right thing by trying to free the Lady of Pain.
  • Chaotic, Evil: lying to Ravel when saying you think she did the right thing by trying to free the Lady of Pain.
  • Evil: telling Ravel that you would have let the Lady of Pain stay imprisoned.
  • Evil: telling Ravel you look forward to the day when the planes bend to your will (requires having asked her to teach you some of her magic with a certain skill level – int 17+).
  • Good: telling Ravel you do not want the planes to bend to your will (requires having asked her to teach you some of her magic with a certain skill level – int 17+).

External Links


The Hive
Mortuary Area (Mortuary | Gathering Dust Bar | Mausoleum) • Northwestern Area • Marketplace Area • Smoldering Corpse Area (Smoldering Corpse Bar | Fell's Tattoo Parlor) • Alley of Dangerous Angles • Ragpicker's Square
Under the Hive
Trash Warrens • Buried Village (Pharod's Court) • Weeping Stone Catacombs • Dead Nations • Warrens of Thought • Drowned Nations • Tomb of the Nameless One
Other Wards
Tenement of Thugs • Alley of Lingering Sighs • Lower Ward (Great Foundry | Bones of the Night) • Clerk's Ward (Brothel for Slaking Intellectual Lusts | Civic Festhall) • Undersigil
Mazes
Player's Maze • Modron Maze • Black-Barbed Maze
Outlands and Hells
Outer Curst (Traitor's Gate Tavern) • Inner Curst • Curst Underground • Curst Prison • Outlands • Baator (Pillar of Skulls) • Curst Gone • Curst in Carceri • Curst Administration
Fortress of Regrets
Fortress Entrance • Fortress Main Hall • Trial of Impulse • Maze of Reflections • Fortress Roof
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