Talk:Zhentarim Basement

In regards to "It's not possible to attain the shipment, spare Rugan's life, and get access to the items above."

I was able to spare Rugan's life, steal the shipment, and gain their trust. During the gnoll raid I aided the two in the attack and Ollie died, with Rugan for some reason attacking me after (I think because I stepped in his alchemy fire and took damage? I never hit him with anything). So I turned on nonlethal attacks and beat him unconscious. After a full rest, he was good as new (with 1 HP no less) and was able to proceed with his event. After stealing everything while he was knocked out, of course. Later on he was just getting beat up in a chair but I still had their trust and could buy their full shop items. —Zalugar

Casting any spell that gives blindness (Fog Cloud near Zarys for example), and then speaking to her immediately afterwards in turn based mode, before she can relocate, will allow you to talk as if Rugen never betrayed them. You can then decide whether to hand over the cargo. If you do, Zarys gives you the Harold, picks up the chest, which can then be pick pocketed back. If you then move your characters away from the scene of crime, you can then trade/pickpocket Brem for the increased selection. The journal will list the quest completed. Getting close to Zarys afterwards will trigger the conversation where she asks you to finish off Rugen. If you don't give her the chest first, then trigger the convo, she tells you to meet them in the city.