Ernestus

Fist Ernestus is a human fighter and a member of the Flaming Fist. He can be found on the streets of the Lower City in Act Three.

“

If this lot have got a problem with the Gazette they should take it up with the editor, not make a scene in the streets.

„

— Ernestus

Involvement

Act Three

Ernestus is patrolling the streets of Lower City. He can be found at X: 43 Y: -71, arguing with a group of Baldurians ( Saer Frunilla,  Wuloona Dor,  Porter Juxon, and  Bliggerillo). They are slandering aloud the contents of latest issues of the Baldur's Mouth Gazette and blaming the newspaper (and  Gortash as well) for sweeping under the rug obvious crimes that happen in the city.

Ernestus's reaction to the player character might differ depending on the positive / negative article printed about them in the Baldur's Mouth Gazette (or neither printed at all), as an outcome for ⁠Stop the Presses quest. Also, he might notice if the party try to break in and enter any restricted areas nearby (e.g., Old Jol's house or the backdoor of the Nortale's Hostel), and react accordingly.

If Gortash is defeated, Ernestus and the rest of the group disperse, and cannot be found or interacted with again.

Combat

Attacks and abilities

 Cleave ()   –   Halberd

Damage: 5 + modifiers

5 + half weapon⁠Slashing

Swing your weapon in a large arc to attack up to 3 enemies at once. They each take half the damage your weapon usually deals.

 Recharge: Short rest

 Lacerate ()   –   Halberd

Damage: 6~15

1d10 + 5⁠Slashing

Slash at your target's vital points to make it  Bleed.

Undead and Constructs can't Bleed.

 CON Save

 Range: Normal weapon range

 Recharge: Short rest

 Main Hand Attack ()   –   Halberd

Damage: 6~15

1d10 + 5⁠Slashing

Make a melee attack with your equipped weapon.

 Melee: 1.5 m / 5 ft

 Rush Attack ()   –   Halberd

Damage: 6~9

1d4 + 5⁠Piercing

Charge forward and attack the first enemy in your way, possibly pushing them  Off Balance.

 STR Save

 Range: 9 m / 30 ft

 Recharge: Short rest

 Sweeping Attack ( + )

Damage:

Superiority Die

Swing your weapon in a rapid, sweeping arc to attack multiple enemies at once. Roll your superiority die for damage.

Loot

•  Chain Mail
•  Flaming Fist Helmet
•  Halberd

Idle banter

• Wuloona Dor

  You see the latest issue of the Baldur's Mouth Gazette? Streets are safer than they've even been, apparently.

• Wuloona Dor

  Not a word on all the thefts and murders happening right on our doorsteps!

• Porter Juxon

  Nowhere's safe any more, no matter how many Steel Watchers Lord Gortash tries to jam down our throats.

• Wuloona Dor

  If you ask me, I don't think Gortash even deserves to be called a lord.

• Fist Ernestus

  That's enough of that! Lord Gortash has everything under control - we don't need agitators like you ruining morale.

• Wuloona Dor

  What are you gonna do? Arrest us?

• Fist Ernestus

  If that what it takes to keep the peace!

• Wuloona Dor

  If you say so, mate.

• Porter Juxon

  Why would they go to all that effort just to lie to us?

• Wuloona Dor

  It's obvious, isn't it? To placate us. To keep us all nice and obedient.

• Wuloona Dor

  They don't like it when we think too much - we might question their authority.

• Fist Ernestus

  I'm warning you...

• Porter Juxon

  There's one of you and four of us - do you really think you can take all of us at once?

• Fist Ernestus

  I... I can go and get back up.

• Wuloona Dor

  And do you think we're just gonna sit here and wait for you and your hog friends to come back and arrest us?

• Fist Ernestus

  Look, I'm just trying to do my job, all right?

• Porter Juxon

  So what can we do about it? All the lies they're publishing, I mean.

• Wuloona Dor

  Not a lot unless you want to set fire to the Baldur's Mouth Gazette headquarters.

• Fist Ernestus

  I'm still right here, you know...

• Wuloona Dor

  Tch, we do know, thank you - we just don't care.

• Wuloona Dor

  Besides, I don't think that'd achieve much in the long run. The problem's at the top - it always is.

• Porter Juxon

  Perhaps sending a strongly worded letter would be a good place to start?

• Wuloona Dor

  If by 'strongly worded letter' you mean a brick through a window, then aye.

• Porter Juxon

  I'm just not one for violence, you see...

• Wuloona Dor

  You'd better start acquiring a taste for it - it's only gonna get worse from here on out.