Overview
Shadow Cast Over the River is the sixth main quest in Chapter 2: Golden Greed. Barden Middler has sent Kliff to Springtide Mill, where bandits known as the Bleed Bandits have seized control of the bridge and floodgate. The bandits are blocking trade and cutting off the water supply to Hernand. Kliff needs to clear them out by force.
Quest Details
Detail | Info |
|---|---|
Chapter | Chapter 2: Golden Greed |
Sub-Chapter | Hernand in Chaos |
Previous Quest | |
Next Quest | |
Location | Springtide Mill, southeast of City of Hernand |
Region | |
Key NPCs | Marquis Alan Serkis (quest giver) |
Rewards | Standard Inventory Expansion Tool, Toasted Grains x10, Grilled Fruit x5 |
Walkthrough
Travel to Springtide Mill
Head southeast from the City of Hernand, passing Muckroot Ranch along the way. The quest marker leads to Springtide Mill where the Bleed Bandits have established their occupation. You will see them stationed around the bridge as you approach.
Defeat the Bandits
The fight involves a sizable group of Bleed Bandits spread across the mill area. A green occupation bar appears above the minimap, showing the remaining strength of the enemy forces. You do not need to kill every single bandit individually. Once the green bar is fully depleted, the surviving bandits scatter and flee on their own.
Strategy-wise, try to isolate enemies rather than fighting the whole group at once. Pull one or two at a time and deal with them before moving to the next cluster. At least one bandit is mounted on horseback. Use arrows to knock the rider off without hurting the horse, since killing the horse incurs a bounty penalty.
Clear the Encampment
If the green bar has not fully depleted after the bridge fight, check the adjacent encampment area. Additional bandits may be patrolling nearby. Sweep the area until the bar empties completely.
Notes
This is the first territory liberation quest in the game. The green occupation bar mechanic appears again in later chapters for similar combat encounters.
Be careful with your horse during the mounted bandit encounter. Damaging horses results in bounty penalties that can complicate your reputation with local NPCs.
After completing this quest, Springtide Mill becomes a safe zone with a notice board that kicks off the next major story beat.
The Standard Inventory Expansion Tool reward is valuable this early in the game. Use it right away to make room for the crafting materials you will start accumulating in the quests ahead.