Carl, Donut, and Mordecai visit the Silk Road market, where Mordecai points out a stall called Hobgobs and Boom Sticks because he expects Carl and Donut to return there often. The proprietor, Pustule, is a level 30 hobgoblin who is filthy, unsettling, and knowledgeable about explosives. Carl asks about smaller bombs and better smoke devices, and Pustule explains the differences between goblin and hobgoblin equipment, including round bombs called Hob-lobbers.

Donut takes over the bargaining and, despite Pustule's bizarre comments, uses her charm to negotiate a better deal. Carl and Donut buy a case of Hob-lobbers and two cases of goblin dynamite for 1,000 gold, and Pustule agrees to bring smoke curtains later. Carl then shows Pustule one of his Boom Jugs to learn its market value. Pustule says the build is expensive for resale but estimates she could sell one for about 7,500 gold, which gives Carl useful pricing information even though he decides not to sell.

After leaving the market, Mordecai lingers behind to watch the recap show, saying it sometimes hides important information. Carl and Donut head back toward the quieter inn, release Mongo from inventory, and walk through the nighttime streets while discussing how well Donut has trained him. The calm breaks when Mongo suddenly screams and charges into a dark side street, forcing Carl and Donut to run after him.

In the alley, Donut lights the area with a Torch spell, and Carl discovers GumGum the orc dead with her chest torn open, indicating the murder quest has become immediate and dangerous. Three terrifying level 16 krasue rise into the air and flee from the light, while a tall elf with a burning hand claims he used dark magic to lure Mongo and is ready for a grand showdown. Before the elf can act, Carl kicks him in the groin and Donut hits him with a magic missile, decapitating him instantly. The sudden, easy kill leaves Carl and Donut standing over GumGum's body, confused about who the attacker was and what exactly happened.