BubblySkootch

True, BUT, once you have killed Lord Carsta'Arl, the remaining Dhorl Stead villagers take over Ogrhym'Tor, and go on to try and protect themselves from the various other steads. Win. And yes, I was that goody-good Hand that tried to help people for free.

Good to know! I never tried - once one npc tried to kill me, I just avoided the whole town.

By the time you arrive in Dhorl Stead, Lord Carsta'Arl has already sent one of his hunters (can't remember his name) to warn the town that you have come to kill them all. Doesn't matter if you actually want to kill them or not - it's what he tells them, and they are all acting as though you have stolen their babies and their beadwork. If you run into any NPC's in the town at all, they will try to kill you. The only exceptions that I know of are the old shaman woman (who appears to have had a nervous breakdown), Runner Faiga and husband (who you can convince to just leave), and Laurella's father (who refuses to leave as he is waiting for Laurella to come home). You can try to argue with the NPC's, saying you are just here for Lord Carsta'Arl, and they will still try to kill you, saying that he is their only protection, etc. The only way to avoid killing anyone is to avoid all NPC's.