Index: game/modules/tome/data/zones/ring-of-blood/npcs.lua
===================================================================
--- game/modules/tome/data/zones/ring-of-blood/npcs.lua	(revision 3792)
+++ game/modules/tome/data/zones/ring-of-blood/npcs.lua	(working copy)
@@ -106,6 +106,7 @@
 	stats = { str=18, dex=18, cun=18, mag=10, con=16 },
 	instakill_immune = 1,
 	move_others=true,
+	suppress_alchemist_drops = true,
 
 	body = { INVEN = 1000, QS_MAINHAND = 1, QS_OFFHAND = 1, MAINHAND = 1, OFFHAND = 1, FINGER = 2, NECK = 1, LITE = 1, BODY = 1, HEAD = 1, CLOAK = 1, HANDS = 1, BELT = 1, FEET = 1, TOOL = 1, QUIVER = 1, MOUNT = 1 },
 	resolvers.equip{
Index: game/modules/tome/data/maps/quests/lost-merchant.lua
===================================================================
--- game/modules/tome/data/maps/quests/lost-merchant.lua	(revision 3792)
+++ game/modules/tome/data/maps/quests/lost-merchant.lua	(working copy)
@@ -62,6 +62,12 @@
 	on_die = function(self, who)
 		game.level.map(self.x, self.y, game.level.map.TERRAIN, game.zone.grid_list.UP_WILDERNESS)
 		game.logSeen(who, "As the assassin dies the magical veil protecting the stairs out vanishes.")
+		for uid, e in pairs(game.level.entities) do
+			if e.is_merchant and not e.dead then
+				e.can_talk = "lost-merchant"
+				break
+			end
+		end
 	end,
 
 	is_assassin_lord = true,