I feel like tarquin probably had his military family backing him up and krem probably didn't have support from family. So tarquin got a little bit of nepotism on that one i guess

Just wish it wasnt so prohibitively expensive. He's my favorite character but its impossible to swing $200 in this economy.

Most of the time you just attack the barrier/blight boil. Try switching to a mage knife instead of staff.

Ive played thru several times. Send me a image of where you are stuck and I can help.

Yup its easiest in any of the large town square areas where people walk by in bauldurs gate itself. I usually do closer to the fancy clothes shops near the gate to the upper city. Fancier district so more people have money. Idk if that makes a difference tho.

I got the 100 gold by playing in the middle of the city. And you have to succeed at the performance check in think. There's a whole guide on it online. I got the achievement back in early January just doing it with a hireling.