When you're playing in multi player mode / single multi mode, the game creates a subdirectory called 'default' in your MPSave directory where data on what you've accomplished in the game so far are stored.

EXAMPLE: You've talked to Garrick, agreed, and the first cutscene is over. You quicksave before you finally talk to Silke. Your main or another favourite character dies. You reload. After Silke is dead, you can't talk to Garrick or the merchants.

SOLUTION: The game has stored info in 'default' that you have talked to Garrick and that the action(s) have been triggered. When you reload, the game reads 'Garrick trigger is done with' and you're buggered.

WHAT TO DO: Delete the 'default' directory in your MPSave directory before you reload.