[drewal]

This presupposes an evil PC, but why would a good PC take an insane CE barbarian with them:

You could turn the Imnesvale villagers against Madulf, sending him into a rage, driving him to insanity (a la Hunchback of Notre Dame).

Then, after he's been hounded and condemned by the villagers, his companions fled, you can take him into your own party. Only he doesn't know that you are the one who sent him on his downward path.

Then there would be this constant tension for the rest of the game. Dialogues between him and the PC, and other NPCs present during the Umar Hills incident, could skirt around the issue of how the villagers decided with finality that Malduf was the root of their problems.

The truth could be kept hidden for some parties, but in others, the truth could come out (Edwin and Korgan both have big mouths). If the truth comes out, perhaps Malduf forgives you, only to betray you at some later - and important - time.

I need to learn how to create an NPC Mod, and I'll do this. Any suggestions? I've never even edited an item, but I am a pretty fast learner.