The path to the Ballard Cliffs wasn't exactly good due to the fact that there weren't many reasons for anyone to go there after the appearance of the Ember Bellow Lizard.
There were a few useful materials found there which foragers used to gather in the past but that came to a stop because of the beast that had appeared. Since the materials could also be found in other places, the foragers simply stopped going there.
Still, the appearance of a strong beast near the town was a matter of concern and as such they put a bounty on it.
It was also the most dangerous bounty among all that were present in the time.
If it were any other player, it would basically be the same as a death sentence for them. But in the case of Arthur, it was a perfect target as he had an advantage because of his class.