In “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” the secondary quest titled “An Eye for an Eye” is one of the critical missions that can influence the game’s broader narrative. This guide details the walkthrough, choices, and consequences associated with the quest, especially focusing on the decision to either spare or kill the Nilfgaardian soldier, and its impact on characters like Bianca and the soldier.
Location and Rewards
The quest “An Eye for an Eye” is accessible in the region of Novigrad, specifically at the Hanged Man’s Tree and the Temerian Partisan hideout. It’s important to note that this quest offers no monetary or item rewards, nor does it provide any experience points. Its true value lies in the narrative consequences and character interactions that unfold.
Unlocking the Quest
You can unlock “An Eye for an Eye” during the main quest “Get Junior” after conversing with Radovid at the chess club. It’s crucial to undertake this quest before venturing to the Isle of Mists or before the failure condition of not saving Ves occurs, as these can lock you out of completing this secondary mission.
Walkthrough Objectives
- Talk to Roche at the Temerian Partisan Camp, which is located northeast of Oxenfurt.
- Speak with Roche, who will be standing next to the Hang Man’s Tree.
- Quickly make your way to Mulbrydale, south of Hanged Man’s Tree, to assist Ves.
- Eliminate the 7 Nilfgaardian soldiers on your way to Ves and the additional 5 soldiers engaging her directly.
- Decide whether to kill or spare the surviving Nilfgaardian soldier.
Key Choices and Their Impact
Saving Ves
When you reach Mulbrydale, your immediate objective is to fend off the Nilfgaardian soldiers attacking Ves. Her survival is crucial, as the quest will automatically fail if she dies. To swiftly save Ves, it’s advisable to use your horse, Roach, to bypass initial enemies and get to her directly. You can also utilize the Hanged Man’s Venom Oil for increased damage and the Blizzard Potion to manage multiple foes effectively. Prioritize the ranged arbalists as they pose a significant threat during the melee combat.
Should You Kill or Spare the Soldier?
At the conclusion of the battle, you are faced with a moral choice: whether Geralt should let Roche kill the surviving Nilfgaardian soldier or spare him. Here’s a breakdown of both choices:
- Kill the Soldier: Roche uses Ves’s sword to execute the soldier, thereby taking responsibility for the act. This choice is more about the immediate sense of justice and relief for Ves.
- Spare the Soldier: Roche lets the soldier go, who then goes on to potentially spread the tale of the Temerian Guerillas. Ves may react unfavorably to this decision, highlighting a rift in their ideologies.
It’s crucial to note that this choice has no direct impact on gameplay or the broader story, allowing players to make a decision based on their own moral compass or role-playing preference.
Tips and Strategies
Combat Tips
Achieving victory in this mission hinges on several strategic considerations:
- Ride Roach: Use your horse to bypass non-essential combat and reach Ves quickly.
- Use Hanged Man’s Venom Oil: Apply this to your blade for increased damage against human enemies.
- Utilize the Blizzard Potion: This will help manage the crowd control by slowing down time during a kill streak.
- Prioritize Arbalists: Focus on ranged enemies first to reduce incoming damage, making it easier to handle melee foes.
Consequences of the Quest
While the immediate choices in “An Eye for an Eye” might seem trivial in terms of gameplay mechanics, their narrative significance cannot be overstated. Successfully completing the quest ensures that Roche and Ves become available to assist in the main quest “The Battle for Kaer Morhen.” This alliance can be crucial during key battles and affects Roche’s disposition towards Geralt.
Reason of State
Completing this quest is also a prerequisite for unlocking the side quest “Reason of State.” Alongside “A Deadly Plot” and “Redania’s Most Wanted,” this trio of quests influences the political landscape of the game’s world and can affect Ciri’s ending. However, it’s worth noting that, according to some updates, the latter two quests can fail without locking out “Reason of State,” provided certain conditions are met.
Character Dynamics
Vernon Roche
As the leader of the Temerian guerrilla fighters, Vernon Roche is pragmatic and focused on the larger goal of freeing Temeria from oppressive forces. The choice to kill or spare the Nilfgaardian soldier highlights the tension between his strategic outlook and his subordinates’ emotions.
Ves
Ves represents the fierce loyalty and emotional investment in the guerrilla cause. Her insubordination in initiating the attack on the Nilfgaardians reflects her desire to protect the people of Mulbrydale, regardless of the hopeless odds. Her survival or death deeply influences Roche’s morale and his future involvement in Geralt’s endeavors.
Is “An Eye for an Eye” Worth It?
Completing “An Eye for an Eye” is recommended not just for its narrative depth but also for the practical alliances it fosters in the game. Roche and Ves’s support can be pivotal in key battles, and the outcomes of the quest can ripple through the broader storyline, affecting the game’s various ending scenarios. Therefore, while the quest may not offer tangible in-game rewards like gold or experience, its completion is invaluable for achieving the best possible outcomes in later stages of the game.
Journal Entries
| If Ves Survives the Fight |
|---|
| The peasants of Mulbrydale had helped Roche’s guerillas in the past, so Ves decided to stand in their defense now, in their hour of need, though she knew this was a hopeless and nearly suicidal mission. Had not Geralt and Roche come to the rescue in the last minute, Ves would surely have died a premature death after being cut down by Nilfgaardians, Yet as it were, the imperial troops were defeated – but their leader escaped with his life thanks to Roche’s intervention and Geralt’s support. |
| If Ves Dies in the Fight |
|---|
| Yet Roche and Geralt did not come to the rescue in time. Ves fought to save the peasants of Mulbrydale – though she knew full well she stood no chance of winning against her substantially more numerous opponents. No historian will write of this struggle, nor will any bard sing of it, and no gravestone shall mark Ves’ resting place. Vernon Roche fell into dour spirits after Geralt’s conversation with Radovid at the chess club. He didn’t want to say right then what had blackened his mood. Instead, he asked the witcher to come talk to him at his hideout near Oxenfurt. |
Conclusion
“An Eye for an Eye” is a secondary quest rich in narrative depth and character development. Although it lacks substantial in-game rewards, its impact on future game events and character relationships makes it a worthwhile endeavor. Whether you decide to take a moral stance against the Nilfgaardian soldier or adhere strictly to a pragmatic approach, each choice echoes through the fabric of the game’s storyline. So prepare your silver sword, choose wisely, and delve deep into the story of Temeria’s struggle for freedom.
