In “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” secondary quests like “A Feast for Crows” exemplify the game’s complex and rewarding narrative intricacies. This quest is a hidden gem within the bustling city of Novigrad that challenges players with moral decisions and the consequences of choice. Despite being optional, it provides a rich narrative experience and a deeper understanding of the criminal underbelly of Novigrad.
Activating the Quest
“A Feast for Crows” does not simply appear in Geralt’s quest journal like most other quests. Instead, it becomes available through exploration and previous quest completion. Players often stumble upon it accidentally while roaming Novigrad. It’s noted that completing specific story missions such as “Broken Flowers” or “Get Junior” may trigger the corpse’s appearance, which starts the quest. However, no concrete formula guarantees its activation, adding to its mystique.
Quest Walkthrough
The quest begins when Geralt’s Witcher senses pick up the stench of decay near Hierarch Square in Novigrad. Following this scent, players will find a corpse in a back alley, clutching a key. Analyzing the scene reveals that the victim was fatally wounded and bled out while attempting to flee. Investigating further with Witcher Senses will lead to the discovery of a blood trail, pointing back to a building.
Upon entering the building, players encounter Cleaver’s henchmen, presenting the first of several choices that define the outcome of the quest. The henchman explains that the key in Geralt’s possession opens a drop box desired by Cleaver, one of Novigrad’s notorious gang leaders. Geralt can either hand over the key peacefully or choose to fight the henchmen to claim the rewards for himself.
Consequences of Choice
- Handing Over the Key: If Geralt opts for the diplomatic route, he gives the key to the dwarven henchmen. They reward him with a paltry sum of 20 crowns before escorting him out. This choice results in an anticlimactic end with minimal reward, highlighting Geralt’s decision to avoid unnecessary bloodshed.
- Confronting the Henchmen: Choosing the warrior’s path, Geralt can refuse to give up the key and instead fight Cleaver’s dwarves. This battle is not without difficulty, as the tight quarters demand strategic combat to overcome multiple heavily armed foes. Victory yields significantly greater rewards: Guardsman’s boots, a useful steel sword diagram, and a monetary sum substantially higher than the 20 crowns offered for the key.
From Anticipation to Action
The choice in “A Feast for Crows” extends beyond simple gameplay mechanics, tapping into the themes of morality and consequence pervasive through “The Witcher 3”. Each decision bears in-game repercussions, though minor, echoing the series’ ethos of morally grey choices. Opting to join Cleaver’s bandits indirectly aids Novigrad’s criminal regime, potentially simplifying or complicating future interactions with Novigrad’s criminal elements. Alternatively, taking the riskier path to fight them asserts Geralt’s independence, ensuring his moral code confronts corruption directly.
| Choice | Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Give the Key | Accept bandits’ offer | Receive 20 crowns |
| Fight the Bandits | Defeat Cleaver’s men in combat | Obtain loot including Guardsman’s boots, sword diagram, 200 florens |
Narrative and World-Building
Though self-contained, “A Feast for Crows” contributes to the broader narrative texture of Novigrad, painting it as a city rife with crime and moral ambiguity. Geralt’s interactions in this quest may be brief, but they underline the Witcher’s role as a catalyst in the lives and stories around him. Choices made here connect to broader conflict themes across the Continent, mimicking societal dilemmas viewers often face in the real world—helping villains prop up the establishment or taking the high road through individual valor.
Mechanics and Strategic Insights
Mechanically, the quest subtly trains players on choice dynamics and the harsh consequences often overlooked within expansive open-world games. It also serves as a combat trial and an opportunity to refine Witcher senses. With the enemies using powerful melee strikes within confined spaces, it emphasizes that strategic play typically trumps brute strength, reinforcing tactical interaction over straightforward battling.
Conclusion
“A Feast for Crows” remains a notable secondary quest within “The Witcher 3” for its foundational role in showcasing the series’ hallmark of choice and consequence. By requiring players to discover it organically, the quest encourages exploration and highlights the importance of attention to detail and vigilance in a heavily populated and richly detailed game world. Though not central to the game’s main plot, it offers a microcosmic example of the narrative depth and interactive storytelling the franchise is celebrated for, serving as a reminder that even the smallest choices can ripple across the complex tapestry of The Witcher universe.
