The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is renowned for its expansive world, rich storytelling, and the multitude of quests that it offers to players. Among these quests is “Flesh for Sale,” a secondary quest with its own unique set of challenges and outcomes. This quest takes place on the Skellige Isles, specifically on the island of Faroe, in a town that has been overtaken by pirates. As Geralt of Rivia, players are tasked with navigating moral quandaries and tactical decisions to free captives held by slavers. This article delves into the nuances of this hidden quest, offering a comprehensive guide to its paths, outcomes, and strategic considerations.
Beginning the Quest
The “Flesh for Sale” quest is triggered when Geralt travels to Trottheim on the island of Faroe, part of the Skellige Isles. This quest is only accessible before meeting Lambert at the Seven Cats Inn during the “Following the Thread” quest. It is crucial to undertake this quest prior to that moment; otherwise, it becomes unavailable.
- Location: Trottheim, Faroe, Skellige.
- Suggested Level: 12.
- Quest Type: Secondary quest.
To initiate the quest, players should approach the village through one of its gates. Entering Trottheim through the surrounding terrain will lead the guards to attack Geralt, forcing the player to engage in combat immediately. Approaching via the gates, however, provides an opportunity for a more subtle entry into the quest dynamics.
Quest Dynamics
Encounter with Pirates
As Geralt enters Trottheim through the designated gates, he is mistaken by the pirates for a Nilfgaardian buyer expected to procure slaves. The quest offers two primary paths at this point: aligning with the misunderstanding and playing along, or confronting the pirates, thus triggering combat.
- Play Along: If Geralt decides to go along with the pirates’ assumption, he is escorted to their leader. This diplomatic approach offers an opening for a non-violent resolution to free the captives.
- Confrontation: Should Geralt correct the pirates regarding their mistaken identity assumption, the situation escalates into aggression, requiring Geralt to fight.
Interacting with the Pirate Leader
After successfully arriving at the pirate leader through either methodology, Geralt has several options to resolve the situation:
- Paying Ransom: Instating peace through commerce, Geralt can offer 500 crowns to the leader to gain the keys to free the slaves. This approach emphasizes negotiation over confrontation.
- Axii Persuasion: Utilizing the Axii sign with a Delusion level of three allows Geralt to manipulate the pirate leader into believing the transaction is complete. This approach is cost-efficient but requires prior character development.
- Combat Resolution: If Geralt reveals he is not the expected buyer, this results in an unavoidable battle against the pirates. Successful combat yields the key from the leader’s corpse.
Upon acquiring the keys, either through negotiation, manipulation, or combat, Geralt is tasked with freeing the captives held in the village. Access to the slaves’ cells marks the pivotal point of rescue within the quest.
Freeing the Slaves
After obtaining the key, the action shifts toward the slaves’ liberation:
- Geralt unlocks the cell holding the captives, who then express their gratitude.
- In scenarios where combat was avoided, Geralt must guide the freed individuals safely out of Trottheim to a marked safe zone on the map.
Completing this portion of the quest concludes with rewards such as experience points, the Diagram for the Ban Ard breastplate, and a Lesser Dazhbog runestone. These items contribute not only to narrative closure but also to character development in future gameplay.
Consequences and Outcomes
The decisions made during “Flesh for Sale” have lasting effects on Trottheim:
- If Geralt chooses outright violence against the pirates, Clan Dimun warriors repopulate the village once the captives are freed.
- Conversely, playing along with the pirates leaves them in control of the village even after the quest concludes.
The presence of Clan Dimun warriors or pirates post-quest can affect the regional dynamics of Skellige, influencing how players navigate future interactions within the game world.
Quest Strategy and Tips
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Approach with Delusion | Leveling up the Axii sign to Delusion Level 3 provides a strategic advantage without monetary cost, saving resources while achieving the objective. |
| Combat Preparedness | For players favoring combat, equipping weapons and armor suited for close encounters ensure readiness against pirate hostility. |
| Resource Management | When choosing to pay the ransom, ensure Geralt’s coin count is sufficient to accomplish the goal without affecting the player’s financial strategy for other quests. |
| Looting Opportunities | Engaging in combat allows players to loot additional items from the pirates’ leader’s hut, further enriching resource availability. |
Conclusion of Flesh for Sale
The “Flesh for Sale” quest in The Witcher 3 offers a nuanced exploration of Geralt’s options in the complex moral landscape of Skellige. Players tackle themes of deception, freedom, and the cost of human life, with various paths leading to distinct outcomes. Whether choosing diplomacy or battle, the quest underscores the intricate decision-making that defines The Witcher series, giving players control over Geralt’s actions and the world’s reaction.
This comprehensive walkthrough elucidates how players can navigate these choices to influence Geralt’s journey and expand his role within the vast narrative tapestry of The Witcher 3.
