The world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is renowned for its rich storytelling, expansive landscapes, and diverse sets of quests, which range from simple fetch tasks to intricate adventures rife with moral quandaries. One such quest that combines elements of humor, danger, and alchemical mastery is “A Practicum in Advanced Alchemy.” This distinctive quest tasks players with assisting the eccentric druid, Gremist, by gathering rare ingredients and recruiting a drinking companion. It is set against the backdrop of Skellige, famed for its rugged beauty and mythical challenges. Below, we delve into the depths of the quest and uncover the layered complexities involved in completing it.
How to Unlock ‘A Practicum in Advanced Alchemy’
Unlocking this quest requires players to either be good listeners or take initiative in inquiry. It can be activated in several ways, all beginning in Skellige:
- Locate the cave north of Gedyneith and listen to a conversation between two druids outside. This passively reveals the quest.
- Speak directly with Yolar, another druid, at Gedyneith and inquire about master alchemists.
- Visit Otto Bamber at the Herbalist’s Hut and engage in dialogue to gain insights leading to the quest.
Regardless of the method chosen, these interactions eventually direct players to seek out Gremist, the surly master alchemist reluctant to share his secrets.
Meeting Gremist and Initiating the Quest
Upon encountering Gremist, players will observe a heated exchange between him and a fellow druid. The conversation reveals Gremist’s reluctance to pass on his alchemical knowledge. Despite his initial hesitance, he agrees to consider Geralt as an apprentice if Geralt can assist him with three tasks:
- Find a Pimpernel from the Morskogen Forest.
- Retrieve a bottle of alcohol from an abandoned distillery on Hail Hill.
- Convince and bring Fritjof, a vaedermakar druid, to Gremist.
These tasks, while seemingly straightforward, each harbor their own set of challenges, nuanced encounters, and critical decisions.
Searching for the Elusive Pimpernel
The first task involves finding the rare Pimpernel flower. Heading to the Morskogen Forest, players are met with the unsettling sight of picked blooms, sparking a mini-investigation:
- Use Witcher Senses to examine the area around the missing Pimpernels.
- Be wary of a pack of seven white wolves that may appear, challenging players to a fight.
- Identify and follow horseshoe tracks leading away from the scene.
As the trail diverges, players face a choice: follow one path downhill towards an Armored Arachas and a mysterious grave, or pursue the path uphill to a chance meeting with a resident succubus. The decision on how to handle this encounter is significant, including the option to kill or spare the succubus. Opting for mercy allows Geralt to peacefully collect a Pimpernel flower without further conflict.
Harvesting Ancient Spirits at Hail Hill
The journey to obtain old spirits from the abandoned distillery introduces players to both physical and mental puzzles. Located on Hail Hill, this distillery hides risky adversaries and mechanical challenges:
- Enter the distillery’s cave and defeat the cyclops residing within, leveraging Geralt’s speed and agility over the creature’s raw power.
- Gather information from letters and logbooks detailing the distillery process. The documentation helps players recreate the crafting of alcohol.
- Collect mash from scaffolding near the machine and follow specific steps: place mash in the evaporator, light the fire, and manipulate levers in sequence—right before left—to distill the spirit effectively.
Successfully crafting the spirit yields a satisfying amount of experience points and fulfills the second task on Gremist’s list.
Recruiting Fritjof from Blandare
The task of convincing Fritjof introduces a communal challenge where traditional rituals meet practical distractions:
- Travel to Blandare and assist Fritjof as he conducts a rain summoning ceremony meant to relieve a crippling drought afflicting the village.
- Combat multiple waves of foglets which are drawn to the ritual, defending Fritjof as he completes his magical rites.
Once clear of dangers, a grateful Fritjof pledges his support to Gremist, marking the final step in completing the errands set forth by the master alchemist.
Conclusion and Rewards
Returning to Gremist with all tasks completed, he finally opens up to Geralt, albeit after spending a day waiting for the ritual to finish. The supposed alchemical gathering is less about complex formulas than it is about convivial camaraderie, culminating in a drinking session with old friends. For his help, Geralt receives not only instruction in the finer points of alchemy but also experience points and useful crafting materials, including:
- Sulfur
- Alcohest
- Han fiber
- Saltpeter
Quest Outcomes and Strategic Considerations
While “A Practicum in Advanced Alchemy” presents a variety of paths and choices, players should consider several strategic points:
- Letting the succubus live provides a faster quest completion and avoids unnecessary conflict, unless specific items or mutagens from the battle are desired.
- The cyclops encountered at the distillery is best dealt with by exploiting its slow speed. Players should circle and attack strategically, mindful of its disastrous stomp.
- Helping Fritjof during the ritual involves not just combat prowess but also ensuring his survival against waves of foglets.
Ultimately, the quest serves as a fascinating interlude into the life of Skellige’s alchemical hierarchy, blending combat, diplomacy, and intellect in pursuit of knowledge and camaraderie.
