In “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” the quest “Brothers in Arms: Skellige” is a pivotal part of the storyline where Geralt of Rivia seeks to gather allies to confront the formidable Wild Hunt. The setting is in the picturesque yet politically tumultuous region of Skellige, a group of islands inhabited by fierce warriors. This quest is designed to involve players in the intricate politics and personal relationships on the islands, thereby expanding on the rich narrative tapestry that the game offers.
Overview of the Quest
The quest “Brothers in Arms: Skellige” becomes available after completing the pivotal quest “The Isle of Mists.” The primary objective here is to rally support by convincing key figures in Skellige to join forces with Geralt against the Wild Hunt. These allies include Ermion, Crach an Craite, and Crach’s children, Hjalmar and Cerys. Notably, the quest is steeped in local politics and related quests, such as the succession to the Skellige throne, which adds additional layers of complexity.
Key Characters and Alliances
- Ermion: Known also as Mousesack, Ermion is a druid with a long history with Geralt. He readily agrees to aid Geralt without needing any persuasion, making him a straightforward ally in this quest.
- Crach an Craite: The influential and respected Jarl of Skellige, Crach, is initially reticent to directly assist Geralt. However, if Geralt helps Crach’s children in their respective quests, Crach rewards him generously with the powerful sword, Winter’s Blade.
- Hjalmar: Crach’s son, a courageous warrior, agrees to join Geralt’s cause regardless of the outcome of the local throne succession. However, players must complete the quest “The Lord of Undvik” to secure his assistance, which involves rescuing him from an expedition to slay a giant on the Isle of Undvik.
- Cerys: Crach’s daughter, while less involved directly in the battle, offers support by pledging her best warriors. Achieving her help involves completing the quest “Possession,” which deals with unraveling the mental affliction of a local Jarl.
Quest Details and Walkthrough
Relation to Skellige’s Political Climate
At the heart of the quest is the political intrigue surrounding the succession of the Skellige throne. The islanders’ focus on this issue means that any potential allies have their hands tied until it is resolved. To effectively rally support, Geralt needs to address and resolve these political tensions. This is woven into multiple quests, including “Possession,” “The Lord of Undvik,” “King’s Gambit,” and ultimately, “Coronation.”
| Quest Name | Description |
|---|---|
| The Lord of Undvik | Assist Hjalmar in hunting a giant on Undvik, thereby securing his allegiance. |
| Possession | Help Cerys resolve the madness plaguing the Jarl Udalryk, contributing to her support. |
| King’s Gambit | Navigates the power struggle for the Skellige throne, leading to the “Coronation” quest. |
Quest Strategy and Tips
- Ermion: Since Ermion offers his support without additional quests, he can be approached directly without any prerequisites, making him an easy first stop in your rallying efforts.
- Utilizing Crach an Craite: By completing both missions for his children, players not only earn the valuable Winter’s Blade but also have Hjalmar and potential additional allies like Folan and Vigi, should they be rescued during “The Lord of Undvik.”
- Resolving the Succession: Ensuring the throne succession is key. Decisive action might involve choosing either Hjalmar or Cerys as the ruler, affecting the support structure and political landscape in subsequent events within Skellige.
Completing these quests involves careful navigation of both the physical terrain and the political undercurrents of Skellige. Make sure to equip yourself appropriately and manage your strategies ahead of major confrontations. Timing and choices can significantly impact your available allies and the resources they offer.
Challenges and Considerations
While executing this quest arc, players need to be mindful of a few core challenges:
- Navigational Challenges: Skellige’s rugged terrain and treacherous waters can make travel between quest locations risky. Utilize boats and become familiar with fast travel points to manage your journey more effectively.
- Decision Impacts: Your choices in earlier quests can affect the outcome and ease of recruitment in the “Brothers in Arms: Skellige” quest. Completing companion quests fully often paves the way for maximum support.
- Combat Preparation: Given that quests like “The Lord of Undvik” involve formidable foes like the giant, ensure that Geralt’s combat abilities are honed, and his arsenal is equipped with strong armor and weapons.
Conclusion
“Brothers in Arms: Skellige” is a quintessential part of “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” showcasing the game’s hallmark blend of robust narrative and extensive character interaction. Through political machinations and personal quests, players are drawn into the heart of Skellige, forging alliances that strengthen Geralt’s cause against the invasion of the Wild Hunt. By guiding players through a web of storylines and loyalties, this quest exemplifies the rich, immersive world built by the developers of “The Witcher 3.” Players who manage their decisions carefully, attend to companion quests, and plan their strategies will be richly rewarded with allies ready to stand by Geralt’s side during the climactic battles ahead.
