The quest “Novigrad’s Pyres” in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a pivotal chapter in Geralt of Rivia’s quest to locate Ciri, his adopted daughter. This particular quest not only deepens the narrative but also sets up significant developments in the complex city of Novigrad, a city fraught with political intrigue, danger, and sorcery.
Introduction to “Novigrad’s Pyres”
“Novigrad’s Pyres” serves as an introduction to the city of Novigrad within The Witcher 3. As the story’s protagonist, Geralt is drawn into the city by his search for Ciri. This quest follows his initial forays into the city’s depths, where he uncovers widespread persecution led by the witch hunters of the city. These witch hunters serve the religious zealotry of the Eternal Fire, which views magic practitioners with disdain. This atmosphere set by the Eternal Fire is a critical backdrop to Geralt’s journey in Novigrad.
Quest Walkthrough
The “Novigrad’s Pyres” quest can be challenging due to its multifaceted objectives. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to navigate the quest:
Entering Novigrad
As Geralt makes his way into Novigrad, the immediate atmosphere of fear and tension is palpable. Crossing the bridge into Hierarch Square, Geralt witnesses a public execution—witch hunters burning a sorceress and a doppler at the stake. Amongst the onlookers is Caleb Menge, the captain of the witch hunters. This oppressive atmosphere serves as a grim introduction to Novigrad’s political dynamics.
Locating Triss Merigold
The next step in the quest is to locate Geralt’s longtime ally, Triss Merigold. Following the quest marker, Geralt makes his way to Triss’ house. Upon arrival, Geralt finds looters ransacking her previously abandoned residence. They speculate that Triss may have fled to the Putrid Grove, a hidden haven led by the King of Beggars. The looters hint that engaging with the city’s underworld might be the key to discovering this secretive location.
Finding the Putrid Grove
Players have two main avenues to discover the route to the Putrid Grove:
- Follow a Thief: Returning to Hierarch Square, Geralt can shadow a pickpocket as they maneuver through the crowd. The thief performs a quick exchange with another, requiring Geralt to continue tailing to the new individual, eventually leading to the grove.
- Speak with Beggars: Alternatively, Geralt might choose to converse with beggars near Triss’ house. Conversations might naturally lead to mentions of the phrase “the old sow’s farrowed piglets,” which serves as a code to access the Putrid Grove.
Meeting the King of Beggars
Arriving at the entrance to the Putrid Grove, Geralt can leverage the beggar’s phrase, offer a bribe, or use the Axii Sign to gain entry. Inside, Geralt meets the eloquent King of Beggars. Reuniting with Triss here, Geralt learns about the recent life-threatening situations she has endured, the result of the city’s escalating anti-mage sentiment.
Escaping through the Sewers
After discussing plans with Triss, Geralt and Triss face a perilous escape. As they are cornered by the witch hunters, the pair are forced into the sewers. Here, players should engage the creatures lurking in the dark, primarily Drowners. Utilizing Witcher senses, players must locate a concealed switch that unveils a hidden passage leading further within the sewer system, eventually reemerging alongside the city’s canals.
Consequence Management
Details abound in how certain choices within “Novigrad’s Pyres” may echo throughout the storyline. This quest, like many others in The Witcher 3, presents players with choices entailing considerable consequences:
| Choice | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Demand double payment after the rat extermination job | After defeating the Eternal Fire soldiers betrayals, players can press for double pay, impacting Geralt’s relationship with Novigrad merchants. |
| Interactions with the King of Beggars | Methods used to enter the Putrit Grove—whether diplomatic, monetary, or forceful—can adjust Geralt’s standing with the Thieves’ Guild. |
| Looting amidst chaos | Acquiring critical items like the “Rose of Remembrance” from Triss’s home has repercussions on later romantic developments and alchemical crafting. |
Culmination and Aftermath
Upon escaping the sewers and resolving immediate threats, Triss provides a crucial lead about a oneiromancer named Corinne Tilly. This sets the foundation for the next leg of Geralt’s journey in Novigrad, leading to “Novigrad Dreaming.” Triss’s directions propel players toward further intertwined quests, ensuring “Novigrad’s Pyres” remains a definitive pivot in the game’s storyline.
Conclusion
The quest “Novigrad’s Pyres” serves as a rich tapestry interwoven with the socio-political fabric of The Witcher 3’s world. The quest explores underlying themes of persecution, survival, and camaraderie within a dystopian fantasy setting. The quest challenges players to make astute choices, each with its own set of consequences, making it one of the game’s memorable adventures. By understanding how to navigate these decisions, both strategically and empathetically, players enhance their experience, finding themselves drawn deeper into Geralt’s quest to find Ciri.
