The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt presents an expansive world filled with quests that weave narratives central to its protagonist, Geralt of Rivia. One such quest, “Payback,” allows players to delve deeper into the character of Ciri, Geralt’s surrogate daughter. This quest, nested within the broader narrative of preparing for the final confrontation with the Wild Hunt, involves a series of tasks that highlight Ciri’s unresolved issues from her time in Novigrad. The quest not only enriches the narrative but also offers multiple pathways with varying consequences depending on player choices.
Overview of the Quest
“Payback” is activated during the “Final Preparations” main quest as part of the larger storyline of Act Three in The Witcher 3. Geralt and his allies, including Ciri, have returned to Novigrad to gather forces and finish any lingering business before facing the Wild Hunt. During this time, Ciri asks for Geralt’s assistance to tie up loose ends in Novigrad, leading to a quest that spans different locations and involves several characters from Ciri’s past adventures in the city.
Starting the Quest: Meeting Ciri
The quest begins when Ciri approaches Geralt, typically in Novigrad, asking for his help during the day. Ciri’s request can be triggered right after completing the quest “Through Time and Space” with Avallac’h, a sage who assists in the fight against the Wild Hunt. Ciri wants Geralt to accompany her as she settles some unfinished business, starting with an encounter with Whoreson Junior, a notorious crime lord.
Encounter with Whoreson Junior
The outcome of Ciri and Geralt meeting Whoreson Junior depends significantly on the player’s earlier choices in the main quest “Get Junior.” The possible scenarios are:
- Junior is Dead: If Geralt chose to kill Whoreson Junior during “Get Junior,” he and Ciri go to Junior’s former hideout. Upon arrival, they are met by Junior’s henchmen. Players can choose to use Axii, a persuasive Witcher Sign, to avoid combat, or they may engage in a brief fight which ends once Ciri reveals Geralt’s identity. Inside the hideout, the two find Dudu, a doppler, disguised as the deceased Junior. After Dudu explains his reasons, Ciri and Geralt move on.
- Junior is Alive: If Geralt spared Junior, the encounter is markedly different. Geralt and Ciri find him begging in the streets, a broken figure stripped of power and dignity. After a short and demeaning conversation, they leave him to his fate and continue with their quest.
Meeting with Bea at the Golden Sturgeon
The next stop is the Golden Sturgeon tavern, where Ciri wants to meet Bea, a waitress who helped her contact Dandelion. As they enter, they witness Bea being threatened by a group of thugs.
- Non-violent Resolution: Geralt can defuse the situation with a subtle hint of his fearsome reputation, prompting the thugs to leave without a fight.
- Combat Resolution: Alternatively, Geralt can engage in combat with the thugs, leading to a short melee until all opponents are subdued.
After the confrontation, Ciri converses briefly with Bea. The relaxed banter between Bea and Geralt might provoke some lighthearted teasing from Ciri, becoming a moment of respite amidst the chaos.
Reuniting with the Circus Troupe Outside Novigrad
The final stop on Ciri’s list is the circus troupe in Farcorners, just outside Novigrad. Here, Ciri reconnects with some elves, including Valdo and Aegar, who helped her during the city’s turmoil. The troupe is already preparing to leave Novigrad due to escalating danger, and they refuse Ciri’s attempt to repay their kindness with money. Instead, a friendly horse race is proposed as a farewell activity.
- Participating in the Race: Players can choose to join the race against Valdo and Ciri. Winning or losing does not affect the narrative significantly, but leads to variations in dialogue.
- Skipping the Race: Opting out of the race results in some time saved, as there are no tangible rewards for participation.
Decision: Stealing Horses from the Stables
Aegar, unable to arrange for horses necessary for their journey, suggests stealing them. This plan is met with enthusiasm from Ciri; however, Geralt’s participation is up to the player.
- Agreeing to Steal the Horses: The mission shifts to a stealthy operation. Geralt and Ciri approach the stables, where players must navigate scaffolding to infiltrate the building. Sneaking is crucial to avoid startling the horses and waking the guards. If stealth fails, players must use Axii to calm the horses and incapacitate any witnesses. Upon success, a cutscene concludes the theft, followed by a reflective conversation between Geralt and Ciri before wrapping up the quest.
- Refusing to Steal the Horses: Declining the plan angers Ciri and leads to a confrontation with Aegar, culminating in a fistfight. Choosing this path abruptly ends the quest and results in a significant emotional impact on Ciri.
Description and Consequences
The aftermath of “Payback” largely depends on the player’s approach to Ciri’s situations and their interaction with her choices. The quest is pivotal not only in advancing the storyline but also in shaping the relationship between Geralt and Ciri. Those choosing diplomacy and cooperation nurture their connection, whereas confrontational paths can strain their bond.
Throughout “Payback,” players are encouraged to consider the broader implications of their decisions, reflecting the game’s overarching theme of consequences. The interaction is a narrative device that enhances the depth and replay value of The Witcher 3, urging players to deliberate over choices beyond immediate outcomes.
Conclusion
“Payback” stands as an exemplar of story-driven gameplay in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, intertwining character development with action and choice. It offers multiple pathways that each provide unique insights into Ciri’s character and the dynamics of her relationship with Geralt. The quest underscores the importance of choice, encouraging reflection on the complex web of relationships and consequences that define the narrative tapestry of the series.
