The fate of Commander Aryan la Valette in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of the key choices affected by players’ decisions in The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings. This choice significantly influences certain interactions and events in the game, reflecting CD Projekt RED’s commitment to continuity and player agency. The possible outcomes related to Aryan’s fate offer distinctly different experiences for players, impacting character relationships and narrative threads throughout Geralt’s journey.
The Siege of Castle La Valette
Aryan la Valette is introduced in The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, where he takes on the role of commanding officer during the siege of Castle La Valette. Geralt of Rivia encounters Aryan early in the game, immediately facing a crucial choice: to kill Aryan or spare his life. This decision echoes throughout Geralt’s story, carrying over into The Witcher 3 via the “simulate Witcher 2 save” mechanic for new players on platforms like PlayStation 4 and beyond.
Consequences of Killing Aryan
Upon choosing to kill Aryan during the siege, Geralt severs any future potential interaction with him. This choice initiates a chain of events that notably alters the interactions in the questline “Broken Flowers” within The Witcher 3. Below are the key consequences:
- Broken Flowers Questline: During the quest, Geralt arrives at the Vegelbud Estate for a horse race tournament. Here, Mary Louisa La Valette, Aryan’s mother, immediately recognizes Geralt and labels him her son’s murderer. This recognition causes her to refuse participation in the event, an interaction which dramatically colors the ensuing dialogue and quest progression.
- Molly’s Status: Later in the narrative, Geralt discovers that Molly, initially a housemaid, has ascended to nobility as Lady l’Attard. This turn of events was influenced by Aryan’s nephew, who met and fell in love with Molly during his visit to the Estate. This subplot enriches the world-building and delivers a poignant look at the interconnected fates of minor characters influenced by Geralt’s earlier decisions.
Consequences of Sparing Aryan
If Geralt decides to spare Aryan’s life, a different set of events unfolds, significantly affecting the storyline and character dynamics:
- Reunion in the Dungeons: Aryan later reappears in the dungeons of La Valette, where he aids Geralt in escaping. This assistance forms a subtle bond of camaraderie and mutual respect between the two, influencing Geralt’s decisions and actions within the dungeons.
- Further Interaction: Aryan crosses paths with Geralt once again in Loc Muinne. This recurring interaction enriches the narrative, providing deeper insight into Aryan’s character and motivations while enhancing the complexity of Geralt’s story.
- Altered Meeting with Mary Louisa: In The Witcher 3, if Aryan is spared, Mary Louisa gladly meets Geralt during the horse race at the Vegelbud Estate. Her demeanor is cordial, and she directs Geralt to Molly, who remains a housemaid. This change in character dynamics offers a more amicable and less tension-filled interaction, contrasting starkly with the scenario where Aryan is killed.
Weighing the Decision
Determining whether to kill or spare Aryan reveals much about the game’s intricate morality system and its impact on the narrative. CD Projekt RED masterfully crafts these divergent paths, providing players with substantial replay value and diverse narrative experiences. Each choice carries weight, not only altering immediate events but also shaping the world in lasting, meaningful ways:
| Action | Immediate Consequences | Long-Term Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Kill Aryan | Aryan is dead; Geralt faces hostility from Mary Louisa La Valette | Molly becomes Lady l’Attard; Mary Louisa refuses to participate in the race |
| Spare Aryan | Aryan aids Geralt in his escape; Aryan reappears in Loc Muinne | Mary Louisa is amicable at the race; Molly remains a housemaid |
Narrative Depth and Player Agency
The fate of Commander Aryan la Valette serves as a poignant example of how player choices can dynamically shape the story within the Witcher series. The careful consideration players must apply to their decisions highlights the depth and complexity of the game’s narrative structure. By integrating these choices and their consequences into the larger fabric of the game world, CD Projekt RED ensures that each player’s journey is uniquely their own.
Broader Implications
Aryan’s fate also immerses players deeper into the political intrigue and interpersonal dramas of the world. This decision echoes beyond individual relationships, touching upon broader themes of loyalty, honor, and the ramifications of one’s actions in times of war. The repercussions of Aryan’s fate exemplify the series’ commitment to portraying a world where choices matter, and where the player’s moral compass can steer the course of history, both personal and political.
Conclusion
The decision surrounding Aryan la Valette is far from a simple binary choice within The Witcher series. It encapsulates the essence of the game’s immersive storytelling and moral complexity. By providing players with the power to shape their world, CD Projekt RED has crafted a narrative experience that is both rich and deeply personal. Whether one chooses to kill or spare Aryan, the resulting consequences reflect the game’s intricate design and dedication to meaningful player agency, leaving a lasting impact on Geralt’s journey and the world around him.
