“The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” presents players with a richly detailed world full of quests that mix action, choice, and character development. One such quest, “The Last Trial,” stands out as a memorable journey through Kaer Morhen, blending humor, combat, and moral decisions. This quest involves the witchers Geralt and Lambert working together to charge a phylactery, encountering challenges along the way, including a delightful interaction with some rock trolls. This article will delve into the detailed progression of this quest and the choices players face, particularly emphasizing the importance of the decision to leave or keep swords with the trolls.
The Quest Begins: Gathering the Witchers
The adventure kicks off after Geralt returns to Kaer Morhen in the quest titled “Ugly Baby.” After being assigned the rather complex task of charging a phylactery with elemental energy by Yennefer, the responsibility falls on Lambert. Given Yennefer is not Lambert’s favorite person, he predictably channels his frustration into brewing some homemade alcohol rather than taking on the metaphysical task at hand. This reluctance to work adds a layer of humor and camaraderie to the beginning of this quest, setting the tone for their ensuing journey.
Heading Down to the Lake
In the main hall of Kaer Morhen, Geralt encounters Lambert, who has been rather unproductive regarding the phylactery task. After a brief discussion, where Lambert humorously deflects with alcohol brewing, they set off towards the Circle of Elements. Their path begins with heading towards a lake, a route obstructed due to a rock slide, leaving them no choice but to retrace steps similar to their Trial of the Medallion from their training as witchers. This segment of the quest mirrors their early days of witcher training, providing both nostalgia and a physical challenge.
Confrontation with Harpies
As they make their way towards the lake, the duo encounters a flock of harpies. This sudden aerial assault provides an engaging combat sequence where players can showcase their ability to fight agile and airborne enemies. Depending on the player’s combat performance, Lambert may even begrudgingly offer a rare compliment, contributing to his character development and dynamic with Geralt.
Locating Lambert’s Boat
Upon reaching the lake’s edge, Lambert’s boat is conspicuously absent from the dock. Geralt employs his detective skills to deduce that the boat has likely been displaced by strong winds. Using Witcher Senses, players can track its location, discovering it ensnared in lakeside vegetation and under the protection of aquatic monsters like Drowned Dead and a Bilge Hag. Overcoming these foes leads to a scene where both Geralt and Lambert sail across the lake, further cementing their bond through shared adversity and banter.
Investigating the Kid and Facing Foglets
Once across the lake, the pair’s exploration of a cave is interrupted by the sound of a child’s scream. At this point, players must decide to investigate the source of the cry or follow Lambert’s suggestion to ignore it, suspecting a trap. Choosing to investigate confirms Lambert’s cynical hunch as the child is revealed to be an illusion set by foglets, leading to a battle with these ghastly necrophages. Opting to bypass this doesn’t change the overall quest, yet it adds a layer of narrative depth and interactivity.
The Encounter with Old Speartip
The cave within which the trial takes place harbors Old Speartip, a hulking cyclops guarding a path forward. Players face another choice — bypass the giant by climbing ledges or deliberately engage him in combat. For those who enjoy battle, slaying Old Speartip requires strategic use of Witcher combat signs and oils, such as Quen and Ogroid Oil. Successfully dispatching this foe pleases Lambert, offering a cathartic conclusion to this particular leg of the journey.
Meeting the Trolls: A Choice of Weapons
Emerging from the cave, Geralt and Lambert find themselves facing the final challenge — three rock trolls guarding the path to the Circle of Elements. This encounter tests players’ diplomatic skills, as Lambert’s impulsive nature adds tension to the negotiation process. Players can choose to surrender their swords to appease the trolls or engage them in combat. Each choice brings distinct outcomes and reflections on how Geralt perceives and treats sentient creatures within the Witcher universe.
- If players choose to relinquish their swords, they illustrate Geralt’s capacity to coexist peacefully with non-hostile monsters. This decision primarily serves as a moral litmus test rather than having any immediate gameplay consequence, as the trolls do not betray Geralt and Lambert.
- Conversely, engaging the trolls in battle becomes an endurance test against opponents with high resilience and slow but heavy attacks. Players with familiarity from previous troll encounters in Skellige might find this approach tedious yet familiar.
Charging the Phylactery
Having successfully navigated the challenges and reached the Circle of Elements, the final task is straightforward: charge the phylactery. Geralt must light the four braziers surrounding the altar and place the phylactery atop it. This segment serves as a narrative culmination of the efforts that led them here, symbolizing a successful fulfillment of Yennefer’s task.
A Return or Further Exploration
With the phylactery charged, players have the option to either return to Kaer Morhen alongside Lambert or remain to explore the surrounding area. Deciding to explore provides opportunities to uncover additional treasures such as those hidden within the trolls’ cave or securing a fast travel point at the Ruined Watchtower — choices that benefit resourceful players seeking to maximize their exploration rewards.
The rich tapestry of experiences within “The Last Trial” quest is reflective of the broader thematic depth in “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.” This blending of combat, camaraderie, and choice provides a holistic engagement that enhances character relationships and the narrative journey. Whether players opt for combat-centered decisions or opt for nuanced diplomacy with the trolls, each path enriches the storytelling tapestry of Geralt’s adventures, with each choice contributing to his legacy as a witcher capable of navigating treacherous moral and physical landscapes.
