In “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” players are continually drawn into a rich narrative filled with intriguing characters, mysterious locations, and complex quests. One such quest is “A Tome Entombed,” a secondary mission that offers a unique exploration experience beneath the bustling city of Novigrad. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the quest, detailing how to initiate it, navigate the challenges, and understand its consequences.
How to Start “A Tome Entombed”
Embarking on the “A Tome Entombed” quest requires players to locate the resting place of a mysterious vampire in the sewers beneath Novigrad. For those unfamiliar with the area, the quest can be elusive. However, a structured approach will lead directly to the sarcophagus.
- Enter the Novigrad sewers through the Tretogor gate.
- Follow the bridge from the fast travel point, seeking an entrance along the city walls.
- Proceed down the tunnel until a staircase within a tower presents itself. If you’ve played the “A Dangerous Game” quest, this location will be familiar.
- Descend the staircase to its base, activating Witcher Senses to identify a breakable wall nearby. Destroy this barrier to unveil the cavern and commence the quest.
Encountering Professor Vairmont Jonne
Upon breaking through the wall, Geralt encounters Professor Vairmont Jonne, a scholar from the Faculty of Applied Archeology. Standing over a sarcophagus, the professor seeks Geralt’s assistance in opening it, claiming an elven manuscript called “The Da’Rah Manuscript” lies within.
The tale takes a turn as the pair unveils a dormant vampire instead of historical artifacts. The initial interaction reveals the vampire’s preference for solitude, as he rudely requests to be left alone to continue his slumber.
Making the Difficult Choice
The quest offers multiple decision points, fundamentally affecting its completion.
- Choosing to Walk Away: If Geralt decides not to disturb the vampire further, he can walk away, leaving the quest dormant in the journal. Not addressing the sarcophagus again will result in the quest remaining marked as incomplete.
- Assisting the Professor: Should Geralt choose to reopen the sarcophagus, the vampire, irritated by the intrusion, transforms into a katakan—a formidable adversary well-versed in stealth tactics.
Combatting the Katakan
The katakan emerges as a significant threat, capable of invisibility and executing rapid attacks. Effective strategies and preparation are essential to overcoming this opponent:
- Visibility Counters: Use Moon Dust bombs or fire-based explosives/signs to reveal the vampire and prevent it from hiding.
- Weakness Exploitation: Apply Vampire Oil on Geralt’s sword to increase damage, and drink Black Blood potion to make Geralt’s very blood a harmful substance for the vampire.
The combat encounter tests players’ mastery of tactical combat and potion utilization, serving as a reminder of the dangers lurking in the world of The Witcher 3.
Consequences and Loot
Once the katakan has been vanquished, a brief exchange with the professor follows. Professor Jonne remains unperturbed by the absence of the manuscript, dismissing the vampire’s role as an unfortunate obstacle rather than a scholarly antithesis.
Beyond completing the quest, players gain a modest monetary reward of 50 and have the opportunity to scour the area for additional loot. Notably, valuable items can be found atop the stairs positioned behind the coffin.
Quest Design and Observations
The “A Tome Entombed” quest showcases the storytelling prowess of “The Witcher 3” developers, intertwining lore with engaging gameplay. It’s a segment reflective of the larger game, where narrative elements consistently play a vital role in the player’s journey.
| Quest Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Region | Novigrad |
| Location | Novigrad Sewers |
| Suggested Level | 13 |
| Reward | 50 Crown |
| Enemies | Katakan (Vampire) |
Intriguingly, the quest raises several points regarding the arcade style of certain quests in “The Witcher 3.” The combination of exploration, decision-making, and combat encourages player engagement and reveals the meticulous design that makes each quest memorable.
Final Remarks
“A Tome Entombed” is emblematic of the depth of detail and creativity characteristic of “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.” From finding the vampire’s lair under Novigrad to making choices with lasting impact, the quest epitomizes the player’s power of agency within an immersive world.
Whether driven by the quest’s mystery or the adrenaline-fueled combat, players will find both challenge and reward in exploring Geralt’s encounters. Thus, “A Tome Entombed” remains a standout experience within an already iconic game, inviting adventurers deep into Novigrad’s cryptic underbelly.
