In “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” players embark on numerous adventures as Geralt of Rivia, each offering unique narratives and challenges. One such engaging side quest in the White Orchard area is “Twisted Firestarter,” also known as “Playing with Fire.” This quest not only presents an opportunity to gather experience and gold but also introduces players to elements like moral choices and consequences, enriching the immersive storytelling of the game.
Quest Overview
“Twisted Firestarter” is a secondary quest that players encounter early on in White Orchard. The mission arises after a dwarf blacksmith named Willis reports that his forge has been burned to the ground. Given the racial tensions and prejudices evident in the town, Willis suspects foul play. He requests Geralt’s help to identify and bring the arsonist to justice.
Initiating the Quest
To begin the quest, players may either read the notice board in White Orchard or speak directly to Willis, whose forge lies in ruins towards the far end of town near the Woesong Bridge. This introductory mission provides an ideal opportunity to familiarize yourself with The Witcher 3’s investigation mechanics while exploring the social dynamics of its world.
Investigating the Crime Scene
After accepting the quest, Geralt’s task is to investigate the site of the arson using his Witcher senses. By scanning the area behind the burned-out forge, players can identify a set of human footprints. These marks indicate where an individual might have thrown a torch to ignite the blaze. Following the trail leads Geralt through an orchard and to the edge of a nearby river.
Tracking the Arsonist
Continuance of the trail investigation takes Geralt across a stone bridge where it seems the suspect sought to cover their tracks by entering the water. However, the arsonist’s luck runs out with the arrival of drowners — aquatic monsters in the Witcher universe — forcing him to flee, leaving further evidence of his identity behind.
- Optional Combat: Players may encounter a group of drowners here during nighttime, adding a combat element to the quest. This encounter is avoidable during daylight hours.
The Arsonist’s Hideout
By following the blood trail left by the injured arsonist, Geralt is led back into the village, eventually arriving at a house to the left. Inside, players will find a man without boots nursing an injured hand, confirming him as the culprit. The man, known as Napp, poses the player with a moral decision: accept a bribe or turn him over to Willis.
Dialogue Choices and Consequences
This encounter allows players to choose between two dialogue outcomes, each with its own consequences:
- “No chance. You’re coming with me.”
- If this option is chosen, Napp must be subdued either through a fistfight or using Axii, a mind control sign. Using Axii grants Geralt an additional 25 experience points.
- Players then escort Napp back to Willis, who calls for Nilfgaardian soldiers. These guards deliver harsh, swift justice upon Napp, presumably leading to his execution.
- Willis rewards Geralt with 20 crowns and promises discounted services at his forge.
- “Fine – but no more arson.”
- If Geralt accepts the bribe, he receives 20 crowns from Napp, but foregoes additional experience points and discounts at Willis’ shop.
Quest Outcomes
Choosing to turn in the arsonist impacts the game world by inciting the ire of the townspeople against Willis due to the hanging of one of their own. Despite his role in bringing the arsonist to justice, Willis’ relationship with the townsfolk deteriorates, casting a shadow over his presence in the community.
However, even if players opt for the bribe and let Napp escape justice, the narrative in White Orchard remains largely unchanged, reflecting the frequent moral ambiguity in The Witcher series. Ultimately, the decision influences the player’s character development more than the overarching plot.
Rewards and Benefits
| Outcome | Rewards | Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Turn in the arsonist | 75 experience points, 20 crowns, shop discount at Willis’ forge | Willis becomes an outsider among the townspeople. |
| Accept the bribe | 20 crowns | No additional experience points or shop discount. |
Strategic Considerations
This quest underscores the importance of strategizing Geralt’s moral compass early in the game. The decisions made here set a precedent for future encounters, influencing personal playstyle preferences and engagement with NPCs. While accepting the bribe might seem lucrative in the short term, aiding Willis provides a stronger foundation for acquiring gear and strengthens player-NPC relationships.
For newcomers, “Twisted Firestarter” is an excellent tutorial for The Witcher 3’s complex narrative style where choice impacts story and world reactions. It is advisable to complete this quest before pursuing the main story mission “Lilac and Gooseberries,” or players risk missing the resolution entirely.
Conclusion
“The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” masterfully combines RPG elements with rich storytelling, and “Twisted Firestarter” exemplifies this with a unique blend of crime-solving and ethical dilemmas. Whether players choose justice or indulgence, the quest encourages thoughtful exploration of Geralt’s principles and sets the stage for future, more complex quests in the game. As one delves deeper into the Witcher’s world, the consequences of decisions like those in “Twisted Firestarter” ripple through the narrative, reminding players that in a world filled with monsters, human choices are often among the hardest to make.
