The Witcher 3: Alternate Outcome - Geralt Saves the Ofieri Mage!

The Witcher 3: Alternate Outcome - Geralt Saves the Ofieri Mage!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. First Detail: Consequences of sparing the life of the Ofieri Mage
   • 2.1 The fight with the Ofieri mage
   • 2.2 Killing vs sparing the Ofieri mage
   • 2.3 Running away from the fight
   • 2.4 Returning after two weeks
3. Second Detail: The pig wrangling contest at the wedding with Shani
   • 3.1 The pig herding challenge
   • 3.2 Cheating with Axii
   • 3.3 Lambert's connection to the pig herding contest
4. Third Detail: The easily missed mini Quest in Hearts of Stone
   • 4.1 The heist quest and the encounter with the Morsoty brother
   • 4.2 The bonus quest triggered by passing by a certain location
   • 4.3 Investigating the wounded boar
   • 4.4 The note from Otto Bamber and the victim's fate
5. Conclusion

The Hidden Details in The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone Expansion

In the vast open world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the Hearts of Stone expansion offers players a rich and immersive experience. While playing through this DLC, I stumbled upon three incredible details that added depth and intrigue to the game. In this article, I will Delve into these Hidden Gems and shed light on their significance. From the consequences of sparing the life of the Ofieri mage to a unique connection to Lambert, and an easily missed mini quest, Hearts of Stone has so much to offer.

1. First Detail: Consequences of sparing the life of the Ofieri mage

The Journey in Hearts of Stone takes players on a thrilling adventure, filled with challenging boss fights. One of these encounters is with the Ofieri mage who captures Geralt in the Oxenfurt sewers. In this first detail, we explore the consequences of sparing the life of this powerful mage. Typically, in The Witcher 3, running away from boss fights is not an option. However, in this unique Scenario, players have the choice to flee the battle, leaving the mage and his companions alive.

1.1 The fight with the Ofieri mage

The fight with the Ofieri mage is no easy task. He is a formidable opponent, but with careful strategy, players can overcome the challenge. After crashing their ship on the beach outside Novigrad, Geralt is forced into a confrontation with the mage and his allies. It is during this fight that the choice to spare his life arises.

1.2 Killing vs sparing the Ofieri mage

Opting to kill the Ofieri mage is the more conventional choice, but sparing his life unveils an intriguing outcome. If players decide to run away from the fight instead of engaging in combat, they can Continue on their journey without bloodshed. This is a rare opportunity in The Witcher 3, as main quest boss fights usually lock players into the confrontation, allowing no escape.

1.3 Running away from the fight

Should players choose to flee from the battle with the Ofieri mage, they can return to the location immediately after and find him and his allies waiting on the beach. Interestingly, they will not attack Geralt upon his return. Instead, they have set up an entire encampment near the shipwreck, complete with a tent, a fire, and food. The Ofieri mage is found meditating peacefully on the side.

1.4 Returning after two weeks

The unique aspect of this situation becomes apparent if players decide to stay away for two in-game weeks before returning to the location. Upon their return, they will discover that the Ofieri have expanded their Camp, establishing an entire encampment. The mage's meditation has not softened their stance towards Geralt, and they will still attack him if he gets too close. Exploring the camp will also reveal a chest to loot, and an interesting connection with another character in the game.

2. Second Detail: The pig wrangling contest at the wedding with Shani

Within the Hearts of Stone expansion lies the opportunity for Geralt to attend a wedding with Shani, a character players encounter during the main game. At this wedding, an amusing contest takes place – the pig wrangling contest. In this second detail, we explore the outcomes and a surprising connection to another Witcher.

2.1 The pig herding challenge

The pig herding contest at the wedding proves to be an entertaining diversion from the main storyline. As guests challenge Geralt to round up pigs, the outcome of the challenge presents two main options. Players can choose to herd the pigs using traditional methods, or they can resort to using Axii, a mind-controlling sign, to cheat their way to victory.

2.2 Cheating with Axii

For those inclined to take shortcuts, using Axii on the pigs offers an alternate path to success. However, this decision has its consequences. If players choose to cheat and use Axii, insults hurled at the peasants after completing the challenge will Elicit a story from one of the wedding guests. This story involves a Witcher who controlled minds in a similar manner, and the tale references Lambert, one of Geralt's fellow Witcher companions.

2.3 Lambert's connection to the pig herding contest

The mention of Lambert's misadventure involving mind control adds depth to the pig herding contest. Lambert, known for his often reckless and impulsive behavior, is remembered for a time when he forced a peasant to hang himself using Axii. This incident took place during a quest at Caremorin, and Lambert can regale players with the story if they Inquire about it.

3. Third Detail: The easily missed mini quest in Hearts of Stone

As players progress through Hearts of Stone, there is an easily missed mini quest hidden within one of the main objectives. This detail is contingent upon players arriving at a specific location at the right time, as they may inadvertently miss the quest if they fast travel or deviate from the intended path.

3.1 The heist quest and the encounter with the Morsoty brother

The heist quest introduces players to a plot involving the Morsoty brothers. Shortly after being kicked out of the auction house, players encounter one of the brothers outside. He discusses the heist plan and invites Geralt to meet him at an herbalist hut near Oxenfurt.

3.2 The bonus quest triggered by passing by a certain location

In order to access the mini quest, players must stumble upon an encounter while traveling along a specific path, leading east of Oxenfurt. This encounter occurs after the meeting with the Morsoty brother and before reaching the next objective. The trigger for this bonus quest is merely passing by a certain spot.

3.3 Investigating the wounded boar

The encounter begins with a cutscene where Geralt is attacked by a wounded boar. After defeating the boar, players can examine its injuries. Although there are no official quest objectives for this mini quest, using Witcher senses reveals a set of tracks that lead further into the woods, enticing players to investigate.

3.4 The note from Otto Bamber and the victim's fate

As players follow the tracks, they eventually stumble upon a field where they discover the boar's most recent victim. This unfortunate victim had fallen prey to the vicious boar Mentioned in a note left by Otto Bamber, the herbalist they are supposed to meet. The note suggests the victim should obtain a boar tusk to treat an embarrassing disease. It becomes evident that the victim's attempts to do so did not end well.

In conclusion, the Hearts of Stone expansion in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers players an array of hidden details that enhance the gameplay experience. From the consequences of sparing the life of the Ofieri mage to the surprising connection to Lambert and the easily missed mini quest, these details add depth to an already immersive world. Journey through the dark and thrilling adventures of Geralt of Rivia, and uncover these hidden gems that lie within Hearts of Stone.

Highlights

• Consequences of sparing the life of the Ofieri mage: Explore the unique outcome of sparing the Ofieri mage's life in the Oxenfurt sewers and the subsequent establishment of an encampment.
• The pig wrangling contest at the wedding: Discover the amusing contest at Shani's wedding and the option to cheat using Axii, with a surprising connection to Lambert.
• The easily missed mini quest: Uncover a hidden mini quest triggered by passing a certain location, involving a wounded boar and a note from an herbalist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are the consequences of sparing the Ofieri mage significant to the overall storyline?
A: While the consequences may not have a direct impact on the main storyline, they add depth and immersion to the world of The Witcher 3.

Q: Can the pig wrangling contest result in different outcomes?
A: Yes, the contest can have different outcomes depending on whether players choose to herd the pigs traditionally, cheat with Axii, or abandon the challenge altogether.

Q: Is the mini quest in Hearts of Stone crucial to the main storyline?
A: The mini quest is not directly tied to the main storyline but offers additional exploration and lore within the expansion.