Blood Ties

Hunting for Hrodeberth

The wails of a well-to-do woman clad in fine clothing can be heard as you explore the main Nilfgaardian Army Camp in the very southeast of Velen. Her dwarf consort can do little but comfort her, but she perks up when you approach. She pleads with you to find her son, a soldier who served in the Nazairi cavalry. You may speak to her as you wish, ending the chat with an offer to help.

Head south, along the main rutted tracks towards the tents and Notice Board, and enter the grandest structure, bearing the sun insignia of the Emhyr. Inside, speak to the initially dismissive quartermaster, and tell him of the mission you’re on. He isn’t about to give up the whereabouts of this soldier just yet. You can:

• (100 Crowns) Bribe the officer, which initially seems to be a terrible idea, until your fast-talking convinces Eggebracht to spill the beans.
• (Axii Level 2) Flummox the quartermaster’s brain into giving up the whereabouts of the soldier.
• If you previously completed Contract: Patrol Gone Missing, and received a reward from the quartermaster, you may receive this information without need of bribery or magic.

Harried, Hounded, and Hung

The situation seems grim. Most of the soldiers from the Nazairi cavalry where caught by the quartermaster’s men and hung in the swamp northwest of here. Begin your search there—in the area between Nilarius’ Farm (to the southeast) and Kimbolt Way (the road to the northwest). When the going gets soggy, beware of ghouls (you should slay at least four), and start using your Witcher Senses to find the following:

• Tracks showing the cavalry members fled into the swamp.
• Dog tracks, showing they were pursued.
• The remains of foes half-sunk into the mire; an easy target for an arbalist.
• Corpses in the swamp and hung, but with black hair. Not the red-headed man you seek.

Finally, there is the grim sight of a red-headed man swinging from a makeshift gallows. Don’t forget to look up to examine the corpse! Then peer around the ground below the swaying corpse; there is a letter to Hrodeberth’s mother on the ground.

End: Died or Deserted: A Mother’s Grief

Head back to the noblewoman, and inform her of her son’s passing, using the letter as evidence. She asks how he died, and you can say he died in battle, or deserted. The latter produces a curt response, but the letter proves your point. Either way, you receive a reward, and she receives closure.