At The Auction: Do Your Bidding

When the auction begins, you take your seat with Vivaldi, who offers to loan you 100 crowns, at a “very favorable” rate of interest (one crown on ten when you pay him back). This is enough to purchase one, but not all three of the auction items. Then he asks if you’re prepared to bid. You can:

Tell him of course, and wait for the auction to begin.

Ask him to spot you “a couple hundred”; he responds with 100 crowns. Be sure to pay him back at his bank in Novigrad (at a 10 percent interest rate).

Tell him you’ll wait in the back. This skips the auction entirely, and doesn’t allow you to bid (or start the two smaller quests related to the items)! This isn’t recommended.

AUCTION #1: COUNT ROMILLY’S FIGURINE

First up is a brass figurine from the collection of the infamous Count Romilly. The rumored treasure inside can only be discovered by destroying the item itself. You can:

• Refrain from bidding.
• If you want it, you’ll need to bid 300 crowns for it (despite the item being worth only 150 crowns).

However, if this lands in your possession, you’re able to start Hearts of Stone Treasure Hunt: A Dark Legacy.

AUCTION #2: “STARRY NIGHT OVER THE PONTAR”

Second on the auction block is a charming piece by a young Novigrad artist named van Rogh. Bidding starts at only 20 crowns. You can:

• Refrain from bidding.
• Bid on it, after not previously mentioning its value to Vivaldi, and snap up the piece for its starting bid of 20 crowns. A veritable bargain!
• Bid on it, after mentioning its value to Vivaldi, who wants it for his own collection, bringing up the price you’ll pay to 60 crowns. Still, a reasonable sum!

If this painting is won, Hearts of Stone Secondary Quest: The Avid Collector continues.

AUCTION #3: THE PROFESSOR’S SPECTACLES

The final item is as rare as hens’ teeth—gold-framed spectacles with mountain crystal lenses polished by a gnome master! Once belonging to “the Professor,” you can:

• Refrain from bidding.
• Bid on it, getting into a bidding war with Yaromir, and eventually outbid the art collector at 350 crowns. Worthwhile? Possibly, as you can wear these, and add a rather esteemed aura to your visage; you look like a true professional!