First Favor: The Harlot’s Pimpernel

Ride south until the calm forests become more windswept, and the pine trees a little more ragged. In the large Morskogen valley (where the magical cataclysm took place), attack any white wolves you wish, then gallop to the objective area where pimpernel is said to grow, and inspect the bush the ingredient grows on. It seems it was picked recently.

Someone else is in the undergrowth—a druid also sent here by Gremist. In fact, a multitude of apprentices have attempted to find this flower, but all have returned unsuccessfully, and unwilling to explain what they found. Recently, one druid failed to return at all. You agree to search the vicinity with this druid tracker. Use your Witcher Senses:

• You uncover some hoof marks in the undergrowth. Head southeast.
• The marks become a trail leading up-slope, to the south. They are bipedal, so not from a horse.

A number of footprints (some fresh, others faded); they all lead up the slope roughly southeast. Follow them.

There is sound of torture ahead. No wait, it’s the sounds of tickling. A young druid named Ramund is giggling with a succubus (now you know why the apprentices were reluctant to explain what they experienced). The tracker druid is most perturbed, and claims Ramund has had an addling spell cast upon him. He readies his staff for combat. You can:

• Agree with the druid (that the succubus needs to die) and she will defend herself.

This is a tricky fight. The succubus is a powerful creature that uses magic, and the terrain is not condusive to dodging. Be mindful of her spells and get in close when you can to deliver blows. Slay the succubus and witness a very disturbed Ramund curse you and storm off, with the druid you helped thanking you before he chases the perturbed apprentice.

You can detect the succubus’ scent easily once she is dead. Use your Witcher Senses to follow it, eventually finding a cave. Enter the cave and find that the succubus has been collecting flowers for a while. Maybe she wasn’t so bad after all? Regardless, using your Witcher Senses you can identify and pick the pimpernel.

Or, you can side with the succubus, explaining that she’s mostly harmless. The fuming druid storms off, muttering something about returning with reinforcements. Ramund is sent off to pick flowers.

The succubus is surprised you sided with her (especially since she has no intention of coupling with you). Tell her there’s another way she can repay you. Follow her along the path, then into her nearby cave lair. It is adorned with bellflowers, kingcups, violets, and most helpfully of all—pimpernels. Use your Witcher Senses if you need to, locate the pimpernel and pick it. The first favor concludes.