Changes: Of Monsters and Men

Latest revision as of 14:56, 23 June 2015

"Of Monsters and Men"

Details
Chapter(s)	1
Location(s)	Outskirts
Source	Chapter I / arrival in the outskirts
Reward	up to 500 + up to 4000 XP
Related	Buried Memories Strangers in the Night The Secret Garden The Salamander's Tail The Heat of the Day Frozen Reflections
ID	q1001_thebeast

Of Monsters and Men is the first major quest following the Prologue (essentially, the game's tutorial). It spans the entirety of Chapter I and introduces several major characters.

Walkthrough[ | ]

Spoiler warning: Significant plot details follow.

As Chapter I opens, we see a woman (Caroline) accompanied by a child (Alvin) walking through the outskirts of Vizima in the dark. They seem hurried and Alvin is tired, but Caroline will not relent - they must reach their destination. Dogs gather, seemingly hungry...

Caroline soon realizes that these are no ordinary dogs, and orders Alvin to run as fast as his feet will carry him - the Country Inn is near. Alvin barely reaches the palisade surrounding the inn, but Caroline is not so lucky - the guards close the gate, leaving her to the barghests.

Geralt has just witnessed Alvin's dramatic entrance and the barghest attack. He quickly dispatches the hounds, but the disturbances are not over yet...

Note: While killing the barghests, it is easy to accidentally attack the guards. While not catastrophic, this is best avoided - but even should it occur, Geralt/guard relations will return to normal after the battle.

Killing mercenaries (as opposed to militia or guards) seems to result in Geralt being pursued by a headhunter. This headhunter is apparently quite a tough opponent.

Just when things seem to be calming down, Alvin's body glows, levitates and delivers a prophecy in an otherworldly growl. After this, the healer Shani may briefly mention Salamandra and the Reverend to Geralt. She looks after Alvin for the time being, hoping to find a local woman who'll take the orphan boy in.

Through the Reverend, Geralt will gain access to other influential residents of the Outskirts; it will also be the Reverend who divulges the existence of the nearest Salamandra hideout. So Geralt must complete several tasks, first placing lights at five local shrines of the Eternal Flame. This must be done at night; the Reverend believes this will stop the barghest attacks.

Geralt should seek out Abigail, the local witch. He finds that she has taken in young Alvin (whom both he and Abigail suspect is a source). Here Alvin will again prophesy, under the influence of a certain tea - but for this tea Geralt must bring Abigail five petals, either purchased from a Viziman herbalist or gathered via Herbalism and proper study.

Near the end of this quest, Geralt is faced with a major moral dilemma. Should he help Abigail, or leave her to the Reverend and his rabid followers? Either choice will have lasting repercussions.

Geralt fights the Beast within an impenetrable circle of fire, endless barghests joining the fight until it is defeated. Then the villagers set upon him, led by the Reverend.

After the fighting, Geralt retrieves a pass and returns to Shani.

Notes[ | ]

Alternatively, one of the nameless old women wandering the outskirts can teach Geralt to recognize white myrtle in exchange for some food, if you ask her to teach you about local herbs.
All side quests and anything else that needs doing which require speaking to any NPCs must be completed before Waiting for a Solution. Basically, do not speak to the Reverend about where the beast comes from until you are ready to finish this chapter and move on to the next. After that, you can only finish this quest and further a couple of quests which span more than this chapter.
Leaving Abigail to be lynched results in a different healer appearing in Murky Waters in Chapter IV, and a different conversation with her in Frozen Reflections. It also impacts The Heat of the Day.
Making sure that you develop your skill with Aard is very helpful and it is possible to knockdown the Beast.
If you sided with Vesemir in Defending Kaer Morhen, you should be able to have a three red meteorite sword made, which is a very powerful damage-dealing sword.

Gallery[ | ]

Phases[ | ]

The Beasts Beyond the Gate[ | ]

I must kill the creatures that attacked the woman and child before they slaughter everyone inside the palisade. I must kill the beasts that attacked the woman and child. (500 XP)

The Good Shepherd[ | ]

When the Beast attacked, the boy was terrified. He went into a magical trance and uttered a prophecy. It seems the Outskirts have mysteries of their own. To fathom them, apparently I should see the Reverend. I must see the Reverend if I want to solve the mysteries of the Outskirts.

The Holy Flame[ | ]

The Reverend asked me to slay the Beast. He believes that the Holy Flame should be lit in all the chapels around the village. I doubt that will help, but I've decided to do it, as a favor for him. I must visit the five chapels at night and light a flame in each. I must visit the five chapels of the Eternal Fire at night and light a flame in each.

The Dying of the Light[ | ]

I lit the fires in the chapels but, as I expected, that didn't do any good. I should tell the Reverend he was mistaken. Lighting the fires did not drive the barghests away. I should inform the Reverend.

The Witch[ | ]

I lit the fires in the chapels but that didn't help. The Reverend wants me to learn where the Beast came from. The local witch is his chief suspect. I should call on her. I should visit the witch. (100 + 500 XP)

The Witch's Innocence[ | ]

The witch claims she had nothing to do with the appearance of the Beast, denying the Reverend's charge. The witch says she is innocent.

Alvin's Prophecy[ | ]

It is possible to skip this phase, Geralt will receive Berengar's notes later in that case.

Alvin's prophecy is clear. The Beast was born of human wickedness and evil. It will continue to haunt the Outskirts as long as those who have wronged others remain unpunished. Prophecies be what they may, Abigail decided to help me in case I need to face the Beast sword in hand. She gave me Berengar's notes, which may help me defeat the monster. It's time to report what I've learned to the Reverend. I must see the Reverend, tell him what I've learned about the beast.

White Myrtle Petals[ | ]

The witch Abigail claims she can learn more about the Beast if she can encourage Alvin's prophetic abilities by having him drink a magical potion. I need to bring her five measures of white myrtle petals. I must bring the witch five white myrtle petals.

Myrtle Gathered[ | ]

I have the myrtle and should take it to Abigail. I should see the witch again.

Brewing[ | ]

I brought the witch white myrtle petals. She needs some time to prepare the concoction. I should look around for other work. The witch promised to brew the potion. I should return in a while.

Waiting for a Solution[ | ]

The Reverend promised to deal with the Beast. It's time I did what I need to do and dealt with Salamandra... It's time I dealt with Salamandra. There are some things I need to do... (200 + 500 XP)

The Witch is Cornered[ | ]

I found the witch inside this cave where she's hiding from a mob of villagers who are out to lynch her. Apparently, she knew of the villagers' crimes but did nothing about them. I must go outside and pass judgment. I must face the mob of villagers outside and pass judgment.

The Beast is Dead[ | ]

Killed the beast, let the reverend lynch Abigail:

I passed judgment and killed the Beast. It was a hard fight. There's nothing keeping me here now. I must see the Reverend and get a letter of safe conduct that will get me inside Vizima. I need a letter of safe conduct from the Reverend to enter Vizima. (300 + 2000 XP + Berengar's notes on the Beast if you did not get them from Abigail earlier) or

Killed the beast and saved Abigail:

I passed judgment and killed the Beast. It was a hard fight. There's nothing keeping me here now. I must see the Reverend and get a letter of safe conduct that will get me inside Vizima. I need a letter of safe conduct from the Reverend to enter Vizima. (2000 XP + Berengar's notes on the Beast if you did not get them from Abigail earlier)

Gratitude[ | ]

Abigail thanked me for saving her. It's time I was on my way. I should go to the inn and get Shani as we agreed. I must go to the inn and get Shani. (2500 XP)

Significant plot details end here.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Infoboxquest
-{{Quest|
-QuestName=Of Monsters and Men|
+| Name=Of Monsters and Men
+| Image=Cutscene Abi saved 1.png
-Chapter=1|
+| Chapter=1
-Location=[[Outskirts]]|
+| Location=[[Outskirts]]
-Given by=Act I / arrival in the outskirts|
+| Given by=Chapter I / arrival in the outskirts
-Reward=up to 500 {{oren}} + up to 4000 [[XP]]|
+| Reward=up to 500 {{oren}} + up to 4000 [[XP]]
-Related=[[Buried Memories]]<br>[[Strangers in the Night]]<br>[[The Secret Garden]]<br>[[The Heat of the Day]]<br>[[Frozen Reflections]]|
+| Related=[[Buried Memories]]<br>[[Strangers in the Night]]<br>[[The Secret Garden]]<br>[[The Salamander's Tail]]<br>[[The Heat of the Day]]<br>[[Frozen Reflections]]
-ID=q1001_thebeast
+| ID=q1001_thebeast
 }}
-<imagemap>
-Image:Primary quests.png|32px
-default [[Primary Quests|Primary quest]]
-desc none
-</imagemap>
+[[File:Primary quests.png|32px|link=The Witcher primary quests|Primary quest]]
-'''Of Monsters and Men''' is the first [[Primary Quests|major quest]] [[Geralt]] undertakes after the Prologue (which was essentially a game tutorial). It spans the entirety of Act I and introduces several major characters.
+'''Of Monsters and Men''' is the first [[The Witcher primary quests|major]] quest following the Prologue (essentially, the game's tutorial). It spans the entirety of Chapter I and introduces several major characters.
 == Walkthrough ==
 {{spoiler}}
-[[Image:Alvin_Prophesying.png|300px|right|Alvin prophesying]]
+[[File:Alvin Prophesying.png|320px|right|Alvin prophesying]]
-[[Image:Places_Eternal_Fire_shrine.png|300px|right|one of the 5 shrines in town]]
+[[File:Places Eternal Fire shrine.png|320px|right|one of the 5 shrines in town]]
-As Act I of the game opens, we see a woman, [[Caroline]], accompanied by a child, [[Alvin]], walking through the [[outskirts]] of [[Vizima]] in the dark. They seem to be in a hurry and Alvin is tired, but Caroline will not relent, they ''must'' reach their destination. Suddenly, they come upon some dogs seemingly intent on eating something ... but what is it?
+As Chapter I opens, we see a woman ([[Caroline]]) accompanied by a child ([[Alvin]]) walking through the [[outskirts]] of [[Vizima]] in the dark. They seem hurried and Alvin is tired, but Caroline will not relent - they ''must'' reach their destination. Dogs gather, seemingly hungry...
-Caroline soon realizes that these are no ordinary dogs, and orders Alvin to run as fast as his feet will carry him to the country [[Inn]] which is now within reach. Alvin barely reaches the relative safety of the palisade surrounding the Inn, but Caroline is not so lucky as the guards close the gate leaving her to the [[barghest]]s.
+Caroline soon realizes that these are no ordinary dogs, and orders Alvin to run as fast as his feet will carry him - the [[Outskirts Inn|Country Inn]] is near. Alvin barely reaches the palisade surrounding the inn, but Caroline is not so lucky - the guards close the gate, leaving her to the [[barghest]]s.
-Meanwhile, [[Geralt]] has arrived just in time to witness Alvin's dramatic entrance and the barghest attack. He quickly dispatches the hounds, but the strange happenings are not over yet.
+[[Geralt]] has just witnessed Alvin's dramatic entrance and the barghest attack. He quickly dispatches the hounds, but the disturbances are not over yet...
-:'''''Note''''': while killing the barghests, it is very easy to accidentally click on the guards and turn them from allies into extra enemies. While this is not catastrophic, it is much easier not to do so, but should you do so, once the battle is over, Geralt-guard relations will go back to normal.
+:'''''Note''''': While killing the barghests, it is easy to accidentally attack the guards. While not catastrophic, this is best avoided - but even should it occur, Geralt/guard relations will return to normal after the battle.
+*Killing mercenaries (as opposed to militia or guards) seems to result in Geralt being pursued by a headhunter. This headhunter is apparently quite a tough opponent.
+Just when things seem to be calming down, Alvin's body glows, levitates and delivers a [[Ithlinne's Prophecy|prophecy]] in an otherworldly growl. After this, the healer [[Shani]] may briefly mention [[Salamandra]] and the [[Reverend (Outskirts)|Reverend]] to Geralt. She looks after Alvin for the time being, hoping to find a local woman who'll take the orphan boy in.
-:Killing mercenaries (as opposed to militia or guards) seems to result in Geralt being pursued by a headhunter. This headhunter is apparently quite a tough opponent.
+Through the Reverend, Geralt will gain access to other influential residents of the Outskirts; it will also be the Reverend who divulges the existence of the nearest Salamandra [[Salamandra hideout in the outskirts|hideout]]. So Geralt must complete several tasks, first placing lights at five local shrines of the [[Eternal Fire shrine|Eternal Flame]]. This must be done at night; the Reverend believes this will stop the barghest attacks.
-Just when things seem to be calming down, Alvin begins to prophesy and this will not be the last of his prophesies. It is at this point that [[Shani]], who is also passing through on her way to [[Vizima]] arrives on the scene. She tells Geralt about [[Salamandra]] and also about the [[Reverend]].  She takes Alvin under her wing, and promises to try to find a local woman to take him in.
+Geralt should seek out Abigail, the local witch. He finds that she has taken in young Alvin (whom both he and Abigail suspect is a [[source]]). Here Alvin will again prophesy, under the influence of a certain tea - but for this tea Geralt must bring Abigail five [[White myrtle petals|petals]], either purchased from a Viziman [[Outskirts Inn#Amenities|herbalist]] or gathered via [[Herbalism]] and proper [[Field Plants|study]].
-It is through the Reverend that Geralt will meet most of the people he meets in the outskirts. It is also the Reverend who ultimately divulges the location of the [[Salamandra hideout in the outskirts|Salamandra hideout]]. So it is the Reverend that Geralt must please through a variety of tasks, most notably carrying the fire to the five [[Eternal Fire shrine|shrines of the Eternal Flame]]. This lighting of the shrines can only be done during the night.  The Reverend believes this will stop the barghest attacks. If it fails to do so, Geralt must talk to the Reverend again, even if it means waking him from sleep.
+Near the end of this quest, Geralt is faced with a major moral dilemma. Should he help Abigail, or leave her to the Reverend and his rabid followers? Either choice will have lasting repercussions.
-During the night Geralt will likely have cause to seek out Abigail the local witch.  He finds young Alvin has been taken in by Abigail. It is at Abigail's that Alvin utters his second prophesy while under the influence of a tea brewed using [[white myrtle petals]].  But in order for this to happen, at the request of Abigail the petals for this must be gathered by Geralt from nearby bushes or bought from [[Inn#Amenities|a merchant at the Inn]]. In order to recognise the mrytle plant, Geralt must buy an expensive (200) book from Abigail, a guide to the field plants that grow in the area. Geralt must ''also'' have acquired the Intelligence /  Herbalism ability.  Without both the book ''and'' the Herbalism skill, Geralt cannot recognise the bushes, and must resort to buying the petals from a Merchant at the Inn.
+Geralt fights the Beast within an impenetrable circle of fire, endless barghests joining the fight until it is defeated. Then the villagers set upon him, led by the Reverend.
-Over the course of the Act, Alvin will pass from Shani's care to [[Abigail]]'s, briefly to the [[Reverend]] and finally to more sinister guardians.
+After the fighting, Geralt retrieves a [[letter of safe conduct|pass]] and returns to [[Shani]].
-At the very end of this quest, Geralt is faced with the first of his major moral dilemmas. Should he help Abigail, or leave her to the Reverend and his rabid followers? This decision will have lasting repercussions either way.
 == Notes ==
+* Alternatively, one of the nameless old women wandering the outskirts can teach Geralt to recognize white myrtle in exchange for some food, if you ask her to teach you about local herbs.
-* All side quests and anything else that needs doing which requires speaking to any NPCs must be completed ''before''  [[#Waiting for a Solution|Waiting for a Solution]]. Basically, do not speak to the Reverend about where the beast comes from until you are ready to finish this act and move on to the next. After that, you can only finish this quest and further a couple of quests which span more than this act.
+* All side quests and anything else that needs doing which require speaking to any NPCs must be completed ''before'' [[#Waiting for a Solution|Waiting for a Solution]]. Basically, do not speak to the Reverend about where the beast comes from until you are ready to finish this chapter and move on to the next. After that, you can only finish this quest and further a couple of quests which span more than this chapter.
-* Leaving Abigail to be lynched results in a different healer appearing in [[Murky Waters]] in Act IV, and a different conversation with her in [[Frozen Reflections]]. It also impacts [[The Heat of the Day]].
+* Leaving Abigail to be lynched results in a different healer appearing in [[Murky Waters]] in Chapter IV, and a different conversation with her in [[Frozen Reflections]]. It also impacts [[The Heat of the Day]].
+* Making sure that you develop your skill with [[Aard (character development)|Aard]] is very helpful and it is possible to knockdown the Beast.
+* If you sided with Vesemir in [[Defending Kaer Morhen]], you should be able to have a three red [[Meteorite swords#Three Red Meteorite sword|meteorite sword]] made, which is a very powerful damage-dealing sword.
 == Gallery ==
-:{|border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" align="center"
+:{|border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin:auto;"
 |-valign="bottom"
-| [[Image:People_Alvin_full.png|57px|Alvin]] || [[Image:People_Shani_full.png|65px|Shani]] || [[Image:People_Reverend_full.png|84px|the Reverend]] ||[[Image:People_Abigail_full.png|64px|Abigail]]
+| [[File:People Alvin full.png|57px|Alvin]] || [[File:People Shani full.png|65px|Shani]] || [[File:People Reverend full.png|84px|the Reverend]] ||[[File:People Abigail full.png|64px|Abigail]]
 |}
@@ Line 58: / Line 60: @@
 === The Holy Flame ===
-[[Image:Quest Items Holy flame.png|Holy flame]] [[Image:Quest Items Holy flame.png|Holy flame]] [[Image:Quest Items Holy flame.png|Holy flame]] [[Image:Quest Items Holy flame.png|Holy flame]] [[Image:Quest Items Holy flame.png|Holy flame]]
+[[File:Quest Items Holy flame.png|Holy flame]] [[File:Quest Items Holy flame.png|Holy flame]] [[File:Quest Items Holy flame.png|Holy flame]] [[File:Quest Items Holy flame.png|Holy flame]] [[File:Quest Items Holy flame.png|Holy flame]]
 The [[Reverend]] asked me to slay the Beast. He believes that the Holy Flame should be lit in all the chapels around the village. I doubt that will help, but I've decided to do it, as a favor for him. I must visit the five chapels at night and light a flame in each. ''I must visit the five chapels of the Eternal Fire at night and light a flame in each''.
@@ Line 70: / Line 72: @@
 === The Witch's Innocence ===
 The witch claims she had nothing to do with the appearance of the Beast, denying the Reverend's charge. ''The witch says she is innocent''.
+=== Alvin's Prophecy ===
+* ''<font color=violet>It is possible to skip this phase, Geralt will receive Berengar's notes later in that case.</font>''
+Alvin's prophecy is clear. The Beast was born of human wickedness and evil. It will continue to haunt the [[Outskirts]] as long as those who have wronged others remain unpunished. Prophecies be what they may, Abigail decided to help me in case I need to face the Beast sword in hand. She gave me [[Berengar]]'s notes, which may help me defeat the monster. It's time to report what I've learned to the Reverend. ''I must see the Reverend, tell him what I've learned about the beast.''
 === White Myrtle Petals ===
-[[Image:Substances_White_myrtle_petals.png|32px|White myrtle petals]] [[Image:Substances_White_myrtle_petals.png|32px|White myrtle petals]] [[Image:Substances_White_myrtle_petals.png|32px|White myrtle petals]] [[Image:Substances_White_myrtle_petals.png|32px|White myrtle petals]] [[Image:Substances_White_myrtle_petals.png|32px|White myrtle petals]]
+[[File:Substances White myrtle petals.png|32px|White myrtle petals]] [[File:Substances White myrtle petals.png|32px|White myrtle petals]] [[File:Substances White myrtle petals.png|32px|White myrtle petals]] [[File:Substances White myrtle petals.png|32px|White myrtle petals]] [[File:Substances White myrtle petals.png|32px|White myrtle petals]]
 The witch [[Abigail]] claims she can learn more about the Beast if she can encourage [[Alvin]]'s prophetic abilities by having him drink a magical potion. I need to bring her five measures of white myrtle petals. ''I must bring the witch five white myrtle petals.''
@@ Line 81: / Line 87: @@
 === Brewing ===
 I brought the witch white myrtle petals. She needs some time to prepare the concoction. I should look around for other work. ''The witch promised to brew the potion. I should return in a while.''
-=== Alvin's Prophecy ===
-* ''It is possible to skip this phase, Geralt will receive Berengar's notes later in that case.''
-Alvin's prophecy is clear. The Beast was born of human wickedness and evil. It will continue to haunt the [[Outskirts]] as long as those who have wronged others remain unpunished. Prophecies be what they may, Abigail decided to help me in case I need to face the Beast sword in hand. She gave me [[Berengar]]'s notes, which may help me defeat the monster. It's time to report what I've learned to the Reverend. ''I must see the Reverend, tell him what I've learned about the beast.''
 === Waiting for a Solution ===
@@ Line 93: / Line 95: @@
 === The Beast is Dead ===
-[[Image:The_Beast_dead.png|right|the Beast, dead]]
+[[File:The Beast dead.png|right|the Beast, dead]]
 {|
 |-
 | width=30 |
+| '''<font color=violet>Killed the beast, let the reverend lynch Abigail</font>''':
-| '''Killed the beast, let the reverend lynch Abigail''': I passed judgment and killed the Beast. It was a hard fight. There's nothing keeping me here now. I must see the Reverend and get a [[letter of safe conduct]] that will get me inside [[Vizima]]. (300 {{oren}} + 2000 XP + [[Berengar's notes on the Beast]] ''if you did not get them from Abigail earlier'') '''or'''
+I passed judgment and killed the Beast. It was a hard fight. There's nothing keeping me here now. I must see the Reverend and get a [[letter of safe conduct]] that will get me inside [[Vizima]]. ''I need a letter of safe conduct from the Reverend to enter Vizima.'' (300 {{oren}} + 2000 XP + [[Berengar's notes on the Beast]] ''if you did not get them from Abigail earlier'') '''<font color=violet>or</font>'''
 |-
 | width=30 |
+| '''<font color=violet>Killed the beast and saved Abigail</font>''':
-| '''Killed the beast, let the reverend lynch Abigail''': I passed judgment and killed the Beast. It was a hard fight. There's nothing keeping me here now. I must see the Reverend and get a [[letter of safe conduct]] that will get me inside [[Vizima]]. (2000 XP + [[Berengar's notes on the Beast]] ''if you did not get them from Abigail earlier'') '''or'''
-|-
+I passed judgment and killed the Beast. It was a hard fight. There's nothing keeping me here now. I must see the Reverend and get a [[letter of safe conduct]] that will get me inside [[Vizima]]. ''I need a letter of safe conduct from the Reverend to enter Vizima.'' (2000 XP + [[Berengar's notes on the Beast]] ''if you did not get them from Abigail earlier'')
-| width=30 |
-| '''Killed the beast and saved Abigail''': I passed judgment and killed the Beast. It was a hard fight. There's nothing keeping me here now. I must see the Reverend and get a [[letter of safe conduct]] that will get me inside [[Vizima]].
 === Gratitude ===
 Abigail thanked me for saving her. It's time I was on my way. I should go to the inn and get [[Shani]] as we agreed. ''I must go to the inn and get Shani.'' (2500 XP)
 |}
 {{endspoiler}}
+[[Category:The Witcher Chapter I]]
 [[Category:The Witcher quests]]
-[[Category:The Witcher Act I]]
-[[cs:Lidé a nestvůry]]
 [[de:Von Monstren und Menschen]]
-[[es:De monstruos y hombres]]
+[[el:Of Monsters and Men]]
 [[fr:Des monstres et des hommes]]
-[[hu:A szörnyröl és emberröl]]
 [[it:Mostri e uomini]]
 [[pl:Ludzie i potwory]]
-[[ru:О людях и чудовищах]]