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With the Griffin slain, it’s time to wrap upThe Witcher 3’sprologue and find Yennefer. Geralt’s lover of yore and the focus of his search kindly cut this short by picking him up from the Inn right as he finishes off some local drunks.
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While it might appear that the hard part is over, it has only just begun, and it includes an audience with the Emperor of Nilfgaard himself, Emhyr var Emreis. Royal encounters are difficult for Geralt, especially considering what he went through in the second game. If you are trying to master Nilfgaardian etiquette or find out what happens if you ignore it, this guide will help you.
Starting The Imperial Audience
This quest starts in the aftermath ofThe Beast of White Orchardand the incredibly short questThe Incident at White Orchard.Having narrowly escaped an ambush from the Wild Hunt and arriving at the royal palace at Vizima, Geralt is being treated with a bath.
His pleasant distraction is cut short by the arrival of the Chamberlain who begins preparing the witcher for meeting the Emperor, starting with a shave. A high-ranking Nilfgaardian, Voorhis, will enter shortly after toquestion Geralt.
The beard will grow back, immersively andover time,if you think that Geralt looks better with it.
If you have chosen tosimulate a Witcher 2 save,Voorhis willquestion Geralt extensivelyabout the events of the second game, allowing you to adjust some aspects of the world,affecting some characters.We have covered what each decision entails in its own guide, below.
Related:The Witcher 3: Should You Simulate A Witcher 2 Save?
Choosing Your Outfit
With the questioning completed, Geralt is shepherded away to get dressed. As pleasing as his chiseled body may be, the Emperor might not appreciate the view. The Chamberlain will have you choose fromthree outfits.
You cansell the clothes later, if you do not mind lugging the weight around. There is no penalty fortaking all three to sell for some coinon the side.
There isno difference between the threeon a gameplay level. Theyoffer no protectionin battle and should be discarded as soon as possible. Pick the set you like the most and equip it to continue.
Bowing To The Emperor
The Chamberlain has a final thing to ensure before Geralt is sent to the Emperor; ensuring that he can bow. He provides you with a demonstration thatyou will need to match.Once that is accomplished, he leads Geralt to the throne room.
To bow, select the option that has Geralt put hisleft leg forward, and right hand on his chest.
You will have to choose if you will bow to the Emperor when you arrive. Choosing to bow will have the Emperor make asnide, if otherwise harmless remark.Refusing to do so willupset the Chamberlain.Given that he will bepunished on Geralt’s behalf,his anger would be understandable.
Regardless of your choice, Emhyr will explain to Geralt that Ciri has returned and the witcher will be paid to find her before the Wild Hunt does. This sets up the overarching objective that willguide you through the rest of the game.
With the meeting concluded, it is time to have a conversation with Yennefer.
Meeting Yennefer
The Chamberlain will bring Geralt to the sorceress' office, waiting outside until the witcher is done.
You canhelp yourself to the food and booksat the Palace. It’s free money, after all.
Yennefer talks more about the task at hand, sharing what she has learned about Ciri and the stakes at hand. Having taken advantage of Nilfgaard’s assets, she has identifiedthree leads for Geralt to pursue.
Velen
Visit the swamp to search for the spy, Hendrick, at the town of Heatherton in the questThe Nilfgaardian Connection.
Novigrad
Meet with Triss at Novigrad, an independent city caught in the middle of the war in the questThe Pyres of Novigrad.
Skellige
Yennefer will meet you there while investigating a magical explosion in Skellige in the questDestination: Skellige.
She also suggeststalking to ambassador var Attre in the next room.As a diplomat, he is well-equipped to give Geralt aprimer on the political situation of each area. While optional, it provides valuable context from a Nilfgaardian perspective on each region’s local issues.
A chest containingPatch 4.0’s new equipmentcan be found in Yennefer’s office.
Finally, with the objective set and leads gained, Geralt can begin his search for his long-lost daughter. Return to the Chamberlain toreclaim your equipmentand take thefast travel pointout to your first destination to end the quest.
While not a requirement, it is advisable to focus your efforts on searching Velen first. The game is balanced with the expectation that you will start there.
Next:The Witcher 3: Complete Guide And Walkthrough
