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When traveling through Velen duringThe Witcher 3’searly stages, you may come across a man tied up by a riverbank and threatened by a pack of hungry drowners. This man, John Verdun, takes center stage in a short quest, At The Mercy Of Strangers, if you choose to rescue him.
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You’ll have to choose between untying him or leaving him to his fate, defenseless and at the mercy of monsters. It’s a big decision, especially from his perspective, which is why this guide will help you find the quest and help you understand the longer-term consequences of that choice.
Where To Find At The Mercy Of Strangers
This questis not far from hanged Man’s Tree,where Geralt first enters Velen. Simplyhead east, through Mulbrydale,until you reach the coast. There, you’ll hear a manscreaming for his lifeand under drowner attack.
You will need toprotect him from the necrophages.Once they’ve been slain, Geralt will talk to the man. Considering that he’sbeen tied up and left for dead,it would behoove you to ensure that he’s an upstanding member of society.
The man introduces himself asJohn Verdun, a Temerian deserterthat had been tied up by the caravan he tried to escape with. With this information, you candecide if you want to set him free or leave him to die.
Youmust release Verdun to experience the second half of this quest.
Killing John Verdun Or Taking His Coin
Later on, you canfind him north of the Pontar,between theWidows' Grotto and Ursten Fast Travel points.He’s done well for himself and has come to lead a group of bloodthirsty bandits that havekilled several refugees.
Grateful for your help, he offerssome coin as a token of his gratitude,letting you choose betweentaking his coin or killing him instead.
He will give Geralt 50 crowns.While it’snot a small amount of money early in the game,it’s not much. You arelikely to earn morebykilling Verdun and his gangandselling their equipmentinstead.
Next:The Witcher 3: Complete Guide And Walkthrough
