In The Blood of Dawnwalker, "The Lunar Game" quest centers on Boyar Bakir and offers players a unique opportunity to confront him. This quest becomes available once Bakir's anger gauge is full, which can be achieved through sabotage missions. Upon completion, Farkas the jester will appear, proposing an alliance to defeat Bakir. The quest involves entering the Lunar Tournament, where player choices can influence outcomes, including a critical riddle that must be solved to proceed.
Initiating 'The Lunar Game'
To begin "The Lunar Game," players must first fill Bakir's anger gauge by engaging in sabotage missions, tracked via the court menu. Once the gauge is full, Farkas will approach, initiating the quest. The quest structure requires players to meet Farkas at Lunar Manor, interact with or sabotage other contestants, win the tournament by solving a riddle, and finally, confront Bakir. It is advised to use any available time segments for upgrading abilities, particularly sword mastery, as the tournament begins with basic equipment.
The tournament demands six time segments in total: three for preparation and three for the main event. Players have three time segments before the tournament begins to interact with the other four contestants. Options include forging alliances or sabotaging them, with each action consuming one segment.
Navigating Tournament Alliances and Sabotage
Players can choose to speak with other contestants or take a passive approach. Recommended interactions include speaking with the porcupine, who will agree not to fight the player during the tournament if a deal is struck. The marten may also offer assistance if the player expresses a desire to defeat Bakir, potentially yielding the Darkbane Amulet. For the cockroach, poisoning its liquor bottle is suggested, ensuring it will be incapacitated during the tournament. Attempts to ally with the cockroach or rat are unlikely to yield benefits.
Alternatively, players can choose to skip the tournament entirely by selecting the dialogue option, "Enough! I'm fed up with this nonsense." However, this path leads to fighting Bakir's henchmen while equipped with only rags and no consumables, making the subsequent fight against Bakir significantly more challenging.
Success in the Lunar Tournament
During the tournament, players are advised to loot all areas for blood vials to replenish health. It is crucial to avoid using vampirism abilities, as doing so multiple times will alert Bakir, leading to a fight against his henchmen before facing him. Players should also equip better gear found from defeated opponents.
Solving the Odd Riddle
A key challenge within the tournament is an "odd riddle" presented at a locked gate. Players must place their hand into one of three holes. The correct choice is the left hole, described as containing "blood and fear," which aligns with Bakir's nature. The other two holes, containing "summer light" and "silver coins," would harm a vampire. If uncertain, players can exit the dialogue and speak with Farkas, who will appear behind the gate to provide assistance.
Confronting Bakir
After clearing the maze, players must ensure they personally defeat the porcupine if an alliance was made, to avoid a confrontation with Bakir's men and ensure Bakir offers his reward. To face Bakir one-on-one, specific dialogue choices are required during the conversation preceding the final confrontation. These include asserting possession of the sword and mask, accepting or declining offers, and making bold statements about never dying.
Before initiating combat, players can question Bakir about his past. The fight concludes by selecting the dialogue option, "I just want to rip out yours…" Choosing a reward instead will result in Bakir surviving and the quest ending diplomatically. Bakir's signature unblockable blood whip attack requires players to dodge sideways to avoid damage.
The Aftermath and Rewards
Upon defeating Bakir, draining his blood allows for a final conversation where players can choose to invite him into Coen's head. This decision impacts the remainder of the game, with Bakir offering occasional commentary. Refusing the invitation results in Bakir remaining in Anachora. Completing "The Lunar Game" yields experience and a skill point. Players can also acquire Bakir's Armor, a legendary medium armor set, from his body. A subsequent quest, "The Ring," may become available to help Farkas find a family heirloom.