The 'In the Eternal Fire's Shadow' quest, a notable addition from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's next-gen update, tasks players with assisting an Eternal Fire Deacon in a desolate mine known as The Devil's Pit. Successfully completing this quest not only offers a glimpse into the lore but also rewards players with the diagrams for the Forgotten Wolf School armor, an ensemble inspired by Geralt's appearance in the Netflix series.
Starting the Quest
To embark on 'In the Eternal Fire's Shadow,' players must travel to The Devil's Pit, located in the central Velen region, southwest of Oxenfurt. Upon arrival, speak with the Eternal Fire Deacon and pledge your assistance.
Once inside The Devil's Pit, clear out any hostile deserters before proceeding into the caves. The entrance to the subterranean area is marked by double doors bearing peculiar white symbols on the northwest side.
Exploring the Caves and Gathering Clues
The caves are rich with loot, and it is advisable to collect as much as possible before freeing the captive figure at the bottom, as the area becomes inaccessible after the quest concludes. Within the caves, players can uncover clues about the events that transpired, including the presence of corpses, Witcher symbols, and five notes left by an individual named Reinald. Utilizing Keira Metz's magic lamp, if previously acquired, can reveal spectral apparitions and provide additional narrative context. Thorough investigation unlocks further dialogue options and a helpful potion recipe for the subsequent boss encounter.
When presented with diverging paths, players should consider defying the mysterious voice emanating from the pit. If directed to turn right, choosing the left path will yield more crucial information. The most significant clues are located at an alchemy station, where Reinald's testament can be read, and within a reddish shack in a large chamber inhabited by the ghosts of plague victims. Here, players can find the recipe and ingredients necessary to craft Reinald's Philter.
With sufficient clues gathered, players will have the option to consult Geralt's bestiary for details on the Red Miasmal and to craft Reinald's Philter. This potion, found in the alchemy menu under 'quests,' is designed to aid in the upcoming boss battle.
Confronting Reinald and the Red Miasmal
Upon reaching the quest's climax, players will encounter Reinald, a figure trapped within stalagmites. The Aard sign is effective in freeing him. However, Reinald is soon revealed to be possessed by the Red Miasmal. To gain an advantage in the ensuing fight, players are advised to apply specter oil to their weapons, utilize the Yrden and Aard signs to trap and expel the specter, and consume Reinald's Philter. It is crucial to note that Reinald will ask for the potion; consuming it yourself is recommended to make the battle more manageable.
The boss battle unfolds in two phases. The first involves fighting Possessed Reinald, whose Quen shield must be broken before dealing damage. Using Yrden to trap the specter and then Aard to expel it is an effective strategy. The second phase requires confronting the Red Miasmal in its non-corporeal form. Be prepared for its teleportation abilities, its summoning of minions, and a potent ranged attack that necessitates timely dodges.
Quest Outcomes and Rewards
Following the battle, Reinald will ask Geralt to retrieve the priest. Players have the option to comply or refuse.
- Agreeing to retrieve the priest: Reinald and the priest meet at the bottom of The Devil's Pit. The priest's survival hinges on subsequent dialogue choices.
- Refusing to retrieve the priest: After a brief argument, Reinald accepts Geralt's decision, and Geralt disposes of Reinald's body. The priest does not encounter Reinald.
If the priest is not brought to Reinald, Geralt encounters the priest outside. Players can choose to reveal the truth of what happened in The Devil's Pit or state that the details are inconsequential. Regardless of this choice, the priest is unlikely to believe Geralt's account.
When the priest is brought to Reinald, two distinct outcomes are possible. The favorable outcome sees the priest survive, abandon the Eternal Fire, and establish a hospital, leading to Reinald's ghost finding peace. Conversely, the negative outcome results in Reinald murdering the priest, with The Devil's Pit subsequently becoming overrun by ghouls.
To achieve the good outcome, it is essential to advocate for the priest during dialogue. Saying "Boy's innocent" and "Don't need a church to do good, priest" are key phrases. Optional lines such as "Found a priest who sacrificed his life" and "What would you do, Reinald?" also contribute positively. To guarantee the bad outcome, players should express criticism towards the priest with lines like "Reinald's right" and "Crimes like these can't be forgiven."
Regardless of the chosen ending, completion of 'In the Eternal Fire's Shadow' rewards players with all Forgotten Wolven armor and weapon diagrams. These can be crafted by undertaking the 'Scavenger Hunt: Forgotten Wolf School Gear Diagrams' treasure hunt.
