The Cycle of Love quest in The Blood of Dawnwalker culminates in a confrontation with the formidable boss Xanthe within the eerie confines of Howling Keep. This quest becomes available once Xanthe's anger towards the player reaches its maximum level, often achieved by disrupting her research and defeating her blood guards. A soldier named Leonard provides a crucial lantern, granting access to Xanthe's lair, which is located west of Tantari Woods.
Navigating Howling Keep
Howling Keep features a central puzzle mechanic revolving around Xanthe's Lanterns. Placing these lanterns in the hands of desiccated humanoid statues throughout the fortress removes corrupted growths that obstruct pathways. The keep's main hall contains one statue on the ground floor and two on the upper level, requiring strategic use of the lanterns to progress.
The Painted Door and Iasmina
Upon entering the second-floor hallway, players will encounter Iasmina, a character who is fearful of a Painted Door at the hallway's end. Two statues block the path, necessitating two lanterns to proceed. One lantern is located in Iasmina's room. After acquiring it, players must return to the main hall's staircase and place the lantern in the first available statue to clear the initial obstruction. Returning to the second-floor hallway allows players to retrieve the lantern from Iasmina's room, which can then be used elsewhere.
Gathering Legendaries and Manuals
With at least two lanterns, players can access additional rooms. Placing a lantern in a statue in a room off the main staircase reveals a Cycle of Ruin Manual and a letter hinting at another vrakhiri in Svartrau City. Further progression involves accessing rooms on the opposite side of the main hall by placing a lantern. These rooms yield valuable items, including the Recipe for Venom Claws Ampoule, Recipe for Potent Aetheric Attunement, and the legendary amulet, the Relic of St. Dassius.
The Yard and Kennels
After gathering these resources, players must ensure they still possess both lanterns. One lantern should be placed on the ground floor statue, granting access to the yard where spectral enemies must be defeated. A subsequent building in the yard contains a recipe and a key to the kennels. Using the kennel key unlocks a path back to the main hall. Removing the lantern from the ground floor statue after clearing the area will trigger the appearance of more hostiles.
The Xanthe Boss Fight
Equipped with three lanterns, players can now confront Xanthe. The Painted Door on the second floor can be opened by placing lanterns in the available statues, leading to an encounter with Chariklea, who is revealed to be Xanthe's daughter. This interaction triggers Xanthe's attack.
Xanthe employs a variety of witchcraft and demonic spells during the fight. Her abilities include Wicked Tendrils, Boiling Blood, Life Leech, Life Orbs, and Blood Rush. Players can counter Wicked Tendrils by blocking and directional input. Destroying the Life Orbs quickly is essential to prevent Xanthe from regenerating health. Dodging Boiling Blood and Blood Rush attacks is also advised.
Xanthe's Fate and Rewards
Upon defeating Xanthe, players are presented with a choice: spare her life in exchange for her aid in the finale against Greifberg Castle, or drain her blood. Sparing Xanthe allows her soul to be invited later in Anachora. Draining her blood yields the Blood Surge ability, which causes targets to explode but consumes three Activation Charges. Regardless of the choice, players receive the Corrupted Pendant, a legendary amulet offering vampiric bonuses and damage against mortals, and potentially the Potent Aetheric Attunement consumable.
Finally, players must decide Chariklea's fate, choosing whether to end her suffering or spare her life. The quest concludes with these decisions and the rewards obtained from the battle.