Rescuing Mert during The Blood of Dawnwalker's "Under Watchful Eyes" quest can be a challenging endeavor, especially if you opt for the direct approach of eliminating every soldier within Stoneward Post. However, a more strategic and less combative path exists, primarily by utilizing nighttime and specific vampiric abilities to bypass many of the fort's defenders.
A Stealthier Approach
The conventional method involves confronting and defeating all soldiers within the fort, a process that can be time-consuming and difficult. A more efficient alternative involves a clandestine entry through a back door under the cover of darkness. This significantly reduces the number of enemies encountered.
Essential Upgrades
To execute this stealthier route effectively, two upgrades from the Vampirism skill tree are crucial: Shadow Dweller and Dimension Reach. Shadow Dweller enhances the range of Shadow Reach, while Dimension Reach reduces the stamina cost associated with Plane Walking. These abilities are key to bypassing fortified areas and reaching objectives unseen.
Step-by-Step Rescue
After initially speaking with Mert, the first step is to acquire the Prison Keyring. Return to Friedo's office and steal the keyring from the shelves. If you missed this opportunity earlier, you can revisit the fort to retrieve it. Wait until nightfall before proceeding. Approach the rear of the fort and use the stolen Prison Keyring to unlock the back door.
Once inside, utilize Shadow Step and Plane Walking to ascend to the battlements of the tower to your right. Navigate along the battlements until you are positioned directly above Friedo's office. From this vantage point, you can use a Voracious Bite ability to put Friedo to sleep, avoiding a direct confrontation. After neutralizing Friedo, you can access any valuable items in the chests within his office and proceed downstairs.
Next, use Voracious Bite again on the guard stationed by the prison cells to incapacitate them. With the immediate guards subdued, you can then unlock Mert's cell and free him. The final encounters involve a miniboss named Rayko the Incorruptible and three soldiers, along with a dog, located upstairs. It's possible to take out one of the soldiers outside the cells with a Voracious Bite before engaging the rest.
Quest Completion and Ending Conditions
After dealing with the remaining guards, exit the fort through the back door with Mert. He will express his gratitude and ask for a destination. Sending him to the Almshouse in Svartrau is a viable option. Be mindful of your own health; if your health is critically low, you may be forced to feed on Mert, which negates the success of your rescue. Furthermore, your actions in a previous quest, "The Firebrand," specifically regarding the soldiers at the mill, can influence the potential for a positive outcome for both Renna and Mert.
This stealth-oriented method not only preserves resources but also offers a more efficient resolution to the "Under Watchful Eyes" quest.
