In The Blood of Dawnwalker, players have the opportunity to save Coen's mother, Esme, through a critical prologue quest titled 'Withering Away.' Esme, once a protective figure to her four children, has fallen into despair following a plague and the arrival of vampire boyars, leading to severe weakness and a refusal to eat. Her survival is not guaranteed and hinges on the player's successful completion of this quest.
Completing the 'Withering Away' Quest
The quest requires players to gather specific ingredients and instructions from the local herbalist, Anca, and then correctly prepare a medicinal brew. This entire process typically consumes two to three Time Segments within the game's Time Bar, making it crucial to manage your time effectively before the in-game day concludes.
Acquiring Ingredients from Anca
Anca can be found in the southeastern section of Laslea Glen, near a river. Players will need to engage in conversation with her and purchase the necessary items from her hut. The cost for these items is 50 denarii. When prompted about the urgency of the task, choosing the dialogue option "I really have to go" will cost one Time Segment, and Coen will depart with the items. Alternatively, selecting "Gladly. I’ve missed it too" incurs a cost of two Time Segments but allows for a brief moment where Coen and Anca bond, which may be relevant for players pursuing a romance with Anca.
Preparing the Correct Brew
Once the ingredients are obtained, the next step is to brew the potion, a process that consumes one Time Segment. Before re-entering Coen's home, players should consult the 'Instructions From Anca' found in their inventory. After a cutscene initiates the brewing process, Coen will begin preparing the stew. At this stage, players must select the dialogue option "use hot water," followed by "three scoops." Successfully feeding Esme this correctly prepared stew will administer the medicine.
Following this, players have the option to spar with Coen's father, which rewards the Charge Manual and 100 XP.
Esme's Fate
The outcome for Esme is directly tied to the player's success in the 'Withering Away' quest. If the objective is neglected or the brewing instructions are not followed precisely, Esme will remain critically ill. The vampire boyars will then discover her weakened state and kill her. However, if Esme successfully consumes the potion, she will survive the night, though she will remain weakened and a prisoner along with the rest of Coen's family. Therefore, the player's actions during this prologue directly determine whether Esme perishes or endures as a captive.