Players seeking to rescue Mert, a miller and cousin to a key character, in The Blood of Dawnwalker can follow the steps of The Firebrand quest. This questline, which begins early in the campaign, involves investigating a burned village and ultimately infiltrating a prison to secure Mert's freedom.
The Firebrand quest is initiated shortly after the Blood Mass event, typically upon investigating the ruined village of Laslea Glen. After encountering a guard's corpse, players will find a banner leading to a destroyed house formerly belonging to Vladimir, an individual with rebel connections. Inside, activating Focus Mode reveals clues, including a sack of silver arrowheads and a burnt letter that directs the player to a miller's home. It is advisable to undertake these objectives during the day to allow for more NPC interactions, though the guide notes that certain bugs encountered at night can inadvertently aid progression.
The Mill and Renna
Proceeding south from Laslea Glen along the main road will lead to the mill. Mert's wife, Renna, will be present if the player arrives during the day. She provides information about her cart and alerts the player to nearby guards, indicating Mert's imprisonment at Stoneward Post. If the player arrives at night, guards will be alerted. Players can attempt to lie about their identity, but it may escalate to combat. Regardless, the guards should be dealt with, and Renna questioned about Mert's whereabouts. Ensuring Renna is not harassed by guards is crucial.
Infiltrating Stoneward Post
The method of infiltration can vary. During the day, a more involved process requires speaking with multiple guards and NPCs. This dialogue culminates in an opportunity to speak with the overseer, whom the player can inform about Mert's potential illness. This interaction may lead to the Shadows in the Woods quest and initiates the time-sensitive Under Watchful Eyes quest, which demands Mert's rescue within a few days to prevent his death.
Alternatively, playing at night allows the use of Coen's vampiric abilities. By reaching the back of the Stoneward Post tower, players can utilize abilities like Shadowstep and Planeshift to ascend. Gingerly dropping down ledges to an opening allows for the targeting of the overseer with Voracious Bite, enabling a full blood drain and his death. This yields a key and potentially other items. Landing on the floor, however, can alert the overseer to combat. The guide notes that an accidental fall can quickly lead to Coen's defeat due to the overseer's strength.
Freeing Mert and Escaping
With the key obtained from the overseer, players can access the prison area. Crouching and using Focus Mode to approach the lone guard allows for a stealthy execution using Voracious Bite, yielding a Prison Keychain. Despite potential dialogue bugs where a dead guard can still be interacted with, players can eventually free Mert from his cell.
The escape from Stoneward Post presents a challenge due to high-level soldiers in interconnected areas. One method described involves returning to the overseer's room to confront a new NPC, Rayko the Incorruptible. After defeating him and acquiring loot, the player must fight two soldiers and a dog in the yard outside the tower. Instead of proceeding through other yards, the player can use the Prison Key on a metal gate near the tower, leading to a hidden backdoor exit. Mert can then be guided to this exit, completing both The Firebrand and Under Watchful Eyes quests. The guide suggests Mert and Renna seek sanctuary at the Svartrau City almshouse.
Shadows in the Woods and Beyond
This questline can also lead to the Shadows in the Woods quest. Players must go to a marked forest location to find a woman, Sara, tied to a tree. After dealing with the soldiers present, either through bribery or combat, Sara can be spoken to. Following her will lead to the rebel leaders, Crake and Drogos, unlocking the overarching Where Loyalty Lies quest, which requires reaching Notorious infamy.
Mert and Renna can be found in Svartrau City, within the almshouse located in the Cathedral Complex. They express their gratitude for the rescue. The Blood of Dawnwalker features other quests, such as Ocha: The Heart Wants What It Wants and Vicho: A Study In Crimson, that players may encounter during their adventures.