In Mortal Shell 2, players will encounter Vlas, a troubled alchemist seeking aid in the Ruins of Mammon. Vlas has lost his beloved cat, Mutton, to bandits, initiating a questline that spans several in-game areas and culminates in a significant transformation.
Finding Vlas
To begin Vlas' quest, players must first locate him in his camp within the Ruins of Mammon. Starting from the Outskirts of Mammon beacon, head southeast and follow the cliffside path. After crossing rope bridges, an overturned wagon will reveal Vlas, injured and seeking help. Engaging with him and inspecting surrounding objects will reveal that his cat, Mutton, has been abducted, and Vlas implores the player to find the feline.
The Journey to Lonesome Spire
As the quest progresses, Vlas will receive a grim warning from the bandits: Mutton's tail. At this point, Vlas may become despondent, but the player's objective shifts to reaching the Lonesome Spire, an area situated near the Withered Shoals and the Corrupted Gate in the western part of Mammon. Progressing west from Vlas' initial location leads to the Deserted Slums, an area populated by Miner enemies and Coffin Beholders. Following the main path towards the Corrupted Gate will bring players to the Gate of Mammon beacon, with the Lonesome Spire located nearby.
Freeing Vlas and Mutton
Upon reaching the Lonesome Spire, players must ascend the tower. The ascent involves navigating past enemies, and caution is advised due to the confined spaces. At the tower's apex, a bandit market is revealed, complete with a vendor offering various goods. While the NPCs here are not hostile, any pursuing enemies will continue their attack. Once the area is cleared, Vlas and Mutton can be found within a large cage behind the bandit vendor. Players can converse with Vlas, and then acquire the necessary item to secure their freedom.
Before proceeding, it is recommended to purchase items from the brigand vendor, as they offer curative items, upgrade materials, and a Glimpse resource. It is also important to note that the vendor and other bandits may not be present later in the game.
The Unremarkable Key
To free Vlas and Mutton, players must obtain the Unremarkable Key. This key is located in a small nook accessible from the market area atop the tower. Destroying wooden boards will reveal a plinth upon which the Unremarkable Key rests.
After obtaining the key, players must speak with Vlas repeatedly to persuade him to escape, at which point the Unremarkable Key is handed over. Vlas will state his intention to slip away under the cover of night. Before leaving the area, it is crucial to purchase any remaining desired items from the brigand vendor, as they may not be available later.
To facilitate Vlas' escape, players must return to Thestus at the top of Marrow Keep and switch the game to Night Mode. Upon returning to the Lonesome Spire, Vlas will have escaped, seemingly having dealt with all the bandits in the vicinity.
Quest Conclusion
Following his escape, Vlas is no longer at the Lonesome Spire marketplace. He leaves behind a letter at his original camp in the Ruins of Mammon. Additionally, Vlas and Mutton can be found in Marrow Keep, near the throne area that houses the Slayer Seal, making the player's hub their new home.
While Vlas' quest does not yield significant material rewards, it offers the satisfaction of rescuing a distressed creature and gaining a new, albeit unusual, companion. Further guides for Mortal Shell 2 cover Shrine of Sorrows puzzle solutions, Gloom farming, and Black Marrow key locations.