In The Blood of Dawnwalker, player actions within Vale Sangora directly influence their standing with the local vampire boyars, a system represented by Infamy, also known as Notoriety. Successfully disrupting the operations of these vampire lords increases your Infamy, leading to escalating challenges and new Edicts imposed by the ruling Knyaz, Brencis. This guide details how to manage your Infamy and navigate the consequences.
The Vampire Court in The Blood of Dawnwalker is structured around Knyaz Brencis and his three lieutenants: Ambrus, Bakir, and Xanthe. Each boyar oversees distinct operations. Ambrus, situated in northern Vale Sangora, manages blood tithes and transportation. Bakir, in the southwest, is responsible for distilleries that mix blood with alcohol and operates pillories for punishing the populace. Xanthe, meanwhile, conducts esoteric research and abducts young women for her experiments.
These court activities are primarily initiated through the Journal after discovering clues and can be tracked via the Journal. Most activities require three Time Segments to complete, necessitating strategic planning, especially if multiple actions are planned consecutively. Specific activities become available only after certain quest milestones:
- Ambrus: The Prisoner Processing Camp in Stoneward Post requires freeing prisoners, a task tied to quests like 'The Firebrand' or 'Under Watchful Eyes.'
- Bakir: Uriash Village requires either allying with or destroying the village, a part of the 'Song of the Mountain' quest.
- Xanthe: The Gargoyle Manufacture activity, involving escaping an astrologer's trap, is linked to the 'Home Sweet Home' quest.
Each completed activity contributes to your Infamy. As Infamy levels rise, Brencis enacts Edicts that hinder player progress. These are presented daily via cutscenes. The Edicts escalate progressively:
- Level 1: Increased patrols in settlements.
- Level 2: Military checkpoints appear across the valley.
- Level 3: Prices for goods increase.
- Level 4: Soldiers on roads increase, and commanders begin to recognize Coen.
- Level 5: Fewer NPCs are present outdoors from dusk to dawn.
- Level 6: More military checkpoints and further price hikes.
- Level 7: Headhunters appear, and all soldiers recognize Coen.
- Level 8: Soldiers become stronger, intensifying combat.
- Level 9: Svartrau City gates are sealed, restricting access.
These Infamy Edicts function similarly to a wanted level in other games, but with permanent consequences. The increased difficulty from Edict Level 8 and the access restrictions of Level 9, particularly for Svartrau City, demand strategic navigation. Players might need to climb walls or find alternate entry points to bypass sealed gates. It is often recommended to focus on exploration and non-court-related quests for the initial hours of the game, as this mitigates the impact of early Edicts. Completing side content early can make the Infamy system less disruptive.
Beyond the Edicts, high Infamy or maxing out a specific boyar's anger level triggers further events. At Notorious tier (Infamy Level 4), the 'Where Loyalty Lies' quest progresses, allowing players to meet and potentially join the Manumits. A messenger will also deliver a letter to Anca, revealing components needed for the legendary Arbiter armor set. When a vampire lord's anger is maximized, a quest to confront and defeat them becomes available. Reaching the maximum Infamy level prompts a parley with Brencis, who may offer a deal involving the freedom of your family in exchange for betraying the Manumits.
Specialized quests are unlocked based on which boyar's operations are most disrupted: 'Ambrus: The Gilded Gauntlet,' 'Bakir: The Lunar Game,' and 'Xanthe: The Cycle of Love.' Information on facing these bosses and acquiring legendary weapons and armor is available in separate guides.