Defeating Brencis's Boyars is a significant step towards progressing through The Blood of Dawnwalker. This guide outlines the strategies for taking down Ambrus and Bakir, two formidable opponents who serve in Brencis's court.
Defeating Ambrus
Ambrus, one of Brencis's three Boyars, can be encountered after progressively completing quests related to his operations in Vale Sangora, which will raise his anger level. Reaching maximum anger triggers "The Gilded Gauntlet" quest, directing the player to Maragir.
Upon arriving in Maragir, a servant named Erdene will request a meeting with Iulian Codrin, Ambrus's vassal. Iulian proposes a plan to weaken Ambrus by poisoning his blood before the duel. This involves following the "The Bittersweet Toast" quest, which leads to Vera, a poisoner. After finding Vera deceased, her ritual instructions can be used. This ritual requires daytime, the lighting of pillars with Astral Communion, battling enemies like the Fallen Witch, and ensuring Iulian consumes the prepared brew. This poisoned blood will weaken Ambrus's defenses during the duel.
Players can then choose to attend the duel on time. Ambrus will offer a toast and then Iulian's blood. If the poison plan was followed, Iulian's blood is poisoned; otherwise, a random unpoisoned individual will be offered. After Ambrus drinks the blood, he becomes ill, weakening him for the fight. Players should utilize learned combat skills, potentially leveling up the "Death from Above" ability for increased boss damage.
Once Ambrus is defeated, players have the choice to either kill him or drain his blood. Draining his blood can lead to a return to Anachora and a decision on whether to allow Ambrus into the player's mind. However, if Ambrus was poisoned, draining his blood will also poison the player, causing constant health depletion until managed, possibly by visiting a Shrine and leveling up skills. Killing Ambrus bypasses this consequence. Regardless of the choice, defeating Ambrus yields rewards including the "Song of Valour" shortsword and "Ambrus's Cuirass" legendary chestpiece. Burying Iulian's body after completing his plan costs a time token but offers no tangible benefit beyond a clear conscience. Defeating Ambrus removes his plaque from the Court tab, though his quests may remain active.
Defeating Bakir
Bakir, another of Brencis's Boyars, is known as the Mad Khan and is often encountered after dealing with Xanthe and Ambrus. His location is behind his cohort and a tournament. Successfully defeating him before facing Brencis is advisable, though a route exists where he can be spared.
To initiate the encounter with Bakir, players must first anger him by completing quests related to his operations, such as investigating his pillories or eliminating his headhunters. Raising his anger level in the Court tab of the menu will trigger "The Lunar Game" quest.
This quest often begins with a task to "Wait for the right opportunity." Destroying one of Bakir's stations at Lunar Manor may prompt the arrival of Farkas the Fox. Farkas, Bakir's scorned servant, offers assistance to take down his master and reveals Bakir's upcoming competition, The Lunar Tournament. Farkas will smuggle the player into the tournament, disguised as a competitor. It is revealed that the player cannot bring inventory or Vrakhiri powers into the maze portion of the tournament.
At the tournament, players can speak with other contestants before sundown. It is recommended to poison the drinks offered to the contestants. Speaking with The Marten, being honest about wanting to kill Bakir, can be beneficial. Bakir will then give a speech. Provoking Bakir into an immediate fight during his speech will result in a battle against his entire cohort and all other contestants, a significantly more difficult challenge. Remaining silent or cheering during the speech avoids this.
The tournament proceeds into a maze. While a defined path exists, exploring for loot is encouraged, as it can supplement the player's limited inventory. Players will face enemies like undead wolves and Murohn, and can optionally fight The Porcupine. After extensive combat, a puzzle will be presented with a riddle: "Silver coin shimmers on the right, Middle feels like a summer light, Left reeks of blood and fear, Choose wisely, and you will scream!" The correct choice to advance is the left option.
Further in the maze, a dying Marten may yield the Darkbane Amulet, a Master Amulet that enhances critical hit and damage against supernatural enemies. A Giant Bog Wurm must be fought to utilize it. Looting can also provide armor like the Nobleman's Black Bracers. If the drinks were poisoned earlier, The Cockroach will be found wounded and unable to fight. If not, an additional fight will ensue.
Using Vrakhiri skills within the maze can alert Bakir, leading to a fight against him and his cohort. If the player maintains stealth, they will reach the end of the maze. The Rat will be present, and Bakir will ask the player to retrieve a token from him. Agreeing leads to an invitation to a feast. Refusing to remove a sword and mask and speaking of dreams can lead Bakir to appreciate the player enough to take them to the Treasury, return their items, and allow for a potential attack. This route allows the player to acquire items like Sunlight's Boon without killing Bakir.
Alternatively, if the player provokes Bakir, they must fight the cohort and then Bakir. This immediate fight grants access to loot, including Vrakhiric Bracers, Bakir's Armour, and the Epic Amulet, Sunlight's Boon, which is described as the best outcome for obtaining armor and defense. After looting, players can choose how to handle Farkas's family heirloom ring – hide it, claim ignorance, or return it. Returning it may initiate "The Ring" quest.
Defeating Bakir removes his plaque from the Court tab, increasing Infamy. Farkas can later be found in Parlita, annoyed by Bakir's deception. Ultimately, taking down Bakir provides significant advantages and is crucial for the eventual confrontation with Brencis.