Vicho, an enigmatic vrakhir ally in The Blood of Dawnwalker, offers more than just valuable wares to protagonist Coen; he is central to a questline that provides a glimpse into the shadows surrounding the player character. Successfully completing Vicho's quest and ensuring his survival requires careful attention to dialogue and actions, as his story branches into several possible outcomes, including a tragic end.
Finding Vicho and Starting His Quest
Vicho operates an emporium of curios in the northern part of Svartrau. Players might first hear of him after rescuing a young man from guards during the 'Bakir's Pillories: Out of Love' quest, or through Lacra if her questline is being pursued. If you wish to locate his shop directly, wait until evening and explore the area between the Svartrau Cathedral and Altenmarkt. His emporium will have a note indicating he is out; players can use Shadowstep to reach the second-floor balcony, which initiates the quest 'A Study in Crimson.' Upon entering, players should examine the surroundings for clues before descending to speak with Vicho.
A Study in Crimson: Part One
Vicho will initially be suspicious, but specific dialogue choices can alleviate his concerns. Key options include "Please, I mean no harm!" or "Wait, Lacra sent me!" followed by confirming it is Coen seeking help. After this exchange, Vicho asks Coen to accompany him to the home of his murdered friends, Devora and Eli, located in the Jewish quarter of town. Inside their ravaged home, Coen should inspect the scene thoroughly, noting the chaos and the presence of a Jeweller's Key in Eli's hand, which unlocks a chest containing silver items. A 'Letter from Doctor Simeon' found in Devora's hand provides the next lead.
Players will then proceed to Doctor Simeon's residence. After entering discreetly, a thorough search of the house, particularly the medical equipment and notes, reveals a property deed for a local warehouse. At the warehouse, Coen must again use Shadowstep to access the upper floor. Inside, signs of disturbing experimentation are evident. Exploring further reveals 'Simeon's Key' and a 'Letter Found in the Warehouse' referencing a farm outside the city. The quest culminates in an encounter with Doctor Simeon himself, who has transformed into a vrakhir. Vicho reluctantly aids Coen in defeating him. Following the fight, specific dialogue choices are crucial for Vicho's emotional state, such as "He wanted this curse?" and "It does make sense." Completing this part of the quest rewards Coen with the Mercenary's Amulet and unlocks Vicho as a shopkeeper, offering legendary items like the Relic of St. Dasius and the Corrupted Ring.
The Good Samaritan
The narrative continues the next day with the 'The Good Samaritan' quest, which becomes available after visiting the Medic in central Svartrau. This quest tasks Coen with delivering medicine to a farm south of the city, the same one mentioned in Simeon's letter. Upon arrival at the farmhouse, clues suggest foul play. Following tracks leads to a body in a field, accompanied by wolves that must be defeated. Inspecting the body reveals 'A Warning' from Dr. Simeon, confirming Vicho's culpability in the deaths of Devora and Eli due to his bloodlust.
A Study in Crimson: Part Two and Vicho's Fate
With this revelation, 'A Study in Crimson' reopens, prompting Coen to confront Vicho at his emporium. To ensure Vicho's survival, specific dialogue choices are paramount. These include: "You don't remember?", "I'm sorry – but I think you're the killer, Vicho.", "What happened to you - it's terrible.", "Don't do it, Vicho.", "You can change.", "But you have me now.", "I'll provide you with blood.", "From blood transports.", and "I don't think you're a monster."
These choices prevent Vicho from succumbing to despair and choosing suicide. Successfully guiding him through this dialogue unlocks the 'Unquenchable Thirst' quest, a recurring objective for the remainder of the game, requiring regular delivery of blood vials to Vicho. This ensures his continued survival and avoids quest failure. As a reward for his salvation, Vicho bestows upon Coen 'Vicho's Cross,' a legendary amulet offering bonuses against supernatural enemies and charge restoration from perfect blocks.
If Vicho is not guided correctly through the dialogue or if the player chooses, he can still die by walking into sunlight, a somber event that consumes four in-game days. Vicho's Cross can still be obtained from his emporium after his demise. His survival is noted to have an impact on the game's epilogue, suggesting a path towards moderating his bloodlust. Given Coen's limited vrakhir allies, keeping Vicho alive presents a narrative advantage.