Players of The Blood of Dawnwalker face a significant decision regarding the Font of Life, a powerful artifact capable of healing and revitalization. The choice, which impacts gameplay and character outcomes, arises during the 'Stronger Than Achilles' quest and is intertwined with the 'Where Old Devils Die' questline. The dilemma centers on whether to grant the Font of Life's power to Coen, Anca, or to destroy it.
The Runic Enchantment
Before reaching the Font of Life, players engage with the 'Where Old Devils Die' quest. After meeting Anca at the Crossroads Inn and completing the 'Echoes of Silenced Bells' quest, 'Where Old Devils Die' will become available. Following a day's wait, Anca will decipher important writings, leading players to examine a map and identify an eastern point of interest. Traveling to this location with Anca reveals an ancient door that opens only for an individual inscribed with numerous runes. Anca then proceeds to paint these runes onto Coen's body, granting the player the Runic Enchantment. This legendary chestpiece offers significant magical damage reduction, bonus damage against supernatural enemies, increased Witchcraft ability damage, and a potent lifesteal effect from attacks. Notably, it provides no armor value and has no weight, functioning visually as a runed, topless version of Coen.
Navigating the Temple
The 'Stronger Than Achilles' quest presents a more combat-focused experience. Players progress through various chambers, confronting undead enemies. Coen must periodically interact with blood sacrifice traps by placing his arm within them. The final chamber pits Coen and Anca against a dozen 'Guardians of the Font' enemies. A chest in this area contains the Soul Stigma Manual.
The Font of Life Decision
As players advance through the temple, it becomes apparent that Anca also desires the Font of Life's power for herself. Upon reaching the innermost chamber and discovering the artifact, players must make a pivotal choice.
Anca uses the Font of Life: This decision results in the vanishing of Anca's runes and scars but does not appear to offer any direct gameplay benefits or changes.
Coen uses the Font of Life: Opting for Coen unlocks a secret perk within the Witchcraft skill tree called the Font of Life secret perk. This grants passive regeneration to Coen's human health, a benefit that synergizes well with the Runic Enchantment chestpiece's lifesteal effect.
Coen and Anca destroy the Font of Life: Choosing to destroy the Font of Life reveals a hidden niche containing the Ancient Greaves. These legendary heavy trousers provide bonuses to Witchcraft ability damage, Activation Charge restoration from blocks, passive Activation Charge regeneration, and magical damage reduction.
While Anca using the Font offers no discernible gameplay advantage, both Coen's use and its destruction yield significant rewards. The passive regeneration provided by Coen using the Font, combined with the lifesteal from the Runic Enchantment, offers substantial survivability. Conversely, the Ancient Greaves provide a robust set of defensive and resource-management enhancements. The choice ultimately depends on whether players prioritize sustained healing or enhanced defensive capabilities and resource regeneration.