The prologue of The Blood of Dawnwalker presents players with a multitude of quests, but not all can be completed within the limited timeframe before the critical Blood Mass event. Understanding which objectives to prioritize is key to securing essential rewards and avoiding locked-out content due to the game's unique Time Progression system.
The Time Progression mechanic is visualized by a Time Bar at the top of the screen, featuring eight segments representing daytime. Advancing certain quest steps consumes these segments. Once all eight segments are depleted, the game transitions to night, triggering the Blood Mass and subsequent events. Any quests with a clock icon that remain unfinished at this point will automatically fail, potentially locking players out of valuable missions and rewards. Therefore, a strategic approach to prologue quests is essential.
Recommended Prologue Quests
The quest "Withering Away" is arguably the most critical early objective. It not only requires two to three time segments but also introduces players to Anca, offering a chance for romantic interaction and providing the means to cure Coen's mother. Completing this quest is vital for narrative progression and character relationships.
Another early objective is "Enter Not," which involves exploring a ruined house north of Anca's hut. Within this location, players can find the "Last Confession" and a "Figurine of St. Jude." The figurine can be given to Father Florin within the church before the Blood Mass. If missed, it can still be placed on the altar after the prologue concludes. This quest rewards 100 XP.
"Deep Down," a quest originating from Gavril, directs players to a pit in the bogs where Lazar has fallen. Descending into the pit leads to an ancient temple and a battle with a Forgotten Guardian miniboss. Upon reuniting Gavril and Lazar, players receive 250 XP and 50 denarii, alongside the rare Mireleaf Bracers found within the temple's sarcophagi.
Investigating a fallen tree in the bog northeast of Lazar's pit can initiate "If a Tree Falls in the Forest." Players must use Focus Mode to examine the tree and follow tracks leading to a dead soldier. Obtaining the "Order: Patrol" quest item from the soldier and returning it to Zdislav in the village yields 100 XP.
The quest "Blasphemy," given by Dana, involves a missing banner. Initial investigation using Focus Mode near Dana's hut reveals footprints and markings. Further inquiry with other villagers reveals that Premysl is the culprit. Completing this quest by reporting Premysl to Dana rewards the Daylight Amulet, which boosts human HP, along with 325 XP and 25 denarii.
Other Notable Quests and Treasure Hunts
If time segments allow, several other quests and treasure hunts are worth pursuing. "Like Father, Like Son" becomes available after "Withering Away" and curing Coen's mother. It requires sparring with Coen's father and rewards a Charge Manual and 100 XP.
The "Dead Drop" and "Bandits' Treasure Map" quests, located in Laslea Glen, do not have the time-sensitive icon. "Dead Drop" begins by heading east, with approaching the bandits' hideout consuming the first time segment. Inside their hut, a treasure map points to a bear cave further east. Excavating the treasure uses another time segment. Rewards include the Broad Swing Manual, Hunter's Trousers, and other items from a bandit, plus a Polished Long Cleaver, Golden Cross, Minor Fortitude Paste recipe, and 100 denarii from the buried chest.
"Into the Den" also lacks a time-sensitive icon and is found near the starting area of "If a Tree Falls in the Forest." Looting a corpse in a bear cave reveals a Tattered Note directing players to a shed marked with an "X" containing buried treasure. This yields the Rebel's Falchion, Artisan's Tunic, and a Letter with a Tip regarding a silver vendor in Svartrau City.
Careful management of the Time Bar and prioritization of these quests will ensure players are better prepared for the challenges that follow the prologue in The Blood of Dawnwalker.