Witcher 3 Without A Trace Quest Walkthrough And Choices
The Hearts of Stone expansion for The Witcher 3 features several intriguing side quests, and Without a Trace stands out as a dark, memorable storyline. Players begin this quest by accepting a contract from an herbalist searching for his missing apprentice. As Geralt investigates the disappearance, a seemingly simple missing persons case quickly transforms into a disturbing mystery.
Starting the Investigation with Otto Bamber
To initiate the quest, Geralt must visit the herbalist's hut located northeast of Oxenfurt. Otto Bamber, a Halfling herbalist, asks the witcher to locate his young apprentice, Folkert, who went missing while gathering ingredients. Accepting this contract sets the stage for a short but morally complex adventure across the Eastern Redanian countryside.
Geralt begins his search by traveling toward the last known location of Folkert's cart. Upon arriving at the designated search area, using Witcher Senses reveals bloodstains and abandoned belongings. Following the physical clues leads directly toward a secluded village named Earthde.
Uncovering the Dark Secret of Earthde
When Geralt reaches Earthde, he encounters an elderly couple living among the ruined huts. Upon questioning them about Folkert, the couple claims that the young apprentice was set upon by wild wolves and succumbed to his injuries. While their story sounds plausible, observant players can dig deeper to uncover a gruesome reality.
Using Witcher Senses near the rear of their cottage reveals the distinct scent of rotting meat coming from a hidden cellar door. Descending into the underground cellar reveals Folkert's butchered remains, exposing the old couple as active cannibals. Confronting the couple with this discovery forces Geralt to make a crucial moral decision regarding their fate.
Deciding the Fate of the Cannibals
Geralt is presented with two primary choices when confronting the elderly couple about their crimes. The first option is to execute the cannibals immediately for murdering Folkert and preying on helpless travelers. Choosing combat results in a swift fight where Geralt puts an end to their horrifying practices once and for all.
Alternatively, Geralt can choose to spare the elderly couple after hearing their pleas regarding starvation and survival during wartime. If spared, they promise never to consume human flesh again, though whether they keep that promise remains uncertain. This choice highlights the morally gray atmosphere that defines the world of The Witcher 3.
Reporting Back to the Herbalist
After deciding how to handle the situation in Earthde, Geralt returns to Otto Bamber to finalize the contract. Depending on how thoroughly the investigation was conducted, players can deliver different explanations regarding Folkert's tragic fate. Choosing whether to tell the absolute truth or spare the herbalist the horrific details affects the final dialogue exchange.
If Geralt discovered the cellar, he can reveal that Folkert was killed and consumed by cannibals, or simply report that he died from wolf attacks. Providing a full report completes the quest and yields standard experience points alongside monetary compensation. This short quest leaves a lasting impression due to its eerie narrative twist and unsettling moral dilemmas.