Old Friend of Mine

Old Friend of Mine is a quest which begins after Geralt has won his freedom from prison and begun checking out the Temple Quarter in Act II. At the hospital, he finds Shani, whom he helped in the Outskirts (Act I) and so begins the quest.

Walkthrough


This quest is usually known as "Shani's party", but it actually begins much earlier and only culminates in the gathering at her place. The eponymous "old friend" is Shani herself, but then at the party we finally meet Dandelion whom we are told is Geralt's best friend, so the title could be said to refer to two old friends, not just one.

The quest itself actually begins when Geralt first tracks Shani down at St. Lebioda's hospital. They converse about her work and the plague situation which leads the medic to ask the witcher if he can gather some herbs which would be beneficial for the patients. Shani asks for five bundles of celandine, which she tells him grows in swampy areas. He obliges.

The next time they meet, our hero must ask for her help with an unofficial autopsy. The crown witness in the Salamandra investigation has been killed and someone needs to get to the bottom of things. This collaborative effort largely shapes the direction several other related quests. It is only the third time they meet that the witcher gets to have a more social exchange with Shani. She mentions that she's having a little gathering in honour of Dandelion, an old friend and celebrated bard who is in town.

Shani's party takes place almost entirely upstairs, the conversation mainly being between Dandelion and Geralt. He tells the witcher about higher vampires and his old friend, Regis who was one. Geralt scoffs and asks derisively if he also had a dragon friend. (In the books, he did!) Geralt also converses with Shani, who tells him more about the Battle of Brenna which elicits some (possibly drunken) praise from our hero. As the party wears on, the invited guest (either Zoltan, Siegfried or Carmen) arrives and joins the party.

Soon, the guest suggests some sort of caper involving sending Geralt downstairs to forage for some item. Zoltan is hungry and would like some pickles and lard. Siegfried would like to have some cordial. Carmen suggests playing truth or dare: whoever can't tell the truth has to take something from Grandma downstairs. Naturally, Geralt goes downstairs to fetch the item in question. A bit more conversation follows, then it's time for a song from the guest of honour.

Geralt is probably wasted at this point and usually ends up passed out on the ground just outside of Shani's house. After picking himself up, he decides to buy her some flowers to say thank-you (or should that be sorry?). When he comes back to deliver the flowers, he asks what Dandelion meant the other night when he said he had interrupted them in Oxenfurt. Shani decides that showing the witcher would be easier than explaining ... cue the soft lights and music.

Shani
Shani is a great girl. Maybe I should stick around a little bit, see how things go? ''I should visit Shani in the hospital. Maybe she could use a hand.''

Celandine
Shani asked me for a small favor - she needs five bunches of celandine. I couldn't say no. I need to go to the swamp, that is where it is supposed to grow. I am to go to the swamps and gather 5 bunches of celandine.

To the Hospital
I have the herbs Shani asked me to gather. Now I have to bring them to the hospital. I must bring the herbs to the hospital.

A Favor
I got celandine for Shani. I'm in her good books now. I need to talk to her more often, maybe she'll ask me for another favor? For now I think she owes me one. ''I think Shani owes me one. I should talk to Shani more often.''

The Autopsy
The autopsy is finished with Shani's aid. The poor thing is very tired - she should rest now. I reckon there is something she wants of me. Maybe I should talk to her when she finishes her work. ''Shani was very helpful. I should visit her one day.''

The Party
I promised Shani I'd bring alcohol to the party. She wanted some ros&eacute; wine, and some cherry liquor for Dandelion. I prefer rye vodka. I must supply Shani with ros&eacute; wine, cherry liquor and Temerian rye vodka.

Alcohol
I need to find some ros&eacute; wine, cherry cordial and Temerian rye vodka to bring to Shani's. ''I have the alcohol. Now to get it to Shani.''

Invitation
I brought Shani the alcohol, it's time I thought about my companion. Whom should I invite? I must consider the people I know, perhaps somebody wants to join the party. I must invite one person to Shani's party.

Dandelion
Yet another person reacts rather weirdly upon seeing me. Dandelion maintains he saw me die. I think I need a drink. I think I need a drink.

The Discussion
Me and Dandelion had a discussion. My head is spinning... The party is going on...

Fast Pace
At this pace some of the guests will end up under the table rather soon... The party is going on...

A Song
Dandelion decided to sing something. Let's see what he has prepared for this occasion... Let's see what Dandelion sings.

Flowers
The party is over. I'll sure be hung-over in the morning... Maybe I should visit Shani, bring her some roses and say thanks? Perhaps it would be a good idea to bring Shani some roses and say thanks?

Reminiscences
Shani reminded me of certain interesting events from my past. Very interesting events. Shani reminded me of certain interesting events from my past.

Una Vieja Amiga Ein alter Freund