Thaler (spy)

Thaler is the local fence, or is he? It seems he rubs elbows with the rich and powerful as well as the underworld. What's his game?

For all of Act II, Thaler can be found in his house, which doubles as his shop, in the southeastern section of the Vizima Temple Quarter, just around the corner from the dungeon where he can be called upon to buy and sell a variety of goods. He also plays dice and offers a quiet drinking atmosphere or a free place to stay.

Thaler will buy and sell:
 * weapons of any kind
 * weapon upgrades
 * jewelery
 * some books and scrolls

When Geralt gives Shani the roses, before he sleeps with her and after the party, she is surprised and embarrassed saying she doesn't usually get gifts from admirers. The witcher is surprised and says so, prompting her to tell him a little story about her dating history; about a "gloomy fellow " who scared any other potential admirers away. It seems she dated Thaler at one point and while on a date, it was revealed that he is actually the head of Temerian Intelligence. He was "unmasked" by one of his own rather inept staff, So Thaler is not just a fence after all, he's much more.

Later, two things come of this piece of information about the fence:
 * when Geralt mentions to Thaler that he knows about this little tryst, Thaler's reaction is a little surprising. He tells the witcher "Fuck off! Some of us have depth you know. We're not all plowing philanderers." And he does have a harp in the basement ... perhaps he has a more sensitive side as well...
 * Geralt meets, either inside Thaler's place, or just outside, a "Mysterious Man" who tells him "You didn't see me." One of the inept staff perhaps?

King Foltest himself, in his absence, has entrusted the well-being city of Vizima to none other than Thaler. He is a trusted confidant of Princess Adda and he has also been known to frequent a certain red-haired medic. The fact that he is also a world-class drinker seems to have no effect on his official, and non-official, duties.

Associated quests

 * A Gravedigger's Gratitude
 * A Posh Reception
 * Memory of a Blade
 * The Crown Witness
 * Vizima Confidential