Ewald Borsodi

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Ewald Borsodi

Ewald Borsodi was a son of Maximilian Borsodi, brother of Horst Borsodi, and originally an heir of Borsodi Brothers' Auction House until his brother had him disinherited and removed from the family because of his gambling and profligacy.

Biography

Early life

Ewald Borsodi was born into the wealthy Borsodi family and grew up with his brother Horst, but the two couldn't be anymore different and soon enough they developed an animosity towards each other.

Whereas his brother was more strict and self-centered, Ewald became quite a superficial young man who spent most of his money on cards, hookers, and other pleasures. Nevertheless, the auction house was supposed to be owned by both of them, no matter their relationship, and their father even went so far as to have it written in his will that they had to meet once a year or else the family would have to forfeit the auction house. Horst, however, wanted to keep Ewald as far from the family fortune as possible and so he proclaimed himself head of the family, threw his brother out on the street, and hoped he would never return, all the meanwhile keeping their father's will hidden from the public so none would find out about the clause.

Living as a criminal

After this turn of events, Ewald lived in the city's sewers and barely survived. Nevertheless, he managed to get on his feet and even became a name in the local underground, taking on a job of hired assassin so professional and cruel that even ataman Olgierd von Everec thought about taking him into the Redanian Free Company for a moment.

When he gathered up enough resources and checked the recently relocated auction house's defense, he began to plot his revenge in the Herbalist's Hut near Oxenfurt.

Plan and heist

After 15 years of living on the streets, Ewald had nearly everything planned out to break into the auction house except a company to help. Luckily for him, he bumped into the witcher Geralt of Rivia one day after the latter was thrown out of the auction house. However, ever secretive, Ewald didn't so much as reveal who he was or even his interest in the vault, only that he wished to break in and required the witcher's help to do so.

After some discussion, Geralt came to the conclusion he had no choice but to agree to work with Ewald and Ewald then tasked the witcher to recruit two more people: a safecracker and someone who could quickly scale tall buildings. After the necessary people were brought in, they headed to the auction house, but almost immediately things went bad. Too late, Ewald realized his informant was wrong and there were, in fact, guards inside and soon the city guard was put on high alert. As things were getting too hot, Eveline Gallo bade farewell to the group and escaped out of a chimney.

Quinto, Geralt and Ewald in the vault

The remaining company successfully broke into the vault where it was revealed that Ewald was none other than Horst Borsodi's long-missing brother.

If Geralt stands by Ewald and doesn't kill him: Geralt and Ewald defeated Horst and his bouncers and Ewald then revealed he couldn't give Geralt Maximilian Borsodi's house, but the witcher was free to choose anything else from the vault. Geralt then suggested a compromise that both found acceptable and they parted ways.

If Geralt stands by Ewald but then kills him: Geralt and Ewald defeated Horst and his bouncers and Ewald then revealed he couldn't give Geralt Maximilian Borsodi's house, but the witcher was free to choose anything else from the vault. However, Geralt needed the item to complete his task and when Ewald refused to budge, the two fought, resulting in Ewald's death.

If Geralt sides with Horst: With Horst, Geralt fought against Ewald, eventually knocking him down. Horst gloated at Ewald's defeat, then bashed his brother's head into the ground, killing him.

Journal entry

When he found himself witnessing a battle of brothers, Geralt chose to stand by...

Geralt stands by Ewald:

...his partner, Ewald and with their combined strength they defeated Horst and his bodyguards. Ewald then repaid Geralt in the worst possible way: he tried to cheat him by keeping Maximilian's House for himself.

...but does not take the papers:

Luckily the witcher kept a clear head and, instead of slaughtering Ewald at once, proposed a compromise both sides would find acceptable. Their paths parted soon afterwards, as Ewald left to manage his family fortune and Geralt returned to the Path of a witcher.

...but also demands the papers:

This treachery pushed even the usually level-headed witcher over the edge – his steel sword flew into motion at once and soon Ewald's corpse lay next to that of his hated brother. The tale of the Brothers Borsodi had come to a tragic close.

Geralt stands with Horst:

... Horst. Though the elder Borsodi was undeniably arrogant and mean-spirited, he, at least, had not tried to cheat the witcher or use him in a private vendetta as had Ewald. The witcher thus foiled Ewald's years of planning moments before they were to come to fruition, then put an end to Ewald's life as well.

Associated quest

• Open Sesame!

Notes

• When it comes to the safecrackers, Casimir Bassi will stay with Ewald while Quinto will take Horst's offer.

Gallery

Gwent card art