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{{Infobox Quest1
{{Quest|
 
  +
|Type = main
Chapter=2|
 
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|Name = {{PAGENAME}}
Location=[[Temple Quarter]]|
 
 
|Image = Places Cemetery Gates Temple.png
Given by=[[Raymond Maarloeve]] P.I.|
 
 
|Chapter = 2
Reward=[[A Mysterious Tower|access to the tower]] + 4500 [[XP]]|
 
 
|Location = [[Temple Quarter]]
Related=[[A Gravedigger's Gratitude]]<br>[[Anatomy of a Crime]]<br>[[Suspect: Kalkstein]]<br>[[Suspect: Leuvaarden]]<br>[[Suspect: Ramsmeat]]<br>[[Suspect: Thaler]]<br>[[Suspect: Vincent Meis]]<br>[[Suspect: Vivaldi]]|
 
 
|Given by = [[Raymond Maarloeve]] P.I.
ID=q2101_thecase
 
 
|Reward = [[A Mysterious Tower|access to the tower]] + up to 4500 [[XP]]
|name = {{Tw1 main quest}} {{PAGENAME}}|image = Places Cemetery Gates Temple.png}}
 
 
|Related = [[A Gravedigger's Gratitude]]<br>[[A Mysterious Tower]]<br>[[Anatomy of a Crime]]<br>[[Suspect: Kalkstein]]<br>[[Suspect: Leuvaarden]]<br>[[Suspect: Ramsmeat]]<br>[[Suspect: Thaler]]<br>[[Suspect: Vincent Meis]]<br>[[Suspect: Vivaldi]]<br>[[The Crown Witness]]<br>[[What Lies Beneath]]
 
|ID = q2101_thecase
  +
}}
   
'''Vizima Confidential''' is basically the [[The Witcher primary quests|framing quest]] for Chapter II of [[The Witcher (computer game)|''The Witcher'']]. It spawns and is fed by several other quests in that chapter of the story.
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'''Vizima Confidential''' is basically the [[The Witcher primary quests|framing quest]] for Chapter II of {{Tw1}}. It spawns and is fed by several other quests in that chapter of the story.
   
 
== Walkthrough ==
 
== Walkthrough ==
  +
In this quest, with the help of the local private investigator [[Raymond Maarloeve]], [[Geralt of Rivia|Geralt]] will need to indulge himself in a lot of investigative works to hopefully uncover the real identity of the man behind local [[Salamandra]] activities, as well as unearthing the truth regarding the possible collaboration with Salamandra for a total of 6 suspects:
You need to do a lot of running around to dig under the dirt and gather clues and find evidence to either implicate or clear [[Declan Leuvaarden]], [[Golan Vivaldi]], [[Kalkstein]], [[Ramsmeat]], [[Thaler (spy)|Thaler]], or [[Vincent Meis]]. Depending on the order you do your snooping about, and the choices you make, you can end up with different characters becoming your prime suspect. Basically gather the evidence and then talk to your suspects, check in with Raymond, and then do it all over again. Possibly several times until you either end up doing an autopsy on the body of the crown witness, or entering the cemetery crypt. (It is possible to do both, but not necessary)
 
  +
*[[Suspect: Kalkstein|Kalkstein]], an alchemist Geralt has met before in the [[Outskirts]].
  +
*[[Suspect: Leuvaarden|Declan Leuvaarden]], a rich merchant from [[Nilfgaard (region)|Nilfgaard]].
  +
*[[Suspect: Ramsmeat|Ramsmeat]], the local kingpin of the underworld.
  +
*[[Suspect: Thaler|Thaler]], a fence who also is the living embodiment of foul language.
  +
*[[Suspect: Vincent Meis|Vincent Meis]], the captain of the [[City Guard]].
  +
*[[Suspect: Vivaldi|Golan Vivaldi]], a dwarven banker.
  +
=== Early investigations ===
  +
This quest starts after Geralt decided to visit a local private investigator recommended by [[Siegfried of Denesle|Siegfried]], [[Raymond Maarloeve]]. After all, the witcher just barely regained his freedom in an unfamilar city, with the only suspect being the head of the local law enforcement. He could definitely use an experienced helping hand.
   
  +
From the [[Raymond Maarloeve|detective]] Geralt learned that the [[City Guard|city guard]] recently arrested a man wearing [[Salamander brooch|Salamander pins]], the so called [[The Crown Witness|Crown Witness]]. Needless to say, an interrogation could prove extremely valuable to the investigation effort. Now the witcher just need to find out where the city guard is holding the prisoner.
'''Important note''': If you want to do the autopsy, then you must not talk to anyone about the fact that Azar is posing as Raymond prior to doing it (if you have that information). Otherwise it becomes unnecessary. Also, you will die if you decide to expose Azar immediately (he will ambush you in Raymond's house with his assassin).
 
   
  +
Follows the quest [[The Crown Witness]] to its completion, the witcher now have two new leads: [[Ramsmeat]], and [[Kalkstein]].
=== The Suspects ===
 
  +
:'''[[Suspect: Leuvaarden|Declan Leuvaarden]]:''' There are two ways to clear the merchant. Finding out he is the one who pays for Salamander badges is one way to clear him. The other way is to complete the [[A Gravedigger's Gratitude]] quest first. Then you find the evidence in the [[Cemetery crypt|crypt]] in the [[Vizima cemetery|cemetery]] which clears everyone.
 
  +
Reported back what he just found out, Geralt now sets out to gain Kalkstein's trust by [[Raymond Maarloeve|Raymond]]'s advice, leaving Ramsmeat to the detective. After getting the information from the two books requested by Kalkstein during [[A Mysterious Tower]], Geralt figured that the alchemist must have trusted him enough now. Time to report back again.
  +
  +
Yet this time the witcher found Raymond under assault of some of the best assassins sent by Salamandra. Geralt intervened in a heartbeat and saved the detective's life, whom decided to lay low for a bit in light of the attack. Before leaving, He left Geralt with a [[List of suspects]], giving our hero three new suspects to question: [[Declan Leuvaarden|Leuvaarden]], [[Thaler (spy)|Thaler]], and [[Golan Vivaldi|Vivaldi]].
   
  +
After the necessary questioning is done, a messager boy approached Geralt, informing him that [[Raymond]] asked the witcher to come for a meeting.
:'''[[Suspect: Vivaldi|Golan Vivaldi]]:''' [[Zoltan Chivay]] will tell you all about the dwarf and give you the evidence when you ask him about Vivaldi's bank.
 
   
  +
It is at this point the possibilities of the quest really starts to emerge. And things gets real interesting, too.
:'''[[Suspect: Kalkstein|Kalkstein]]:''' "Raymond's" number one suspect and therefore the hardest to clear of suspicion. Depending on the results (because you can go very, very wrong), the autopsy proves Kalkstein innocent. Alternatively, finding Raymond's body in the crypt achieves that as well, it clears everyone and impicates Azar Javed.
 
   
  +
=== Learning the truth ===
:'''[[Suspect: Ramsmeat|Ramsmeat]]:''' You will need to complete the [[A Gravedigger's Gratitude]] quest first. You find the evidence in the Crypt in the [[Vizima cemetery|cemetery]]. Alternatively, talk to him after completing [[The Crown Witness]] and be conciliatory no matter how angry he is. The dialogue option of ''"I see, settling scores in the underworld"'' leads to Geralt concluding that Ramsmeat is innocent and talking to him again finishes the quest.
 
  +
With Raymond back into the picture, two parallel but not mutually exclusive directions lie ahead of the witcher:
  +
*The first, follows the detective's advice like before and attends this meeting, starting the quest [[Anatomy of a Crime]].
  +
*The second, Geralt may have realized that maybe it's not the best idea to entrust the direction of the entire investigation on Raymond's ability and/or intention alone, and therefore [[What Lies Beneath]] has started. Now the chance to start [[A Gravedigger's Gratitude]] has come as well.
  +
But regardless of what Geralt chose to do next, what really matters is when does the witcher get hold of a critical knowledge that topples the entire investigation so far:
  +
:{{Condition|Text = '''''Major Spoiler'''''}} ''The detective coming out of his lay-low period is not the same one as before, but [[Azar Javed]] himself!''
  +
'''''For simplicity and accuracy, this critical knowledge will be refered to as the "Grand Truth" from this point.'''''
   
  +
As the de facto objective of this stage of the investigation, it is best to learn the "Grand Truth" as soon as possible. Currently there are 3 ways of achieving this:
:'''[[Suspect: Thaler|Thaler]]:''' [[Coleman]], [[Golan Vivaldi]], [[Shani]], [[Vincent Meis]] and a "mysterious man" will all give you some of the evidence. If you obtain the cemetery pass from [[Vincent]], you may also prove him innocent by doing the quests: [[A Gravedigger's Gratitude]] or [[Anatomy of a Crime]]. In the first quest, you find Raymond's corpse in the cemetery, proving the detective's dead and Azar must have assumed his identity, which clears everyone. The second one, you discover insect eggs inside the dead criminal's skull, again implicating Azar. Either way, you clear Thaler.
 
  +
#In the [[vizima cemetery|cemetery]] [[Cemetery crypt|crypt]] during the quest [[A Gravedigger's Gratitude]]
  +
#At the autopsy in the quest [[Anatomy of a Crime]]
  +
#Cleared 5 of the suspects by any means(Must include [[Ramsmeat]], [[Thaler (spy)|Thaler]], [[Vincent Meis]] and [[Golan Vivaldi]])
  +
If Geralt managed to learn the "Grand Truth" by any means, our hero will have to find a way to lure Azar out of his own territory into a trap. This involves the quest [[What Lies Beneath]], where ironically, the witcher finds himself an ally out of the No.1 suspect: Kalkstein. The two agreed to lure Azar to the [[Mage's tower|tower]] in the [[swamp]] for the final confrontation.
   
  +
If Geralt didn't realized he's been duped until it's too late, which means the autopsy in [[Anatomy of a Crime]] ended up misguided and as a result the witcher has killed [[Ramsmeat]]. Then Geralt will be informed that in order to get to [[Kalkstein]], he will have to lure the alchemist to the [[Mage's tower|tower]] in the [[swamp]].
:'''[[Suspect: Vincent Meis|Vincent Meis]]:''' [[Coleman]] will provide you the evidence, if he is not killed and you complete [[The Rat]] and claim your reward from him on the [[dike]]. Alternatively, talking to Vincent after killing the Salamandra at the warehouse and accepting his word instead of going for maximum suspicion will clear Vincent. This path does not require Coleman at all and Geralt need not even leave the Temple Quarter.
 
   
  +
Either way, the quest enters its final stage: the opening of the [[Mage's tower|tower]].
=== Helpful weasel ===
 
  +
=== Opening the tower ===
:'''Coleman:''' Not a nice guy, but he is never really a suspect either. Visit him early in the Chapter (if you want to use him and you allowed the Scoia'tael to take the weapons in Chapter I, [[Strangers in the Night (The Witcher)|Strangers in the Night]]), before you visit Raymond and take [[The Rat]] quest. After completing the necessary monster-slaying, you will not be able to find Coleman. You must talk to the innkeeper at the Hairy Bear and ask about [[Coleman]]'s whereabouts. He will tell you to go to the Dike. As soon as you enter the dike, you will find [[Coleman]] talking to the guards. Speak to him and he will tell you what is he is doing there and also provide the evidence to clear [[Vincent Meis]]. Then you can visit Raymond.
 
  +
With the investigation finished, Geralt must now gain access to the [[Mage's tower|tower]] in the [[swamp]] in order to lure the person he believes to be the culprit behind [[Salamandra]] activities around [[Vizima]]. This calls for the completion of [[A Mysterious Tower]].
   
  +
After the tower is open to the world once again, Geralt meets with the [[Raymond Maarloeve|detective]] at the foot of the tower. Depending on whether did he learn the "Grand Truth", the witcher emerges either as the intellectual superior who sees through his opponent's every scheme, or the utter fool who has been duped to the very end.
Once you have found all the evidence, you need to talk with the investigator, who will ask you to kill [[Ramsmeat]]. Again, this will depend on what you have done earlier. You may indeed have to go and kill Ramsmeat, or possibly just bluff. Then inform Raymond about the good news. He will offer to meet you near the tower in the swamp. He will also give you a [[Sephirot|sephirot]], the last sephirah required to open the [[A Mysterious Tower|tower]].
 
   
  +
As the quest comes to an end, Chapter II of the story concludes as well.
That meeting at the tower ends Chapter II, so do what you need to do first. It is not tragic in this Chapter as the [[Swamp]] and [[Temple Quarter]] remain accessible in Chapter III, as do all the characters, so quests can bleed into the next chapter on this one occasion.
 
   
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
  +
* Depending on the choice made in [[Strangers in the Night (The Witcher)|Strangers in the Night]], [[Coleman]] could be killed as soon as Geralt enters the [[Hairy Bear Inn]] after he has spoken to [[Raymond Maarloeve|Raymond]]. His death could proven troublesome in the investigation process, so completes everything exclusive to Coleman before visiting Raymond if you find yourself having to deal with this dilemma. This includes:
* Doing the autopsy early can result in bypassing several of the earlier phases of the quest.
 
  +
**Completing [[Hot Potato]] side quest.
* Don't clear anybody by finding real Raymond's body in Cemetery. This causes a huge loss of XP.
 
  +
**A clue for [[Ramsmeat]].
* If you clear the suspects of guilt (by gathering evidence, NOT by finding Raymond's body/doing the autopsy and then telling them that the one guilty is Azar), you gain a piece of information about Azar Javed, from each of the suspect. You can confront Azar about every gained piece later, after the autopsy.
 
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**A side quest, [[The Rat]], which provides a chance at clearing [[Vincent Meis]] of suspicion.
* Additionally, you can tell each of the suspects about Azar, and ask for help - they will suggest asking Kalkstein about any advice, and he will tell you about confronting Azar Javed near water.
 
  +
* Since there are 3 ways to learn the "Grand Truth", you can afford to miss the chance once or twice. However, Geralt is duped for good if he really killed [[Ramsmeat]].
* However, if you do not ask Kalkstein about help, you can confront Azar and tell him directly that it is him, who is guilty (based on finding his body, getting the correct autopsy results, or by clearing the suspects of guilt). He would ask you, whether you are sure of that, and if you say that you are, a fight will start. Azar will not change back into his own body, but stay disguised as Raymond. Unfortunately, he will have infinite health and you won't be able to kill him. Additionally, infinite number of Salamandra assassins will start coming to attack you and help Azar, which makes this decision a "suicide". Provided that you survive long enough, a cutscene starts and Azar unleashes a fire at Geralt, killing him.
 
  +
* There is a rare bug that the quest can get stuck if you completes [[A Gravedigger's Gratitude]] before attending the meeting with [[Raymond Maarloeve|Raymond]], the one he sent a messager boy to inform you about. This does not happen to everyone, but if it does, mod seems to be the only way to progress the quest.
  +
* Both the [[Swamp]] and [[Temple Quarter]] remain accessible in Chapter III, as do most of the characters, so you can still finish some of the quests if you rushed through Chapter II too quickly.
   
 
== Phases ==
 
== Phases ==
Line 47: Line 74:
 
I'm beginning an investigation with the help of the private eye. the goal is to find someone who works for Azar Javed and trace the Salamander boss this way. ''I must find someone who works for Azar Javed and trace the Salamander boss through him.''
 
I'm beginning an investigation with the help of the private eye. the goal is to find someone who works for Azar Javed and trace the Salamander boss this way. ''I must find someone who works for Azar Javed and trace the Salamander boss through him.''
   
=== Vincent {{Color Font|Colored text = '''or'''}} Money for the Detective ===
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=== Money for the Detective ===
 
''This only happens if Geralt refuses to mention Azar Javed to Raymond.''
   
 
To move the investigation forward, I have to get 100 orens for Raymond. ''I must get 100 orens for Raymond'' (−100 {{oren}})
<div class="divTable" style="width:100%;">
 
<div class="divTableBody">
 
<div class="divTableRow">
 
<div class="divTableCell" style="width:50%;">
 
==== Vincent ====
 
:I have my first clues about Salamandra. The City Guard is holding an important witness I need to speak to... I should have a word with the jailor Jethro. ''I must question the witness being held by the city guards. I should talk to Jethro.'' (500 XP)
 
</div>
 
<div class="divTableCell" style="width:50%;">
 
==== Money for the Detective ====
 
* ''this quest only happens if Geralt fails or refuses to mention Azar Javed to Raymond.''
 
:To move the investigation forward, I have to get 100 orens for Raymond. ''I must get 100 orens for Raymond'' (−100 {{oren}})
 
</div></div></div>
 
</div>
 
   
 
=== Vincent ===
 
 
I have my first clues about Salamandra. The City Guard is holding an important witness I need to speak to... I should have a word with the jailor Jethro. ''I must question the witness being held by the city guards. I should talk to Jethro.'' (500 XP)
=== A Trap ===
 
It seems that the Salamanders have a secret agent who set a trap for me. I must find out who he is as soon as possible. First I need to interrogate the prisoner being held by the city guards. I should talk to the jailer Jethro. ''I must learn the identity of the Salamandra secret agent. The prisoner held by the city guards seems to know something, so I should talk to Jethro.''
 
   
 
=== The Witness ===
 
=== The Witness ===
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=== Conversation with Raymond ===
 
=== Conversation with Raymond ===
 
Kalkstein trusts me already. It's time to talk to Raymond and decide how to use this trust. ''It's time to talk to Raymond about Kalkstein.''
 
Kalkstein trusts me already. It's time to talk to Raymond and decide how to use this trust. ''It's time to talk to Raymond about Kalkstein.''
 
=== Contact ===
 
I managed to learn some interesting things about our suspects. Now I must wait for Raymond to contact me. ''I must wait for Raymond to contact me.'' (500 XP)
 
   
 
=== Assault ===
 
=== Assault ===
Line 89: Line 101:
   
 
=== The Suspects ===
 
=== The Suspects ===
The private investigator decided to lay low. He gave me a list of suspects I should uncover them as soon as possible, while Raymond attracts the Salamander's attention. ''I must cross-question all the suspects. I'll start with Ramsmeat.'' ([[File:Quest Items Kalksteins notes.png|22px|List of suspects]] + 500 XP)
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The private investigator decided to lay low. He gave me a list of suspects - I should uncover them as soon as possible, while Raymond attracts the Salamander's attention. ''I must cross-question all the suspects. I'll start with Ramsmeat.'' ([[File:Quest Items Kalksteins notes.png|22px|List of suspects]] + 500 XP)
   
 
=== Ramsmeat / Thaler / Declan Leuvaarden ===
 
=== Ramsmeat / Thaler / Declan Leuvaarden ===
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[[File:People Boy 3.png|right|120px|the resolute boy, Raymond's messenger]]
 
[[File:People Boy 3.png|right|120px|the resolute boy, Raymond's messenger]]
  +
 
=== Contact ===
 
I managed to learn some interesting things about our suspects. Now I must wait for Raymond to contact me. ''I must wait for Raymond to contact me.'' (500 XP)
   
 
=== The Meeting ===
 
=== The Meeting ===
Raymond sent a messenger he wants to meet me as he has gained some new information. I wonder how he will react to my discoveries. ''I must meet up with Raymond.''
+
Raymond sent a messenger - he wants to meet me as he has gained some new information. I wonder how he will react to my discoveries. ''I must meet up with Raymond.''
   
 
=== Autopsy {{Color Font|Colored text = '''or'''}} Bluff ===
 
=== Autopsy {{Color Font|Colored text = '''or'''}} Bluff ===
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=== Autopsy ===
 
=== Autopsy ===
Raymond was not interested in my discoveries small wonder, there is a newer clue. To move this investigation forward, I must perform an autopsy. The body is probably in the gravedigger's possession and Shani will help me with the autopsy. ''I cannot move the investigation forward until I finish the autopsy.''
+
Raymond was not interested in my discoveries - small wonder, there is a newer clue. To move this investigation forward, I must perform an autopsy. The body is probably in the gravedigger's possession and Shani will help me with the autopsy. ''I cannot move the investigation forward until I finish the autopsy.''
   
 
=== Closer and Closer ===
 
=== Closer and Closer ===
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=== Bluff ===
 
=== Bluff ===
 
There is no need to perform the autopsy. I know that Azar Javed is pretending to be Raymond. I will go to him, pretend the autopsy proved nothing and see what happens. ''I'll try to lure Azar, posing as the private eye, into a trap.''
 
There is no need to perform the autopsy. I know that Azar Javed is pretending to be Raymond. I will go to him, pretend the autopsy proved nothing and see what happens. ''I'll try to lure Azar, posing as the private eye, into a trap.''
  +
 
=== Subterfuge ===
  +
I told "Raymond" that I discovered nothing during the autopsy. I will not tell him that he is Azar. ''I must find a way to lure Azar into a trap.''
   
 
=== Duped {{Color Font|Colored text = '''or'''}} Not ===
 
=== Duped {{Color Font|Colored text = '''or'''}} Not ===
Line 155: Line 173:
 
'''Geralt is in the dark:'''
 
'''Geralt is in the dark:'''
 
=== The Ramsmeat Contract ===
 
=== The Ramsmeat Contract ===
I promised Raymond to eliminate the boss of the Salamander's armed forces Ramsmeat. I have to prepare well, as he seems to be a tough opponent. ''I have to kill Ramsmeat.''
+
I promised Raymond to eliminate the boss of the Salamander's armed forces - Ramsmeat. I have to prepare well, as he seems to be a tough opponent. ''I have to kill Ramsmeat.''
 
=== Ramsmeat is Dead ===
 
=== Ramsmeat is Dead ===
 
I killed Ramsmeat. Time to report to Raymond. ''Time to report to Raymond.''
 
I killed Ramsmeat. Time to report to Raymond. ''Time to report to Raymond.''
Line 188: Line 206:
 
</div>
 
</div>
   
  +
== Videos ==
 
  +
<gallery position="center">
==Video==
 
[[File:The Witcher Chapter 2 Final Boss (Hard) HD|thumb|400x400px|Azar and Professor Fight|centre]]
+
File:The Witcher Chapter 2 Final Boss (Hard) HD
  +
</gallery>
 
   
 
[[cs:Wyzimská tajemství]]
 
[[cs:Wyzimská tajemství]]

Revision as of 06:01, 7 December 2019

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"Do you really wish to know?" — Spoilers from the books and/or adaptations to follow!
Tw3 achievements bookworm unlocked

Vizima Confidential is basically the framing quest for Chapter II of The Witcher. It spawns and is fed by several other quests in that chapter of the story.

Walkthrough

In this quest, with the help of the local private investigator Raymond Maarloeve, Geralt will need to indulge himself in a lot of investigative works to hopefully uncover the real identity of the man behind local Salamandra activities, as well as unearthing the truth regarding the possible collaboration with Salamandra for a total of 6 suspects:

Early investigations

This quest starts after Geralt decided to visit a local private investigator recommended by Siegfried, Raymond Maarloeve. After all, the witcher just barely regained his freedom in an unfamilar city, with the only suspect being the head of the local law enforcement. He could definitely use an experienced helping hand.

From the detective Geralt learned that the city guard recently arrested a man wearing Salamander pins, the so called Crown Witness. Needless to say, an interrogation could prove extremely valuable to the investigation effort. Now the witcher just need to find out where the city guard is holding the prisoner.

Follows the quest The Crown Witness to its completion, the witcher now have two new leads: Ramsmeat, and Kalkstein.

Reported back what he just found out, Geralt now sets out to gain Kalkstein's trust by Raymond's advice, leaving Ramsmeat to the detective. After getting the information from the two books requested by Kalkstein during A Mysterious Tower, Geralt figured that the alchemist must have trusted him enough now. Time to report back again.

Yet this time the witcher found Raymond under assault of some of the best assassins sent by Salamandra. Geralt intervened in a heartbeat and saved the detective's life, whom decided to lay low for a bit in light of the attack. Before leaving, He left Geralt with a List of suspects, giving our hero three new suspects to question: Leuvaarden, Thaler, and Vivaldi.

After the necessary questioning is done, a messager boy approached Geralt, informing him that Raymond asked the witcher to come for a meeting.

It is at this point the possibilities of the quest really starts to emerge. And things gets real interesting, too.

Learning the truth

With Raymond back into the picture, two parallel but not mutually exclusive directions lie ahead of the witcher:

  • The first, follows the detective's advice like before and attends this meeting, starting the quest Anatomy of a Crime.
  • The second, Geralt may have realized that maybe it's not the best idea to entrust the direction of the entire investigation on Raymond's ability and/or intention alone, and therefore What Lies Beneath has started. Now the chance to start A Gravedigger's Gratitude has come as well.

But regardless of what Geralt chose to do next, what really matters is when does the witcher get hold of a critical knowledge that topples the entire investigation so far:

''Major Spoiler: The detective coming out of his lay-low period is not the same one as before, but Azar Javed himself!

For simplicity and accuracy, this critical knowledge will be refered to as the "Grand Truth" from this point.

As the de facto objective of this stage of the investigation, it is best to learn the "Grand Truth" as soon as possible. Currently there are 3 ways of achieving this:

  1. In the cemetery crypt during the quest A Gravedigger's Gratitude
  2. At the autopsy in the quest Anatomy of a Crime
  3. Cleared 5 of the suspects by any means(Must include Ramsmeat, Thaler, Vincent Meis and Golan Vivaldi)

If Geralt managed to learn the "Grand Truth" by any means, our hero will have to find a way to lure Azar out of his own territory into a trap. This involves the quest What Lies Beneath, where ironically, the witcher finds himself an ally out of the No.1 suspect: Kalkstein. The two agreed to lure Azar to the tower in the swamp for the final confrontation.

If Geralt didn't realized he's been duped until it's too late, which means the autopsy in Anatomy of a Crime ended up misguided and as a result the witcher has killed Ramsmeat. Then Geralt will be informed that in order to get to Kalkstein, he will have to lure the alchemist to the tower in the swamp.

Either way, the quest enters its final stage: the opening of the tower.

Opening the tower

With the investigation finished, Geralt must now gain access to the tower in the swamp in order to lure the person he believes to be the culprit behind Salamandra activities around Vizima. This calls for the completion of A Mysterious Tower.

After the tower is open to the world once again, Geralt meets with the detective at the foot of the tower. Depending on whether did he learn the "Grand Truth", the witcher emerges either as the intellectual superior who sees through his opponent's every scheme, or the utter fool who has been duped to the very end.

As the quest comes to an end, Chapter II of the story concludes as well.

Notes

  • Depending on the choice made in Strangers in the Night, Coleman could be killed as soon as Geralt enters the Hairy Bear Inn after he has spoken to Raymond. His death could proven troublesome in the investigation process, so completes everything exclusive to Coleman before visiting Raymond if you find yourself having to deal with this dilemma. This includes:
  • Since there are 3 ways to learn the "Grand Truth", you can afford to miss the chance once or twice. However, Geralt is duped for good if he really killed Ramsmeat.
  • There is a rare bug that the quest can get stuck if you completes A Gravedigger's Gratitude before attending the meeting with Raymond, the one he sent a messager boy to inform you about. This does not happen to everyone, but if it does, mod seems to be the only way to progress the quest.
  • Both the Swamp and Temple Quarter remain accessible in Chapter III, as do most of the characters, so you can still finish some of the quests if you rushed through Chapter II too quickly.

Phases

The Investigation Begins

I'm beginning an investigation with the help of the private eye. the goal is to find someone who works for Azar Javed and trace the Salamander boss this way. I must find someone who works for Azar Javed and trace the Salamander boss through him.

Money for the Detective

This only happens if Geralt refuses to mention Azar Javed to Raymond.

To move the investigation forward, I have to get 100 orens for Raymond. I must get 100 orens for Raymond (−100 Items Oren)

Vincent

I have my first clues about Salamandra. The City Guard is holding an important witness I need to speak to... I should have a word with the jailor Jethro. I must question the witness being held by the city guards. I should talk to Jethro. (500 XP)

The Witness

It seems that the Salamanders have a secret agent who set a trap for me. I must find out who he is. First I should interrogate the prisoner being held by the city guards. I must interrogate the witness.

Conclusion

I've done some hell of investigator's work. I began uncovering Vincent and I interrogated the witness at the hospital. I found new traces leading to Ramsmeat and Kalkstein. Time to get back to Raymond and summarize our discoveries. It's time to get back to Raymond and conclude our discoveries. (500 XP)

The Alchemist's Trust

There is strong evidence against Ramsmeat and the alchemist Kalkstein. Raymond will take care of the former. I must gain the alchemist's trust. In order to do so, I have to get an important assignment from him. I must go to Kalkstein the alchemist and gain his trust.

The Alchemist's Trust

I have strong evidence against Ramsmeat and Kalkstein the alchemist. Raymond will deal with the thug and I must gain the alchemist's trust. Best to do that by getting an important assignment from him. I must gain the trust of Kalkstein the alchemist [to] move the investigation forward.

Conversation with Raymond

Kalkstein trusts me already. It's time to talk to Raymond and decide how to use this trust. It's time to talk to Raymond about Kalkstein.

Assault

A group of Salamander gang members attacked the private investigator! Luckily, I managed to hold them back. I'll see how Raymond is doing. I want to see how Raymond is doing.

The Suspects

The private investigator decided to lay low. He gave me a list of suspects - I should uncover them as soon as possible, while Raymond attracts the Salamander's attention. I must cross-question all the suspects. I'll start with Ramsmeat. (List of suspects + 500 XP)

Ramsmeat / Thaler / Declan Leuvaarden

Ramsmeat:

I spoke with Ramsmeat, but his confession alone is insufficient. To get a full picture I need to interrogate other suspects. I should question Thaler the fence.

Thaler:

I spoke with Thaler, but his confession alone is insufficient. To get a full picture I need to interrogate other suspects. I should question the merchant Leuvaarden.

Declan Leuvaarden:

I spoke with Declan Leuvaarden, but his confession alone is insufficient. To get a full picture I need to interrogate other suspects. I should question Ramsmeat, the boss of the thugs.

Further Interrogations

I've heard the stories of Leuvaarden and Thaler. Now I need to interrogate the thug to get a full picture. I need to question Ramsmeat.

I've heard the stories of Ramsmeat and Leuvaarden. Now I need to interrogate the fence to get a full picture. I need to question Thaler.

I've heard the stories of Ramsmeat and Thaler. Now I need to interrogate the merchant to get a full picture. I need to question the merchant Leuvaarden.

the resolute boy, Raymond's messenger

Contact

I managed to learn some interesting things about our suspects. Now I must wait for Raymond to contact me. I must wait for Raymond to contact me. (500 XP)

The Meeting

Raymond sent a messenger - he wants to meet me as he has gained some new information. I wonder how he will react to my discoveries. I must meet up with Raymond.

Autopsy Bluff

Autopsy path:

Autopsy

Raymond was not interested in my discoveries - small wonder, there is a newer clue. To move this investigation forward, I must perform an autopsy. The body is probably in the gravedigger's possession and Shani will help me with the autopsy. I cannot move the investigation forward until I finish the autopsy.

Closer and Closer

The autopsy explained a lot of things. I am very close now. Time to go to Raymond's house. Time to go to Raymond's house.

Autopsy Results / Azar Javed + Subterfuge

Wrong conclusion

Autopsy Results

Autopsy implicated Kalkstein: I told Raymond about what we found during the autopsy. The evidence points to Kalkstein. The detective needs some time to analyze the evidence.

Autopsy implicated Ramsmeat: I told Raymond about what we found during the autopsy. The evidence points to Ramsmeat. The detective needs some time to analyze the evidence.

Right conclusion

Azar Javed

Autopsy implicated Azar: As a result of the autopsy, I learned that Azar Javed impersonates Raymond. I will go to him, pretend the autopsy proved nothing and see what happens. I will go to Azar posing as the private eye. I'll pretend the autopsy proved nothing and see what happens.

Subterfuge

I told "Raymond" that I discovered nothing during the autopsy. I will not tell him that he is Azar. I must find a way to lure Azar into a trap.

No autopsy is necessary:

Bluff

There is no need to perform the autopsy. I know that Azar Javed is pretending to be Raymond. I will go to him, pretend the autopsy proved nothing and see what happens. I'll try to lure Azar, posing as the private eye, into a trap.

Subterfuge

I told "Raymond" that I discovered nothing during the autopsy. I will not tell him that he is Azar. I must find a way to lure Azar into a trap.

Duped Not

Geralt is in the dark:

The Ramsmeat Contract

I promised Raymond to eliminate the boss of the Salamander's armed forces - Ramsmeat. I have to prepare well, as he seems to be a tough opponent. I have to kill Ramsmeat.

Ramsmeat is Dead

I killed Ramsmeat. Time to report to Raymond. Time to report to Raymond.

The Tower

I told Raymond that I had killed Ramsmeat. He is going to wait for me near the tower. I must lure Kalkstein to the tower in the swamp.

Opening the Tower

Raymond gave me a Sephirah which forms a part of the key to the tower. All that remains is to take what's inside the tower and we'll get that bastard Kalkstein once and for all. I have to open the tower.

The Secret Within

I have found the magic treatise that Kalkstein desired so badly. For years, it lay safely hidden away in the tower in the swamp. Azar is in for an unpleasant surprise. I must prepare to face Azar Javed.

The Truth Revealed

It's unbelievable. Azar Javed played me for a fool all this time. He killed Raymond and impersonated him. How could I've been so stupid? Azar Javed impersonated Raymond. (1500 XP)

Geralt knows the deal:

A Trap

Azar, who impersonated Raymond, is behind all this. I must lure him into a trap. I will tell "Raymond" that I killed Ramsmeat.

The Tower

I told Raymond that I had killed Ramsmeat. He is going to wait for me near the tower. I must prepare to face Azar.

Fake No More

Everything is going smoothly. The fake private investigator gave me his Sephirah. Now I can stop pretending. I must get inside the tower to defeat the false Raymond.

The Secret Within

I have found the magic treatise that Azar desired so badly. For years, it lay safely hidden away in the tower in the swamp. I must prepare to face Azar Javed.

Azar's Escape

I uncovered Azar and his devious trick perfectly. It's a shame that he managed to get away. But, as king Desmond used to say: "there is luck in leisure and if you're born to hang, you won't drown." I uncovered Azar's ploy, but he managed to get away. (2500 XP)

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