The Hearts of Stone expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt introduces several compelling side narratives that showcase the game's signature moral ambiguity. Among these minor adventures is the quest titled Without a Trace, which takes Geralt of Rivia on a seemingly simple search for a missing apprentice. Investigating this mystery leads to dark revelations that require players to make tough ethical choices based on what they uncover.
Starting the Missing Apprentice Investigation
To begin this journey, players must visit the notice board in the small village of Brunwich to claim the initial contract. This posting directs Geralt to a halfling herbalist named Otto Bamber, who resides in an isolated hut situated northeast of Oxenfurt. Speaking with Otto reveals that his young apprentice, Folkert, vanished while venturing near the dangerous Deadwight Wood.
Accepting the task points you toward the dense forest to trace the missing traveler's steps. Navigating the wilderness reveals broken tracks and evidence of a struggle, indicating that Folkert met a sudden threat along his path. Following these indicators eventually leads the monster slayer to a tiny settlement deep in the woods.
Uncovering the Dark Secret in the Cellar
Upon arriving at the secluded village, Geralt meets an elderly couple who claim that Folkert was attacked and killed by bloodthirsty wolves. While their story sounds plausible given the local wildlife, activating your Witcher Senses reveals inconsistent details in the immediate area. A peculiar scent of rotting meat lingers near the couple's home, indicating a far worse situation than a simple beast attack.
Following the trail of the scent leads directly to a concealed wooden cellar door blocked by heavy debris. Using the Aard sign clears the path, allowing Geralt to enter the dark underground storage room to find a gruesome scene. Inside lies the butchered remains of Folkert, confirming that the seemingly innocent villagers are actually cannibals feeding on passing travelers.
Deciding the Fate of the Cannibal Couple
Returning to the surface forces a tense confrontation where the elderly pair begs for mercy, claiming they only consume humans to survive the harsh wartime famine. Players face a critical narrative choice that drastically affects the final outcome and rewards of the contract. You can choose to execute the cannibals on the spot to bring justice for Folkert or spare their lives on the condition that they stop eating travelers.
If you choose to kill the couple, you must defeat them in combat before returning to the herbalist with the grim news. If you choose to spare them, you can return to Otto Bamber and lie by stating that his apprentice was simply killed by wolves. However, returning to the hut later reveals a darker truth if you look closely at the remaining consequences of your decisions.
