Who Kills Emperor Emhyr var Emreis in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt?
The fate of Emhyr var Emreis, the Emperor of Nilfgaard, in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is not directly determined by a single, fixed event or character action. Instead, it’s a consequence of the player’s choices and how those choices shape the political landscape of the Northern Kingdoms and Nilfgaard itself. Essentially, the player’s actions decide whether Emhyr lives, abdicates, or is assassinated. Emhyr can be murdered by his own nation or win the war and give the Temerians their country on the basis of vassalage.
The most common outcome where Emhyr meets a violent end involves his assassination. This usually occurs if the player’s choices lead to either Radovid or Dijkstra controlling the North. In this scenario, the political and military failures associated with losing the war create instability within Nilfgaard. Facing widespread discontent and blaming Emhyr for the defeat, internal conspirators – likely nobles and disgruntled officers – overthrow and assassinate him. The game doesn’t show the assassination directly, but its occurence is implied through dialogues and endings narration.
However, this isn’t the only possible outcome. There are paths where Emhyr survives and even thrives. If the player successfully removes both Radovid and Dijkstra from power, the political landscape shifts dramatically. With those threats neutralized, Emhyr is free to focus on conquering the North. Should he win the war in this scenario, he consolidates his power and effectively crushes any internal opposition.
Lastly, there’s the “best” outcome for Emhyr – and perhaps for Ciri. If Emhyr wins the war and Ciri visits him and survives, he recognizes his daughter’s strength and potential. He acknowledges her desire to forge her own path, and sees that forcing her onto the throne would not be what she desires. Thus, Emhyr abdicates the throne, allowing Ciri to decide her own destiny. This outcome hinges on Ciri surviving the game’s main questline and the player making specific choices during her interactions with Emhyr, demonstrating a willingness to let her live her own life.
In short, the “who” behind Emhyr’s potential death isn’t as important as the “why” and “how.” The player’s decisions are the catalyst, setting into motion a series of events that determine the Emperor’s ultimate fate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Emhyr’s Fate
Who becomes Emperor if Emhyr is assassinated?
Following Emhyr’s assassination, the situation in Nilfgaard becomes chaotic. Internal power struggles erupt as different factions vie for control. The game does not explicitly state who becomes Emperor, but it’s implied to be someone from the Nilfgaardian nobility who manages to seize power amidst the turmoil. The identity of this individual is less important than the fact that Emhyr’s death throws the empire into disarray.
Is it possible for Geralt to directly kill Emhyr?
No, the game does not offer Geralt the option to directly kill Emhyr. Geralt’s role is to navigate the political landscape and influence events through his choices, but he cannot directly assassinate the Emperor.
What are the specific choices that lead to Emhyr’s assassination?
The critical choices involve the political situation in the North. Supporting Radovid or Dijkstra, or allowing either of them to gain control over Novigrad, ultimately weakens Emhyr’s position. Other decisions, such as siding with Roche and Ves or allowing Djikstra to kill them, also contribute to this outcome by removing potential allies of Nilfgaard. Any outcome where Nilfgaard loses the war is more likely to lead to Emhyr’s downfall.
What happens to Nilfgaard if Ciri becomes Empress?
If Ciri ascends to the throne, Nilfgaard undergoes a period of reform and potential change. Depending on the player’s earlier choices, Ciri can rule as a benevolent and progressive leader. However, it’s important to note that this outcome contradicts established canon from Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels, where Morvran Voorhis is Emhyr’s successor.
Why does Emhyr want to find Ciri so badly?
Emhyr initially seeks Ciri due to the Elder Blood running through her veins and a prophecy that involves her descendants. He believes that marrying Ciri and having a child with her will fulfill the prophecy and grant him immense power. However, if Ciri survives and Emhyr sees her again, he may abandon this plan, recognizing her agency and potential.
What is Emhyr’s relationship with Geralt?
Emhyr and Geralt have a complex and intertwined history. Geralt saved Emhyr (then Duny) from a curse and, through the Law of Surprise, became bound to Ciri. This connection makes Geralt a key figure in Emhyr’s plans and ultimately brings them into conflict. The relationship is built on obligation, manipulation, and the shared responsibility for Ciri’s fate.
What is the significance of the White Flame?
The “White Flame Dancing on the Barrows of his Enemies” is Emhyr’s title as the Emperor of Nilfgaard. It symbolizes his ambition, ruthlessness, and desire for conquest.
What happens to Temeria if Emhyr wins the war?
If Emhyr wins the war, Temeria can be reinstated as a vassal state of Nilfgaard, but if Radovid is not killed, he occupies Temeria anyway and the country is in ruins. This allows Temeria to have some degree of autonomy, but it ultimately remains under Nilfgaardian control. The fate of Temeria largely depends on the player’s choices regarding Anais and John Natalis, who could become rulers of Temeria.
Does the game ever show Emhyr’s assassination?
No, the game never explicitly shows Emhyr’s assassination. Instead, it is implied through dialogue, ending narrations, and changes in the political landscape following his defeat. The lack of a direct depiction adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to his fate.
Is Emhyr truly evil?
Whether Emhyr is “evil” is a matter of perspective and player interpretation. He is undoubtedly ruthless and ambitious, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. However, he is also driven by a desire to restore Nilfgaard to its former glory and believes that his actions are ultimately for the greater good of his empire. His motivations are complex and morally ambiguous.
Why did Duny fake his death?
Duny, as Emhyr var Emreis, faked his death to escape his cursed past and reclaim his birthright as the Emperor of Nilfgaard. He orchestrated the ruse with the help of Vilgefortz to avoid Calanthe’s interference and set his plan in motion.
Did Emhyr really love Pavetta?
The books suggest that Emhyr did not truly love Pavetta initially. He married her primarily to break his curse and because he knew their union was necessary for his plans involving Ciri and the Elder Blood prophecy. Over time, however, he did grow content with his life in Cintra.
What role did Vilgefortz play in Emhyr’s schemes?
Vilgefortz was a key collaborator in Emhyr’s plans. He helped Duny fake his death, secure his position in Nilfgaard, and manipulate events to bring Ciri to Emhyr. Vilgefortz was motivated by his own desire for power and knowledge.
What is Elder Blood, and why is Ciri’s lineage so important?
Elder Blood is a powerful genetic trait that grants its possessor access to immense magical abilities. Ciri inherited Elder Blood through her ancestor, Lara Dorren, an elven sorceress. This lineage makes Ciri incredibly valuable and sought after by various factions, including Emhyr, who believe she holds the key to fulfilling a powerful prophecy.
Does the fate of Emhyr impact future Witcher games or stories?
As of now, the fate of Emhyr in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has not been directly addressed in subsequent games or stories. However, the consequences of the player’s choices in The Witcher 3 could potentially be explored in future installments, especially if they involve Ciri or the political landscape of Nilfgaard.
Ultimately, the fate of Emperor Emhyr in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a testament to the game’s emphasis on player agency and the consequences of choices. It’s a complex and nuanced narrative that rewards careful consideration and adds depth to the already rich world of The Witcher.
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