How to Make the Bloody Baron Hang Himself in The Witcher 3
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The fate of the Bloody Baron in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a complex and emotionally charged one, heavily influenced by player choices. If you’re aiming for the most tragic outcome, where the Baron hangs himself, it’s crucial to understand which decisions lead to this specific conclusion. In short, to make the Bloody Baron hang himself, you must free the spirit from the Whispering Hillock before completing the Ladies of the Wood questline. This seemingly benevolent act has devastating repercussions, resulting in Anna’s death and, subsequently, the Baron’s suicide.
The Key Decision: Freeing the Whispering Hillock
The turning point in the Baron’s fate lies within the quest “The Whispering Hillock.” This quest presents you with a choice: to kill the tree spirit as the Crones desire or to free it.
If you choose to free the spirit, it will, in turn, save the orphans held captive by the Crones. This seems like a noble act, but it triggers a catastrophic chain of events. The Crones, enraged by the spirit’s freedom, retaliate by cursing Anna. They transform her into a water hag.
The Downward Spiral: Anna’s Fate and the Baron’s Despair
After freeing the spirit, your next significant interaction occurs when you finally locate Anna and remove the curse through a carefully chosen doll (the one with the violet hollyhock bloom, as it’s her favorite). Despite your efforts, the transformation is too severe, and Anna dies shortly after returning to her human form.
This heartbreaking loss devastates the Baron. He is unable to cope with the grief and guilt, as her death is directly linked to the events set in motion by your decision. Overwhelmed by despair, the Bloody Baron returns to Crow’s Perch and hangs himself. This tragic ending highlights the game’s moral ambiguity and the far-reaching consequences of even seemingly good choices.
The Alternative Path: A Glimmer of Hope
It is critical to understand there is an alternative path. If you choose to kill the spirit of the Whispering Hillock as directed by the Crones, the children will be consumed by the Crones, but Anna will ultimately be spared. This option results in the Baron taking a remorseful Anna away to be healed, as it is the only outcome where Anna will not die.
Understanding the Significance of Choice
The Bloody Baron questline exemplifies The Witcher 3’s emphasis on player agency and its commitment to grey morality. There are no purely good or bad choices; every action has repercussions. By choosing to free the spirit, you prioritize the orphans’ lives while unknowingly sacrificing Anna and the Baron. This complex narrative is a defining feature of the game and makes the Bloody Baron one of the most memorable and emotionally impactful characters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Bloody Baron’s Fate
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of the Bloody Baron’s questline:
1. What happens if I kill the Whispering Hillock spirit?
If you kill the spirit, the Crones will eat the orphans, but Anna will remain alive, and the Baron will take her away to be healed, therefore living. Downwarren village will also remain safe. This is considered the “best” outcome for the Baron and Anna.
2. Can I save both the orphans and the Baron?
Unfortunately, no. The game mechanics only allow for two scenarios: saving the orphans by releasing the spirit at the cost of Anna’s death and the Baron’s suicide, or killing the spirit and saving Anna (and consequently the Baron’s life), but sacrificing the orphans.
3. Does it matter if I meet Tamara before or after talking to the Baron?
Meeting the Baron first is beneficial. He will provide a doll and a letter of safe conduct, unlocking additional dialogue with Tamara later on.
4. What exactly triggers Anna’s death after the curse is removed?
The Crones’ curse is exceptionally powerful. Even when lifted, the transformation to a hag weakens her so severely that her body cannot recover fully, leading to her demise.
5. Why does the Baron hang himself specifically?
The Baron hangs himself due to the overwhelming grief and guilt associated with Anna’s death. He blames himself and feels he can’t live without her.
6. Is it possible to undo my choice after freeing the spirit?
No, the choice is permanent. Once you free the spirit, the subsequent events leading to Anna’s curse and death are set in motion.
7. What happens to Downwarren if I free the Whispering Hillock spirit?
If you free the spirit, it will ravage and destroy Downwarren village. If you kill the spirit, Downwarren is saved.
8. How many endings are possible for the Bloody Baron questline?
There are essentially two main endings: one where the Baron lives (by killing the spirit), and one where he dies (by releasing the spirit).
9. Do the Crones get punished for cursing Anna?
While you eventually encounter and fight the Crones, there is no direct moment where they receive a consequence for specifically cursing Anna.
10. Does killing Radovid impact the Baron’s storyline?
No, the outcomes of the Baron’s storyline are not influenced by your decisions regarding Radovid or the political landscape.
11. Does the game explain why the tree spirit is the only one who can save the orphans?
The game implies the tree spirit has a certain connection to the orphans, specifically the children in the bog, and it’s an ancient being with power over life and death, giving it the capacity to save them.
12. Can I play Gwent with the Baron after the questline?
If the Baron leaves with Anna, or if he hangs himself, you can no longer play Gwent with him, making the ‘Velen Players’ quest uncompletable.
13. Where is Tamara after the Baron dies?
Tamara can be found in Oxenfurt. She will give a short dialogue based on what occurred with her parents.
14. What does the Baron look like as a ghost?
The Bloody Baron ghost appears very pale, pearly-white and transparent. He has wide, staring, black eyes and wears silver blood-stained robes. He’s a haunting figure, indeed.
15. Does your choice to kill or free the tree spirit impact any other quests or storylines?
No, the effects of this choice are mostly contained to the Bloody Baron questline and immediate events involving the Crones. It does not have widespread consequences for the rest of the game’s plot.
By understanding these nuances, players can navigate the complex and emotional landscape of The Witcher 3’s world and experience the full weight of their decisions. The tragic fate of the Bloody Baron remains a powerful example of the game’s excellent storytelling and moral depth.