Should I Have Killed Salma? A Witcher 3 Moral Quandary

The question of whether or not to kill Salma, the succubus encountered in the quest “Deadly Delights” in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, boils down to a trade-off: practicality versus morality. If your goal is to craft every possible alchemy item in the game, including the Succubus Decoction, then, yes, you should kill Salma. You’ll need the Succubus Mutagen, and she (or the succubus in Skellige) is one of only two sources. However, if you prioritize Geralt’s morality and role-playing a Witcher who doesn’t needlessly kill sentient beings, then sparing her is the better choice. There’s no single “right” answer; it depends entirely on your priorities as a player.

The Succubus Dilemma: Weighing the Options

The Witcher 3 excels at presenting players with morally grey choices. The decision regarding Salma is a prime example. Here’s a breakdown to help you make your choice:

• The Case for Killing Salma:

  • Alchemy Completionist: If you’re driven to collect and craft every item, including all decoctions, killing Salma secures the Succubus Mutagen. This mutagen is essential for crafting the Succubus Decoction, which is required for 100% completion in this area.
  • Efficiency: Some players simply prefer a pragmatic approach. Salma, while seemingly harmless in your presence, has been feeding on humans. Eliminating a potential threat might seem like the logical, if harsh, choice.
  • Roleplaying a ‘Monster Hunter’ Geralt: While Geralt often displays compassion, some players prefer to embody a Witcher who strictly adheres to his contract and eliminates dangerous creatures, regardless of their sentience.

• The Case for Sparing Salma:

  • Moral Compass: Geralt is often portrayed as a monster hunter with a strong moral code. Killing a sentient being who isn’t actively harming anyone at the moment goes against that grain for many players.
  • Salma’s Justification: While she admits to feeding on humans, she claims to only take what she needs and doesn’t kill her victims. Some players find this justification acceptable, or at least understandable.
  • Consequences (or Lack Thereof): There are virtually no negative consequences for sparing Salma. The quest reward is the same regardless of your choice. Sparing her aligns with a more forgiving and compassionate Geralt.
  • The Lore of Succubi: The Witcher universe presents succubi as complex creatures, not purely evil monsters. Sparing Salma allows you to explore this nuance.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. There is no ‘correct’ answer. Consider your role-playing preferences, your desire for in-game completion, and your own moral code.

Consequences of Your Choice

The immediate consequences of your choice are relatively minor.

• Killing Salma: You receive the Succubus Mutagen and can return to the guard for your reward. You contribute to the cycle of violence, effectively eliminating a sentient being.
• Sparing Salma: You receive the same reward from the guard. You allow a potentially dangerous creature to live, but you also demonstrate compassion and adherence to a more nuanced moral code. You are also able to find a unique flower, pimpernel, near her lair after she leaves.

The long-term consequences are primarily related to alchemy. If you spare both Salma and the succubus in Skellige, you will be unable to craft the Succubus Decoction in that playthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Salma and Succubi

1. What does the Succubus Decoction do?

The Succubus Decoction grants a stacking attack power bonus during combat. Its effect: Attack Power grows over the course of a fight until reaching a maximum threshold. 1% Attack Power. This makes it useful for prolonged fights where you can build up your attack power over time.

2. How many succubi are there in The Witcher 3?

There are at least two named succubi: Salma (encountered in the “Deadly Delights” contract) and another unnamed succubus found during the quest “Practicum in Advanced Alchemy” in Skellige. These are the only two guaranteed sources of the Succubus Mutagen.

3. Is Salma innocent?

While Salma may appear harmless and claims not to kill her victims, the evidence suggests she’s far from innocent. The bestiary entry and the disappearance of guards point to her being responsible for draining their life force. Even if she doesn’t kill, she’s still harming humans.

4. Are succubi harmless in The Witcher 3?

No, succubi are not harmless. They feed on humans, draining their life force. While they may not be overtly violent, they pose a threat due to their parasitic nature.

5. Can you get the Succubus Mutagen if you spare Salma?

No. If you spare Salma, you cannot obtain the Succubus Mutagen from her. You’ll need to kill her (or the succubus in Skellige) to get it.

6. What is the hardest monster to fight in The Witcher 3?

Difficulty is subjective, but some of the most challenging monster fights include: The Toad Prince, Dettlaff, The Caretaker, Iris’ Greatest Fear, and Olgierd. These encounters often require specific strategies and high-level gear.

7. Is it worth killing the succubus in The Witcher 3?

The “worth” depends on your priorities. If you want the Succubus Mutagen for the Succubus Decoction, then yes, it is “worth” killing her. If you prioritize role-playing a moral Geralt, then no, it isn’t.

8. What are the best decoctions in The Witcher 3?

Some of the best decoctions include: Cockatrice Decoction, Succubus Decoction, Forktail Decoction, Troll Decoction, and Grave Hag Decoction. Each offers unique benefits that cater to different playstyles.

9. Do you need the Succubus Decoction?

No, you do not need the Succubus Decoction to complete the game or even to have a powerful build. It is optional, though highly recommended.

10. What can you do with the Succubus Mutagen?

The primary use for the Succubus Mutagen is to craft the Succubus Decoction. It can also be used as a regular mutagen in your character panel to boost attack power.

11. How does the Succubus Decoction work?

The Succubus Decoction increases attack power by 1% each hit, but can only reach a specific threshold. The bonus lasts only for the duration of the fight.

12. Should I spare the succubus in Skellige?

This depends on whether you killed Salma. If you spared Salma, you need to kill the succubus in Skellige to obtain the mutagen. If you killed Salma, sparing the Skellige succubus won’t prevent you from crafting the decoction. The decision is yours.

13. What happens if I spare both succubi?

If you spare both Salma and the succubus in Skellige, you will be unable to obtain the Succubus Mutagen and craft the Succubus Decoction during that playthrough.

14. Who is the real villain in The Witcher 3?

While there are numerous antagonists, Vilgefortz is arguably the overarching villain of The Witcher 3 due to his manipulation and betrayal.

15. Can romance with Kiera or Shani discontinue Triss romance?

Yes, attempting to romance both Triss and Yennefer can result in both rejecting Geralt. This can be avoided by romancing with only one of them. Keira Metz and Shani, however, do not impact the Triss and Yennefer romances.

Beyond the Morality: The World of The Witcher

The Witcher 3‘s strength lies in its ability to make players grapple with difficult choices. The decision to kill or spare Salma, much like other choices in the game, highlights the complexities of morality and the consequences of our actions.

While the in-game rewards and alchemy recipes are tempting, remember that The Witcher 3 is also about experiencing a rich and immersive world. Consider the character you want to play, the values you want to uphold, and the impact you want to have on the world around you. The choice is ultimately yours, and there is no right or wrong answer. The journey of exploration, decision-making, and consequence is what makes The Witcher 3 a memorable experience. If you find such narratives compelling, consider exploring the work of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, which investigates the power of games in education and cultural understanding.