To Bow or Not To Bow? Navigating the Imperial Audience with Emhyr var Emreis in The Witcher 3
The question of whether to bow before Emperor Emhyr var Emreis in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a surprisingly contentious one for players. It’s a fleeting moment within a grand narrative, yet it sparks debate and differing opinions. The short answer? It doesn’t matter gameplay-wise whether you bow to Emhyr or not. Your choice doesn’t impact the main storyline or its various endings. However, like many seemingly small decisions in the Witcher universe, it carries weight in terms of role-playing and understanding the complex characters involved. Here, we’ll break down the nuances of this decision and what it truly means.
The Significance of a Bow (or Lack Thereof)
The Immediate Impact
The immediate consequence of your choice is minimal. If you choose to bow, Emhyr will offer a snide, yet ultimately harmless, remark. He’s a powerful and arrogant emperor, and your act of submission, however perfunctory, will amuse him. If you refuse to bow, the Emperor’s Chamberlain will be visibly upset. He attempts to reprimand you as you leave, but Geralt, ever the stoic, simply brushes it off. The real consequence of this refusal lies in the fact that the Chamberlain is likely punished for your perceived insolence.
A Matter of Character
The lack of a significant game-altering consequence is precisely what makes this decision compelling. It allows players to embody their Geralt. Are you playing a Geralt who is respectful towards authority, even when he doesn’t necessarily agree with it? Or do you lean into the fiercely independent and cynical nature of a Witcher, who answers to no king or emperor? This small action is a valuable expression of your Geralt’s personality and values.
The Larger Narrative Context
While the decision doesn’t affect the core narrative, it takes place during a pivotal moment in the game’s plot. Emhyr reveals that Ciri is back, and he enlists Geralt’s help in finding her before the Wild Hunt does. This interaction sets the stage for much of what follows in the game. Therefore, the decision of whether to bow becomes less about its impact and more about how Geralt presents himself in this crucial meeting.
Beyond Gameplay: Thematic Resonance
Ultimately, the “bow or not to bow” scenario reflects the game’s broader themes of political intrigue, personal freedom, and moral ambiguity. The Witcher universe is a world where neutrality is a hard-won illusion, and your actions, even seemingly trivial ones, can say a lot about where you stand.
FAQ: Delving Deeper into Related Questions
Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to bowing before Emhyr, providing a deeper understanding of the game’s mechanics, narrative, and character choices:
1. Does bowing affect any of the Witcher 3 endings?
No. The choice to bow or not to bow before Emhyr has absolutely no impact on any of the game’s endings. This decision is purely a role-playing opportunity.
2. Does refusing to bow anger Emhyr himself?
No, Emhyr remains outwardly calm and collected regardless of your choice. He is, after all, an Emperor. He may find the act disrespectful, but he does not show overt anger. The only one immediately visibly upset is his Chamberlain.
3. If I refuse to bow, will the Chamberlain’s punishment affect the game later on?
No. The Chamberlain’s punishment is not directly shown nor does it have any future bearing on the narrative. The punishment serves only to highlight the strict social hierarchy within the Nilfgaardian Empire and the consequences of perceived disrespect.
4. Should you take Ciri to see Emhyr?
This is a far more significant decision. Taking Ciri to see Emhyr opens up one path for her future: becoming the Empress of Nilfgaard. Avoiding this meeting leads her down the path of becoming a Witcher. Your choice here has major implications for the ending you receive.
5. Is it necessary to refuse Emhyr’s reward for the Witcher ending for Ciri?
Yes. If you choose to take Ciri to Emhyr, refusing the reward he offers is crucial for getting her Empress ending and not taking her to Emhyr at all ensures the witcher ending.
6. Can you get help from Emhyr for the Battle of Kaer Morhen?
You can ask Emhyr for help. He will offer troops, but insists they be led by General Voorhis, which Geralt refuses. This means you do not receive additional aid from Nilfgaard during the battle.
7. What if Ciri becomes the Empress?
If Ciri becomes the Empress, she gains immense power. She can reshape the world as she sees fit. She is often depicted as being able to influence reality in a powerful way if she chooses this ending.
8. What is considered the “best” ending for Ciri?
The Witcher ending, where Ciri takes on the mantle of a Witcher, is often considered the “best” ending by players as she is not forced into a leadership role that she may not want. However, it is ultimately a matter of personal preference.
9. Does showing support for Nilfgaard make a difference in the game?
While you can show sympathy for Nilfgaard through certain dialogue choices, it doesn’t drastically alter the gameplay. The Witcher 3 maintains the theme of neutrality for Witchers, so your personal leanings have little impact on the overarching plot.
10. Why does Emhyr want Ciri so badly?
Emhyr wants Ciri for both political and personal reasons. He is driven by a desire to fulfill a prophecy and to assert his claim to the Cintra throne which would make him the most powerful man in the Witcher universe. He also believes that the child of his blood will rule the world and make his claim the true one.
11. Is Emhyr considered a villain in the Witcher universe?
Emhyr is not a simple villain, but rather a complex, morally ambiguous character. He is ruthless and ambitious, but he also has his own twisted sense of justice and family ties.
12. Does Geralt’s relationship with other characters change based on his choices in this interaction with Emhyr?
No, the choice to bow or not to bow with Emhyr does not directly impact Geralt’s relationship with other characters. There are many other quests and dialogue options in the game that contribute to your relationship level with all of the game characters.
13. What if I kill Radovid?
If you want to see Nilfgaard win the war, you must kill Radovid and side with the Temerians. Failing to kill him might lead to the Nilfgaardian Empire not being as successful.
14. Why does Geralt initially distrust Emhyr?
Geralt initially distrusts Emhyr due to his reputation as a ruthless conqueror and his history with Ciri. Geralt has a deep protective feeling for Ciri and does not want to see her used by the emperor for his own means.
15. Are there other moments in the game where you can choose to bow?
There are other opportunities in the game where bowing is appropriate, such as when meeting royalty. These, like the interaction with Emhyr, often have little direct impact on the game’s mechanics. They mainly serve to add to the immersive experience.
Conclusion: The Power of Choice
The decision of whether to bow before Emhyr is, at its core, a statement of your Geralt’s identity. It’s a moment that highlights the game’s incredible ability to weave complex characters and narratives while still offering players freedom of choice. While the game does not punish you for either decision, how you choose to act can add to your overall experience. So, when faced with the Emperor, consider your Geralt’s values, and act accordingly, because it is your story.