The Scarlet Ending: Consequences of Syanna’s Ribbon

What happens if you don’t get the ribbon for Syanna in The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine? Simply put, Syanna dies. This outcome triggers the “bad ending” of the Blood and Wine expansion, often referred to as the “Regis Alone” ending or, more dramatically, the “Scarlet Ending”. Without the ribbon, Syanna is unprotected from the final sister, the Unseen Elder, and succumbs to her past. This leads to a tragic confrontation and ultimately, very grim consequences for Toussaint. Let’s delve into the details and explore the ripple effects of this crucial decision.

The Downward Spiral: Events Unfolding Without the Ribbon

The absence of the ribbon dramatically alters the events leading up to the climax. Here’s a breakdown:

• Dettlaff’s Attack: Dettlaff, enraged by Syanna’s betrayal, launches a full-scale assault on Beauclair. Geralt, along with Duchess Anna Henrietta and Captain Damien de la Tour, is forced to defend the city.

• No Reconciliation: Without the ribbon’s protection, Syanna’s dark side is unchecked. She remains consumed by her desire for vengeance, and there is no opportunity for her to confront and potentially forgive Anna Henrietta.

• The Trial and Tragedy: Instead of a heartwarming resolution, Syanna carries out her deadly plan to eliminate all five knights who wronged her long ago. This includes Anna Henrietta, as she is also considered part of the “fifth victim,” as she gave the order.

• The Ending Consequence: Consequently, both Syanna and Anna Henrietta die. The game concludes with Geralt in prison for failing to prevent the tragedy. Regis, deeply saddened by the loss of his friend Dettlaff, returns to his solitary existence. This ending is somber and filled with regret, highlighting the devastating impact of unchecked vengeance and the importance of forgiveness.

Why the Ribbon Matters: Protection and Redemption

The ribbon, a seemingly insignificant trinket obtained from the Little Flint Girl in the Land of Fables, acts as a crucial magical protection against Dettlaff’s vampire powers. However, its significance goes beyond mere protection. It offers Syanna a chance at redemption.

• Protection: The ribbon protects Syanna from Dettlaff’s attempts to control her. Dettlaff, manipulated by Syanna, uses her connection to her sisters as an leverage to make her attend a meeting.

• A Path to Forgiveness: This protection buys Geralt the opportunity to delve into Syanna’s past and, more importantly, gives her the opportunity to confront and potentially forgive Anna Henrietta. This act of forgiveness is vital for achieving the “good” ending.

• The Catalyst for Change: Without the ribbon, this journey of self-discovery and reconciliation is impossible, sealing Syanna’s fate and plunging Toussaint into tragedy. The Ribbon acts as the single most important item in this quest.

The Emotional Weight: Consequences Beyond the Story

The “Scarlet Ending” carries significant emotional weight. It emphasizes the themes of vengeance, forgiveness, and the long-lasting consequences of past actions. It leaves the player with a sense of failure and deep regret, questioning their decisions and the choices they made along the way. This grim conclusion serves as a stark reminder of the potential for darkness, even in the idyllic setting of Toussaint. It highlights the profound impact that even seemingly small items can have on the fate of nations and the lives of individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Syanna and the Ribbon

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the impact of not obtaining the ribbon for Syanna:

1. Can I still get a different ending if I don’t get the ribbon? No. If you choose not to get the ribbon, you are locked into the “bad ending” where both Syanna and Anna Henrietta die. There is no way to avoid this outcome once this path is chosen.

2. What happens if I refuse to go to the Land of Fables at all? Refusing to go to the Land of Fables automatically leads to the “bad ending” because you cannot obtain the ribbon. Syanna remains unprotected, and the tragic chain of events is set in motion.

3. Is the ribbon the only way to save Syanna? Yes, the ribbon is the single most important factor determining whether or not Syanna survives.

4. Does Geralt’s dialogue choices matter if I don’t have the ribbon? To a degree, yes, if you choose to not get the ribbon and then you chose to fight Detlaff. However, at the end of the quest the Duchess Anna Henrietta and Syanna will die. The “bad ending” is secured by refusing the Land of Fables in the first place.

5. What are the requirements to unlock the Land of Fables quest? To unlock the Land of Fables quest, Geralt must choose to find Syanna after learning about her past and motives from Regis. This involves investigating the crimes of the five knights, thus giving you the option to find the “Unseen Elder”.

6. If I get the ribbon, is the “good ending” guaranteed? Not necessarily. Obtaining the ribbon is only the first step. You must also make the right dialogue choices during the final confrontation with Syanna and Anna Henrietta to foster forgiveness and achieve the “good ending.”

7. What is the significance of the Little Flint Girl? The Little Flint Girl is the character who sells Geralt the ribbon. She resides in the Land of Fables and represents a symbol of hope and protection in a world of darkness.

8. Can I go back and get the ribbon if I missed it? Once you make your decision to not get the ribbon from the little girl, your path is sealed. There is no returning or redoing the quest in the Land of Fables.

9. Is the “bad ending” considered canon? There is no officially declared “canon” ending for Blood and Wine. Players are free to interpret the endings as they see fit.

10. How does the “Scarlet Ending” affect Geralt’s character? The “Scarlet Ending” leaves Geralt with a deep sense of regret and failure. It highlights the limitations of his abilities and the devastating consequences of unchecked vengeance. This ending can prompt players to reflect on Geralt’s role in the world and the choices he makes.

11. Is there a “neutral” ending in Blood and Wine? While there are several variations, the main endings are generally categorized as “good” (both sisters survive), “bad” (both sisters die), and “bittersweet” (Syanna dies, Anna Henrietta survives). The ribbon directly affects which of these broad categories you land in.

12. What should I do to ensure I get the best possible ending? Obtain the ribbon, explore Syanna’s past, and choose dialogue options that encourage forgiveness and understanding between Syanna and Anna Henrietta.

13. Does difficulty setting affect the ending? No, the difficulty setting has absolutely no impact on the ending you receive. The ending depends solely on your choices during the questline.

14. What are the visual cues that indicate I’m heading towards the “bad ending”? The most obvious visual cue is not traveling to the Land of Fables. Once you skip that quest, the game proceeds directly towards the confrontation and subsequent tragedy.

15. How does The Witcher 3 incorporate educational concepts like decision-making? The Witcher 3 offers a rich platform for exploring complex themes of morality, consequences, and the importance of critical thinking. The choices players make directly impact the narrative and the fates of characters, demonstrating the real-world implications of decisions. This interactive environment facilitates learning by allowing players to experience the outcomes of their actions and reflect on the values that guide their choices. Educational institutions can even use games like The Witcher 3 to explore scenarios and concepts relevant to social sciences, ethics, and narrative design. To further explore the intersection of games and learning, consider visiting GamesLearningSociety.org, a valuable resource for educators and researchers.

In conclusion, the ribbon is not just a trinket; it’s a key to unlocking a more hopeful future for Syanna and Toussaint. Its absence leads to tragedy, emphasizing the weight of our decisions and the importance of empathy and forgiveness. Choose wisely, Witcher.