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Who to Swear On in The Witcher 3: A Knight’s Errand of Oaths

Navigating the world of The Witcher 3 involves more than just slaying monsters; it requires making choices, sometimes morally ambiguous ones, and occasionally participating in grand tournaments where even your oaths matter. During the Toussaint tournament in the Blood and Wine expansion, Geralt is presented with the opportunity to swear an oath upon entering. The answer to who to swear on in The Witcher 3 is that you can either swear on the love of Triss Merigold, Yennefer of Vengerberg, or, if neither is his current romantic partner, declare that “her name cannot be spoken.” The choice depends entirely on your personal game progression and the romantic path you have chosen for Geralt.

This article delves into the implications of your choice, exploring the nuances of the oaths, and answering frequently asked questions about honor, romance, and morality within the Witcher universe.

Understanding the Oath in the Tournament

The oath ceremony at the Toussaint tournament isn’t just a formality; it’s a reflection of Geralt’s personal journey and the relationships he has cultivated. The game acknowledges your romantic choices by offering different dialogue options.

Triss Merigold: If Geralt is in a committed relationship with Triss, he will swear on his love for her.
Yennefer of Vengerberg: Similarly, if Geralt’s heart belongs to Yennefer, he will pledge his oath upon their love.
“Her Name Cannot Be Spoken”: If Geralt has neither Triss nor Yennefer as his romantic partner (either because he chose not to pursue a relationship with either, or because he attempted to romance both and failed), he will instead declare that the name of his love cannot be spoken. This is a clever way for the game to acknowledge Geralt’s romantic status without forcing a commitment.

The oath itself has no direct gameplay consequences, but it does reinforce the narrative. It’s a small detail that contributes to the overall immersion and character development within The Witcher 3.

Delving Deeper: Morality and Consequences

While the oath in the tournament doesn’t have any game-altering effects, it’s important to remember that choices in The Witcher 3 often have ripple effects. Geralt’s decisions, big or small, shape the world around him and impact the lives of the characters he encounters.

Romance Implications: Your chosen romantic partner will feature more prominently in certain scenes and dialogues throughout the Blood and Wine expansion. This is especially evident in the ending, where your significant other will share moments with Geralt at Corvo Bianco.
Reputation and Perception: While the oath itself won’t change Geralt’s reputation directly, consistent choices aligned with a particular moral compass can influence how NPCs perceive him. The world of The Witcher 3 reacts to your actions.

FAQs: Navigating the World of Oaths and Choices

These FAQs further clarify the game mechanics and provide useful information for players navigating the morally grey world of The Witcher 3.

Q1: Does Swearing on a Specific Character Affect the Ending?

No, swearing on Triss, Yennefer, or choosing the “her name cannot be spoken” option during the tournament does not directly affect the main ending of Blood and Wine. The primary factor determining your ending is your previous romantic choices regarding Triss and Yennefer and certain decisions during the main quests of Blood and Wine.

Q2: Can I Romance Both Triss and Yennefer?

You can attempt to romance both Triss and Yennefer, but be warned: trying to have your cake and eat it too will result in both of them rejecting Geralt, leaving him alone. The game strongly encourages committing to one or the other.

Q3: What Happens If I Choose “Her Name Cannot Be Spoken”?

Choosing this option signifies that Geralt is either not committed to either Triss or Yennefer, or that he failed to romance them. It’s a neutral choice with no specific advantages or disadvantages.

Q4: Is There a “Best” Romance Choice?

There is no definitive “best” romance choice. It depends entirely on your personal preferences. Triss and Yennefer have distinct personalities and storylines. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) promotes the idea that games are learning experiences, so experimenting with different choices can be a rewarding way to understand these characters.

Q5: How Do I Get a Good Ending in Blood and Wine?

A “good” ending typically involves saving both Syanna and Anna Henrietta. To achieve this, you need to read the fairy tales diary in the children’s room and find the flint girl to obtain ribbons for Syanna during the Land of a Thousand Fables quest. Your decisions during the Tesham Mutna questline also matter.

Q6: What is the Significance of “Swearing on the Heron”?

The reference to “swearing on the heron” highlights the absurdity of oaths made in times of political maneuvering, as seen in Robert’s actions during the Hundred Years’ War, as detailed in the provided article snippet.

Q7: How Do I Prove My Honor in the Toussaint Tournament?

You prove your honor by participating in the Toussaint Tournament as Geralt of Rivia, accepting Prince Anséis’ challenge, and defeating him in mounted combat.

Q8: Can I be a Bad Guy in The Witcher 3?

Yes, you can play Geralt as a less-than-savory character. You can choose to ignore contracts, make selfish decisions, and generally act in a way that is contrary to the typical witcher code. However, remember that actions have consequences.

Q9: Should I Sleep with Abigail in The Witcher 1?

The decision of whether to sleep with Abigail in The Witcher 1 is morally complex. It depends on whether you want to support her against the villagers or side with the villagers. There are significant consequences associated with either choice.

Q10: What Happens If I Choose Ravix of Fourhorn?

If you choose to participate as Ravix of Fourhorn, Tailles will challenge you, leading to a fistfight. However, you will not achieve the virtue of honor in the “There Can Be Only One” quest.

Q11: How Can I Save Vivienne in Blood and Wine?

There are two primary outcomes for Vivienne. You can transfer her curse to an oriole egg, which extends her life for seven years, or you can choose to tell Guillaume about the curse. Telling Guillaume allows him to accept the curse himself, potentially allowing Vivienne to live a full life, though this is at the cost of potentially betraying her trust.

Q12: What are the Consequences of Transferring Vivienne’s Curse?

Transferring the curse extends her life but results in her death seven years later. This outcome is triggered if you do not involve Guillaume in the decision-making process.

Q13: Should I Tell Guillaume About Vivienne’s Curse?

Telling Guillaume about the curse opens up the possibility of him taking the curse onto himself. The decision depends on whether you value Vivienne’s trust or her potential for a longer life.

Q14: Is There Swearing in The Witcher 3?

Yes, there is swearing in The Witcher 3, including the occasional use of the “F” word, as well as other mature themes and content.

Q15: What is the Most Horrifying Monster in The Witcher 3?

While subjective, many players consider the Botchling, the Caretaker, and the Hym to be among the most horrifying monsters in The Witcher 3, due to their disturbing appearances and the stories behind them.
Choosing who to swear on in The Witcher 3 is more than a simple game mechanic; it is another facet of the immersive character development that makes the game so compelling. The impact, though minor, speaks volumes of the overall impact you have on the world.

Who to swear on Witcher 3?