Are you wondering, “Can You Save The Botchling In Witcher 3?” Yes, you absolutely can! This guide will walk you through the process, explore the consequences, and give you tips to manage your in-game finances, making sure you’re not spending all your crowns on potions. Savewhere.net is here to ensure you make the best choices in the game, and in real life with your finances!
1. Understanding the “Family Matters” Quest
The “Family Matters” quest in The Witcher 3 is a pivotal and intricate part of the game. You start this quest after completing “Bloody Baron” by speaking with Baron Phillip Strenger in Crow’s Perch. This quest involves several key decisions and optional objectives, particularly concerning how you handle the Botchling. Let’s dive into the details.
1.1 Initial Steps in the Quest
Begin by progressing through “Ciri’s Story: The King of the Wolves.” Once you return to the present, you’ll need to follow the baron and use your Witcher Senses to investigate the rooms. This is also a good opportunity to complete the optional side quest “Ciri’s Room,” which provides additional insights into the story.
1.2 Finding the Pelar
After talking to the baron about your findings, your next objective is to locate the pelar’s hut. The hut’s location will be marked on your map. Upon arrival, you can dismiss the soldiers stationed outside. Speaking with the pelar initiates the “A Princess in Distress” quest, which involves escorting a goat. Completing this quest reveals crucial information about Botchlings, setting the stage for your encounter with one.
2. The Burning Stables: An Optional Rescue
Upon returning to Crow’s Perch, you might notice that the stables are on fire. This presents an optional side objective: saving the stable hand and the horses trapped inside.
2.1 Making the Choice
When you arrive, you’ll automatically engage in a conversation with some guards. You’re given a choice: attempt to save the stable hand by saying “I’ll try,” or prioritize seeing the baron by stating you’re “here to see the baron.”
2.2 Consequences of Your Decision
While this choice doesn’t dramatically alter the main storyline, saving the stable hand, Oswin, results in a reward of 20 Crowns later on. Neglecting the rescue has no immediate negative consequences but forgoing the potential reward and a sense of goodwill.
2.3 How to Save the Stable Hand and Horses
If you decide to attempt the rescue, here’s how to do it:
- Navigate to the Stable: Head across the courtyard toward the burning stable.
- Climb the Ladder: Locate the ladder to the left of the stable door and climb it.
- Clear Debris: Use the Aard sign to clear any debris blocking your path. Be sure to loot the chest on your left for additional items.
- Follow the Path: Proceed to the right and drop down into the stable.
- Refresh Breath Meter (If Needed): If your breath meter is low, step toward the main doors for fresh air, but avoid opening them.
- Open the Stalls: Return inside the barn and open all the horse stalls to free them.
- Open the Main Door: Finally, open the main door to allow the stable hand and horses to escape.
Witcher 3 Burning Stable Rescue
3. The Botchling Dilemma: To Save or to Slay?
After a drunken brawl and a heartfelt conversation with the baron, you’ll follow him to the baby’s grave. Here, you face a crucial decision: destroy the Botchling, a monstrous entity, or attempt to transform it into a protective spirit known as a Lubberkin. This choice can influence the immediate events and provides different paths to the same ultimate goal. Managing in-game choices like these can be similar to making financial decisions – each choice has its own risks and rewards.
3.1 Decision Point: Transform or Attack
You’ll have only a brief moment to decide how to handle the Botchling. Let’s examine both options.
4. Option 1: Attack the Monster
Choosing to attack the Botchling leads to a direct confrontation. Here’s what you need to know:
4.1 Preparing for the Fight
- Vulnerability: Botchlings are particularly susceptible to Cursed Oil and the Axii Sign.
- Potions: Consume helpful potions before initiating the fight to enhance your combat abilities.
4.2 The Battle
- Wraiths: During the fight, the Botchling may summon Wraiths. Prioritize dealing with them to reduce the overall threat.
- Combat: Use your sword skills, Cursed Oil, and the Axii Sign to weaken and defeat the Botchling.
4.3 Aftermath
- Collecting Blood: Once defeated, Geralt will collect some of the Botchling’s blood to take back to the pelar.
- Meeting the Pelar: Return to the pelar and talk to him about the Botchling blood.
4.4 The Ritual at Wolven Grove
- Follow the Pelar: After speaking with the pelar, follow him to Wolven Grove. Be prepared to fend off wolves along the way.
- Prepare for the Ritual: Once at Wolven Grove, prepare the area for the ritual.
- Light the Fires: Use your Igni Sign to ignite the three stones, or simply interact with them using the prompt.
- Defend Against Wraiths: During the ritual, several Wraiths will spawn. Focus on eliminating them while keeping an eye on the fires.
- Relight Fires: If any of the fires go out, quickly relight them using Igni.
- Complete the Ritual: After successfully defending the fires and defeating the Wraiths, watch the cutscene and have a conversation with the pelar.
4.5 Finding Voytek the Fisherman
The pelar will then direct you to Voytek the fisherman’s hut, continuing the questline.
5. Option 2: Turn the Botchling into a Lubberkin
Opting to transform the Botchling into a Lubberkin offers a non-violent alternative.
5.1 The Transformation Process
- Following the Baron: The baron will pick up the Botchling, and you must follow him to the castle’s entrance.
- Staying Close: Stay close to the baron. If you stray too far, the Botchling will transform back into its monstrous form, forcing you to fight it.
5.2 Dealing with Wraiths
- Summoning Wraiths: As you walk through the town, the Botchling will fuss and glow green, summoning Wraiths.
- Using Axii: Handle the Wraiths and then use the Axii Sign near the baron to soothe the Botchling.
5.3 Reaching the Castle Entrance
Repeat the process of dealing with Wraiths and using Axii until you reach the castle’s entrance.
5.4 The Lubberkin’s Role
- Funeral and Waiting: After the funeral, sit and wait at the nearby prompt.
- Summoning the Lubberkin: After a day, you’ll be able to summon the Lubberkin where the Botchling is buried.
- Following the Lubberkin: Follow the Lubberkin and examine the areas it leads you to.
5.5 Finding Voytek the Fisherman
Eventually, the Lubberkin will lead you to Voytek the fisherman’s hut, similar to the outcome if you chose to attack the Botchling.
6. The Fisherman’s Hut: Voytek
Regardless of whether you chose to attack the Botchling or transform it, both paths converge at Voytek the fisherman’s hut.
6.1 Investigating the Hut
Follow your map marker and head into Voytek’s hut. You’ll engage in a long conversation with him and his family, gathering crucial information about the next steps in your quest.
7. Finding Tamara: The Baron’s Daughter
With the information acquired from Voytek, you’ll learn that Tamara, the baron’s daughter, is in Oxenfurt.
7.1 Optional Objective
Finding Tamara in Oxenfurt is an optional objective. You can choose to skip it and proceed directly to talking to the baron. However, completing this side quest first marks off another objective in “Family Matters.”
7.2 Journey to Oxenfurt
Head northeast to the city of Oxenfurt. Follow the marker to Tamara. Your primary goal here is to have a conversation with her. Once done, you can return to Crow’s Perch.
8. Returning to the Baron
Once you’ve gathered information from Voytek and, optionally, spoken with Tamara, it’s time to return to Crow’s Perch and talk to the baron about his family.
8.1 Discussing the Family
The baron will begin to reveal more information about Ciri, leading you to play “Ciri’s Story: The Race.”
8.2 “Ladies of the Wood” Quest
If you haven’t yet, you’ll need to go to Crookback Bog and complete “Ladies of the Wood” at this point. This quest has its own branching paths and consequential choices.
8.3 Further Conversations with the Baron
After completing “Ladies of the Wood,” talk to the baron some more. This will trigger “Ciri’s Story: Out of the Shadows.”
8.4 “Return to Crookback Bog” Quest
Upon leaving the baron, you’ll receive a new quest called “Return to Crookback Bog.” This quest concludes the baron’s storyline and ties together all the choices you’ve made throughout the “Family Matters” questline.
9. The Real Impact of Your Botchling Decision
While the immediate paths differ depending on whether you attack the Botchling or transform it into a Lubberkin, the ultimate outcome remains the same: you’ll eventually arrive at Voytek the fisherman’s hut, and the story will proceed similarly from there.
9.1 Key Branching Point: “Ladies of the Wood”
The major divergence in the baron’s story occurs when you complete “Ladies of the Wood.” Your choices within that quest have significant repercussions on the overall narrative.
10. Financial Wisdom from Savewhere.net: Saving Like a Witcher
Just like Geralt needs to manage his crowns wisely, you too can benefit from smart financial habits. Let’s explore how to save money like a Witcher, focusing on strategies that can help you accumulate wealth, similar to how Geralt amasses crowns through monster hunting and wise decisions.
10.1 Budgeting: The Witcher’s Contract Book
The Analogy: Geralt uses his contract book to track his earnings and expenses.
Real-Life Application: Create a budget to track your income and expenses. Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to categorize your spending and identify areas where you can cut back. According to a report by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), personal savings rates tend to increase when individuals actively manage their budgets.
Savewhere.net Tip: Use our budgeting templates to get started!
10.2 Hunting for Deals: Finding the Best Potions at the Lowest Price
The Analogy: Geralt always looks for the best deals on potions and crafting materials.
Real-Life Application: Compare prices before making purchases. Look for discounts, coupons, and sales. Use browser extensions that automatically find and apply coupon codes while you shop online.
Savewhere.net Tip: Check our deals section for the latest discounts on everything from groceries to travel!
10.3 Investing Wisely: Equipping Yourself with the Right Gear
The Analogy: Geralt invests in better swords and armor to increase his effectiveness.
Real-Life Application: Invest in assets that will grow over time, such as stocks, bonds, or real estate. Start with a diversified portfolio to minimize risk. According to research from the Federal Reserve, long-term investments in diversified portfolios have historically provided significant returns.
Savewhere.net Tip: Consult with a financial advisor to create a personalized investment strategy.
10.4 Emergency Fund: Having a Quen Sign for Financial Protection
The Analogy: Geralt uses the Quen sign to protect himself from unexpected attacks.
Real-Life Application: Build an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses such as medical bills or job loss. Aim to save at least 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses in a high-yield savings account.
Savewhere.net Tip: Use our savings calculator to determine how much you need to save each month to reach your emergency fund goal.
10.5 Debt Management: Clearing Monster Nests of Financial Obligations
The Analogy: Geralt clears monster nests to make an area safer and more prosperous.
Real-Life Application: Pay off high-interest debt as quickly as possible. Consider consolidating debt or using balance transfer credit cards to lower interest rates. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) offers resources and tools to help manage and reduce debt.
Savewhere.net Tip: Explore our debt management guides for strategies to tackle your debt effectively.
10.6 Skill Development: Enhancing Your Witcher Abilities for Better Contracts
The Analogy: Geralt invests in his skills to take on more challenging and rewarding contracts.
Real-Life Application: Invest in yourself by learning new skills or taking courses that can increase your earning potential. Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer a wide range of courses that can help you advance your career.
Savewhere.net Tip: Look for free or low-cost online courses to enhance your skills without breaking the bank.
10.7 Side Quests for Extra Crowns: Leveraging Additional Income Opportunities
The Analogy: Geralt takes on side quests to earn extra crowns.
Real-Life Application: Explore opportunities to earn additional income, such as freelancing, part-time jobs, or selling items you no longer need. Websites like Upwork and Etsy can provide platforms for these ventures.
Savewhere.net Tip: Check our gig economy section for ideas on how to earn extra money in your spare time.
10.8 Negotiating Prices: Getting the Best Deal from Merchants
The Analogy: Geralt often negotiates prices with merchants to get better deals.
Real-Life Application: Negotiate prices on big-ticket items such as cars, furniture, or even medical bills. Don’t be afraid to ask for discounts or better terms.
Savewhere.net Tip: Research the fair market value of an item before negotiating to ensure you get a reasonable price.
10.9 Avoiding Scams: Spotting Doppler Contracts
The Analogy: Geralt is cautious of contracts that seem too good to be true, often involving Dopplers.
Real-Life Application: Be wary of scams and fraudulent schemes. Always do your research before investing in something or providing personal information. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides resources on how to spot and avoid scams.
Savewhere.net Tip: Stay informed about common scams and how to protect yourself.
10.10 Setting Financial Goals: The Witcher’s Code
The Analogy: Geralt follows the Witcher’s code, which guides his actions and decisions.
Real-Life Application: Set clear financial goals, such as buying a home, retiring early, or paying off debt. Having specific goals will help you stay motivated and focused on your savings efforts.
Savewhere.net Tip: Use our goal-setting guide to define your financial objectives and create a plan to achieve them.
11. Conclusion: Making Informed Choices in the Game and in Life
Whether you choose to attack the Botchling or try to save it, the consequences ultimately converge. What truly matters are the choices you make in the “Ladies of the Wood” quest. Similarly, in your financial life, the small daily decisions can lead to significant long-term outcomes.
By applying these Witcher-inspired financial strategies, you can manage your money more effectively, save for the future, and achieve your financial goals. Just like Geralt navigates the treacherous world of the Continent, you can navigate the complexities of personal finance with skill and confidence. Remember, every crown saved is a step closer to financial freedom!
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What happens if I choose to kill the Botchling?
If you choose to kill the Botchling, you will fight it, collect its blood, and then follow the pelar to perform a ritual. This path eventually leads you to Voytek the fisherman’s hut.
2. What happens if I choose to turn the Botchling into a Lubberkin?
If you choose to turn the Botchling into a Lubberkin, you must protect it from transforming back into a monster while following the baron. Eventually, the Lubberkin will lead you to Voytek the fisherman’s hut.
3. Does the decision about the Botchling affect the main storyline?
No, the decision regarding the Botchling does not significantly alter the main storyline. Both choices ultimately lead to the same point in the quest.
4. Is saving the stable hand important?
Saving the stable hand is optional. If you succeed, you will receive a small reward of 20 Crowns later in the game.
5. How do I save the stable hand and horses from the burning stables?
To save them, climb the ladder near the stables, use the Aard sign to clear debris, open the horse stalls, and then open the main door.
6. What is the significance of the “Ladies of the Wood” quest?
The “Ladies of the Wood” quest is a major branching point in the baron’s storyline, and your choices during this quest have significant repercussions.
7. Can I skip finding Tamara in Oxenfurt?
Yes, finding Tamara in Oxenfurt is an optional objective. You can proceed directly to talking to the baron if you choose.
8. What rewards do I get for completing “Family Matters”?
The rewards for completing “Family Matters” include experience points, advancing the main storyline, and gaining more information about Ciri’s whereabouts.
9. What is a Botchling vulnerable to?
Botchlings are vulnerable to Cursed Oil and the Axii Sign.
10. Where does the questline lead after dealing with the Botchling?
Regardless of your choice, the questline eventually leads to Voytek the fisherman’s hut, where you gather more information about Tamara and Anna.
13. Call to Action
Ready to master your finances like a true Witcher? Explore more tips, discover exclusive deals, and connect with a community of savvy savers at Savewhere.net. Visit our website today and start your journey to financial freedom!
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