During the intense Now or Never quest in The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt players must navigate a critical narrative fork that directly impacts the survival of several mages. As Geralt assists Triss Merigold in evacuating persecuted mages from Novigrad, he is faced with the choice of rescuing Anisse and Berthold or heading directly to the Kingfisher Inn. Understanding the long-term consequences of this moral dilemma helps players align their choices with their preferred story outcome.
Understanding the Choice in Now or Never
When Triss requests help to rescue Anisse and Berthold, Geralt must decide whether to take a detour or prioritize meeting up with the main group. Choosing to assist the two mages takes extra effort and leads to immediate encounters with Witch Hunters guarding their residence. Selecting this path ensures that Anisse and Berthold successfully join the evacuation effort.
Alternatively, declining Triss's immediate request causes Geralt and Triss to proceed directly to the inn. While this choice saves valuable time during the evacuation process, it leaves the two mages vulnerable to capture by local authorities. Players must weigh the safety of individual mages against the broader security of the overall group.
Consequences of Rescuing Anisse and Berthold
If you decide to save Anisse and Berthold, you will face a battle against several Witch Hunters at their hiding location. Geralt must defeat these enemies quickly to ensure the young mages escape unharmed. After the fight, both characters safely join the rest of the mages heading toward the harbor ship.
However, taking this route comes with a significant cost elsewhere in Novigrad. Because Triss and Geralt are delayed, the innkeeper Olivier is killed by Witch Hunters who raid the Kingfisher Inn before your arrival. This tradeoff creates a bittersweet outcome where saving two lives results in the tragic loss of a helpful ally.
Consequences of Bypassing the Rescue
Choosing not to help Anisse and Berthold allows Geralt and Triss to arrive at the Kingfisher Inn much faster. By arriving early, you prevent the fatal raid from occurring, allowing Olivier to survive the ordeal. He remains alive and continues serving as an active innkeeper in the city.
The downside to this decision is the grim fate that awaits Anisse and Berthold. Without Geralt's intervention, both mages are captured by the Witch Hunters during the sweep. Players looking to achieve a full narrative outcome must carefully decide which lives take priority during this tense mission.
Which Choice Yields the Better Outcome
Determining the better outcome depends largely on which non-player characters you value most in your playthrough. Players who prioritize saving fellow mages usually prefer rescuing Anisse and Berthold to maximize the number of magic users who escape Novigrad. This choice aligns closely with Geralt's goal of ensuring complete freedom for Triss's companions.
On the other hand, players who appreciate keeping useful merchants alive often choose to secure Olivier's survival at the inn. Both choices offer compelling narrative depth without breaking any main questlines or locking essential achievements. Evaluating your roleplay preferences will ultimately guide you toward the decision that best suits your story.
