Dead Man’s Party

Overview

Dead Man’s Party is a main quest in Hearts of Stone and one of the best-loved quests in The Witcher 3. For his second wish, Olgierd von Everec asks Geralt to give his brother Vlodimir the time of his life, even though Vlodimir has been dead for years.

Waking the dead

Geralt goes to Shani at her clinic in Oxenfurt. She knows the von Everec history and meets him at the family crypt with a censer, though she waits outside. She also invites Geralt to a wedding she is attending.

Inside, Geralt fights off some wraiths, finds Vlodimir’s grave by the sabre in front of it, and burns incense at the marked spots before lighting the central votive. The ghosts of the whole von Everec family rise and attack. When they fall, Vlodimir appears, amused, and agrees to the plan: he possesses Geralt’s body for the night. Shani suggests the wedding as the perfect party.

The wedding

At the wedding in Brunwich, Vlodimir insists on proper clothes, “borrows” an outfit and somehow gets a haircut and a shave. He flirts with Shani, offends the groom and throws himself into the festivities. Geralt’s inventory is locked for the night.

Four activities move the evening along:

  • Pig herding. Guide the two painted pigs into the pen without Axii to win the King of Swineherds’ crown, a trophy with a big gold bonus. Afterwards Shani dares Vlodimir to woo a girl, whose brothers are not amused.
  • Gwent against the halflings. Lose and Geralt wears ass ears for the rest of the party.
  • The fire swallower has been chased up a tree by the family dog. Bring him back, or juggle apples yourself.
  • Shoe fishing. Find Shani’s shoe, and only hers, in the pond.

While Vlodimir dances with Shani, Gaunter O’Dimm turns up to dedicate a song to them. Doing every activity unlocks the achievement Let the Good Times Roll!

Party’s over

Vlodimir can make a speech, then writes a letter to his brother in blood. But he wants to stay longer to pursue Shani, breaking his word, and O’Dimm banishes him in a way that unsettles even Shani. This starts A Midnight Clear, which must be done before leaving the wedding. Finally Geralt brings Vlodimir’s letter to Olgierd at The Alchemy.

Walkthrough

  1. Talk to Shani at her clinic in Oxenfurt.
  2. Meet her at the von Everec family crypt.
  3. Kill the wraiths, find Vlodimir’s grave and burn the censer at the marked spots.
  4. Light the central votive and defeat the von Everec ghosts.
  5. Let Vlodimir possess Geralt and ride to the wedding in Brunwich.
  6. Complete the pig pen, gwent, fire swallower and shoe fishing activities.
  7. Talk to Gaunter O’Dimm at the wedding.
  8. Watch the capping ceremony and Vlodimir’s departure.
  9. Bring Vlodimir’s letter to Olgierd at The Alchemy.

Quest Consequences & Choices

Starts A Midnight Clear, which fails if you leave the wedding first.

Involved characters

Involved monsters

Quest Type:
Rewards XP: Varies (Hearts of Stone XP rules), with up to 200 XP per activity
Loot: King of Swineherds’ crown, Ass ears (if you lose at gwent), Cow gwent card (in the barn)

weapons

Steel for humans, silver for monsters. Explore the craftsmanship, ancient runes, and legendary blades forged to survive the path.

monster

From bloodthirsty vampires in the shadows of Toussaint to ancient leshens guarding primeval forests. Study their weaknesses before the hunt.

characters

Witchers, sorceresses, kings, and bards. Uncover the complex histories, alliances, and fates of those who shape the Continent.

armor

Grandmaster gear from the schools of the Wolf, Cat, and Bear. Discover the protection and hidden powers of legendary witcher armor.