Introduction
The world of *The Witcher Three: Wild Hunt* is vast, dangerous, and filled with opportunities for Geralt of Rivia, the White Wolf. From battling terrifying monsters to untangling complex political plots, there’s always something to keep a Witcher busy. One crucial aspect of surviving in this world is having quality armor, and that’s where master armorers come in. Finding a master armorer can be a challenge, especially early in the game. This guide focuses on the “Velen Master Armorers” quest, a vital step towards acquiring the best armor available and significantly improving Geralt’s survivability in the war-torn land. This quest might seem straightforward at first, but many players encounter difficulties along the way. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you can unlock the benefits of a true master craftsman in the heart of Velen.
This quest is not just about getting better armor; it’s about experiencing the rich narratives and engaging characters that make *The Witcher Three* so beloved. The interactions with the blacksmith, the challenges of gathering the necessary components, and the satisfaction of equipping yourself with superior gear all contribute to the overall enjoyment of the game. So, grab your sword, prepare your potions, and let’s dive into the details of the Velen Master Armorers quest.
Requirements Before You Begin
Before embarking on the “Velen Master Armorers” quest, it’s helpful to have some basic preparation. While there isn’t a strict level requirement, being around level ten or higher will make some of the encounters in the quest significantly easier. Having access to basic Witcher signs like Aard and Quen will also be beneficial, especially when dealing with potential enemies. No specific quests are strictly required to start this one, but progressing a little bit into the main storyline, specifically traveling to Velen and exploring the area around Crow’s Perch, will naturally lead you to the quest’s starting point. Finally, make sure you have a reasonable amount of Crowns on hand, as master armorers don’t work for free.
Initiating the Quest: A Blacksmith’s Plea
The “Velen Master Armorers” quest begins with Fergus Graem, a blacksmith located in Crow’s Perch, the fortress that serves as the seat of power for the Bloody Baron. Finding Crow’s Perch itself is relatively easy; it’s a major landmark in the central part of Velen, prominently marked on your map. Once inside Crow’s Perch, finding Fergus can be a little tricky, as the area is quite large and bustling with activity. Head towards the main courtyard, and look for a building with a blacksmith’s forge outside. Fergus is usually hard at work near the forge, hammering away at metal.
Upon approaching Fergus, initiate a conversation. He’ll appear frustrated and somewhat desperate. He’ll lament the state of his trade and his inability to craft truly exceptional armor. He will explain that the best blacksmith in Velen can no longer use the tools. He will mention having the tools available but no way to work with them. During the dialogue, make sure to express your interest in armor crafting and inquire about his skills. This will lead him to reveal that he was once a highly skilled armorer, capable of crafting exceptional pieces, but certain circumstances have hindered his ability to do so. He will reveal he has a master armorers kit available for you to use. Accepting his “contract” is the first step to unlocking the full potential of the “Velen Master Armorers” quest.
Unraveling the Mystery: Inspecting the Armour
Fergus will task you with a rather unusual request: inspecting a piece of old Temerian armour. This isn’t just a random task; it’s a crucial step in understanding the problem plaguing his craft. Carefully examine the armor for any telltale signs. Look for imperfections in the metal, examine the quality of the craftsmanship, and pay attention to any unusual markings or damage. Geralt’s Witcher senses will be invaluable here; use them to highlight areas of interest on the armor.
The inspection will reveal that the tools Fergus possesses are of the highest quality, capable of creating exceptional armor. However, the tools are incomplete, missing a vital piece that is essential for the forging process. This missing component is the key to restoring Fergus’s ability to craft master-level armor. The dialogue after the inspection will point you in the direction of where to find the missing tools. Fergus will describe the location, giving you clues that you will have to decipher and put together.
Recovering the Tools: A Journey for Craftsmanship
Based on Fergus’s clues and the information gathered from inspecting the armor, you’ll need to locate the missing tools. The tools are located inside of a ruined building guarded by local bandits. Head to the location marked on your map, keeping a keen eye out for danger. As you approach the ruins, be prepared to encounter the bandits guarding the area. These enemies are typically low-level, but they can still pose a threat if you’re not careful. Use your Witcher senses to scout the area and identify their positions before engaging.
Employ tactical combat strategies to defeat the bandits. Utilize your signs, dodge their attacks, and exploit their weaknesses. Once the bandits are defeated, search the ruins thoroughly. The missing tools should be located within a chest or container. Once you have located the tools, examine them to ensure they are the correct components. With the tools recovered, it’s time to return to Fergus and complete the next stage of the quest.
Triumph and Collaboration: Returning to Fergus
With the missing tools in your possession, return to Fergus at Crow’s Perch. Upon presenting him with the tools, he will be overjoyed and express his gratitude. He will now be able to use the tools to craft master-level armor. This marks a significant turning point in the quest, as it unlocks Fergus’s full potential as a master armorer.
The Rewards of Diligence: Becoming a Master
Completing the “Velen Master Armorers” quest yields several valuable rewards. You’ll gain a substantial amount of experience points, which will help you level up Geralt and unlock new abilities. You may also receive a monetary reward from Fergus, acknowledging your assistance in restoring his craft. The most significant reward, however, is access to Fergus’s master armorer services. He can now craft and repair high-quality armor, providing Geralt with the protection he needs to survive the dangers of the Continent.
Alternate Path Considerations: A Choice to Make
In addition to the traditional route, some players may encounter an alternate path during the “Velen Master Armorers” quest. This alternate path typically involves making a choice that affects the outcome of the quest. The alternate path also provides experience points, money and an impact on the game. Explore all options and decide which outcome is best for you.
Troubleshooting Potential Problems
Even with a detailed guide, some players may encounter issues during the “Velen Master Armorers” quest. One common problem is finding Fergus Graem at his location. If he’s not there, try meditating to a different time of day, as he may have a specific schedule. Another issue is getting stuck during the tool retrieval. If you’re having trouble finding the tools, double-check your map and make sure you’re searching the correct area. If you encounter any bugs or glitches, try reloading an earlier save or consulting online forums for potential workarounds.
Tips and Tricks for a Smoother Experience
To optimize your experience with the “Velen Master Armorers” quest, here are some helpful tips and tricks:
- Gathering Resources: Before approaching Fergus, gather some common crafting materials such as leather scraps, iron ore, and timber. This will save you time later when you want to craft new armor.
- Combat Strategies: When facing enemies during the quest, use your Witcher signs strategically. Aard can knock down enemies, Quen can protect you from damage, and Igni can set them on fire.
- Armor Optimization: Take advantage of Fergus’s master armorer services to optimize your armor builds. Experiment with different armor pieces and upgrades to find the best combination for your playstyle.
- Exploring the World: Don’t be afraid to explore the world around Crow’s Perch. You may discover hidden treasures, side quests, and other valuable resources that will aid you on your journey.
- Character Interaction: Talk to the non-player characters, they often have more to say than what pertains to the main quest, and can enrich the game.
Conclusion: Mastering the Craft
The “Velen Master Armorers” quest is a crucial step towards becoming a formidable Witcher in *The Witcher Three: Wild Hunt*. By completing this quest, you’ll not only gain access to superior armor crafting but also experience the rich narratives and engaging characters that make the game so compelling. Don’t hesitate to embark on this quest and unlock the full potential of Fergus Graem’s master armorer services. The enhanced armor and protection it provides will be invaluable as you face the increasingly dangerous challenges that lie ahead. So, go forth, Witcher, and conquer the wilds of Velen with your newfound craftsmanship. The enhanced armor and protection it provides will be invaluable as you face the increasingly dangerous challenges that lie ahead. Explore other armorer quests later in the game, and compare their services for the best experience.
