Caught between two rival armies, the free city of Novigrad is one of the tensest and most volatile locations in The Witcher 3. While Radovid's hunt for mages and the persecution of non-humans run rampant, the threat posed by Nilfgaard is hard to ignore.
Spies are a classic threat in war, especially when battle looms. A well-placed spy can identify and report on their enemy's weaknesses and advise their side on how to exploit them. This danger is worth remembering during one of the game's shorter side quests, "Strangers in the Night". It is focused on a seemingly cordial encounter that quickly goes sour.
Where To Start Strangers In The Night
You will find this quest on the outskirts of Novigrad, near the Eternal Fire Chapel. Head across the bridge to its east and turn north. You will find three men sitting around a campfire there. Talk to them to start a cutscene and the quest.
They will each introduce themselves and ask you to do the same. Make sure to introduce yourself as Geralt before sitting down and joining the conversation. The quest will vary significantly based on your next choices.
You will be attacked if you do not introduce yourself.
Navigating The Conversation
Asking about current affairs will start a conversation that has Rufus suspicious. He will accuse Manfred of being a spy and ask to take him in for questioning. You will have to choose between siding with Manfred or Rufus.
Leaving the conversation instead of talking about current affairs will allow a peaceful, if unrewarding, resolution to this quest.
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Side With Manfred |
Choosing "Hands off the merchant", will turn Rufus hostile, forcing you to kill him. |
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Side With Rufus |
Telling them to calm down will have Rufus choose to kill Manfred. From here, you may stay out of it and receive no rewards, or you may help Rufus, fighting Manfred as a result. |
Both Manfred and Rufus are easy to kill. You will gain a crafting diagram if you help Rufus kill Manfred, though there are no significant rewards either way.