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The Northern War in The Witcher 3 is, to put things lightly, rather hard to miss. It's a sweeping conflict that has significant ramifications for Geralt, and in turn, the player. Conversely, some of the actions you'll take throughout your playthrough of the game will have profound of effects on the war's outcome.
One of the quests that plays a crucial role in the resolution is 'A Deadly Plot'. This critical quest, though technically skippable, is the first in a trio followed by 'An Eye for an Eye' and 'Redania's Most Wanted'. Here are all the tasks in this quest, and how to complete them.
Updated on December 7, 2022 by Quinton O'Connor: 'A Deadly Plot' is one of the most important quests in The Witcher 3 outside the main story. It's the launch point for further content that feels downright pivotal, especially for players of the second game. Read on for how to ace it.
How to Begin 'A Deadly Plot'
This secondary quest will activate automatically at the end of the quest 'Now or Never'. It begins with a conversation with Sigismund Dijkstra, who will tell you about the plot to take down Redania's king, Radovid. Vernon Roche, a guerilla warrior fighting on behalf of Temeria, will also be there, explaining to you that Temeria's freedom depends on removing Radovid from the picture.
The pair will explain that they had an informant helping with their plan, but he's gone missing. They'll ask your help in finding the informant.
Finding The Shoemaker
You'll need to head to the nearby Border Post fast travel spot and find the Redanian soldier that Dijkstra told you to speak with. This man's name is Gregor, and he'll tell you about the shoemaker's wagon and where to find it.
You'll find the wagon near Hindhol and Hanged Man's Tree. Use your investigative Witcher Senses to explore the scene. You will probably be attacked by some wolves or wargs, though neither set should prove much challenge relative to what you've already faced in The Witcher 3.
Some footprints leading away from the area will take you to a rock troll named Rogg, who is fascinated with some shoes on the ground. This troll will let you know that his friends, Ogg and Pogg, are currently holding the shoemaker in their custody, but he remains unharmed.
Find the cave nearby, and you'll see the two trolls inside with the man you're looking for. You can hang nearby to see a bit of their dialogue, or run right up to them to initiate the next steps.
You can threaten to fight the trolls, but you also have the option to resolve the matter peacefully. They're a pretty tough fight, so it's recommended that you resolve things without violence. The trolls also seem kind, too, so why fight them? Sure, they can be a source of the rare cave troll liver, but you can find those elsewhere, too.
After whichever option you choose, you'll have to help escort Thaler back to his wagon.
Conversing With Thaler And Miscellaneous Info
Thaler's pace is... laborious, though we suppose it befits someone who's seen far more sandals than swordplay. You can rush ahead to no detriment, though you'll miss dialogue. Nothing too important, but flavorful enough to stick around.
Once you both arrive back at the wagon, the quest will finish, and you'll receive 25 experience points. From this point, you can talk to Thaler about his cover as a shoemaker and a few other topics.
There are a few other bits of info you should have before you finish this quest.
First, make sure you keep your eyes peeled when you enter the trolls' cave. On the left side of the main corridor is a small room where you'll find some Witcher gear. Here, the diagrams for the superior ursine armor, gauntlets, trousers, and boots will be found.
As mentioned, there are two other quests that form a trio with this one: 'Redania's Most Wanted' and 'An Eye for an Eye'. This trio will lead to the next quest in the assassin plotline, 'Reason of State', where your actions will have profound impacts on the state of the world.