Pomp and Strange Circumstance Main Story, Blood and Wine Quest

Suggested level: 49

This quest will be triggered or can be aquired when you complete Tesham Mutna quest.

Stages of "Pomp and Strange Circumstance" quest

1. Talk to Damien.

The witcher had, at last, defeated the Beast of Beauclair. Her Enlightened Highness Duchess Anna Henrietta invited him to a ceremony where she would award him the Vitis Vinifera Medal, Toussaint's highest honor.

Geralt, famous for being one of the world's leading scruffs, possessed no outfit that would not violate protocol or be remotely suitable for such an occasion. In her generosity, the duchess agreed to fund a new robe.

Regis, having nothing better to do, accompanied the witcher to the tailor's for his fitting. There, the vampire revealed the thought that was tormenting him. Namely, he believed Syanna had planned five murders from the start. He wished to know the identity of the fifth intended victim. He suggested to Geralt that they investigate the matter to the end.

Damien is waiting in the garden. If you know the name of the fifth victim then one more option will be available during the conversation.

1.1. [Optional] Talk to the bootblack during the day.

Do it if you want to know the identity of the fifth intended victim.

1.1.1. [Optional] Find the shelter.

1.1.2. Defeat the attackers.

After the fight you can talk with beggars, one of them still have the Letter revealing the fifth victim.

1.1.3. [Optional] Talk to Syanna.

They first sought out the bootblack. The boy directed them to a poorhouse. It was there they learned Syanna had indeed planned five murders. All to wreak vengeance upon those who had caused her to be banished from the court and the Ducal Palace. The final victim was to have been her very own sister, Duchess Anna Henrietta.

Geralt considered confronting Syanna.

1.1.4. [Optional] Follow the guard to Syanna's cell.

Geralt reached the tower where Syanna sat confined. After speaking to her, he made his way to the ceremony, during which he was to receive his distinction.

2. Version A - After the visit to the Land of a Thousand Fables (Geralt obtained the magic ribbon for Syanna).

This version will be active if you completed Beyond Hill and Dale... quest and Geralt had won or bought the Magic ribbon from the girl who sells flint, so Syanna is still alive.

You will get the reward for defeating The Beast (5000 gold) ...

... and then you will witness a happy ending.

3. Version B - After the meeting with Unseen Elder.

This version will be active if you completed What Lies Unseen quest.

You will get the reward for defeating The Beast (5000 gold) ...

... and then you will witness a tragedy - both sisters die.

3.1. Place a flower on Anna Henrietta's grave.

After the ceremony, Sylvia Anna faced her accusers. Alas, her interrogation ended in tragedy. Though her murderous scheme had been thwarted when her "murder weapon," the vampire Dettlaff, had been removed, Syanna decided to see the matter through. Feigning a willingness to reconcile, she tricked all those present and ran a hair pin through her sister's heart. Anarietta died instantly, and no one, not even the witcher with his lightning fast reflexes, could prevent it.

A woman of great beauty, in the prime of her life, Anna Henrietta breathed her last at the foot of her own palace. As she died her thoughts went to the undersigned… Grief grips my heart as I write this, tears flow of their own from my eyes.

The bad seed, Sylvia Anna, perished immediately afterwards, without trial or due process cut down by a ducal guardsman loyal and true.

4. Collect mandrake roots.

If both sisters are dead (Version B) then ...

Geralt visited the crypt where both sisters had been laid to rest. Then he rejoined Regis to enjoy some well-deserved respite, aided by a jug of the vampire's mandrake hooch.

If both sisters are alive (Version A) then ...

After the ceremony, Sylvia Anna faced her accusers. When Geralt had spoken to Syanna earlier, he had broached some sensitive issues. These now came to the fore, and a heated argument erupted between the sisters. Those valuing convention and decorum undoubtedly considered it an unsavory public airing of matters private. Yet my own heart inclines me to think it a fortunate turn of events. For we cannot know what might have happened had there been no release of resentments that had accumulated over decades.

Upon quitting the palace Geralt rejoined Regis at his crypt. They indulged in some well-deserved respite while sipping Regis' exquisite (as they both assured me) mandrake hooch.