A Murder and a Party

Complete A Murder and a Party in The Witcher. Find Raymond's body, get alcohol for Shani's party, and learn Azar's secrets.

Head to Raymond’s House and inform him about the autopsy. Geralt fabricates a story about botching the autopsy to align with Azar’s expectations. Return to Raymond, who reveals Kalkstein and Ramsmeat were collaborating. Since Azar intends to eliminate them, you should act contrary to his wishes.

You have several options when interacting with Azar-as-Raymond. Ask him about the Royal Guard commander for a narrative that contradicts Raymond’s earlier account, confirming existing knowledge. Dialogue option #2 allows you to challenge Azar’s deception or engage in a conversation where Azar-as-Raymond impersonates Azar, enabling practice for a confrontation. Be cautious, as provoking Azar too much can lead to an actual confrontation.

Warning: Provoking Azar will cause him to attack, summoning Salamandra Executioners. While a level 20 Geralt can handle them, persistent provocation will result in a game over via cutscene (a non-interactive cinematic the game plays automatically) (a non-interactive cinematic the game plays automatically).

To de-escalate, feign ignorance and suggest Kalkstein as a suitable impersonation target for 'Azar'. Inform Azar-as-Raymond you are prepared for Ramsmeat. He will urge you to kill Ramsmeat, the leader of Salamandra’s forces. Afterward, depart.

Proceed to Ramsmeat’s residence or the Hairy Bear Inn. Inform him of Azar’s directive to kill him and advise him to go into hiding. Ramsmeat will highlight the danger of confronting Azar alone. To address this, consult Kalkstein. First, prove Kalkstein's innocence to complete “Suspect: Kalkstein”. This reveals Azar’s use of fire magic, which Kalkstein, as an intellectual, finds intolerable. Inform Kalkstein that Azar is impersonating Raymond. Kalkstein will suggest luring Azar to a magically unstable location near the tower in the Swamp Forest, a place opposed to fire. This action completes “What Lies Beneath”.

Return to Azar-as-Raymond and report Ramsmeat’s demise. Geralt will invite “Raymond” to the Swamp Tower to confront Azar and Kalkstein, who are now less of a threat with Ramsmeat gone. Azar-as-Raymond agrees and provides the “Keth’Aar” Sephirah, necessary for tower access. A few more tasks remain before heading to the Swamp Forest.

As night has fallen, visit the Cemetery to complete the “A Gravedigger’s Gratitude” quest for experience and to clear your journal. The Cemetery contains plants like Celandine and Crows Eye, loot, and undead such as Drowners, Drowned Dead, Ghouls, and Alghouls, especially at night. After clearing the exterior, enter a Crypt located on the northern edge of the Cemetery.

Inside the crypt, you will encounter numerous undead, including Ghouls, Alghouls, Graviers, and Fleders, along with valuable loot. If you lack a Cat Potion, increasing the gamma setting can improve visibility. Use the Aard Sign to break down a wall. Enter the tunnel opposite the exit and turn left to discover Raymond’s body. Examining it will update most active main-story quests for the chapter, particularly “Anatomy of a Crime”, the “Suspect” quests, “What Lies Beneath”, “Vizima Confidential”, and “Anatomy of the Crime”. If “Anatomy of a Crime” was already completed, the update will be less significant.

Take a respite from intrigue and visit Shani at her home. She wishes to arrange a reunion for you and Dandelion. Shani requires Cherry Spirit Cordial for Dandelion, Mettina Rose for herself, and Temerian Rye for you. Obtain the necessary alcoholic beverages from the Hairy Bear Inn and return them to Shani. She will then ask you to invite a friend.