Witcher 3: Should You Help The Pellar?
Alright guys, let's dive deep into a classic Witcher 3 dilemma: the Pellar and the Crones. This is one of those questlines that really makes you think, you know? It's not just about hacking and slashing monsters; it's about the choices you make and the consequences they bring. So, the big question is, do you help the Pellar in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt? Let's break it down, explore the options, and see what happens.
Who is the Pellar, Anyway?
First off, who is this Pellar dude we're talking about? He's a seemingly simple village shaman, living out in the Velen swamps. He's got a quirky, almost folksy charm, and he's known for his ability to commune with spirits and offer advice. You first meet him when you're looking for Ciri, and he's got a lead for you. But things quickly get complicated. He's got his own problems, and one of them involves a certain powerful entity that’s causing a ruckus in the region: the Crones.
When you first encounter the Pellar, he's in a bit of a bind. His daughter, or rather, the daughter of one of the villagers he cares about, has been taken by the Crones. This is where your moral compass starts to get a workout. The Crones are notoriously nasty pieces of work, these ancient, powerful beings who rule over Velen with an iron fist – or rather, an iron claw. They're responsible for a lot of the misery in the region, and messing with them is never a good idea. But here's the thing: the Pellar, despite his humble appearance, is willing to stand up to them, or at least try to. He's asking for Geralt's help to retrieve the girl, and this is where the big decision point arises.
The Pellar's Plea: A Moral Minefield
So, should you help the Pellar? On the surface, it seems like a no-brainer, right? A little girl is in danger, and the Pellar is asking for your assistance. As Geralt, you're a monster hunter, but you're also often portrayed as a protector of the innocent. The Pellar himself seems like a decent, if eccentric, guy. He’s not asking for gold or glory; he’s asking for help to save a child from the clutches of some truly evil entities. It tugs at the heartstrings, doesn't it? This quest is designed to make you feel sympathy for the Pellar and his predicament. He’s a local figure, someone who genuinely seems to care about his community, and his desperation is palpable. You see the fear in his eyes, the worry for the child, and it’s easy to fall into the role of the white knight and rush to his aid. The game plays on your empathy here, presenting a clear-cut case of good versus evil, or at least, less evil versus more evil.
However, this is The Witcher, and nothing is ever that simple. The Crones are powerful, ancient beings, and while they are undeniably cruel, they are also deeply entrenched in the balance of Velen. Interfering with them can have unforeseen consequences. The Pellar’s plea is genuine, but his understanding of the forces at play might be limited. He’s a shaman, not a sorcerer or a seasoned warrior. He’s trying to fight a battle he might not fully comprehend. This is where the game starts to introduce ambiguity. Is the Pellar’s request driven by pure altruism, or are there other motivations at play? Is saving this one child worth potentially destabilizing an already fragile region? These are the kinds of questions that keep you up at night, thinking about your choices long after you’ve put the controller down. The developers at CD Projekt Red are masters at this kind of moral gray area, and this quest is a prime example of their genius in crafting narratives that challenge players.
The Consequences of Your Choice
Now, let’s talk about what actually happens depending on whether you help the Pellar or not. This is where the game really shines, showing you that your decisions have weight. There are essentially two main paths you can take regarding the Pellar's quest: you can either help him, or you can refuse.
Path 1: Helping the Pellar
If you decide to help the Pellar, you’ll embark on a quest that involves confronting the Crones or their minions. This usually means diving into some dangerous territory, likely facing tough monsters and navigating treacherous swamps. The outcome of this path can vary, but generally, it involves a direct confrontation with the forces holding the child. You might have to fight your way through. The Pellar will often accompany you, or at least offer his spiritual guidance. The main objective is to rescue the child and bring her back to safety. The satisfaction comes from knowing you’ve done a good deed, saved an innocent life, and perhaps even earned the Pellar’s gratitude. He might offer you some unique rewards or at least a heartfelt thank you. This path aligns with Geralt’s more heroic, protective persona. It feels good to be the hero, right? You overcome the odds, you make a difference in the lives of ordinary people, and you strike a blow against the malevolent Crones. The Pellar, in turn, often sees Geralt as a savior, a powerful ally who can protect his community.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. By directly challenging the Crones, you might inadvertently make them angrier. They are ancient beings with long memories and immense power. Your interference could lead to them retaliating against the Pellar, his village, or even Geralt himself later down the line. Sometimes, even with your help, the rescue might not go perfectly. The child might be harmed, or the Pellar might suffer consequences for his defiance. The game doesn't shy away from showing that even good intentions can lead to bad outcomes. You might succeed in saving the child, but the overall situation in Velen might not improve, or it might even worsen in subtle ways that you only notice much later. This is the core of the Witcher's narrative: even the
