The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is celebrated for its intricate side quests that challenge players with moral ambiguity and unexpected narrative twists. In the Velen region, players can stumble upon a fascinating quest titled A Greedy God, which explores the theme of religious exploitation among desperate peasants. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to initiate the quest, uncover the hidden truth behind a mysterious deity, and navigate the impactful choices available to Geralt of Rivia.
How to Find and Start the Quest
To begin this adventure, you need to travel to the southern ruins located near the Wastrel Outpost in the heart of Velen. Upon arriving at the site, you will observe two distressed peasants praying to an ancient stone altar dedicated to a deity known as Allgod. Speaking with these villagers reveals that they are terrified of starvation because the divine entity has rejected their meager offerings and cursed their lands with misfortune.
Geralt immediately senses something unusual about the situation due to the voice of the deity echoing from the stone structure. You will need to utilize your Witcher Senses around the altar to look for clues regarding the source of the mysterious voice. Investigating the surrounding ruins reveals a powerful scent of wine and food that seems entirely out of place for a holy site.
Uncovering the Illusion and Hidden Lair
Following the scent trail leads Geralt to a nearby wall where a hidden illusion blocks a secret passage. You must use the Eye of Nehaleni, a quest item obtained from Keira Metz, to dispel the magical barrier and reveal the staircase leading down. Descending into the underground cellar exposes the true identity of Allgod, who is actually a well-fed sylvan hiding from the harsh realities of the war-torn countryside.
The sylvan has been manipulating the local populace for generations to secure a luxurious lifestyle filled with premium food and expensive alcohol. When confronted by Geralt, the creature defends his actions by claiming that his demands keep the peasants humble and focused on tradition. This interaction presents players with a unique diplomatic dilemma that requires balancing moral justice against the immediate survival of the local community.
The Critical Choices and Narrative Outcomes
Players are presented with three distinct choices when deciding the fate of the sylvan, and each path yields a different outcome for the peasants. The first option allows you to kill the sylvan for his deceit, which puts an immediate end to the exploitation of the villagers. If you choose this path, you can loot rare alchemy ingredients from his body, but the peasants will be devastated by the sudden death of their protector.
The second option involves using intimidation to force the sylvan into accepting humbler offerings from the starving villagers. This is often considered the most balanced resolution because it ensures the sylvan continues his spiritual guidance without draining the limited winter food supplies of the community. The peasants remain happy with their divine connection, and the sylvan reluctantly agrees to adapt to the harsh economic reality of Velen.
Concluding the Investigation and Reporting Back
The final option allows Geralt to simply walk away and tell the peasants that their deity wishes for them to keep providing whatever they can manage. Choosing this path preserves the status quo, allowing the sylvan to continue his comfortable lifestyle while the villagers remain trapped in poverty. Regardless of your choice, returning to the surface to conclude the conversation with the villagers will officially complete the quest and reward you with valuable experience points.
