The Hearts of Stone expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has one of the creepiest side quests in the game. Called “Without a Trace,” this quest has two outcomes, one of which can be easily missed if you don’t know what to look for. Of course, that’s why we’ve put this mini-walkthrough together: to make sure you don’t miss it.
To start this quest, go to the notice board in Brunwich, a small village in Redania.
Speak to Otto Bamber
Once you pick it up, you’ll need to speak to Otto Bamber, whom you can find in his hut outside Oxenfurt. He is a halfling herbalist, who will ask you to find his missing apprentice, Folker. He was last seen in the Deadwight Wood, well to the east of Oxenfurt.
You can either search for Folker right away or you can play a game of Gwent with Otto. If you play Gwent with him, he will use the Scoia’tael deck. If you beat him, you will get a random Gwent card.
Follow the Blood
Once you’ve started your investigation, search for bloody tracks in the Deadwight Wood. Look near an abandoned wagon in the forest using your Witcher senses, and slowly go north.
The trail will bring you to the village of Erde. There are only two people here, an elderly couple. Speak with them.
Investigate Further
The old couple doesn’t seem to be very honest, so it’s wise to not believe what they say. Instead, go behind the house and find the scent of rotting meat. Follow the trail to a pile of boxes.
Use the Aard ability to scatter them and reveal a trapdoor. Open it. You will find Folkert’s mutilated foot inside.
Go back to the elderly couple and ask more questions. They’ll keep lying to you and saying that wolves attacked Folkert. You can end the quest here by going back to Otto Bamber, but you will only get 50XP.
Instead, investigate the village further. Eventually, you will learn that they are cannibals. You can kill them or let them live, but this decision will not influence your final reward from Bamber.
Return to Otto Bamber
Regardless of your decision, you must to return to Otto Bamber. Tell him everything, and get your reward of 100 XP and 200 crowns.
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Without a Trace is one of the easier quests in The Witcher 3, even if it is somewhat tedious and creepy. Now that you know how to get all of the XP from this quest, it’s on to our other guides for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — if you’re in need, that is. Here are a few to get you started:
