OVERVIEW
The longest quest so far. Hernand opens up with multiple sub-quests tackled in any order. You'll face your first real boss (Matthias), liberate an outpost, and help various townsfolk across the region. This guide covers every objective efficiently.
FOR HONOR — BOSS BATTLE: MATTHIAS
Stock up on healing items before approaching the knight in Hernand's town square. He challenges Kliff to a duel.
Matthias Strategy:
- - Two-phase fight with a QTE transition between phases
- - Armed with a massive greatsword plus unarmed kicks
- - Regular sword slashes CAN be blocked; kicks and red-glowing attacks CANNOT
- - Observe his opening kick to learn Pump Kick — a charged two-footed kick that breaks guard
- - Play defensively: block, retaliate, dodge unblockable attacks (red glow = dodge now)
- - Use Pump Kick to create openings, then punish with heavy attacks
- - Phase 2 follows the same patterns — stay calm and repeat
Tips:
- - Palmar Pills refund if you fully wipe, so use them freely
- - Invest early Abyss Artifacts in damage or health upgrades
AWESTRUCK — MEETING BARDEN MIDDLER
After defeating Matthias, speak to the armored man nearby. Barden Middler, marshal of Hernand, asks you to clear bandits from Springtide Mill.
IMPORTANT STOPS BEFORE LEAVING TOWN
Smithy (near Matthias fight): Buy/reinforce weapons and armor
Renee the Butcher (south): Buy meat, use her cooking pot
Tip: Greet each vendor when you visit — builds Trust, eventually expanding their inventory for your future Greymane Camp.
Optional — Renee's Request: She asks you to make 3 Fish Porridge (exact recipe, no variants like "Filling" or "Modest"). Rewards inventory expansion.
LIBERATING SPRINGTIDE MILL
Ride south to find a dozen+ Bleed Bandits occupying the mill.
Strategy:
- - Don't charge in — engage small groups at a time
- - Sneak-assassinate or arrow-snipe one to start with advantage
- - Use Pump Kick near cliffs for easy environmental kills
- - Once liberated, check the notice board for 4 sub-quests (any order):
- Trial After Trial
- The Man Trapped in the Mire
- Missing Companion
- Secrets Hidden in the Dark
Tip: Use Abyss Nexus fast travel + gliding for quick transportation.
TRIAL AFTER TRIAL
A cattle theft at a farm south of Hernand. Talk to Bremer, then ride to the gossiping herbalists who know where to find the stolen cows.
At the fork across the bridge: Collect a Sealed Abyss Artifact (purple dice icon on minimap). These reward skill points for completing gameplay challenges.
Clear the bandit camp (small groups, spread out). Then:
- - Loot bandits for valuables
- - Skin dead cows for meat, bones, and hide
- - Use lantern on the campfire to reveal a Memory Fragment (use Visione to play it)
- - Sharpen weapons at the Grindstone (temporary damage boost)
- - Check boxes near Grindstone for a Palmar Pill
Return to Bremer. Reward: 5 Thin Hides + Hernandian Contribution.
THE MAN TRAPPED IN THE MIRE
Head to Capra Pasture, speak to the shepherd. Another bandit retrieval.
Along the way: Two shops on a cliff overlooking the river:
- - Livestock Fence — sell stolen animals
- - Grimrak's Back Alley Shop — buy a Mask (required for crimes) and Keys (universal lock picks)
Only 3 bandits below. Use lantern to find Memory Fragment, then search crates for a Mysterious Elixir bottle (break crates if needed) and a Palmar Pill. Return to Ibano. Reward: 5 Cloth Pieces.
MISSING COMPANION
Detour: Hernand Dyehouse (east along the river)
- - Dye recipes let you customize armor colors and materials
- - Unlock recipes by finding dye bottles in the world or Improvising at a Cauldron
- - Typical dye recipe: 10 flowers + 3 bugs (type A) + 3 bugs (type B)
At Bloomwood Ranch, find a crying child missing their sheep Wooly. Speak to herders across the road for the bandit camp location (south across the river).
At the camp:
- - Clear bandits, rescue Wooly
- - Collect all the meat (bandits stockpiled stolen livestock)
- - Palmar Pill on a wooden table by sheep pen
- - Small chest on ground (requires Mask to open — technically theft)
Crime system: Minimap turns red when committing crimes. Stay hidden until it clears. Ride Wooly back to the boy.
SECRETS HIDDEN IN THE DARK
Investigate a fake "Greymane" named Boris south of Hernand. He's clearly a drunkard, but follow him on horseback to a bandit camp.
At the fork past Bloomwood Ranch: Another Sealed Abyss Artifact near the wooden signposts.
Boris leads you to bandits near a cave. He leaves to get guards while you fight.
Combat tips:
- - No shields/armor but aggressive with dual axes
- - Watch for red flash on Kliff's shield = unblockable attack incoming
- - Use heavy attacks when Spirit is full to thin the group
- - Track unlooted corpses via gray X icons on minimap
Inside the cave (no enemies):
- - Skin dead animals for Fleece (rare upgrade material for cloth/leather armor — keep it!)
- - Palmar Pill on ledge behind campfire
- - Collect all meat from the left side
- - Memory Fragment at campfire (use lantern + Visione)
Report to guards outside to complete the quest.
After finishing all 4 notice board quests, proceed to The End of Greed.
NEXT: The End of Greed Walkthrough