Ugly Baby

Undertake 'Ugly Baby' at Kaer Morhen, a critical quest to cure Uma and bring together allies for the fight against the Wild Hunt.

The quest "Ugly Baby" marks a pivotal turning point in Geralt's relentless pursuit of Ciri. It's a main quest that sees the White Wolf return to the ancient stronghold of Kaer Morhen, not for respite, but for a desperate attempt to break a powerful curse afflicting a creature known only as Uma. This quest is critical to advancing the main storyline, as Uma is revealed to be Avallac'h, the elven sage, trapped in a grotesque form and holding the key to Ciri's whereabouts.

Prerequisites and Quest Giver

This quest automatically begins after completing the main quest "Blood on the Battlefield". There is no specific quest giver; the narrative naturally transitions into Geralt's decision to take Uma to Kaer Morhen for a cure, following the advice of Yennefer and the information gleaned from the Bloody Baron and others.

Quest Objectives and Walkthrough

The "Ugly Baby" quest is a multi-stage endeavor focused on bringing Uma to Kaer Morhen and then systematically attempting to lift his curse. It involves several key allies and requires Geralt to prepare for the arduous task ahead.

Stage 1: Bring Uma to Kaer Morhen

1. Travel to Crow's Perch: Geralt must first return to Velen and speak with the Bloody Baron (or his sergeant if the Baron is gone) at Crow's Perch to retrieve Uma.
2. Secure Uma: Uma is found in the Baron's stables. A short dialogue ensues, and Geralt takes Uma into his care.
3. Fast Travel to Kaer Morhen: Once Uma is secured, Geralt will automatically fast travel to Kaer Morhen.

Stage 2: Preparations at Kaer Morhen

Upon arrival, Geralt finds Vesemir and Lambert. Yennefer soon arrives, and the group discusses the plan to cure Uma. This stage involves several optional but highly recommended tasks that build relationships with your allies and prepare for the ritual.

• Talk to Yennefer: Discuss the plan and the potential dangers.
• Talk to Vesemir: He will ask Geralt to help him with some preparations.
• Optional: "Disturbance" Side Quest: Yennefer will ask Geralt to investigate a magical disturbance in the fortress. This leads to a short side quest where you help her calibrate a megascope. Completing this is crucial for Yennefer's ritual later.
• Optional: "The Last Wish" Side Quest (if not completed): If you haven't completed Yennefer's personal quest, she will ask for your help to retrieve a Djinn. This is your last chance to complete this quest and solidify your romance with her.
• Optional: "Following the Thread" Side Quest (if not completed): Lambert will ask for your help with a contract. Completing this quest can improve your relationship with him, which is beneficial for the upcoming battle.
• Optional: "Flesh for Sale" Side Quest: If you haven't done so, you can help Lambert deal with some bandits.

Stage 3: The Ritual to Cure Uma

This is the core of the quest, where the witchers and Yennefer attempt to break Uma's curse. It involves several distinct steps:

1. The Trial of the Grasses (Vesemir's Attempt):
   • Vesemir believes Uma's curse might be related to a mutated form of the Trial of the Grasses. He will attempt to administer a modified potion.
   • Objective: Help Vesemir prepare the potion. This involves gathering specific ingredients from around Kaer Morhen.
   • Ingredients:
     • Pimpernel: Found growing near the stream outside the main gate.
     • Berbercane Fruit: Found on bushes near the old watchtower.
     • Mandrake Root: Found in the caves beneath Kaer Morhen (requires going through the old laboratory).
   • Process: Follow Vesemir into the laboratory. He will guide you through the process of mixing the potion.
   • Outcome: Vesemir's attempt fails, and Uma's condition worsens, indicating the curse is not a simple mutation.
2. Yennefer's Ritual:
   • Yennefer proposes a more drastic, magical approach. She needs Geralt's help to prepare the ritual chamber.
   • Objective: Help Yennefer prepare the room for the ritual.
   • Tasks:
     • Open the Windows: Use Aard to clear the debris from the windows.
     • Light the Braziers: Use Igni to light the four braziers in the corners of the room.
     • Place the Megascope: If you completed "Disturbance," Yennefer will use the calibrated megascope. Otherwise, she'll use a less effective one.
   • The Ritual: Yennefer begins the ritual. Geralt must protect her from the magical backlash.
   • Combat Encounter: During the ritual, several Hounds of the Wild Hunt will appear. These are standard enemies, vulnerable to Igni and Aard. Focus on protecting Yennefer.
   • Outcome: The ritual is successful, and Uma is transformed back into Avallac'h.

Key Allies Involved

This quest is a significant gathering of Geralt's closest companions and mentors. The following characters play active roles:

• Yennefer of Vengerberg: The primary orchestrator of the cure, using her powerful magic. Her presence is essential.
• Vesemir: Geralt's oldest mentor, who attempts a more traditional witcher approach to the curse.
• Lambert: A fellow witcher from the School of the Wolf, who assists with preparations and provides cynical commentary.
• Eskel: Another witcher from the School of the Wolf, who assists with preparations and provides support.

Significance in the Main Storyline

The "Ugly Baby" quest is arguably one of the most crucial quests in the entire game. Its significance cannot be overstated:

• Ciri's Location Revealed: The successful curing of Uma reveals him to be Avallac'h, who then provides vital information about Ciri's current whereabouts and the immediate threat she faces from the Wild Hunt. This directly leads into the next major arc of the game.
• Gathering of Allies: This quest serves as the catalyst for gathering all of Geralt's allies at Kaer Morhen, setting the stage for the climactic battle against the Wild Hunt in the subsequent quest, "The Battle of Kaer Morhen."
• Character Development: It showcases the deep bonds between Geralt and his witcher family, as well as his relationship with Yennefer, highlighting their unwavering commitment to finding and protecting Ciri.
• Understanding the Wild Hunt: Avallac'h's return provides crucial exposition about the Wild Hunt's motives and their pursuit of Ciri, deepening the player's understanding of the overarching conflict.

Common Pitfalls and Tips

• Ingredient Gathering: Pay attention to Vesemir's instructions for gathering ingredients. While the locations are generally straightforward, missing one can delay the process.
• Optional Quests: While "Disturbance," "The Last Wish," and "Following the Thread" are optional, completing them enhances the narrative and can slightly alter dialogue or character interactions later. "The Last Wish" is particularly important for Yennefer's romance path.
• Combat During Ritual: Be prepared for the Hounds of the Wild Hunt during Yennefer's ritual. They aren't particularly tough, but focus on protecting Yennefer, as her health bar is shown.
• Lore Immersion: Take your time to listen to the dialogues between the witchers and Yennefer. They provide valuable insights into their relationships, the history of Kaer Morhen, and the lore of the world.

Upon completion of "Ugly Baby," the main quest "Blood on the Battlefield" concludes, and the next critical main quest, "The Isle of Mists," will begin, propelling Geralt directly towards Ciri.