Imperial Audience

Advice for the 'Imperial Audience' quest in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Learn how to meet Emperor Emhyr var Emreis in Vizima and advance the main story.

The "Imperial Audience" quest in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a crucial early-game mission where Geralt meets with Emperor Emhyr var Emreis in Vizima. This audience is pivotal for advancing the main storyline and understanding Geralt's motivations regarding Ciri.

Meeting the Emperor

Upon arriving in Vizima, you'll be escorted through the Nilfgaardian palace. The journey itself offers a glimpse into the empire's power and Geralt's uneasy position within it. You'll be granted an audience with Emperor Emhyr var Emreis, the ruler of Nilfgaard and Ciri's adoptive father. This meeting is where Emhyr tasks Geralt with finding Ciri, setting the primary objective for the majority of the game.

Key Dialogue and Choices

During your conversation with Emhyr, pay close attention to the dialogue. While there aren't any immediate branching choices that drastically alter the quest's outcome at this stage, your responses can subtly influence Geralt's demeanor and how the Emperor perceives him. Emhyr is a shrewd ruler, and your interactions can lay the groundwork for future political maneuvering.

The Emperor will likely inquire about Geralt's past with Ciri and his current efforts. Be prepared to answer his questions honestly, as withholding information might be perceived as untrustworthy. The primary goal is to secure Emhyr's cooperation and resources, which he is willing to provide in exchange for Geralt's successful retrieval of Ciri.

Post-Audience Objectives

Following the audience, Geralt will be given information regarding Ciri's last known whereabouts. This typically leads Geralt to the war-torn region of Velen, where the trail of Ciri is said to be strongest. You'll receive guidance on where to begin your search, often pointing you towards the Bloody Baron and his stronghold.

This quest serves as a formal introduction to the political landscape of The Witcher 3 and establishes the stakes of Geralt's search for Ciri. It's a moment where Geralt, despite his usual neutrality, is drawn directly into the machinations of powerful rulers and the fate of the continent.

Rewards

Completing the "Imperial Audience" quest typically rewards Geralt with experience points and potentially some gold. More importantly, it unlocks the next series of main quests, propelling the narrative forward and opening up new areas and characters for Geralt to interact with.

Tips for the Encounter

• Listen Carefully: Pay attention to Emhyr's words and the details he provides about Ciri.
• Be Respectful (but not subservient): While Emhyr is an emperor, Geralt is a witcher. Maintain a professional and direct demeanor.
• Prepare for Velen: The information gained here will direct you to Velen, a dangerous region. Ensure your gear and potions are in order before proceeding.