The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine expansion offers dozens of memorable adventures, but few are as captivating as the tourney in Toussaint. In the Warble of a Smitten Knight quest, Geralt of Rivia agrees to assist a young knight named Guillaume who suspects that his beloved lady, Vivienne, is harboring a dangerous secret. Navigating this quest requires balancing competitive tourney events with delicate detective work, making it one of the most rich side quests in the game.
Entering the Tourney Grounds and Early Investigation
To begin the quest, Geralt meets Guillaume near the arena grounds outside Beauclair. Guillaume explains his romantic predicament and asks the witcher to enter the knights' tournament under a pseudonym or his official title to investigate Vivienne without drawing suspicion. Completing this initial conversation grants players access to the arena area where training and registration take place.
Before diving straight into the tourney challenges, players have the option to practice each event to get comfortable with the mechanics. Taking time to practice shooting crossbow targets from horseback and practicing sword combat will make the upcoming actual competitions far easier to win. Gathering information early on also allows Geralt to search Vivienne's tent for crucial clues about her condition.
Mastering the Tourney Events
The tournament consists of three primary competitions: a shooting gallery, a mounted race, and an arena melee. The archery event demands quick aim with a crossbow to hit targets before your opponent does. Precision and speed are key, as missing targets can cost you valuable seconds needed for victory.
The mounted race introduces target dummies and hanging archery targets that extend your time limit when struck correctly. Mastering the timing of Roach's gallop while swinging Geralt's sword ensures you finish ahead of the clock. Following the race, the team melee puts Geralt in the center of a chaotic arena battle where strategic dodging and parrying lead to a final victory against the defending champion.
Uncovering Vivienne's Secret Curse
While competing in the games, Geralt follows tracks and clues that lead deep into the woods near the tourney grounds. Investigating these leads reveals that Lady Vivienne is afflicted by a powerful avian curse that is gradually transforming her into an oriole. This discovery shifts the tone of the quest from lighthearted sportsmanship to a heavy moral decision regarding her fate.
Geralt learns of two distinct methods to lift the curse, each carrying significant consequences for the characters involved. The first method involves transferring the curse to a creature with a similar lifespan, which requires Guillaume's willingness to sacrifice his own health for Vivienne. The second method uses a magical egg ritual, which completely cures her but limits her remaining life span to that of an oriole.
Choosing the Best Outcome for the Quest
Deciding how to break the curse depends on how Geralt handles his agreement with Vivienne and his conversations with Guillaume. If Geralt keeps Vivienne's secret as promised, he can perform the egg ritual, allowing her to live her remaining years in freedom to explore the world. This path leaves Guillaume heartbroken but respects Vivienne's personal autonomy and wishes.
Alternatively, if Geralt reveals the truth to Guillaume, the young knight eagerly volunteers to share the burden of the curse through a reflection ritual. This path saves Vivienne's full lifespan and allows both characters to find happiness together. Players seeking a complete story experience should carefully weigh these narrative outcomes before making their final choice in the quest.
