Who Can Call Corvo Bianco Home? A Complete Guide to The Witcher 3‘s Guest List
As a hardcore Witcher fan, I was absolutely thrilled when Blood and Wine gave us the chance to finally settle down with Geralt at his own luxurious vineyard estate, Corvo Bianco. After journeying across war-ravaged kingdoms and slaying countless beasts as the White Wolf, it felt like the perfect retirement gift. However, making Corvo Bianco feel like a true home depends heavily on the choices we make throughout The Witcher 3 and its expansions.
In this guide, I‘ll cover how to influence exactly who can share in Geralt‘s happily ever after by becoming permanent or frequent guests at his Toussaint palace. From romances to friendships old and new, let‘s delve into the decisions that determine who ends up at Corvo Bianco!
Romancing the Sorceresses
Of course, the people we expect most to see living with Geralt are his paramours – Yennefer and Triss, two powerful sorceresses who have complicated relationships with the sardonic Witcher. Let‘s breakdown how to turn Corvo Bianco into a love nest based on our in-game romantic choices.
Yennefer of Vengerberg
The raven-haired Yennefer is arguably Geralt‘s most iconic lover, having shared a fate-bound romance across the books, games, and show. Their rocky history stems from a djinn‘s spell, but their love feels genuine. As Geralt says, "We‘ll start it anew. The past forgotten."
To start that future together, players must consistently choose Yennefer over Triss and side with her during her personal quests. Most critically, completing "The Last Wish" by finding the djinn that first bound them gives Yennefer the chance to break their magical bond, and Geralt the choice to declare his true love.
If, after all they‘ve endured, you affirm your feelings for Yen, she‘ll be gladly retire together at Corvo Bianco. In her own words: "Wherever we roam, we‘ll roam together." Having Yennefer‘s wisdom and companionship enhances Corvo Bianco enormously.
Triss Merigold
The charming Triss clearly still carries a torch for her former lover Geralt. Yet pursuing this romance means definitively rejecting any rekindling with Yennefer. Throughout the main story, avoid suggestive dialogue choices with Triss and turn her down should she try to seduce Geralt.
Assuming you don‘t recommit to Yen and break Triss‘ heart, the best outcome is her becoming an advisor to Kovir‘s king. This busy position still allows her to regularly teleport for romantic getaways at Corvo Bianco. "Let‘s not waste this chance," Triss urges if you kiss her farewell, so a long-distance relationship gives you the best of both worlds.
Caught Between Two Lovers
As an unrepentant ladies‘ man, you may be tempted to string both sorceresses along. Sadly, this leaves you with an empty bed at Corvo Bianco, as neither will tolerate sharing Geralt‘s affections indefinitely.
While you can humorously try sleeping with them both before committing, ultimately romancing either fully requires rejecting the other. The prize is a devoted partner residing permanently at your estate once you retire.
All Alone
If Geralt remains a lone wolf and resists both lovely enchantresses, his trusted friend Dandelion the bard takes up residence instead. While good for some laughs and fond memories, Dandelion lacks the spiritual fulfillment of a true soulmate.
Still, a Witcher‘s Path is not for everyone. Some may prefer Geralt living out his days as a bachelor slayer, unbound by romance. But for me, real happiness means coming home to someone he loves.
Ciri‘s Fate
Another pivotal relationship is Ciri, the ashen-haired princess Geralt raises as his own daughter. Depending on your actions as her mentor and guardian, she may return in triumph to visit Corvo Bianco.
I still clearly recall the swelling gladness I felt seeing her perched on that rampart, teasingly calling out "So, you‘ve gone and got yourself a vineyard!" Seeing Ciri saved and smiling, knowing my choices steered us toward this joyous family reunion, moved me profoundly.
As a fellow gamer, I‘m sure you also want to save Ciri and have her reunite with Geralt in his hard-earned retirement. Here are the pivotal decisions that will lead to this outcome:
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At Kaer Morhen, let Ciri speak to the sorceresses alone. Sheltering her would damage her confidence.
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When finding Ciri in Velen, turn down her offer to visit the emperor. Respect her agency; she‘s not ready.
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Upon first entering the elven world, accompany Ciri to speak with the White Flame. Lend your support in this intimidating situation.
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At Bald Mountain, don‘t take Ciri‘s gift money. Emphasize that her freedom matters more than wealth.
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When facing the White Frost, tell Ciri she doesn‘t have to die. Reassure her that her heroic sacrifice isn‘t the only way.
Choose right at these critical moments to earn the Empress ending. Then, after settling accounts with the Blood and Wine expansion‘s vampire troubles, Ciri will ride triumphantly through those vineyard gates and embrace her dear friend.
Seeing Geralt and his surrogate daughter joking happily amidst the Corvo Bianco estate‘s lush grapevines gives me a true sense of narrative satisfaction. It just feels right – a family reunited, their struggles overcome, and the rest of their days ahead together.
Dandelion: poet, lover, and sommelier
While not as central to Geralt as his sorceress lovers or adopted daughter Ciri, good old Dandelion has faced many adventures at the Witcher‘s side since their paths first crossed in that dingy tavern. Despite his womanizing and eccentricities, Dandelion remains loyal, even keeping tabs on Ciri when she disappeared.
To ensure Dandelion joins you at Corvo Bianco, avoid having him imprisoned during his quest "Cabaret." Once rescued in the main story, Dandelion can periodically visit the estate – and will take up permanent residence if Geralt romanced no one else. The countless tales and ballads he‘s sure to compose will entertain patrons of Corvo Bianco‘s vineyard for decades to come!
Beyond his amusing antics, Dandelion‘s reliable companionship through all that Geralt‘s endured makes his presence a heartwarming honor. As Geralt notes solemnly, "True friends we are. Rare to find in lives like ours." Having this brother-in-arms around in retirement, reminiscing on their improbable adventures, demonstrates the depth of their lifelong bond.
Dettlaff: spared vampire
One final potential resident of Corvo Bianco depends on choices made during Blood and Wine itself.
Dettlaff van der Eretein is the higher vampire behind the expansion‘s string of murders. While he can be killed after an epic boss battle, players can instead confront him non-lethally at the fairytale world of Tesham Mutna. If spared, Dettlaff reforms but refuses to make vampires visible in society again.
This act of mercy allows Dettlaff to live out his days peacefully in seclusion at a guest house on the Corvo Bianco estate. Given his disdain for humanity, he likely keeps to himself – which suits Geralt perfectly fine. They may never be friends, but exonerating Dettlaff gives him the chance to reflect on his violence and overcome his hatred. As someone who‘s faced dark impulses myself, I can appreciate the value of a second chance.
Building a Home – Corvo Bianco Upgrades
Beyond determining the ideal guests, players can tailor Corvo Bianco itself through various renovations and upgrades. Constructing specialized facilities like a laboratory and greenhouse provide vital crafting options, while defense upgrades like walls and towers protect the estate. For convenience, here‘s a table summarizing the costs of all upgrades:
| Upgrade | Cost (crowns) |
|---|---|
| Main house renovation | 5,000 |
| Guest house | 1,500 |
| Herb garden | 200 |
| Stable | 1,000 |
| Laboratory | 5,000 |
| Greenhouse | 1,000 |
| Tower | 1,000 |
| Armory | 2,000 |
| Total | 16,700 |
As you can see, fully upgrading Corvo Bianco doesn‘t come cheap! However, the specialized crafting benefits are well worth the investment for potion-brewing pros. The laboratory‘s enchanting skills, for instance, are perfect for optimizing your Witcher gear. Some highlights include:
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The laboratory lets you add rune enchantments to weapons and armor. This becomes essential for maxing out your late-game builds.
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The herb garden and greenhouse provide ample harvesting of alchemical crafting ingredients, ensuring you stay stocked up on potion reagents.
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The armory offers safe item storage, while item displays let you proudly show off your monster hunting trophies.
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Luxury investments like the stable, bed, and guest quarters simply make the estate more符合 home-like and lavish.
Dedicated players will easily sink over 10,000 crowns into these varied upgrades, not including furnishings and decor. For me, the chance to display my rarest finds and most powerful gear makes the heavy investment worthwhile. However, players short on cash may want to focus on the essential crafting facilities first.
Either way, tapping a keg of Corvo Bianco‘s finest vintage surrounded by trophy collections in your fully renovated mansion certainly beats mediocre swill at a dingy contract-posting noticeboard!
Conclusion: A Home Worth Fighting For
After bonding with Geralt across hundreds of hours and untold perilous miles, I found seeing him finally retire with his loved ones profoundly rewarding. The concluding party at Corvo Bianco represents the happily ever after we‘ve all earned through dedication to the Witcher sagas.
To fill your vineyard with life, be sure to romance either Yennefer or Triss fully, rescue Ciri from her ominous fate, and protect Dandelion from harm over the course of this sprawling RPG epic. With passion, patience, and a little luck, you too can save all those dear to Geralt‘s heart. Soon they‘ll be raising glasses with you in celebration amidst Corvo Bianco‘s verdant vines.
Just as vital is investing in the estate itself, customizing it through upgrades to reflect your personal tastes. For me, nothing beats gazing upon weapon racks lined with the swords that slew demons and relics recalling times long past. Though hardly cheap, such personal touches make Corvo Bianco a true home.
Soon Toussaint knows you as their storied champion, and your loving friends and family have joined you in hard-won retirement. In what once seemed a neverending struggle teeming with monsters, at long last you‘ve found your way to Corvo Bianco. And after all the bloodshed and sacrifice, you‘ve earned some peace in your very own slice of paradise.
To all the readers who joined me on this extraordinary roleplaying journey: thank you. I hope this guide helps you experience the same heartwarming sendoff for our hero that I was privileged to. Now if you‘ll excuse me, I have some wizard‘s poker to play with Dandelion. We both could use a chance to celebrate our fellowship and bid Geralt a fond farewell. Make the most of your time at Corvo Bianco!