Now that we're talking about good DLCs due to the release of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, I think it's time to remember another gem: Blood and Wine The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. It was released after Heart of Stone (another amazing story) and managed to keep you hooked for dozens of hours.
The story of Blood and Wine is incredible and brings with it an obscene amount of references to all kinds of works, especially to tales and myths that we have all grown up with. CD Projekt Red was inspired by the legend of Excalibur, King Arthur, Merlin and the Lady of the Lake to create the quest “Only One Can Remain” and introduce their well-known sword Aerondight. It is considered one of the best swords in the game and has been present in every installment of the trilogy.
The quest is acquired from Beauclair's notice board and its description challenges us to “pass the Trials of Virtues”: Generosity (tip the messenger boy), Valor (complete the Nobility Doesn't Obligate contract), Honor and Compassion (complete the Big Game contract and/or be a good person), and Wisdom (complete the Listen to Dad or Pass the Test quests). This was quite a surprise because I managed to complete all of them without any guides during my first adventure.
Do not forget that you are a just and honorable man, committed to good, and that for these reasons you receive the sword. Now take it up. And I trust that this time you will not lose it…
My favorite part of the quest is after completing all five challenges and returning to the Hermit, who fights us in one last test. I remember completing it on Blood, Sweat & Tears and Death March difficulties on some difficulty. What happened next still has me completely enamored: the Lady of the Lake gave me Aerondight (like Excalibur to King Arthur) and he dedicated some beautiful words to me (above) that I loved.
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