Prologue: Dead of Night

1. Unfamiliar Lands

The prologue serves as an interactive cinematic to ease you into the movement mechanics and the heavy, physics-based combat of Pywel.

• 1

  Speak with Marius & Ross

  Approach the campfire outside the large wooden structure. Conversing with your fellow mercenaries introduces the dialogue system and establishes the current dire state of the Greymane band.

  📜 Lore Context: The Greymanes

  The Greymanes are a veteran mercenary company led by Kliff. Recently, they took a contract that went horribly wrong, leaving them scattered, wounded, and hunted in the frozen north. This campfire conversation reveals just how desperate your men are for supplies.

• 2

  Enter the Cabin

  Step inside the main double doors. This will trigger the Black Bear ambush cutscene, ending the peaceful portion of the prologue.

2. In Ashes (Combat Tutorial)

• 1

  Annihilate the Black Bears

  You are thrust into combat against 4 Black Bear soldiers. Use light attacks to break their guard. If you get surrounded, use the dodge slide to reposition. Let your AI companions draw aggro from at least two of them.

• 2

  Help Naira, Oongka, and Yann

  Move through the burning camp to assist your key companions. Each rescue triggers a small combat wave. You will find Oongka pinned near the collapsed watchtower—you must use a Heavy Attack to shatter the debris trapping him.

• 3

  Scripted Defeat

  At the end of the camp, you will face Myurdin. You are supposed to lose this fight. Do not waste any healing items here. Once your health drops to zero, a cutscene will play showing Kliff's apparent death.

  ⚔️ Boss Analysis: Myurdin

  Even though you cannot win, pay attention to his Crimson Arc attack. He telegraphs this by dragging his sword on the ground, creating sparks. Memorizing this dodge timing now will save you hours of frustration when you face him for real in Chapter 9.

3. Realm of Uncertainty

• 1

  Walk into the Light

  You are transported to a mysterious dark dimension (The Abyss). Simply walk forward towards the glowing light in the distance. You will hear esoteric voices hinting at the game's deeper lore.

• 2

  Awaken and Follow Sebastian

  Back in the real world, you awaken with mysterious new markings. Follow the friendly NPC, Sebastian, down the mountain path to reach the starting city of Hernand.

• 3

  Settle in at the Traveler's Camp

  Upon arriving in Hernand, you will unlock your first Temporary Lodging. Interact with the Supply Chest inside—this system automatically recovers any loot you failed to pick up during the Black Bear ambush. Use the bed to clear your Exhaustion status before heading out.

• 4

  First Activities & Inventory Cap

  Before triggering the first main quest ("Actions Speak Louder Than Words"), test your strength at the Arm Wrestling table by rapidly mashing the prompt to earn your first coins. Head to the local vendor, sell your junk items (like goblets and old lanterns), and immediately purchase a Small Bag. Expanding your inventory space early is crucial in Pywel.

  Rewards: Standard Inventory Expansion Tool x10, Oats x5, Blackberry

4. Prologue Completion

Finishing the prologue sets the stage for the open-world portion of the game. You are now free to explore the Hernand Region.