Is it wise to eliminate the soldiers at the mill in The Blood of Dawnwalker?

Deciding whether to eliminate the soldiers at Mert’s Mill during the Firebrand quest in Blood of Dawnwalker may seem like a minor choice, but it carries significant consequences. After checking out Vlad’s house in Laslea, your next stop is the mill to the south. Upon arrival, you’ll face a group of soldiers, and you’ll need to make a critical decision regarding their fate.

If you approach the farm at night, you’ll be ambushed by soldiers demanding to know who you are. You can defuse the situation by claiming, “I’m Mirto.” However, if you choose to take them out, Mert’s wife, Renna, will appear and inform you that you’ve made a serious error, as she will be punished for being a rebel collaborator, especially with Mert already imprisoned at Stoneward Post.

On the other hand, if you visit during the day, Renna will act as if you’ve come to repair the cart. She’ll explain the situation and plead with you not to harm the soldiers hiding in the barn, fearing it will label her a rebel. However, this is a mistake. You should definitely eliminate the soldiers in the barn; otherwise, Renna will meet a grim fate while you’re off trying to rescue Mert from prison. If you spare the soldiers, you’ll return to find Renna’s lifeless body in the middle of the farm.

I haven’t explored the potential repercussions of delaying this quest, so it’s wise to rescue Mert as soon as you can. After successfully breaking him out, instruct him to escape with Renna to the Svartrau Almshouse and leave the area. If you dealt with the soldiers, Renna will be safe when you return to the farm, indicating they managed to escape.

You can reconnect with Mert later at the Almshouse within the Svartrau Cathedral complex, so make sure to check in on him when you’re in the area.