The Floating Prison – Witcher 2 Quest

This guide helps players with a specific quest of chapter 1 in The Witcher 2. It has a map, legend, and walkthrough to show you exactly how to complete the quest.

Map Legend

1 – Elven ruins, Zoltan, possibly Iorveth
2 – Meeting point
3 – Cliffs overlooking Flotsam
4 – The prison barge, Iorveth
5 – Tower in flames & elves on the top floor
6 – Gallows square & Loredo
7 – Escape boats

Background

This quest is mutually exclusive with Death to the Traitor!. It is received after choosing the Scoia’tael ending for the Act I with the completion of the quest At a Crossroads: Scoia’tael.

Walkthrough

If Iorveth wasn’t captured, he will explain you the whole plan and the situation and tell you to meet them over at #2 with the rest of the Scoia’tael team. If you didn’t give him the sword during The Assassins of Kings, Zoltan will do that instead. Once you’re done talking, go meet the elves (#2).

This quest branches out in two different paths, depending on your previous and present choices. The main plan is to assault the harbor quarter of the town from the cliffs and take over the ship. However, you can suggest your own plan to Iorveth (if he’s leading the attack, rather than Zoltan).

If Iorveth is present

You can suggest to take him to the barge, pretending that he’s your prisoner. This way you’ll minimize the fights with the guards as you’ll trick everyone. It also is the shorter way than the other one. First, take Iorveth to the prison barge (#4).

Once you’re over there, one of the guard will take the pleasure in slapping Iorveth, to which you can react with an Axii sign, persuasion or intimidation attempt. This bears no real consequence to the latter events of the quest. When you’re on board, you’ll free Iorveth and start slashing the guards around. As you clear the deck, a cutscene will commence during which Loredo will set a tower (#5) on fire. You’re now presented with another choice: save the elves in the tower or chase and kill Loredo.

The tower (#5) contains elves on the top floor. Before you enter it, you’ll encounter peasants and a few soldiers who should pose no threat. Now you’ll have to be fast and careful. Navigate your way to the top using the ladders. Using the left mouse button you’ll have to unshackle three elves. Do so quickly, and then you’ll jump through the window into the water, where Iorveth will pick you up. One of the elves will also reward you in the next act for this deed.

If you decide to kill Loredo, you’ll have to chase after him to the gallows square (#6). On your way to him, you’ll meet several soldiers who can be taken out pretty fast due to low health, and Loredo himself will have one soldier as a helper. Simply watch out for his halberd as it has long reach. After killing him, take one of the boats at #7 (there are two locations for these boats, take either of them, both boats have the same function though). You’ll then return to Iorveth’s ship.

Depending on what you did in the previous event, dialog lines will change slightly. No matter the choice though, you can then ask him about Roche. He’ll tell you about his encounter with him in the forest, where he defeated Roche in a duel and claimed he could do so again. The quest ends along with 1750 experience points, while you continue your sail towards Vergen where Act II starts. Congratulations!

If you choose the main plan (either Iorveth or Zoltan)

You’ll split up, and your group will go to the cliffs at #3. On your way to there, you’ll meet several Loredo’s soldiers which should have no trouble dealing with. Once you’re there, you’ll team up with Iorveth once again and witness Blue Stripes ship sailing away. Iorveth (if he’s with you) will just assume that you’ll meet them again, no doubt. You’ll split again.

After a short walk and climbing up the cliff, you’ll notice a lot of soldiers moving towards the prison barge (#4). If Iorveth was captured, he’ll be tied to the ship and you’ll have to free him. If not, Iorveth will have attacked already, so you should go and help him out. You’ll notice a whole lot of soldiers all over the pier and the route you’re supposed to take. They are very weak though, one fast and one strong attack is enough to bring them down. The only ones that are more resistant are the big shirtless thugs. After clearing the path and the ship, a cutscene starts where Loredo sets a tower with elves on fire. As Geralt can’t just stand aside and watch, he jumps over to the docks and has a choice to either kill Loredo or save the elves from flames.

The tower (#5) has three elves on the top floor. On your way to it, you’ll be dealing with several peasants and two soldiers who should pose no problem at all. Now you’ll have to be fast and careful. Use the ladders to reach the top floor. Rapdily using the left mouse button you’ll have to unshackle three elves. Do so quickly, and then you’ll jump through the window into the water, where Iorveth will pick you up. Note that one of the elves will want to reward you in Act II if this was your choice.

If you want to get your revenge on Loredo, you’ll have to chase him to the gallows square (#6). On your way, you’ll meet several soldiers who can be taken out pretty fast due to low health, and Loredo himself will have one soldier as a helper. Simply watch out for his halberd as it has long reach. After killing him, take one of the boats at #7 (both boats can be used to escape and reach Iorveth). You’ll then return to Iorveth’s ship.

Minor consequences can be felt in the dialog lines with Iorveth. No matter the choice though, you can then ask him about Roche. He’ll tell you about their encounter in the forest, where he defeated Roche in a duel and claimed he could do so again. Reward for this quest is 1750 experience points. Then Act I will end, while you continue your sail towards Vergen. Congratulations!