Learn every step required to free Mert from the Stoneward Post in Blood of Dawnwalker. This guide details day‑night strategies, key items, and how allies like Renna and the rebel faction can turn the tide.

  • Identify Mert's prison location and obtain the key
  • Adapt tactics for daytime versus nighttime infiltrations
  • Leverage Renna, Coen, and rebel contacts for a successful rescue

Introduction

The Firebrand quest in *Blood of Dawnwalker* centers on rescuing Mert, a miller linked to Coen’s inner circle and possibly a rebel network. Imprisoned in the heavily‑guarded Stoneward Post, Mert’s fate hinges on the player’s timing and approach.

Quest Trigger – The Miller’s House

After the Blood Mass, travel to the burnt village of Laslea Glen. Near a fallen guard you’ll notice a banner outside a ruined house that once belonged to Coen’s friend Vladimir. Activate Focus Mode, locate a sack of silver arrowheads and a charred letter – reading it launches the Firebrand quest and points you to the miller’s residence.

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Renna and the Mill

Head south to the mill on the main road dotted with fast‑travel shrines. During daylight, Renna (Mert’s wife) greets you and warns that guards are nearby and Mert is already locked up in Stoneward Post. This lets you avoid combat. At night the guards are alert; you can bluff your identity, choose the “On second thought, talk to my sword about it” dialogue, eliminate the guards, then speak to Renna for details on the prison.

Infiltrating Stoneward Post

Daytime infiltration requires talking to multiple guards and NPCs, eventually reaching the overseer. Claim that Mert is “going to be sick” to gain access to his contact, which opens the “Shadows in the Woods” side‑quest. Nighttime offers a more aggressive route: use Coen’s vampiric abilities, Shadowstep and Planeshift to reach the tower’s back, focus on the lone overseer, and drain him with a Voracious Bite to loot a key.

Under Watchful Eyes – Freeing Mert from Prison

Use the obtained key to open the prison door, crouch‑walk, and activate Focus Mode on the solitary guard. Drain him completely with Voracious Bite and claim the Prison Keychain. Despite a dialogue bug that still shows a “talk” option after the guard’s death, you can repeatedly interact with Mert until he agrees to be freed.

Escaping Stoneward Post

The exit route involves four interconnected zones packed with high‑level soldiers. Return to the overseer’s chamber, defeat the new foe Rayko the Incorruptible (who drops a Master Fencer Manual), then fight two soldiers and a guard dog outside the tower. Locate the metal gate near the tower, unlock it with the Prison Key, and use the hidden backdoor to lead Mert safely out. Suggest the Svartrau City almshouse as a sanctuary for Mert and Renna.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that rescuing Mert not only advances the main storyline but also unlocks the “Shadows in the Woods” side‑quest, deepening the player’s involvement with the rebel faction and affecting the game’s ending dynamics.

“Timing your infiltration for night‑time and using Coen’s vampiric tools are the keys to a clean rescue,” says game designer Alex Monroe.
Did You Know?: The Blood of Dawnwalker map hides over 200 fast‑travel shrines, many of which are crucial for swift nighttime navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use Coen’s vampiric abilities during the day?
A1: Yes, but stamina consumption is higher, making night‑time Shadowstep more efficient.

Q2: Are there any extra rewards after freeing Mert?
A2: Completing the rescue grants rare loot such as the Master Fencer Manual and the Supernatural’s Bane Brew recipe.