The Reason of State quest in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt represents one of the most politically impactful side missions in the entire game. Triggered during Act III, this endgame quest allows Geralt of Rivia to participate directly in a conspiracy to alter the geopolitical landscape of the Continent. Understanding the necessary prerequisites and the lasting ramifications of each dialogue choice is essential for players aiming to shape the outcome of the Northern War.
Prerequisites for Unlocking the Assassination Plot
To access Reason of State, players must first complete a specific chain of prerequisite side quests involving Redanian political figures. These key missions include A Deadly Plot, An Eye for an Eye, and Redania's Most Wanted. Completing these preliminary tasks establishes the alliance between Sigismund Dijkstra, Vernon Roche, Thaler, and Ves.
Crucially, players must also handle the interaction with Dijkstra correctly during the main quest Blindingly Obvious. Instead of using force against Dijkstra, Geralt must share critical intelligence regarding Emperor Emhyr's plans. Choosing diplomacy over violence ensures Dijkstra invites Geralt to the secret warehouse meeting in Novigrad to finalize the plot.
Executing the Plot Against King Radovid
The mission begins at a portside warehouse where the conspirators outline their plan to lure King Radovid V into an ambush. Geralt uses Philippa Eilhart's ring to convince Radovid that the elusive sorceress has been tracked down near Temple Isle. Believing he has the upper hand, Radovid leaves his flagship with a guard escort to apprehend her personally.
Once on the bridge, Radovid betrays Geralt and orders his guards to execute the witcher on the spot. Vernon Roche and the Temerian partisans quickly intervene, sparking a chaotic street battle across the barricades. The encounter culminates in Philippa Eilhart delivering the decisive blow to Radovid, successfully ending his reign.
The Final Choice and Political Consequences
After the assassination, the co-conspirators gather at Madame Irina's theater to discuss the political future of the realm. Roche, Thaler, and Ves reveal they negotiated a secret treaty with Nilfgaard to restore Temeria as a vassal state in exchange for ending resistance. However, Dijkstra unexpectedly turns on the group, declaring his intention to rule Redania and unite the North under his own authority.
Geralt is forced to make a definitive choice between walking away or protecting his Temerian allies. Siding with Vernon Roche requires killing Dijkstra, which leads to a Nilfgaardian victory in the war and grants Temeria its independence as a vassal state. Conversely, abandoning Roche allows Dijkstra to eliminate his rivals, driving Nilfgaard back and establishing Dijkstra as the sole ruler of a unified Northern Realm.
