When traveling through Velen during The Witcher 3's early stages, you may come across a man tied up by a riverbank and threatened by a pack of hungry drowners. This man, John Verdun, takes center stage in a short quest, At The Mercy Of Strangers, if you choose to rescue him.

You'll have to choose between untying him or leaving him to his fate, defenseless and at the mercy of monsters. It's a big decision, especially from his perspective, which is why this guide will help you find the quest and help you understand the longer-term consequences of that choice.

Updated on November 1, 2026, by Kaitlyn Peterson: This article has been updated for clarity to ensure you find all the information you need to complete this quest as easily as possible! We've also included a bit more information on what becomes of John Verdun, so you can decide for yourself if the consequences are worth the reward.

This quest is not far from Hanged Man's Tree, where Geralt first enters Velen. Head east, through Mulbrydale, until you reach the coast. There, you'll hear a man screaming for his life and under drowner attack.

You will need to protect him from the necrophages. Once they've been slain, Geralt will talk to the man. Considering that he's been tied up and left for dead, it would behoove you to ensure that he's an upstanding member of society.

The man introduces himself as John Verdun, a Temerian deserter who had been tied up by the caravan he tried to escape with.

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