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Use Yrden followed by Aard to break possessed Reinald’s defenses, then fight the Red Miasmal with measured attacks and well-timed dodges. The quest’s post-battle dialogue determines whether the young deacon survives. This spoiler-inclusive guide covers preparation, the route through Devil’s Pit, both fights, and the ending choices.
Before you enter the mine
“In the Eternal Fire’s Shadow” is a secondary quest in Devil’s Pit, in central Velen, in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. It was added in version 4.0 or later. The quest begins when you speak to the Eternal Fire priest outside Devil’s Pit. A walkthrough recommends level 15, but that is guidance rather than a quest requirement; TheSixthAxis’s author said the boss was difficult below level 10, which is that author’s experience rather than a universal difficulty threshold. The walkthrough lists PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Gamer Guides’ quest walkthrough and TheSixthAxis guide provide the route and combat details.
Choose a quick route or explore for the philter
You can follow the voice’s shortcut through the mine, or explore before proceeding. Full exploration can reveal Reinald’s letters, additional lore, and the recipe for Reinald’s Philter. Look for Wolf School markings and use Aard to open marked barriers. The Magic Lamp can reveal optional ghost scenes. The Forgotten Priest’s Testament and Father Edgar’s note provide context for the Eternal Fire’s actions and can help you understand the later conversation.
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Prepare before breaking the salt stalagmites
Breaking the salt stalagmites with Aard leads into the encounter. According to Gamer Guides, this cavern is a point of no return until you defeat the Red Miasmal, so finish your preparations first. If the apparition tries to persuade Geralt to hand over the philter, a dialogue reference to Lambert can expose the deception. Refusing to give it up lets Geralt drink it instead; the exact potion dialogue can vary depending on how you reached the scene.
How to defeat possessed Reinald
Possessed Reinald uses Aard, Igni, sword attacks, and Quen. The central tactic is to cast Yrden, draw him into its ring, and hit him with Aard while he is inside it. Gamer Guides describes this as the intended mechanic and says a few Aard hits can defeat him; the philter helps Geralt use signs more quickly.
You can also damage him with ordinary sword attacks and other signs. Gamer Guides reports a possible bug: if conventional damage triggers Reinald’s regeneration, the Yrden-and-Aard sequence may stop progressing the fight. If that happens, switch back to sword damage rather than repeatedly relying on the sign sequence. This is a reported walkthrough caveat, not an established outcome for every player.
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How to defeat the Red Miasmal and its plague victims
After Reinald is beaten, the Red Miasmal emerges. Its main threats are claw swipes and a flame attack that travels along the ground before erupting beneath Geralt. Dodge the eruption, and avoid extending an attack string so long that you cannot get clear of the next attack.
Use short attack windows
The Miasmal can be staggered by attacks. Use short strings of fast strikes, then dodge and wait for another opening. Quen provides a defensive buffer, while Yrden—including alternate Yrden, recommended by TheSixthAxis—can help control the encounter. The key is not to overcommit while the ground-fire attack is threatening.
Handle the summoned enemies without losing track of the boss
At roughly two-thirds and one-third health, the Miasmal summons plague victims in two waves. The walkthroughs differ on how many appear, so do not rely on a fixed count. The victims are level 14 according to Gamer Guides. Kill them if they are interrupting your attack windows; otherwise, keep moving, watch their attacks, and continue striking the Miasmal when it is safe.
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Post-fight choices: keep the deacon alive or side with Reinald
After the battle, Reinald’s spirit wants to confront the young deacon. Your dialogue choices determine whether the deacon lives and whether he changes his view of the church. In the outcomes described by Gamer Guides, the Forgotten Wolven gear diagrams are obtained either way.
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For the deacon’s survival and reconciliation
- When Reinald asks what should happen, choose to bring the deacon to him if you want the reconciliation route.
- When the dialogue allows, choose “Boy’s innocent”, then “Don’t need a church to do good, priest.”
Reinald finds peace, the deacon vows to help the ill, and Geralt receives the promised payment as well as the diagrams.
To avoid risking the deacon
You can refuse to bring the deacon to Reinald and burn Reinald’s remains. The deacon survives, but does not accept the accusation about the church. Reinald does not get the confrontation he seeks. The walkthrough reports that siding with Reinald’s vengeance can instead lead to the deacon’s death and loss of payment.
Claim the diagrams
Ask “Can you prove you’re Reinald?” during the post-fight conversation to obtain the Forgotten Wolven gear diagrams. The base set requires level 20 to wear, according to Gamer Guides. The walkthrough points to a later Scavenger Hunt: Forgotten Wolf School Gear for additional diagrams.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Gamer Guides, “In the Eternal Fire’s Shadow — Velen — Secondary Quests” (updated 22 August 2024).
- TheSixthAxis, “The Witcher 3’s New Quest – In the Eternal Fire’s Shadow Guide” (15 December 2022).
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