A Matter of Life and Death is a side quest in The Witcher 3 that takes place in Novigrad. A Matter of Life and Death revolves around Triss and her fate for the game. If you wish to romance Triss, this is where the foundation is set. You may begin this quest after “A Poet Under Pressure.”

A Matter of Life and Death Walkthrough

Go to Triss’ hideout to see what she needed help with. Triss received a message from Lady Ingrid Vegelbud, who you may remember from the side quest “Carnal Sins.” Triss needs to meet a man in the fish market. Go in her stead, while she waits out nearby. Leave the hideout and go to the fish market.

Ask about the trout and walk off to discuss top secret matters. When you cross the bridge, a trio will attack you and the messenger. Kill all three of them to save the informant.

Triss will come out of hiding. You two are informed that Albert Vegelbud needs to be taken out of the city for a recent interest in alchemy. The plan is to sneak him out during one of the Vegelbud’s famous masquerade parties. Triss is ecstatic about going and needs you to pick up the masks and a fancy doublet for yourself.

Leave Triss to get ready herself and go to Elihal's shop. He will have everything you need for the party. Buy Triss a fox mask and pick one for yourself. It is totally optional to buy a doublet. Buy the shirt, pants, and boots.

Put on the clothes. Triss will be delighted that you changed for her, which is a key step toward romancing her. Before heading back to Triss, change into the outfit (minus that mask). When you arrive, Triss will react to your attire (or lack of it) and then the two of you will be off to the party.

Give your weapons to the man at the gate to go inside. You won’t need them anyway. Walk straight ahead, toward the next set of stairs. Along the way, Triss will be stopped by a fellow that thinks she is an escort. You may either tussle with him or tell Triss to leave to avoid the fight. Head up the stairs into the next section of the party. You may walk around. To the right is a Gwent tournament, where you may earn some cool cards if you win. When you are down exploring, go to the left of the fountain to find Lady Vedelbug.

Lady Vedelbug thinks during the fireworks is the best time to sneak Albert off the premises. Her dimwit of a brother is wearing a panther mask. Go to the right of the stairs and follow the bushes to find Albert entertaining some guests. Chat with him about the plan and agree to meet when the fireworks start. To kill sometime, why not take a seat with Triss on a bench nearby?

Take a seat with Triss and talk the night away. She will have a few glasses of wine. You may take this opportunity to tell her she is charismatic, which helps win her over. Triss will then suddenly run into the garden maze. Chase after her and catch her by the fountain. If you wish to romance Triss, you’ll need to kiss her during the fireworks. After the moment with Triss, Albert will show up and you two will swap masks.

Triss and Albert run off to sneak him away. Wearing the panther mask, Geralt will leave a few minutes later. You will be surrounded by three foes. Use signs and your fists to knock them down. Aard is great for crowd control while you duke it out. When the three of them are down, leave the maze and run to the stables. You’ll catch Triss and Albert before they leave on horse back. Talk for just a bit and then the quest will conclude.