The Nilfgaard Connection is a main Witcher 3 quest in Velen. It is one of the first quests you'll be able to undertake, and can have important consequences for dealing with a major story beat in Velen regarding the Bloody Baron.

The Nilfgaard Connection Walkthrough

Nothing is more welcoming than a tree full of hanging corpses. The people of Velen know how to greet tourists. When the intro cutscene ends and you gain control, open up your map. Immediately, you will notice how much bigger Velen is than White Orchard. Thankfully there is our trusty mini map and custom markers. For now, follow the mission marker to a nearby inn and head inside.

Take to the innkeeper and grab a drink. Soon, all patrons leave and the mood changes. Local military thugs stroll in and are not happy that you are in their bar. The choices you make in the following conversation are time restricted and will make the quest Bloody Baron either simpler or more tedious. If you instigate a fight, guards, later on, will not be so kind. Swallow your pride and ask to buy them a couple of drinks and your future passage will be made simpler. Your call.

Choices & Consequences

When your encounter with the guards is over, finish talking to the innkeeper about Hendrik. He points you in the right direction. Leave the inn and head to Heatherton.

When you arrive in Heatherton, you will notice that the area is covered in a thin layer of snow and fog, but also that it's totally dead. Quite mysterious for a town. You will hear a man crying for help and some rabid dogs attacking him. Kill the dogs and talk to the man.

It turns out that the Wild Hunt came and paid Hendrik a visit. Go to Hendrik’s house and investigate with your Witcher Senses. Check Hendrik’s show to find a key. Use your Witcher Senses and investigate the rug in the other room. The rug is covering a hatch in the floor.

Remove it, unlock the hatch (using the key from Henriks boot) and hop down in the cellar.

Follow the path and on the right-hand wall, you should see a candle you can activate. It is actually a secret lever that opens a hidden door. Use your Witcher Sense to find it easier. Read all parts of the ledger to gain new leads on Ciri. Two new quests open up to you—The Bloody Baron and Witch Hunt.

The Bloody Baron is chosen at default as your next quest.