‘Stronger Than Achilles’ walkthrough: Font of Life choices in The Blood of Dawnwalker

Spoiler warning: This guide covers the major choices and outcomes in The Blood of Dawnwalker‘s “Stronger Than Achilles” quest.

In this quest, Coen and Anca enter ancient ruins in search of the Font of Life. Coen hopes the relic will grant him a new power, while Anca wants to use it to leave her troubled past behind. Their search is complicated by a dangerous idol and several groups of undead enemies.

If you are new to large story-driven adventures, our arcade machine buying guide can help you choose the right way to enjoy your gaming setup.

How to begin Stronger Than Achilles

“Stronger Than Achilles” follows “Where Old Devils Lie”. These quests make up the second stage of Anca’s quest line, after “Echoes of Silenced Bells” and “Between the Words”. Anca must still be alive for the quest to start.

During the previous quest, Coen and Anca discover an ancient temple on the far eastern side of the map. After you enter and investigate the first chamber, “Where Old Devils Lie” ends and the new quest begins.

The quest asks you to:

• Choose whether to enter the deeper ruins immediately or return later.
• Decide whether to place a hand inside the idol’s mouth.
• Find a route across the ruins after reaching a dead end.
• Choose who should use the Font of Life, or destroy it.

Take the first decision seriously, as it can have more severe consequences than it initially appears to.

Can you leave Anca behind?

Entering the deeper section of the ruins costs six time segments and is only possible during the day. You can postpone the expedition, but first clear every monster from the opening temple chambers before leaving Anca.

If even one enemy remains, returning later will reveal Anca’s corpse. The first group is on the main route, in the chamber beside the place where Anca waits. The second group is hidden in a side room reached through the northwest path from the first temple chamber.

How to investigate the idol

When you are ready to continue, talk to Anca and follow the linear route through the temple. Defeat the undead along the way. A group of wraiths ambushes you when you reach the circular room, so be prepared for the fight.

After the room is secure, examine the idol. Anca explains that somebody must put a hand into its open stone mouth, and the process will cause pain.

Idol blood choices

• Coen gives blood: Select “Alright… Wish me luck” and then “keep still”. Coen takes some damage, but Anca does not need to help.
• Both characters give blood: Select “Alright… Wish me luck” and then “take your hand out”. Anca will insert her hand after that.
• Anca gives blood: Select “Hell no. I’m not doing that” and then “If you think that’s best”. Only Anca is hurt.

Coen loses a small amount of health if he uses the idol, but there is no worse consequence and Anca remains safe. Refusing to sacrifice blood does not appear to reduce your chances of romancing Anca.

Finding a way across the ruins

Continue along the path and fight more undead. Eventually, you will reach a large room with a collapsed floor. Anca asks you to find a route across, but it is still daytime, so Shadowstep is unavailable and you must jump between the platforms.

1. Jump to the platform in the centre of the chamber.
2. Jump from there to the ledge in the northeast.
3. Move around to the western side.
4. Locate the opening in the wall and use it to reach the door.
5. Unblock the door so Anca can join you.

The following chamber can be explored with focus mode if you want to complete its optional objective. When you approach the room containing a rectangular rock, another wave of enemies attacks.

Font of Life choices and rewards

Once the enemies are defeated, enter the next room to find the Font of Life. This is the quest’s final decision. You can let Anca use the font, claim its power for Coen, or destroy the relic.

• Let Anca use the Font of Life: Anca loses her witchcraft, but she is pleased because this is what she wants. Coen receives no reward.
• Let Coen use the Font of Life: Coen unlocks the Font of Life ability on the witchcraft skill tree. The ability provides passive health regeneration during the daytime. Anca keeps her witchcraft.
• Destroy the Font of Life: Anca agrees that destroying it is best. You receive the Ancient Greaves legendary heavy leg armour. Anca does not get the fresh start she wants, and Coen does not unlock the Font of Life ability.

For more gaming and arcade coverage, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog. Players building a compact setup can also browse bartop arcades or explore arcade machines.

The Blood of Dawnwalker is a time-sensitive narrative RPG in which actions and decisions matter. After the prologue, you can explore Vale Sangora and take on Brencis’ boyars in the order you choose, although that freedom can be daunting for new players.