The Triss content and the inconsistency of our romance's choice

[Redemyr]

Not all stuff missing from Triss arc, were about romance etc, but some things that go beyond that.

I feel this interaction in particular was missing.

Spoilers obviously.

When you bring Uma to Kaer Morhen, Yen suggest the only way to lift the curse is through the trial of the grass, or in layman terms, the application of the witcher's mutagens to the creature.

Unless I drew a complete blank in my mind, there’s no explanation as to why she knows these formulae, unless she got them from the emperor, contacts, etc, off screen.
They are supposed to be super secret, and as far as we know, they were stolen in W1, and subsequently destroyed, as no more witchers are being created there, or anywhere else.

There was however, a sorcerer who lived in KM for a while and had access to said formulae before they were stolen, I’m talking about Triss.

The scene I suggest, with obviously includes her being there, is for Triss to be the one who actually suggests their use.

The witchers of course confront her as to why she knows their secrets, with her confessing that she couldn’t help it and “took a peek.” She abused their trust, etc. It would help flesh out her character a little by showing she has some flaws after all.

Then this scene would play out:

Lambert or Esquel grumble.

Vesemir: “You abused our trust, we let you stay and that’s how you repaid us? Seems like you are not that different from Yennefer after all.”
Yen:”I’m right here, you know.”
V: ”So?”

At this point Geralt can:
a) Stand up for Triss/Yen (depending on romance)
This gets a smile and thank you from the person defended and an angry/frustrated glare from the one who wasn’t.

b) Criticize Triss
Approving words from the witchers. Apology from Triss. Undefined look from Yen.

c) Let’s just focus on the issue at hand, we can argue about this later.
Nothing happens and scene proceeds as usual.

Then the two sorcerers get on with the the healing etc. Excellent opportunity for the two of them to talk about their current situation.

----

As to handle the previous day, easy, just have the sorcerer who is not "flagged" leave with Vesemir, with an "I shall go with you," to him and an angry glare at the lucky one "I got this feeling I'm interrupting something." "I'm in the middle of something," "I'm not welcome" etc. and then have Geralt make a weird face.

 

[ltdk92]

Agreed. There were moments that felt like missed opportunities or awkward because the reactions felt inauthentic or off. I see that scene as one where Triss could have been utilized. Another would have been:

Spoiler

:

The last assault on the Wild Hunt. Triss is with Yen and the Lodge, where she was integral to Avallac'h's plan. There could have been some meaningful conversation between Triss and Yen regardless of your romance choices. It could have given some insight into their friendship and even reflect your romance choice. Yen says that Triss is a good friend and doesn't seem to insult her, but why? What is Triss and Yen's history to make Yen so loyal and even protective of her? Is it part of her personality or is there something else?

 

[allen3]

I think part of the reason for me personally, was the option to romance Triss in Novigrad and the time it took me to finally reach Kaer Morhen was fairly long. So I was expecting her to be there because she said she was going to be. Instead I get greeted by Vesemir. They should have had Triss there to greet you, then after you talk to her about how you missed eachother then you approach Vesemir and he talks about Yennefer throwing out the bed. That would have been much better and would have made so much more sense. Although from what I hear, she throws out the bed anyways even If you choose her.

In all honesty the Yennefer kiss scene did not bother me too much in KM. I just assumed she was just so happy you brought back Ciri safe and sound and she overreacted a little. But yeah again, nothing happens from it. It would have been nice to see a Triss/Yennefer scene at some point.

But it isn't until this point you bring Ciri back you can say something to Triss, I think it was as short as "Good to see you again" or something. What? That's it. I don't even remember if she says anything back. It was jarring really.

 

[DaWitcher]

After completing the main storyline the whole Geralt/Triss, Yen/Triss, Ciri/Triss, and my decision to choose Triss seems incomplete. In fact it seems so incomplete that I can not bring myself to play the game a second time around and repeat that experience. I have to literally take some time away from the wild hunt.

No matter how many times I play the game I honestly do not think I can let Triss go. Expecially because Yen is so cold from the start and shows feeling only after I choose Triss. The romance between them and their relationships are just as important to the witcher Geralt story as monster slaying to the witcher profession. Remember witchers are suppose to be stripped of all emotions but we all know that's not the case.

I say this to the dev, add to the storyline interactions and endings because we can all agree that there is so much more there. This story has taken on a life of its own and your dedicated fans are looking to you to give the witcher story the ending and dialog it truly deserves. Develop the three possible ending in more detail.

As the great master Yoda would say, (details the ending needs, important to fans this is).

At the end of my game play I reacted with

 

[Noobseals]

They are supposed to be super secret, and as far as we know, they were stolen in W1, and subsequently destroyed

Good point, and I remember at the very beginning of TW3, it is said that Yen had never been to KM. So she has no chance to know these formulas at all, unless she had some contact with Salamander or the order of flaming rose...
All in all, there are many inconsistencies through the trilogy. Hope CDPR will explore and complete these details.

 

[CTPhipps]

Good point, and I remember at the very beginning of TW3, it is said that Yen had never been to KM. So she has no chance to know these formulas at all, unless she had some contact with Salamander or the order of flaming rose...
All in all, there are many inconsistencies through the trilogy. Hope CDPR will explore and complete these details.

There's also like 30 ruined Witcher Fortresses you encounter in the game.

Surely, in one of them, they have some notes about their MOST IMPORTANT rite.

Ciri, potentially, can time travel back in time.

Also, bluntly, I imagine Yennefer or Triss could do a better job creating a new Witcher formula than the original Witchers did with "modern" magic.

Maybe something which doesn't kill 2/3rds of every candidate.

 

[detwait]

If summarize all these posts, fans would like to see in case of romance wih Triss:

1) People commenting Triss/Geralt romance
2) Catfighting between Triss ans Yen :halt:
3) Refer to Triss due to breaking jhin curse, and telling Triss about it
4)..or at least telling Triss that you love her more then Yen
5) Triss appearence in KaerMorhen not before the battle but earlier
6) Different Triss reaction on Yen's kiss in Kar Morhen :mean:
7) +1 sex scene with Triss in KaermMorhen on broken bed or before the final battle on the ship
8) Just a little more dialogues in the ship and not just "Well?"

 

[DaWitcher]

I am predicting that any minute now and someone from the CDPR witcher team will come in here and make us happy....


They will be here soon. Until then...Go Triss Go.

 

[msanx]

I am predicting that any minute now and someone from the CDPR witcher team will come in here and make us happy....


They will be here soon. Until then...Go Triss Go.

Fingers crossed!

---------- Updated at 03:03 AM ----------

If summarize all these posts, fans would like to see in case of romance wih Triss:

1) People commenting Triss/Geralt romance
2) Catfighting between Triss ans Yen :halt:
3) Refer to Triss due to breaking jhin curse, and telling Triss about it
4)..or at least telling Triss that you love her more then Yen
5) Triss appearence in KaerMorhen not before the battle but earlier
6) Different Triss reaction on Yen's kiss in Kar Morhen :mean:
7) +1 sex scene with Triss in KaermMorhen on broken bed or before the final battle on the ship
8) Just a little more dialogues in the ship and not just "Well?"

Yep correct :like:

 

[CTPhipps]

I'd be happy if there's just Triss guest-starring in one of the DLCs.

I'd also be happy if Yennefer did the same.

 

[ltdk92]

Agreed. It seems that the relationships were developed in tandem with story related needs to ensure that the main story got as much meat as time and money would allow. This translates to poor interactions between central characters towards the ending, and I consider Triss to be the main exponent. The romances and friendship building were crucial to humanizing Geralt, whose humanity is put into question all the time. During their brief relationship, Triss should have had some impact on Geralt but the extent of which is not lucidly communicated to the player, whether positive or negative. She becomes the equivalent of a lovely set piece with no interaction with Geralt or co., which is extremely disappointing. Even if she is not romanced, she should have had more input/on-screen communication with leading cast to feel like the flushed character she was crafted into in the two previous games.

 

[Redemyr]

I think I've identified the place where the the scene at the trailer "Sword of Destiny" happens. Could it be, her old house? There's the furniture used to divide rooms, the window is right besides it so it would provide the lighting. Maybe Triss was supposed to greet you "properly" and then send you off to the dreamer and then upon returning you find her house looted?

Thoughts?

 

[CTPhipps]

I think I've identified the place where the the scene at the trailer "Sword of Destiny" happens. Could it be, her old house? There's the furniture used to divide rooms, the window is right besides it so it would provide the lighting. Maybe Triss was supposed to greet you "properly" and then send you off to the dreamer and then upon returning you find her house looted?

Thoughts?

Canonically, Triss and Geralt parted on extremely bad terms.

Geralt is *****ed at her.

It's just Geralt leaving for months at a time and coming back, thinking everything is well is normal behavior for him. See "The Sword of Destiny" novel.

 

[xE1NSTE1Nx2049]

However, given Triss' romance with Geralt in the previous two games, more meaningful interactions should have been included if the player decides to remain with Triss. As stated earlier in this thread, I can see the traces of the Triss romance option as secondary or even tertiary to other content created for the game overall. That is not to say that what is already present is not great, even spectacular. However, given this is the end of Geralt's story there should have been more focus EQUALLY on Geralt's romance options. Geralt's romantic escapades have just as much impact on his character development and motives

I agree with a lot of what you said. Because Yen's romance is woven right into the plot, it feels more emotional and it pays off in a big way. However, I don't see that it would have been impossible to achieve something just as meaningful with Triss. She was a huge part of his life before and, if you choose, she can remain a huge part of his life. But she isn't really treated as such - she is very much treated like an afterthought. Like she was the wrong choice.

The part I bolded is one of the things I keep coming back and saying. I know the romance isn't the #1 concern in the game but it should have been #2 on that list. Feels like they placed it further down. If it weren't the last one, we might consider letting it slide, but you are literally laying tracks for how Geralt will live out the rest of his days. That's why I think it is such a crucial element. One that they should have put a larger emphasis on.

The time that Triss spent with Geralt over the course of his amnesia certainly fermented some sort of deep feelings, irregardless if the player chooses to make the relationship a serious one or not. That connection is sorely missing in the Wild Hunt outside of the Novigrad segment. In this regard, Triss was not treated justly either. She is not present in the second half of the game as even an impactful character, which I can't help but think was a mistake considering how much the Geralt/Triss dynamic was developed. She should have had interactions with Yen, Geralt, Ciri, and company in ways that made her feel like a dimensional character instead of the flat background piece she became during the epic third act.

All great points. They have been through a lot together and I have a tough time believing those feelings just vanish. Don't care if he is going off to look for Yennefer - he still clearly cares about Triss. What they had might not be as long and torrid as Geralt and Yennefer but they still have a history together. And that is why we are even given the option in the first place. She is not inferior, the lesser of the two choices; her final chapter should be as equally satisfying as if you chose Yennefer.

Yes to the second bolded text too. A lot of missed opportunities to turn her into a dynamic character involved in the plot of final act. She just feels like she is there, if you prefer her, it'll give you something to fight for. I would like the feeling that something would be missing without her, that she was important piece of the puzzle. Seeing as I prefer her, her mere presence would be missing but not much else. :X

Unless I drew a complete blank in my mind, there’s no explanation as to why she knows these formulae, unless she got them from the emperor, contacts, etc, off screen.
They are supposed to be super secret, and as far as we know, they were stolen in W1, and subsequently destroyed, as no more witchers are being created there, or anywhere else.

This is a good point, how would she know how to do that? I never even thought about it. And even if Triss didn't know them herself, it would still be worth it to ask her. Her and Yen together might be able to come up with something that stands a decent shot of not killing Uma. I don't know why she couldn't have at least been there in some sort of conciliatory supporting role. Like when Yen is falling asleep, let Triss take over for a little while. She can surely keep a simple stabilizing spell up while Yen rests for a few minutes. Sadly, another missed opportunity. :dry:

1) People commenting Triss/Geralt romance

Yes please

2) Catfighting between Triss ans Yen

I only want to see one short scene where they at least say something to each other. Not necessarily go at it but they don't even say two words to each other about Geralt, It's a large and decisive between them - they could say something.

3) Refer to Triss due to breaking jhin curse, and telling Triss about it
4)..or at least telling Triss that you love her more then Yen
5) Triss appearence in KaerMorhen not before the battle but earlier

I definitely want her to at least be there before the battle. Would have liked to have said something to her. Anything really. "Hey, how was your trip? Run into any trouble on the road? Did Yen say anything to you? This ugly creature is Uma." But we can't say of that. Not one thing and that's because she's not even there. :X

I am predicting that any minute now and someone from the CDPR witcher team will come in here and make us happy....


They will be here soon. Until then...Go Triss Go.

Haha, I am not predicting. I am hoping, however, I am prepared to stick it out for at least a little while. We should hear something from them eventually.

I'd be happy if there's just Triss guest-starring in one of the DLCs.

I'd also be happy if Yennefer did the same.

I think it'd be good if they were both given a minor role with a smaller third role up for grabs. Whoever you pick, they're the ones to help you with it. That way both camps are satisfied and nobody is upset. But hey, I'm a people pleaser.

Agreed. It seems that the relationships were developed in tandem with story related needs to ensure that the main story got as much meat as time and money would allow. This translates to poor interactions between central characters towards the ending, and I consider Triss to be the main exponent. The romances and friendship building were crucial to humanizing Geralt, whose humanity is put into question all the time. During their brief relationship, Triss should have had some impact on Geralt but the extent of which is not lucidly communicated to the player, whether positive or negative. She becomes the equivalent of a lovely set piece with no interaction with Geralt or co., which is extremely disappointing. Even if she is not romanced, she should have had more input/on-screen communication with leading cast to feel like the flushed character she was crafted into in the two previous games.

Another very nice post. I don't want to comment on the whole thing because I would probably just end up repeating what you said but I highlighted what I strongly agree with. I know, not very helpful because I highlighted most of it. But it's true, I really like what you said here. I think this one should be a candidate for the front page of this thread.

 

[Eruvadhor]

I think I've identified the place where the the scene at the trailer "Sword of Destiny" happens. Could it be, her old house? There's the furniture used to divide rooms, the window is right besides it so it would provide the lighting. Maybe Triss was supposed to greet you "properly" and then send you off to the dreamer and then upon returning you find her house looted?

Thoughts?

See my post below.

http://forums.cdprojektred.com/thre...nce-s-choice?p=1730450&viewfull=1#post1730450

The divider was a good catch, so I visited her house in-game to see. It appears the trailer is indeed not in her house. The wood trim in the trailer indeed has the same pattern as the divider, however it is much too low to be it. The divider also has a top portion very different in design than the trim in the trailer. Her home also lacks the stone walls, or the stone ledge she's lieing on. The lighting in the background is definitely open-air at night; her home does not have a balcony this can be taking place on, and the windows definitely are not what we are seeing. The lighting in the lieing back shot is similar at dusk, however the shot also has that night sky, which is not visible from her home. Based upon further review, I still say the Sword of Destiny scene happens in the lighthouse as in the game in it's current 1.04 form, with obvious differences as stated in the original post. Thanks for the keen eye!

 

[Redemyr]

Geralt is *****ed at her.

Geralt is what at her? no idea what you meant there sorry.

And no, given the current arc, that kind of reception is out of character completely... I was hoping perhaps that depending on whether you saved her or not, it would impact on whether you are together or not at the start...

Although, that kind of reset does give them the chance to start over so to speak, as somebody who's been going out with the same girl for ten years, I can assure you the best part of a relationship is at the beginning.

I just replayed the warehouse part. Lots of double meaning in their conversation. This time I was able to get more out of it. Still don't grasp the whole picture though, what does exactly Triss means when she says, "reconciled?"

Geralt kind of sees through that and tells her she must accept the truth, truth being what exactly?

Anyway, my understanding of the scene in general is that she dumped Geralt when he got his memories and set out to find Yen. She acted tough when she did that, stating that she didn't care or similar. And even when they meet again she is still trying to pretend as if she's moved on and the whole thing doesn't bother her anymore. Geralt sees through her and presses her to reveal her feeling or to at least be honest with herself.

That is my interpretation if Geralt goes with the story about the man who lost his limbs. The second choice, about accepting the truth, am I not clear yet as to what truth he is referring to.

See my post below.

http://forums.cdprojektred.com/thre...nce-s-choice?p=1730450&viewfull=1#post1730450

The divider was a good catch, so I visited her house in-game to see. It appears the trailer is indeed not in her house.

Oh well, maybe next time

 

[CTPhipps]

No, Geralt dumped Triss, not the other way around. We also have no way of changing that. He just does.

 

[ltdk92]

I think the initial ambiguity when Geralt and Triss first meet in-game is intentional in order for the player to fashion their dynamic in the limited ways afforded by dialogue options. This also coincides with the romancing possibility, but as with most things that have already been mentioned in regards to Triss, this interaction is lacking depth. The dialogue options are too forced and sparse to get a sense of what happened between them in between W2 and Wild Hunt, let alone their complicated emotional connection. There are dialogue choices that seem to suggest that one or both parties decided the split because Geralt can form the semblance of a friend zone comment and Triss says something along the lines of "it's for the best". Irregardless, it's clear that Triss is adamant about remaining platonic upon your first meeting as a defense mechanism and/or to correct what she knows was wrong on her part (a.k.a. taking advantage of Geralt's amnesia, as she herself disparagingly remarks).

On a side note, I found her comments outside conversation scenes to be wonderful character development in their own right. The player gets a glimpse into Triss' psyche in simple and endearing ways that supplement major cut scenes wonderfully. That kind of scarcity is just as effective as long scripts if done right. CDPR implemented this technique with other characters in the game, which is greatly appreciated and enhances the experience of the game significantly. Kiera and Lambert come to mind as characters who stood out due to their entertaining and abundant banter, given their short screen appearances.

 

[Noobseals]

As my role play, Geralt became confused after he restored memory.
I think it should be an evidence that Geralt didn't know who is his true love before complete Triss/Yen's side quest: Geralt said to himself "who exactly is she (Yen) to me?" before attended King Bran's Wake.

Then they separated - Triss returned to her home while Geralt continue his path looking for Yen. And it is the start of TW3.

In terms of the reason they broke up, IMO it is Triss's decision, because she didn't know what was Geralt thinking about. She could not bear Geralt hiding his feeling.
On the lighthouse, there is a dialogue could be triggered "I missed the Geralt never afraid to tell me what he feels, what he wants", which support this view.

 

[allen3]

I tend to think at some point between W2 and W3 Geralt becomes more distant to Triss because he is confused. He obviously cares deeply for both women, as the game sets the romance choices to begin with. This is the first Witcher game where he has fully recovered all his memories and so he is a bit torn. Maybe he wants to get answers and that's why he chooses to seek out Yen. At some point he and Triss must have had a serious talk about it and decided he had to go and whatever happens they would remain friends. Triss would no doubt not like to imagine the possibility of losing him, but felt she owed him that much.

That's what makes this game so good though. If you wanted to have the choice to rekindle your relationship with Yennefer you could, or you could go back to Triss and make the decision you didn't want to lose her. It's just too bad there wasn't much interaction after you make that decision.