In the enigmatic and wild world of Path of Exile (PoE), the quest "A Merciful Hunt" offers a poignant and challenging task from the Primal Huntress, a guardian of the Wildwood. This quest requires players to hunt down and slay 500 Nameless creatures—tormented beings that wander the Wildwood in agony. The hunt is not merely about power, but also about delivering a form of mercy to these tortured souls. This guide will walk you through the steps of the quest, delve into its lore, and prepare you for the trials ahead.
The quest begins with a somber request from the Primal Huntress. She has seen the suffering of the Nameless creatures that roam the Wildwood—creatures born of pain, despair, and corruption. These beings, though dangerous, are in a constant state of torment, and the Primal Huntress believes that ending their misery is a necessary act of mercy.
As you traverse the Wildwood, you will encounter these Nameless creatures in various forms. They are remnants of what once were living beings, now twisted and malformed by the dark energies that permeate the forest. Your task is to put them to rest by hunting 500 of them.
Objective:
The Primal Huntress, a figure deeply connected to the natural order of the Wildwood, provides you with guidance throughout this quest. Her words carry a blend of wisdom and sorrow, reflecting the gravity of your task and the respect she holds for the lives of all creatures, even those twisted by the forest’s darkness.
Key Dialogues:
A Merciful Hunt: "Climbing the hierarchy of the wilds will not be easy. A great many Nameless creatures crawl the Wildwood, existing in perpetual agony and sorrow. They are dangerous, and they deserve mercy, so they shall be your prey. When you have completed your hunt, return to me, and we will train together."
War for the Wildwood: "It is time. You are ready for your final struggle. To achieve the summit, you must hunt the most powerful creature in the Wildwood. That would be {me}, but I would not be able to fight you with my full ferocity, because I have begun to consider you a friend. The fight must be real. It must truly be life-or-death. There is only one I know that can give you this final challenge: the King in the Mists."
Once you have completed the task of slaying 500 Nameless creatures, you must return to the Primal Huntress to report your success. Your hunt has not only brought peace to these tormented beings but has also strengthened your connection to the primal energies of the Wildwood.
The Primal Huntress will sense the growth of this primal energy within you and will prepare to teach you further. This step marks your progress in mastering the ways of the Wildwood, bringing you closer to the apex of the natural order.
Objective:
Upon completing the "A Merciful Hunt" quest, the Primal Huntress will acknowledge your efforts and reward you with further training in the Wildwood Specialization. You have shown both strength and compassion by ending the suffering of the Nameless, and in doing so, you have grown in power and understanding.
Completion Dialogue:
The "A Merciful Hunt" quest is a reflection of the complex and often tragic nature of the world of Path of Exile. It challenges players not just to demonstrate their strength, but to confront the moral implications of their actions. By delivering mercy to the Nameless creatures of the Wildwood, you deepen your bond with the primal forces that govern the natural world.
As you continue your journey under the guidance of the Primal Huntress, you will face even greater challenges, pushing you to the limits of your power and understanding. But with each trial, you come closer to mastering the Wildwood and claiming your place as its apex predator. Good luck, Exile, and may your hunts always be merciful.