On my travels, I stumbled upon a disturbing picture – the site of an unfinished ritual and a dead body. What the hell happened? And should I investigate or run away as far as possible?
Solve the unfinished ritual in The Silts
The Price of Magic begins at the unfinished ritual on the western side of the bog between The Silts and Tantari Woods. Investigate the stone circle in Focus Mode and use Compel Soul on the dead man during the day.
Match the objects to their soul memories
Collect De Vocatione et Ligatione to receive the Bookmark catalyst. Collecting the Pendant gives you the Golden Chain, while the ordinary Bracelet gives you the Gift Box. Use these catalysts when questioning the body at the ritual site.
The Torn Out Page contains the missing ritual instructions. It is a separate object from the half-burnt Discarded Torch catalyst.
Finish the ritual and defeat the spectres
Find both De Vocatione et Ligatione and the Torn Out Page before completing the ritual. You can find the loose page before the book; the journal then directs you to the other part. Prepare for a fight before the ritual interaction, because it summons hostile spectres.
Defeat the spectres to finish the encounter and receive the Mysterious Bracelet. The ordinary Bracelet collected during the investigation is a different item: it lists 22 base armour, +2% magic damage reduction and +4% damage against mortals. The Mysterious Bracelet lists 26 base armour, +3% magic damage reduction, +5% damage against mortals and +5% magic damage.
Marcus and Henrik’s story
Marcus’s Journal identifies Henrik as a bookseller near Altenmarkt Square in Svartrau. Marcus borrowed the ritual book to create a protective bracelet for him, fearing that people from his past would hurt Henrik. The Pendant’s inscription, “Never doubt your heart. Henrik”, connects it to their relationship.
The book describes the protection Marcus intended to create. For the reward’s actual combat benefits, use the Mysterious Bracelet’s listed equipment effects.
Show the Pendant to Henrik
Take the Pendant to Henrik, the bookseller near Altenmarkt Square in Svartrau. With the Pendant in your inventory, choose “Do you recognise this pendant?” He recognises it, and Coen tells him that Marcus has died.
You can explain that Marcus cared about him or call Marcus a fool. Both responses lead to Henrik thanking Coen for bringing the news. “I found a book, too” lets you ask about De Vocatione et Ligatione before returning to those responses.
Equipping the Mysterious Bracelet changes Henrik’s fate
After the ritual is complete, equipping the Mysterious Bracelet starts a follow-up in which Henrik dies. If you want to speak to him about Marcus or show him the Pendant, do so before equipping the reward.
Return to Henrik’s shop near Altenmarkt Square to find red Anachora moths on the door. Speak to the old woman outside: she describes the runes cut into his body and says it was taken to the cemetery. This is a story consequence of the enchanted bracelet, separate from its listed armour and magic bonuses.