In the world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the questline titled ‘Brothers in Arms’ represents a turning point in Geralt of Rivia’s journey. As the war between Nilfgaard and the Northern Realms looms, and the Wild Hunt grows more dangerous, Geralt must gather allies for the upcoming battle at Kaer Morhen. One such potential ally is Sigismund Dijkstra, a clever and powerful spymaster who controls much of Novigrad’s underworld. Convincing Dijkstra to join Geralt in the fight is part of the optional quest known as Brothers in Arms: Novigrad. Understanding Dijkstra’s motivations, history, and conditions is essential for completing this portion of the quest successfully.
Who Is Sigismund Dijkstra?
Dijkstra is not just any political figure. Former head of Redania’s secret service, he is intelligent, manipulative, and highly resourceful. His knowledge of power structures, war, and diplomacy makes him one of the most valuable potential allies Geralt can approach. However, Dijkstra does not easily pledge loyalty or resources without gaining something in return.
Role in Novigrad
After his fall from power in Redania, Dijkstra sets up base in Novigrad, where he works from behind the scenes. Though technically retired from his spycraft, he continues to pull the strings of Novigrad’s criminal and political landscape, often appearing as a fixer, banker, or information broker. His influence is far-reaching, and his operations are vital to many events in the Novigrad questline, including the assassination of King Radovid.
Connection with Geralt
Dijkstra’s relationship with Geralt is a complex mix of mutual respect, rivalry, and suspicion. Throughout the Novigrad arc, Dijkstra assists Geralt with information and resources, but he never does anything without expecting a benefit. Despite his cold pragmatism, he understands the threat posed by the Wild Hunt, though he also weighs it against his own goals for the North.
Starting the Brothers in Arms: Novigrad Quest
This quest becomes available after Geralt finishes key main quests like The Isle of Mists and progresses through other regional Brothers in Arms objectives. The goal is to gather support for the upcoming defense of Kaer Morhen, and Dijkstra is one of several leaders who can potentially lend aid.
Quest Prerequisites
To unlock the chance to recruit Dijkstra, you should complete the following beforehand:
- Finish the Novigrad main quests, especially Count Reuven’s Treasure and A Deadly Plot.
- Progress through the assassination plot involving King Radovid, culminating in Reason of State.
- Ensure that Dijkstra survives these events, and that your relationship with him remains intact.
Recruiting Dijkstra for Kaer Morhen
When you speak to Dijkstra during Brothers in Arms: Novigrad, you will find that he refuses to help. This might be surprising, considering his interest in politics and warfare. However, Dijkstra’s refusal is part of his character design: he only supports initiatives that serve his own ambitions. The defense of Kaer Morhen, in his view, is not his fight.
Dialogue Options
When Geralt approaches Dijkstra, the conversation typically goes as follows:
- Geralt explains the imminent threat posed by the Wild Hunt.
- Dijkstra acknowledges the danger but states that his resources are committed elsewhere.
- No matter which dialogue option you select, Dijkstra will ultimately decline to join the battle at Kaer Morhen.
This outcome is not a failure, but rather a reflection of Dijkstra’s priorities. He is focused on rebuilding Redania in his own vision, and aligning with Geralt offers him no strategic gain. As such, players cannot convince him through persuasion, favors, or threats.
Can Dijkstra Ever Help?
While Dijkstra cannot be recruited for Kaer Morhen, he remains an important character for later parts of the game. Specifically, in the Reason of State quest, you can work with him to eliminate King Radovid and shape the political future of the Northern Realms. His involvement in these quests can still influence the game’s ending, especially regarding the power dynamics between Nilfgaard and Redania.
Consequences of Dijkstra’s Refusal
Unlike other Brothers in Arms quests where recruiting allies provides extra manpower at Kaer Morhen, Dijkstra’s refusal means you simply move forward without his help. This doesn’t drastically affect your chances of success during the battle, but it does close the door on any potential support from Novigrad’s underground resources.
Alternative Allies in Novigrad
If you’re looking for other assistance from Novigrad, consider these allies:
- Zoltan Chivay A loyal dwarf and longtime friend of Geralt. Zoltan will join the fight without hesitation.
- Triss Merigold If she remains in Novigrad and survives the related quests, she can be a powerful ally at Kaer Morhen.
- Ves and Vernon Roche Although based outside Novigrad, they represent the Temerian resistance and can also be recruited during this phase.
Each ally adds to your defenses at Kaer Morhen and can help shift the odds in your favor during the pivotal battle against the Wild Hunt.
Dijkstra’s Long-Term Role in The Witcher 3
Although Dijkstra doesn’t assist in the Brothers in Arms questline, his role in the broader narrative is significant. His actions influence the fate of Redania and the outcome of the war. How you interact with him especially during the Radovid assassination plot affects who rules the North by the end of the game.
Multiple Endings Involving Dijkstra
Depending on your choices, Dijkstra can become the ruler of Redania if Radovid dies and you side with him over Vernon Roche. Alternatively, he may be killed by Roche if you support Temerian independence. These outcomes are shaped through the quests A Deadly Plot and Reason of State.
Sigismund Dijkstra’s role in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of the more complex and politically charged arcs in the game. While he refuses to participate in the Brothers in Arms: Novigrad quest, this decision is consistent with his character and ambitions. Dijkstra is not motivated by friendship or moral duty he acts according to logic, power, and long-term goals. His refusal is not a failure but a reminder that not every relationship in the Witcher universe is transactional. For players looking to fully understand the game’s politics, and those who aim for specific endings, Dijkstra remains a central figure to consider, even if he doesn’t lift a sword at Kaer Morhen.