Yes—if you want to spare Maleshov and pursue the more positive ending variation reported by guides, refuse Dry Devil’s plan and win the duel. The cost is a tougher castle entry with more defenders still inside. Lose the duel, and Maleshov burns anyway.
Spoilers for the main quest “Dancing with the Devil” and ending implications.
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What does the choice involve?
During the assault on Maleshov castle, Henry’s group is trying to capture Von Bergow. Dry Devil proposes burning the village to draw defenders away from the castle. Agreeing gives the attackers a tactical opening, but puts Maleshov’s villagers in danger. Refusing protects the village only if Henry wins the duel that follows. The quest outcomes below are reported by walkthroughs and ending guides, rather than official developer documentation.
What happens with each choice?
| Choice | Maleshov | Castle assault | Reported later effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agree to Dry Devil’s plan | The village is sacked; Henry tries to get the peasants to flee. | Defenders investigate the village and are ambushed, leaving fewer guards and making infiltration easier. | Istvan Toth appears in a nightmare set in a sacked Maleshov; guides say the choice partly affects the ending’s tone. |
| Refuse and win the duel | The village is spared. | More guards remain, making infiltration harder. | Guides report no named character deaths resulting from this choice, though some of Brabant’s hired mercenaries may die. PC Gamer lists saving Maleshov among the choices associated with the most positive ending variation. |
| Refuse and lose the duel | The village burns anyway. | Henry does not take command from Dry Devil. | The guides do not establish a distinct additional ending consequence for this failed attempt. |
The practical trade-off is straightforward: saving Maleshov protects the villagers and is associated with a more positive ending, while accepting the plan makes the castle approach easier.
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How do you refuse and save Maleshov?
- When Dry Devil proposes the plan, choose the refusal line reported as “No, I won’t murder the innocent!”
- In the subsequent conversation, choose the family-related response, “My family was killed in such a raid,” then challenge him with “Let’s duel.”
- Win the duel. Winning lets Henry take command and stop the burning; losing leaves the plan in place.
Does saving Maleshov count toward No Good Deed?
Gamer Guides describes saving the village as part of the No Good Deed achievement path, but the village choice alone is not enough: its walkthrough also requires opening the castle gate without alerting the defenders.
Preparing for the stealth entry
- The walkthrough recommends bringing healing supplies.
- It suggests wearing lighter, quieter armor for the stealth approach and changing into more protective gear before the ensuing battle.
These are walkthrough recommendations, not claims of personal playtesting. The assault continues into combat after the gate is opened. The later situation involving Von Bergow and Lady Rosa is a separate quest decision; saving Maleshov does not settle it.
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Sources
- IGN’s “Dancing with the Devil” walkthrough describes the choice and its reported outcomes.
- PC Gamer’s ending guide lists saving Maleshov among choices associated with the most positive ending variation.
- Gamer Guides’ quest walkthrough covers the duel, stealth entry, and achievement path.
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