Merten

Merten was a drunkard, whoremonger, and a witcher from the School of the Manticore who eventually found spiritual enlightenment in Toussaint around .
== Biography ==
Like other witchers, Merten was given to the School of the Manticore as a child, where he underwent rigorous training and endured the Trial of the Grasses to become a witcher.
By , Merten had spent many years on the Path, indulging in all the pleasures of the flesh whenever he could. It came as no surprise, then, when he arrived at the workshop of Tyen'sail completely drunk, seeking to have some grandmaster armor made. The armorer, furious at Merten's state, kicked him out, ordering him to return only if and when he sobered up. Later that day, Merten was arrested for getting into a drunken brawl with the ducal guard and was subsequently locked up in the Bastoy Prison Ruins.Conversation with Lazare Lafargue
While imprisoned, Merten shared a cell with a devout follower of Lebioda, whom he initially mocked and ridiculed. However, around the 30th of Birke, Merten began to have a change of heart. He started asking more about Lebioda's teachings, and over the course of a year, his curiosity grew into genuine interest. Upon his release, Merten set off on a new Path, determined to leave his old life behind. His first stop on Lebioda's pilgrimage was a cave where the prophet had once received enlightenment.Prisoner's journal Within the cave, Merten vowed to atone for his sins, leaving behind a prayer inscribed on the back of a diagram, asking Lebioda for strength to complete the pilgrimage. His next destination was the Temple of Lebioda, where he sought the guidance of the Great Beggar.Merten's prayer
Merten arrived at the temple around 14 Feainn 1203, where he conversed at length with the Great Beggar before confessing his sins. The Great Beggar then informed Merten that if he truly wished to cleanse himself of his past deeds, he would need to journey to the Hidden Chapel. Before departing, Merten left behind additional witcher diagrams, symbolizing his detachment from his former life.The Great Beggar's journal
A few days later, Merten arrived at the Cave of Tribulations. After successfully enduring the cave's trials, he meditated and experienced a vision of a crystal-clear lake, the Lake of Cleansing. Before departing for his final destination, he left yet another diagram behind.Merten's notes. On 32 Feainn 1203, Merten reached the lake, where he wrote a letter reflecting on his journey. He then cast the letter, along with his final attachments to his old life, into the lake. Renouncing his life as a witcher, Merten rechristened himself as Shavel and vowed to spread Lebioda's wisdom throughout the world, starting in the North and eventually reaching as far as the Dragon Mountains.Merten's last letter
== Associated quest ==
* Scavenger Hunt: Grandmaster Manticore Gear
== Notes ==
* He is currently the only known student of the School of the Manticore.
== References ==
cs:Merten
pl:Merten
ru:Мертен
uk:Мертен
Category:Witchers
Category:Blood and Wine mentioned-only characters