The Justification of Detlaff’s Actions in The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine

Detlaff, one of the prominent characters in the The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine DLC, is often debated in terms of his actions and their justification. This article explores the discussion surrounding Detlaff’s behavior and whether his actions can be considered justified within the context of the game.

Detlaff's Actions and the Viewpoint of Loss of Justification

Many players believe that Detlaff loses any justification and sympathetic viewpoints once he acts as a terrorist and attacks the city unprovoked. The fact that even other vampires do not defend him verbally or physically further underscores his loss of sympathetic appeal. The unseen elder's willingness to summon Detlaff, knowing it would likely result in Detlaff’s death, also suggests a lack of genuine support for his actions.

Justification Through History and Comparison

Some argue that Detlaff’s actions are comparable to historical figures such as Genghis Khan, who razed entire cities for less justifiable reasons. However, the comparison is not entirely accurate. The severity and justifiability of Detlaff's actions need to be weighed against the historical context and the larger consequences of his decisions.

Context of Syanna and Her Manipulations

It is argued that Detlaff was manipulated by Syanna, and she deserved to be punished for it. Anna Henrietta, Detlaff's lover, was willing to see the entire duchy and a significant portion of the population burned and killed rather than surrender her sister to Detlaff. This argument posits that many humans, were they in Detlaff’s situation, might have acted similarly out of desperation and a desire to protect their loved ones. Detlaff’s actions were driven by a combination of personal desperation and the capabilities provided by his supernatural powers.

The Sanctity of Life and Lesser Lives

While Detlaff’s initial actions can be seen through a lens of justifiable self-defense due to the manipulation and blackmail by Syanna, his subsequent actions are often deemed unjustifiable. Detlaff’s declaration of war on Beauclair and his target of "noncombatants" represent a severe ethical and moral breach. Not only is he slaughtering innocent lives, but he is also putting his own people, the lesser vampires, at risk. This behavior transforms him into a "bloody maniac" and shifts the moral narrative against him.

Consensus and Regis's Viewpoint

Regis, another prominent figure in the DLC, provides a different perspective on Detlaff’s justification. Initially, Regis is against Detlaff's actions and the initiation of violence. However, after Detlaff initiates a massacre in the city, driven by his personal insanity, Regis is forced to act. Regis's shift in perspective reflects the shift in public opinion and the justifiability of violent acts in extreme circumstances.

Conclusion

The debate over Detlaff's actions in The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine highlights the complexities of moral and ethical decisions in extreme circumstances. While Detlaff’s initial actions can be seen as a response to manipulation and blackmail, his subsequent actions and the consequences of his decisions make it difficult to fully justify them. The story’s narrative and the characters' reactions provide a rich ground for exploring the justification of such actions, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of human nature and decision-making under duress.