Blades of Light and Shadow, Book 1 Choices



This page contains the choices in Blades of Light and Shadow and their outcomes.

''This game revolves heavily around the choices you make. They can improve or decrease relationships with the characters, as well as increase XP, which allows you to level up and learn new skills. This walkthrough is made to assist others in helping them make the right choice for their game. Good luck and happy playing!''

Choices that have no outcome on the side have not been explored yet, please help this page by contributing those answers!

XP
You'll get XP by making the right choices and passing Skill Checks.

The number of XP received from some Choices is based on the level you're at. These will be indicated accordingly. For example, if the walkthrough says +5/10/25 XP, you'll get 5 XP if you're at Level 1, 10 XP if you're at Level 2, and 25 XP if you're at Level 3.

The levels are as follows:
 * Level 0: 1-5 (2 XP)
 * Level 1: 1-50 (5 or 10 XP)
 * Level 2: 1-100 (10 or 20 XP)
 * Level 3: 1-750 (25 or 50 XP)

Skills
You will have to choose Skills for your character. Skills will help you conquer challenges, befriend allies, and unlock special scenes.

Some choices will require you to have a Skill to choose them. These unlock special scenes and often award XP. Only the skills you choose will be among the available options. Unchosen skills will be shaded, chained and unavailable. The option order of these choices will vary based on the skills you have, unavailable skills will appear at the bottom.

More Skills can be unlocked by earning XP, which you'll get by making correct choices, defeating enemies, and passing Skill checks. Earn enough XP to level up and learn new Skills.

There are five categories: Species-specific Skills, Combat Skills, Diplomacy Skills, Survival Skills, Elite Skills. This walkthrough uses the in-game icons for options that require certain Skills.

Species-specific Skills:
 * BOLASIconSpeciesElf.png - This choice requires you to be an Elf.
 * BOLASIconSpeciesHuman.png - This choice requires you to be a Human.
 * BOLASIconSpeciesOrc.png - This choice requires you to be an Orc.

Combat Skills:
 * BOLASIconCombatBlades.png - This choice requires the Blades Skill.
 * BOLASIconCombatBows.png - This choice requires the Bows Skill.
 * BOLASIconCombatBrawling.png - This choice requires the Brawling Skill.

Diplomacy Skills:
 * BOLASIconDiplomacyCharisma.png - This choice requires the Charisma Skill.
 * BOLASIconDiplomacyDeception.png - This choice requires the Deception Skill.
 * BOLASIconDiplomacySeduction.png - This choice requires the Seduction Skill.

Survival Skills:
 * BOLASIconSurvivalBeastmaster.png - This choice requires the Beastmaster Skill.
 * BOLASIconSurvivalMedicine.png - This choice requires the Medicine Skill.
 * BOLASIconSurvivalWoodslore.png - This choice requires the Woodslore Skill.

Injuries
You can get injured if you've chosen one incorrect option or a sequence of incorrect options. Injuries will persist on your character, and may make future challenges more difficult. They might prevent you from getting XP too. You can treat injuries by finding some items to heal them.

Side Quests
Side Quests will let you deepen your relationships with party members, and collect gear and treasure to help on the adventure, including treatment for injuries.

Social Quests
Social Quests let you get closer to your companions and learn more about them.

Lore Tablets
Collect them to learn more about the world, its inhabitants, and the history of the Great War. You'll get bonus XP for every tablet you collect and if you get all six tablets, you'll unlock a Bonus Scene.

Legendary Weapons
You can collect Legendary Weapons to enhance your fighting skills and gain some extra XP from them. They will also replace your regular weapon, such as your gauntlet (Brawling Skill). You can only use them if you've unlocked the corresponding Combat Skill.

Setup Choices
Choice 1
 * A woman.
 * A man.

Choice 2
 * Human: Clever and Agile
 * Elf: Ancient and Perceptive
 * Orc: Proud and Strong
 * Re-choose Gender (Go Back to Choice 1)

Choice 3 (Elf/Orc)
 * Face 1
 * Face 2
 * Face 3
 * Back to Races (Go Back to Choice 2)

Choice 3 (Human)
 * Face 1
 * Face 2
 * Face 3
 * Face 4
 * Back to Races (Go Back to Choice 2)

Choice 4
 * This look is perfect.
 * Let's try something else. (Go Back to Choice 1)

Choice 5

This is a fill-in-the-blank choice. Default is "Raine".
 * What is your name?

Chapter One: The Adventure Begins Choices
Choice 1
 * Just pay the man, Kade. (No effect)
 * Come on, barkeep. A story's worth a drink! (No effect)
 * [Make a run for it!] (No effect)

Choice 2
 * It's an honor to meet you. (No effect)
 * You don't look like a famous adventurer. (No effect)

Choice 3
 * We'd like to come along! (No effect)
 * How do I know you're not scamming them? (No effect)
 * ❤ Perhaps you'd like some... company. (Mal Score Up!)

Choice 4 (Combat Skills)
 * BOLASIconCombatBows.png Bows
 * BOLASIconCombatBrawling.png Brawling
 * BOLASIconCombatBlades.png Blades

Choice 5 (Diplomacy Skills)
 * BOLASIconDiplomacyCharisma.png Charisma
 * BOLASIconDiplomacyDeception.png Deception
 * BOLASIconDiplomacySeduction.png Seduction

You get to choose one of each two Skill sets.

""

Choice 6
 * Stop by the night market. (No effect)
 * Talk to the blacksmith. (No effect)

Choice 7 (Night Market)
 * BOLASIconDiplomacyCharisma.png Charm her!
 * BOLASIconDiplomacyDeception.png Trick her!
 * BOLASIconDiplomacySeduction.png Flirt with her!

+2 XP!

Choice 7 (Blacksmith)
 * BOLASIconCombatBlades.png Check out the swords!
 * BOLASIconCombatBows.png Check out the bows!
 * BOLASIconCombatBrawling.png Check out a gauntlet!

+2 XP!

Choice 8
 * What's wrong? (No effect)
 * What's in it for us? (No effect)
 * Wow. You're pretty... (No effect)

Choice 9
 * BOLASIconCombatBlades.png Hurl my dagger! (+2 XP!)
 * BOLASIconCombatBows.png Shoot an arrow! (+2 XP!)
 * BOLASIconCombatBrawling.png Run forward and smash into it! (+2 XP!)

''+2 XP! for Elf/Human/Orc''

Choice 10 (Survival Skills)
 * BOLASIconSurvivalBeastmaster.png Beastmaster
 * BOLASIconSurvivalMedicine.png Medicine
 * BOLASIconSurvivalWoodslore.png Woodslore

You get to choose one Survival Skill for leveling up.

Choice 11
 * BOLASIconSurvivalBeastmaster.png Show it I mean no harm. (+5 XP!, )
 * Run at it! (No effect)
 * Scare it with a torch! (+5 XP!)

Choice 12
 * It was really no trouble. (No effect)
 * You shouldn't be out here alone. (No effect)

Choice 13
 * Adventure. (No effect)
 * Money. (No effect)

""

Choice 14
 * BOLASIconSurvivalWoodslore.png Set up the camp. (+5 XP!)
 * BOLASIconDiplomacySeduction.png Flirt with Nia. (+5 XP!)
 * BOLASIconSurvivalMedicine.png Gather healing herbs. (+5 XP!)
 * Ask Kade to make camp. (No effect)

Choice 15 (SIDE QUEST: The Lost Bracelet)
 * Let's do it! (💎 15)
 * I think I'll pass. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 1
 * Beautiful. (No effect)
 * Dangerous. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 2
 * You use your magic. (No effect)
 * I try to scare them off. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 3
 * Offer it to her.

""

Diamond Choice 4
 * Impressive. (No effect)
 * Oppressive. (No effect)

Nia Score Up!

Diamond Choice 5
 * ❤ Kiss her hand. (Nia Score Up!)
 * Keep my distance. (No effect)

Choice 16
 * Stylish Start (💎 20)
 * No thanks

Choice 17
 * Beautiful. (No effect)
 * Okay, I guess. (No effect)

Choice 18
 * By the Gods... is that... (No effect)

Unofficial Maximum Possible XP: 11/50 (Level 1)

Chapter Two: Of Loss and Legends Choices
Choice 1
 * Did this. (No effect)
 * Didn't do this. (+5 XP!)

Choice 2
 * BOLASIconSurvivalWoodslore.png Examine the area. (+5 XP!)
 * BOLASIconSurvivalMedicine.png Examine the bodies. (+5 XP!)
 * Call for help. (No effect)

Choice 3
 * BOLASIconSpeciesElf.png Look for traps. (+5 XP!)
 * Let you choose the way, Nia. (No effect)

Choice 4
 * Check it out!

Choice 5
 * They were too pious. (No effect)
 * No one knew it was here. (No effect)

Choice 6 (SIDE QUEST: The Hall of Gods)
 * Let's do it! (💎 12)
 * Better not to now. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 1
 * Wasteful. (No effect)
 * Admirable. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 2
 * Majestic elven goddess. (No effect)
 * Two lovers, intertwined. (No effect)
 * Dark-winged warrior. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 3

This is a timed choice. ''If the timer ends, you freeze up. (No effect)''
 * Nia, do something! (No effect)
 * Kade, do something! (No effect)
 * I'll do something! (No effect)

Diamond Choice 4
 * My happiest memory. (No effect)
 * My saddest memory. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 5
 * Check it out!

Choice 7
 * Their leader. (No effect)
 * Their prisoner. (+5 XP!)
 * Looking good! (No effect)

Choice 8
 * Are just fairy tales. (No effect)
 * Are a warning we should heed. (No effect)

Choice 9
 * BOLASIconDiplomacySeduction.png Wink at him. (+5 XP!)
 * Nod at him. (No effect)
 * Shake my head. (No effect)

Choice 10
 * Whoa... (No effect)

Choice 11

This is a timed choice. ''If the timer ends, you skid to a halt in front of the beam. (No effect)''
 * Smash through it! (No effect) ⬅ Correct if Orc
 * Slide under it! (No effect) ⬅ Correct
 * Look for another way! (No effect)

"" if you retrieved Nia's bracelet in Chapter 1. ⬅ Correct

"" if you didn't retrieve Nia's bracelet in Chapter 1.

Choice 12
 * BOLASIconCombatBrawling.png Kick the hound! (+5 XP!) ⬅ Correct
 * Throw a rock at it! (+5 XP!) ⬅ Correct
 * Distract it! (No effect)

 if you got less than 2 correct between Choices 11-12 (including Nia's bracelet).

''+10 XP! and ""''

""

If you have enough XP, you can choose another skill after Choice 12 (only as an Elf).

Choice 13
 * BOLASIconDiplomacyCharisma.png Charm him. (+5/10 XP!) Levels
 * Plead with him. (No effect)
 * Threaten him. (No effect)

Choice 14 (SIDE QUEST: The Lonely Rogue)
 * I should go with you. (💎 20)
 * I'll get some rest. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 6
 * I'm a good forager. (No effect)
 * I don't trust you alone. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 7
 * You're making things up. (No effect)
 * You've seen it all. (No effect)
 * You're lonely... ❤ (Mal Score Up!)

Diamond Choice 8
 * Telling the truth. (No effect)
 * Hiding something. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 9
 * ❤ Give me a boost. (Mal Score Up!)
 * Stay out of my way. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 10
 * Check it out! ( if not injured)

Diamond Choice 11 (if injured)
 * Please. Go ahead. (No effect)
 * I'll do it. (No effect)

""

Mal Score Up!

Choice 15 (1st Lore Tablet)
 * Take it. (💎 15) (+10/20 XP!) Levels
 * Leave it be. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 12 ''You get to choose as many as you want. There are no choices associated with the 'Others' option.''
 * Humans
 * Orcs
 * Elves
 * Others
 * Done (Go to Choice 16)

Diamond Choice 13 (Humans) You get to choose as many as you want.
 * Human Characteristics
 * Human Culture
 * Human History
 * Back (Go to Diamond Choice 12)

Diamond Choice 14 (Orcs) You get to choose as many as you want.
 * Orc Characteristics
 * Orc Culture
 * Orc History
 * Back (Go to Diamond Choice 12)

Diamond Choice 15 (Elves) You get to choose as many as you want.
 * Elf Characteristics
 * Elf Culture
 * Elf History
 * Back (Go to Diamond Choice 12)

""

Choice 16 ''You get to choose all of them. This just determines the order.''
 * The Shadow Court. (No effect)
 * The Onyx Shards. (No effect)
 * How we can stop this. (No effect)

Choice 17
 * Comfort her. (No effect)
 * Leave her to mourn. (No effect)

""

Unofficial Maximum Possible XP: 31/100 (Level 2) if Elf, 6/100 (Level 2) if Human or Orc

Chapter Three: The City By The Sea Choices
Choice 1
 * Nia. (Nia Score Up!)
 * Mal. (Mal Score Up!)

Choice 2
 * What in the world...? (No effect)

Choice 3
 * BOLASIconSurvivalBeastmaster.png Pet it. (+5/10 XP!) Levels
 * Leave it alone. (No effect)

Choice 4

This is a fill-in-the-blank choice. There is no default.
 * Name it...

Choice 5
 * Have some of my rations. (No effect)
 * Hunt for yourself. (No effect)

Choice 6
 * Adorable. (No effect)
 * Helpful. (No effect)

""

Choice 7 ''Once you're finished with one of them, you'll be automatically taken to the other. Storywise, it makes most sense to start with the ocean.''
 * Go shopping! (No effect)
 * See the ocean! (No effect)

Choice 8 (Shopping)
 * Talk of the Town (💎 25) (No effect)
 * No thanks (No effect)

Choice 9 (Shopping)
 * Let it go. (No effect)
 * Confront him! (No effect)

Choice 10 (Ocean)
 * Thank you. (No effect)
 * You're a liar. (No effect)

Choice 11 (Ocean)
 * Intriguing. I'll try it! (No effect)
 * Awful. I'll pass too. (No effect)

Choice 12 (SIDE QUEST: The Thieves Guild)
 * Let's do it! (💎 15)
 * Just let it go... (No effect)

Diamond Choice 1

This is a timed choice. ''If the timer ends, you lose ground as the crowd jostles you from all sides. (No effect)''
 * Grab that child! (No effect)
 * Out of the way! (No effect) ⬅ Correct

Diamond Choice 2

This is a timed choice. ''If the timer ends, you skid to a stop. (No effect)''
 * Slide underneath it! (No effect) ⬅ Correct if Human
 * Weave around it! (No effect) ⬅ Correct if Elf
 * Smash through it! (No effect) ⬅ Correct if Orc

Diamond Choice 3
 * Tell her to lay low. (No effect)
 * Back her up. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 4
 * Mal. (Mal Score Up!)
 * Nia. (Nia Score Up!)

""

Diamond Choice 5
 * ❤ Can I ask about your future? (Mal Score Up!)
 * Understood. (No effect)

Choice 13
 * BOLASIconDiplomacySeduction.png Flirt with him. (+5/10 XP!) Levels
 * Defend Nia's honor. (+5/10 XP!)
 * Intimidate him. (No effect)

Choice 14
 * You promised to get Kade back. (No effect)
 * Think of the consequences if we don't! (No effect)

Choice 15 (SOCIAL QUEST: A Night Out)
 * Go with them. (💎 15) (Nia Score Up!, Mal Score Up!)
 * Stay in our room. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 6
 * Ale. (No effect)
 * Wine. (No effect)
 * Water. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 7
 * Funny story. (No effect)
 * Sexy story. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 8 (Sexy Story)
 * He was the mayor's son. (No effect)
 * She was the mayor's daughter. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 9
 * Mal. (Mal Score Up!)
 * Nia. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 10 (Mal)
 * Rest my head on his shoulder. (No effect)
 * Keep my distance. (No effect)

""

Diamond Choice 10 (Nia)
 * Pull her closer. (Nia Score Up!)
 * Keep my distance. (No effect)

""

Choice 16
 * BOLASIconDiplomacyCharisma.png Talk them down. (+5/10 XP!) Levels
 * Point out Nia is a priestess. (+5/10 XP!)
 * Accuse the mayor of lying. (No effect)

Unofficial Maximum Possible XP: 51/100 (Level 2) if Elf, 36/100 (Level 2) if Human or Orc

Chapter Four: Escape at Sea Choices
"" if you injured yourself in Chapter 2 and didn't get the Healing Salve.

Choice 1
 * BOLASIconSpeciesOrc.png Barrel through them! (+5/10 XP!) Levels
 * Turn back! (No effect)
 * Throw crates at them! (+5/10 XP!)

Choice 2
 * Why are you hunting the Shadow Court? (No effect)
 * That doesn't explain why you're helping us. (No effect)

Choice 3
 * All the help we can get. (No effect)
 * To be careful about who we trust. (No effect)

""

Choice 4
 * BOLASIconDiplomacyDeception.png Tourists. (+5/10 XP!) Levels
 * All yours, hot stuff. (No effect)
 * Not to be trifled with. (+5/10 XP!)

Choice 5
 * Nia. (No effect)
 * The captain. (No effect)

Choice 6
 * Take the bench. (No effect)
 * Stand watch. (Tyril Score Up!)
 * ❤ Sleep with me. (Tyril Score Up!)

Choice 7
 * Don't feel ready. (No effect)
 * Believe in us. (No effect)

Choice 8 (SOCIAL QUEST: The Wanderer)
 * Keep him company. (💎 20)
 * Leave him to his stargazing. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 1
 * Looking at? (No effect)
 * Thinking about? (No effect)

Diamond Choice 2
 * What's changed for you? (No effect)
 * And they can change again. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 3
 * Pretty damn nice. (No effect)
 * Like a burden. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 4
 * ❤ You need a hug. (Tyril Score Up!)
 * You'll get home soon. (Tyril Score Up!)

""

Choice 9
 * Clothes. (No effect)
 * Honor. (No effect)

Choice 10
 * Totally right. (Mal Score Up!)
 * Kind of a stretch. (No effect)

Choice 11
 * BOLASIconSpeciesHuman.png Pull down the sails. (+5/10 XP!) Levels
 * Take cover. (No effect)

Choice 12 (SIDE QUEST: Mermaid's Kiss)
 * Go with Mal. (💎 20)
 * Stay on the ship. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 5
 * Aim for the eyes! (No effect) ⬅ Correct
 * Pull Mal back! (No effect)

Diamond Choice 6
 * ❤ Lips.
 * Cheek. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 7
 * Splash him. (No effect)
 * Stay on the beach. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 8
 * Your childhood. (No effect)
 * Your dreams. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 9
 * I've never seen anything like it!

Choice 13
 * BOLASIconCombatBlades.png Out-spar her! (+5/10 XP!) Levels
 * Trip her with rope! (+5/10 XP!)
 * Grab her sword! (No effect, but you get injured)

Choice 14
 * BOLASIconCombatBows.png Fire an arrow! (+5/10 XP!) Levels
 * Throw a plank at his head! (No effect)

Choice 15
 * BOLASIconCombatBrawling.png Outmaneuver him! (+5/10 XP!) Levels
 * Meet him head on! (No effect, but you get injured)
 * Sidestep him! (+5/10 XP!)

If you have enough XP, you can choose another skill after Choice 15 (only as an Elf).

Unofficial Maximum Possible XP: 1/750 (Level 3) if Elf, 96/100 (Level 2) if Human, 86/100 (Level 2) if Orc

Chapter Five: The Floating City Choices
Choice 1
 * BOLASIconCombatBlades.png Parry and slash! (+5/10/25 XP!) Levels ⬅ Correct
 * Lash out with some rope! (+5/10/25 XP!) ⬅ Correct
 * Grapple with it! (No effect, but you get injured)

Choice 2
 * BOLASIconCombatBrawling.png Tackle it! (+5/10/25 XP!) Levels ⬅ Correct
 * Swing the boom arm into it! (+5/10/25 XP!) ⬅ Correct
 * Throw something at it! (No effect)

Choice 3 (Gauntlet of Pain)
 * Chase after it! (💎 20) (No effect)
 * Let it go. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 1
 * BOLASIconSpeciesHuman.png Use my agility! (+5/10/25 XP!) Levels
 * BOLASIconSpeciesElf.png Take advantage of my surroundings! (+5/10/25 XP!)
 * BOLASIconSpeciesOrc.png Pulverize them! (+5/10/25 XP!)

Choice 4 The second option replaces the third if you bought the Gauntlet of Pain.
 * BOLASIconSurvivalBeastmaster.png Charm it! (+5/10/25 XP!) Levels ⬅ Correct
 * Smash it with the gauntlet! ( / ) ⬅ Correct x2
 * Knee it! (No effect, but you get injured)
 * Skewer it with a grobtar spear! (+5/10/25 XP!) ⬅ Correct

''For the second option, you get the first card if you have the Brawling Skill, the second if you don't. Either way, you don't get XP. When evaluating the outcome of the bottle, this option must count as 2 correct picks.''

''"" and +10/20/50 XP! if you got 3 or 4 correct.''

''"" and +5/10/25 XP! if you got 1 or 2 correct.''

"" if you got 0 correct.

Choice 5
 * BOLASIconSurvivalMedicine.png Patch up the wounded. (+5/10/25 XP!) Levels
 * Offer the wounded some water. (No effect)

Choice 6
 * BOLASIconDiplomacySeduction.png I can't resist a pretty face. (+5/10/25 XP!) Levels
 * It was the right thing to do. (No effect)
 * We had no choice. (No effect)

''"", +10/20/50 XP!, and Legendary Weapon! if you bought the Gauntlet of Pain. (You'll have to unlock the Brawling Skill to use it.)''

Choice 7
 * Stylish Seas (💎 25) (No effect)
 * No thanks (No effect)

Choice 8
 * BOLASIconSurvivalWoodslore.png Read the map! (+5/10/25 XP!) Levels
 * Do my best! (+5/10/25 XP!)
 * Give the map to Mal! (No effect)

Choice 9
 * BOLASIconSpeciesOrc.png Looking for a home. (+5/10/25 XP!) Levels
 * On a great adventure. (No effect)
 * Someone with more decency than you. (+5/10/25 XP!)

Choice 10
 * I'm not giving up on Kade! (No effect)
 * We have to stop the Shadow Court! (No effect)

Choice 11
 * Stood up for yourself. (No effect)
 * Told us who you are. (No effect)

Choice 12
 * Looks delicious! (No effect)

Choice 13
 * BOLASIconDiplomacyDeception.png You couldn't do it yourself. (+5/10/25 XP!) Levels
 * You're scared to go back to the palace. (No effect)
 * You don't want to embarrass yourself in front of me. (+5/10/25 XP!)

Choice 14 (SOCIAL QUEST: Flotilla Nights)
 * Go with Imtura. (💎 15) (No effect)
 * Wait here. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 2
 * Leap onto the crowd! (No effect)
 * Join the band! (No effect)

Diamond Choice 3
 * You'll be able to find a balance. (No effect)
 * You might have to let one of them go. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 4
 * History's sake. (No effect)
 * My brother's sake. (No effect)

Diamond Choice 5
 * BOLASIconSpeciesOrc.png Offer to compete! (No effect)
 * Distract Skullcrusher! (No effect)
 * Cheer for Imtura! (No effect)

""

Diamond Choice 6
 * ❤ You're not so bad either. (Imtura Score Up!)
 * Thank you so much. (No effect)

Choice 15
 * BOLASIconCombatBows.png Fire an arrow! (+5/10/25 XP!) Levels
 * Pounce on her! (No effect)
 * Block her path! (+5/10/25 XP!)

''"" if you were injured in Chapter 2 and haven't healed it yet. You will NOT get XP from this last choice even if you picked a correct option.''

""

Unofficial Maximum Possible XP: 351/750 (Level 3) if Elf, 331/750 (Level 3) if Human, 306/750 (Level 3) if Orc