Strangers in the Night is an optional encounter in The Witcher 3 that can lead to a fight depending on how Geralt handles a disagreement between three strangers. To start the quest, make your way to the camp between the Eternal Fire Chapel and Carsten. As you travel along the roads, you will come across three men with opposing views, and tensions between them can quickly escalate. Geralt's dialogue choices determine how the encounter unfolds.
Strangers in the Night Walkthrough in The Witcher 3
As you approach Rufus, Manfred, and Theophile Maria Rosco, you can talk to any of them to start the quest. They will tell you a little about themselves before asking who you are.
If you refuse to tell them your name, they will become suspicious and accuse you of being a spy. Continue refusing to identify yourself, and a fight will begin, forcing you to kill Manfred and Rufus. You will receive some XP, but the quest will end here. You can also loot their bodies to obtain two Novigrad Longswords (one of which is a Master item and one a Magic item).
If you tell them your name, the conversation will continue until you get a choice between discussing what's new in the world these days or simply leaving. Choosing to leave will ensure that nobody has to die, and you will receive some XP as a reward.
Should You Side With Manfred or Rufus in The Witcher 3?
If you choose to talk about what's new in the world, Manfred will tell you about the war. However, Rufus will become suspicious of Manfred, questioning how a merchant knows so much about the conflict. He will accuse Manfred of being a spy, giving you two more choices.
Hands Off the Merchant
If you side with Manfred, Rufus will attempt to fight both you and Manfred. Kill Rufus to receive a small amount of XP. After the fight, Manfred will explain that he never wanted to kill Rufus, bringing this interaction to an end.
Calm Down, Both of You
If you choose this option, Rufus will ask Geralt to hold Manfred while he goes to get a rope. You will then have two choices, both of which lead to Manfred dying. If you choose the second option to opt out, the encounter ends without any rewards or XP.
If you choose the first option, Geralt will kill Manfred. Rufus will then suggest searching Manfred's body for documents, but Geralt will tell him to do it himself. As a reward for helping him, Rufus will give you the Diagram: Skellige Gambeson, and the Strangers in the Night quest will end.