Ambition in the Ruins is a deduction-based sidequest located around Calphade Castle. After speaking with the various villagers in the area, you must report your findings to the Calphadean Defender at the foot of the castle.

If you haven’t been taking notes on the dialogue, use the cheat sheet below to satisfy his interrogation and move the quest forward.

Correct Deduction Answers

When the Calphadean Defender questions you about the villagers, choose these specific dialogue options:

  1. “The quartermaster and merchant are suspicious.”
  2. “The workers and the blacksmith are all working till dawn.”
  3. “Didn’t look too happy with Caspar.”
  4. “The lad seemed troubled, with all the iron coming from who knows where.”
  5. “The supplies they received were in poor condition.”
  6. “He seems to take pride in the things he crafts.”

How to Catch Helmut

Once you have provided the correct answers, the mystery is solved, and you will be tasked with apprehending the culprit: Helmut.

  • The Chase: Head to the new objective marker. Helmut will attempt to flee the moment you arrive.
  • The Capture: A scripted cutscene will play where Kliff trips him.
  • The Delivery: Interact with Helmut to tie him up, then pick him up. You can stow him on your horse to reach the supervisor faster.
  • Hand in: Deliver Helmut to the soldiers at the marked location to receive your Silver and completion rewards.

Pro-Tips for Hernand Commissions

Check Your Log: If the options above don’t appear, ensure you have fully exhausted the “Troubled Lad” and “Blacksmith” dialogue trees.

Speak to Everyone First: The Defender won’t let you start the deduction until the game registers that you’ve spoken to all relevant NPCs in the castle courtyard.