Where to Find Bran in Gothic Remake for the Up to His Neck Quest
Completing the Up to His Neck quest in Gothic Remake is a pivotal step in earning the trust of the Rice Lord, a key figure in joining the New Camp. This task involves tracking down Bran, the Rice Lord’s missing foreman, and requires a bit of exploration and combat. While this quest won’t lock you out of joining other factions later, it's a crucial part of aligning with the New Camp. Before diving into the quest, it's wise to gather some gear — especially the free Digger's Dress — to make the challenge a bit easier.
Locating Bran: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Rice Lord will direct you to speak with the farmers in the New Camp to gather clues about Bran’s whereabouts. Only the named farmers will provide useful information, and in my experience, Malon was the one who pointed me in the right direction. Approach Malon with kindness to learn where Bran might be.
Malon reveals that Bran disappeared near a cave by the pond, where Jacko and his crew are known to hang out. To avoid unnecessary backtracking, follow this path:
- Exit the New Camp through the main gates.
- Head toward the pond and the small settlement ahead.
- Turn right to find a bandit guarding the cave entrance. Save your game here for convenience.
Once inside the cave, climb the stairs to find Jacko. He'll threaten you and initiate a fight. Defeating him is essential to uncover the truth about Bran’s disappearance. If you struggle, consider upgrading your gear — you can buy weapons from Fisk in the Old Camp or use the Digger's Dress from the Free Mine. Unlocking the fire bolt rune in The Price of Magic quest can also give you an edge in battle.
Finding Bran in the Tavern Basement
After defeating Jacko, head to the lake tavern in the New Camp. There are two ways to get into the basement:
- Lockpick the door behind Silas.
- Swim underneath the tavern — my preferred method.
If you previously beat up Rayk during the Up to His Neck quest, you'll avoid the need to bribe him with ore. To access the secret entrance, go behind the tavern near the fishing rod on the pier and the chimney stack. Dive into the water to find a cave entrance with a strong current. Swim through the flooded cellar, and you’ll eventually reach a room where Bran’s body is located.
The area is quite dark, so take your time to spot Bran's body, which is positioned to the left of the door. Loot his body and read the note to learn what happened to him. If you're up for it, you can also open the chests in the room for additional loot, though the lockpicking minigame may be a challenge.
Once you’ve gathered all the information, swim back out and return to Silas to confront him about Bran’s fate. After speaking with Silas, return to the Rice Lord to complete the Up to His Neck quest. As a reward, you’ll gain the Rice Lord’s backing, which is a significant step toward joining the New Camp. You’ll also receive 300 XP, a generous amount for an early-game quest.
Other guides to help you navigate Gothic Remake include:
- Gothic Remake Casting Shadows: Join the Old Camp
- Gothic Remake Map: How to Get One
- How to Pass Time in Gothic Remake: Get a Free Shack
- Gothic Remake The Vanished Warder: Find Nek
- Gothic Remake The Forgotten Recipe: Good Eats
