In GreedFall 2: The Dying World, several regional quests require exploration, investigation, and decision-making. One early quest that confuses many players is “The Missing Scales.”
The quest asks you to recover Gobannon’s stolen golden scales, and the description initially suggests searching the village. However, the real location lies deeper in the mines and requires progressing through the main story.
This guide explains exactly where to find Gobannon’s missing scales, how to reach the thief, and the choices you can make during the encounter.
Where to Start the Missing Scales Quest
You will receive the “Missing Scales” quest from Gobannon in your village. He explains that his golden ritual scales have disappeared, and he suspects someone in the settlement may have taken them.
The quest text points you toward asking villagers for clues, but this is actually misleading. You do not need to investigate the village extensively.
Instead, the scales are located inside the mines north of the village, which you can only access while progressing through the main story mission “A New Evil.”
Progress the Main Story First
Before you can recover the scales, you must advance through the A New Evil main quest.
Follow these steps:
- Speak with Mev to begin your Doneigad initiation.
- Progress through the main objectives involving the village and the mine investigation.
- Eventually, you will receive the Key to the Mines.
- Use the key to enter the Mining Exploitation Area north of the village.
Once you gain access to the mines, you can finally track down the missing scales.
Location of Gobannon’s Missing Scales
The scales are not lying somewhere in the open. A villager named Vlann stole them and hid inside the mine tunnels.
Follow this route to reach him:
- Enter the Mining Exploitation zone.
- Move deeper into the mine tunnels.
- Continue until you pass the Main Well section.
- Watch for a fork in the path.
- Take the route that leads toward the Forgotten Altar.
At the altar, you will encounter Vlann, the man who took the scales.
Who Stole the Scales?
The thief is Vlann, a villager who believes he must offer the golden scales to the gods. He hides at the Forgotten Altar deep inside the mines and refuses to give them up easily.
When you approach him, he blocks your path and admits he has the scales.
At this point, you must decide how to resolve the situation.
Choice 1: Kill Vlann
The simplest option is to fight Vlann.
After defeating him:
- You can immediately open the chest behind him.
- The chest contains Gobannon’s missing scales.
Advantages of this choice:
- Quick solution.
- No additional travel.
- No reputation penalties with companions.
This option suits players who prefer direct combat or want to finish the quest quickly.
Choice 2: Convince Vlann to Leave
If you prefer a non-violent approach, you can persuade Vlann.
However, this method requires extra steps.
Step-by-step persuasion method
- Leave the mine and return to your village.
- Speak with Toflan at the Dispensary about Vlann.
- Learn more about his beliefs and mental state.
- Return to the Forgotten Altar.
- Use the Doneigad dialogue option during the conversation.
If successful:
- Vlann agrees to leave the altar.
- He returns to the village to seek guidance from the sage.
- You can then open the chest behind him and retrieve the scales peacefully.
This option suits players who want to maintain a more diplomatic playstyle.
Returning the Scales to Gobannon
After recovering the scales, return to Gobannon in the village.
When you give them back:
- He rewards you with a ritual object.
But the quest is not finished yet.
You must take the ritual object to another character to complete the quest chain.
Autumn Bow Reward in GreedFall 2 Missing Scales Quest
Take the ritual object to Armal in the Visitors’ House.
After speaking with him:
- He gives you the Autumn Bow as a reward.
- You also receive 350 experience points.
This officially completes The Missing Scales quest in your journal.
Why the Missing Scales Quest Is Confusing in GreedFall 2
Many players struggle with this quest because the quest description sends them in the wrong direction.
Common mistakes include:
- Searching every house in the village
- Talking to every NPC repeatedly
- Ignoring the mine until later
In reality, the quest becomes solvable only after unlocking the mines during the main story.
Once you know this, the quest becomes very straightforward. Play Now!
