gender equality and women’s empowerment as …
TRANSCRIPT
GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
AS DEPICTED IN THE CHARACTER OF YOANA IN
THE VIDEO GAME THE WITCHER 3: WILD HUNT
MASTER ARMORER SIDE QUEST
AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
Presented as a Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra
in English Letters
By
SIAUW, HENRI SETIAWAN HARIYANTO
Student Number: 174214082
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS
FACULTY OF LETTERS
UNIVERSITAS SANATA DHARMA
YOGYAKARTA
2021
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GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
AS DEPICTED IN THE CHARACTER OF YOANA IN
THE VIDEO GAME THE WITCHER 3: WILD HUNT
MASTER ARMORER SIDE QUEST
AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
Presented as a Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra
in English Letters
By
SIAUW, HENRI SETIAWAN HARIYANTO
Student Number: 174214082
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS
FACULTY OF LETTERS
UNIVERSITAS SANATA DHARMA
YOGYAKARTA
2021
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This World Doesn't Need A Hero. It
Needs A Professional.
-Geralt of Rivia
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First of all, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Jesus Christ.
Despite staying at home for months due to the pandemic, His grace follows me
everywhere and even when I was writing the undergraduate thesis. I would also
like to express my deepest gratitude to Sanata Dharma, especially my thesis
advisor, Sir Drs. Hirmawan Wijanarka M.Hum. for his guidance throughout my
last year in Sanata Dharma University. Also, I express my gratitude to Miss Arina
Isti‟anah S.Pd., M.Hum. as reader and Miss Elisabeth Oseanita Pukan S.S., M.A.
as examiner.
My gratitude also goes to both my parents and my brother. I thank them
for your supports throughout the years. I would not be here, in this outstanding
university to complete my education if it was not by you. Thank you for being
there for me when I need someone to talk to, argue and discuss. I am really
grateful.
Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to my friends who have been
supporting, staying in contact when I had problems throughout the year. I
personally would like to thank Ronald, Samuel, Stevan, Alex, Hagai, Bobby,
Adrian, Adven, Jovan and Rubby for you have given me such brilliant
discussions. I would also thank Stefan, Angga, Gregorius, Edrick, Astri and
Natasha for you have staying with me until the end of my study in Sanata Dharma
University. Thank you for being my extraordinary friends in Yogyakarta.
Siauw, Henri Setiawan Hariyanto
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
COVER PAGE ................................................................................................... ii
APPROVAL PAGE .......................................................................................... iii
ACCEPTANCE PAGE ..................................................................................... iv
STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY .................................................................. v
LEMBAR PERYATAAN PERSETUJUAN
PUBLIKASI KARYA ILMIAH .......................................................................... vi
MOTTO PAGE. ............................................................................................... vii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................ viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................. ix
LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................... xi
ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................... xii
ABSTRAK ........................................................................................................ xiii
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION ....................................................................... 1
A. Background of the Study ............................................................................. 1
B. Problem Formulation .................................................................................. 5
C. Objective of the Study ................................................................................ 6
D. Definition of Terms .................................................................................... 6
CHAPTER II REVIEW OF LITERATURE .................................................... 8
A. Review of Related Studies .......................................................................... 8
B. Review of Related Theories ...................................................................... 15
1. Theory of Characterization................................................................... 15
2. Concept of Gender Equality ................................................................. 17
3. Theory of Women‟s Empowerment ..................................................... 20
C. Theoretical Framework ............................................................................. 23
CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY ................................................................. 25
A. Object of the Study ................................................................................... 25
B. Approach of the Study .............................................................................. 27
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C. Method of the Study ................................................................................. 28
CHAPTER IV ANALYSIS .............................................................................. 30
A. The Characterization of Yoana .................................................................. 30
1. Underestimated as an inferior............................................................... 30
2. Skillful ................................................................................................. 33
3. Forgiving ............................................................................................. 34
B. Gender Equality Issue in The Side Quest ................................................... 35
C. Yoana‟s Ways to Empower Herself .......................................................... 40
1. Social Empowerment ........................................................................... 44
2. Educational Empowerment .................................................................. 48
CHAPTER V CONCLUSION ......................................................................... 55
REFERENCES ................................................................................................ 59
APPENDIX ...................................................................................................... 62
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LIST OF FIGURES
No. Figure Page
1. Fig 1. Fergus tells Yoana to stay silent 31
2. Fig 2. Yoana shows her kindness to Fergus 36
3. Fig 3. The lieutenant underestimates Yoana 40
4. Fig 4. Yoana tells Geralt her feelings 43
5. Fig 5. Yoana explodes her anger 47
6. Fig 6. Bolt arrow does not pierce Yoana‟s armor worn by Geralt 57
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ABSTRACT
HENRI, SIAUW. (2020). Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment as
Depicted in The Character of Yoana in The Video Game The Witcher 3: Wild
Hunt Master Armorer Side Quest. Yogyakarta. Department of English Letters,
Faculty of Letters, Universitas Sanata Dharma.
This undergraduate thesis analyzes a woman character named Yoana from
a video game entitled The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt especially in the secondary
mission or side quest namely Master Armorer. The present research analyzes
gender equality, the oppression towards woman and how the character opposes
the oppression with empowerment.
The research has three research questions. The first research question
discusses Yoana‟s characteristics as an oppressed woman. The second research
question discusses the gender equality issue in the story. The third research
question discusses how Yoana empowers herself as woman to oppose oppression.
In order to figure out the answer of the research questions, the present
researcher conducts library research. Feminist literary criticism is applied in this
research. The undergraduate research is also supported by several theories. The
theories used are theory of characterization by Murphy, concept of gender
equality by several experts, and theory of women‟s empowerment by Mandal.
The result of the research is Yoana is described as a weak character
because she was oppressed, inferior, underestimated. However, she possesses
great heart. The gender equality issue is clearly described as man characters are
more dominant in the society. In addition, patriarchy is also the root of the
problem of Yoana‟s oppression as a woman. However, the current situation of
Yoana does not disturb her to rise and oppose the system. She manages to oppose
the negative treatment from other male characters as she was the actual “master
armorer” title holder.
Keywords: Gender equality, Women‟s empowerment, Video Game, The Witcher
3: Wild Hunt.
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ABSTRAK
HENRI, SIAUW. (2020). Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment as
Depicted in The Character of Yoana in The Video Game The Witcher 3: Wild
Hunt Master Armorer Side Quest. Yogyakarta: Program Studi Sastra Inggris,
Fakultas Sastra, Universitas Sanata Dharma.
Skripsi ini menganalisis sesosok karakter wanita bernama Yoana dari
sebuah permainan video berjudul The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt terutama pada misi
sampingan berjudul Master Armorer. Peniliti menganalisis kesetaraan gender,
penindasan terhadap wanita dan bagaimana karakter tersebut melawan penindasan
dengan kekuatan karakter tersebut.
Penelitian ini memiliki tiga pertanyaan. Pertanyaan pertama
mendiskusikan tentang karakteristik Yoana sebagai perempuan yang ditindas.
Pertanyaan kedua mendiskusikan tentang masalah kesetaraan gender di dalam
cerita. Pertanyaan ketiga mendiskusikan bagaimana Yoana memperkuat dirinya
sebagai perempuan yang akan melawanan penindasan.
Untuk menjawab pertanyaan tersebut, peneliti melakukan penelitian
persputakaan. Pendekatan feminis diterapkan pada riset ini. Tesis ini juga
didorong oleh beberapa teori. Teori yang diterapkan yakni teori karakteristik oleh
Murphy, konsep kesetaraan gender oleh beberapa ahli, teori pemberdayaan
kekuatan wanita oleh Mandal.
Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah Yoana digambarkan sebagai karakter yang
lemah karena ia ditindas, merupakan orang rendahan, dipandah sebelah mata
tetapi ia memilii hati yang mulia. Masalah kesetaraan gender digambarkan jelas
bahwa karakter pria lebih mendominasi di masyarakat. Ditambah lagi, patriarki
juga menjadi akar permasalahan dari penindasan Yoana sebagai wanita. Tetapi,
situasi Yoana tidak menghentikan ia untuk bangkit and melawan paham tersebut.
Ia berhasil melawan perlakuan negative dari karakter pria lainnya bahwa ialah
pemegang gelar “master armorer” yang sebenarnya.
Kata kunci: Gender equality, Women‟s empowerment, Video Game, The Witcher
3: Wild Hunt.
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
Literature could embody in many forms, such as a book, movie, drama or
even music. According to Krystal, quoting from Marcus and Sollors, “literary
means not only what is written but what is voiced, what is expressed, what is
invented, in whatever form” (Arthur, 2014, para. 1). Based on the definition,
literature could be everything. It could embody in various kind of work as long as
it could be expressed.
The digital era has covered almost in all regions in the world. Delivering a
message, narration and story could be done almost in form of various media, such
as book, movie, drama or music, as Krystal stated. These elements might be
known in form of short story, or poem. However, following the development of
the era, we have arrived in where message, narration and story could be delivered
through video games.
Deriving from newzoo.com, “There are now more than 2,5 billion gamers
across the world” (Wijman, 2019, para. 3). It proves that video games are almost
known to each individual around the globe. Video games are played by various
ages. It does not limit the number of age for its players. In fact, however, each
video game has its own rating of age. For example, the most known fighting
game, Mortal Kombat released in 1992 by Midway Games Inc, rated M (stands
for “Matured”).
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Video game has been a debate whether it has the connection to literary
work or not. N.S Araujo on „Literature and Videogames: Adaptation and
Reciprocity‟ wrote a statement.
…other absolute successes produced thanks to the partnership between
Literature and videogames were Dante’s Inferno (2010), based on the
classic novel by Dante Aliguieri, “Divine Comedy”, and Middle-earth:
Shadows of Mordor (2014), based on the narratives by J. R. R. Tolkien.
(Araujo, 2017, p. 229).
Based on the statement above, there is the connection between literary
work and video game. In fact, video games are made based on the literary work
itself. Another example that is The Witcher series and it is inspired from The
Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski.
One of literary elements in a literature is called narration. According to
Kokemuller, “a narrative is a literary work that involves the retelling of a story.”
According to the statement, narration is indeed a part of literary works.
The interactive narrative is still a new form of digital literature that is
continuing to grow and change in new, exciting ways. Many game
developers have made great efforts at pushing the boundaries of what is
now possible within storytelling, and video games such as this year‟s
SXSW Excellence in Narrative nominee Her Story and winner The
Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt have proven themselves to have plenty of
literary merit. Video games are still a new enterprise and have still not
found their full potential. Yet recent games have shown us a glimpse into
the future of the industry and the possibilities it holds for storytelling.
(Joly, 2016, para. 8).
As stated before, video game has produced a debatable issue. By the
statements above, the present research could draw conclusion that video game has
the element of a literary work, which is the element of being narrative. According
to the statement by R. Joly, it is proven that video games are literary works. In
fact, it is also mentioned that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is part of it.
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CD Projekt RED‟s The Witcher is one of most known video game in the
world. The Witcher video games are developed based on the books itself. The
books are written by Andrzej Sapkowski. According to Dwiar in The Witcher
series contains of 8 books in total. In the other hand, the video game adaptation
from CD Projekt RED is trilogy video games. It consists of The Witcher (2007),
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (2011) and lastly The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
(2015). In the present study, the researcher focused on the third series of The
Witcher video game entitled The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a massive open world RPG video game,
developed by CD Projekt RED and also published by the same production house.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt continues the saga of monster slayer for hire, Geralt.
Geralt is the main protagonist throughout the plot. However, during the
exploration, one secondary mission (side quest) caught the attention of present
researcher. The side quest discussed is Master Armorers.
Master Armorers side quest caught the interest of the present researcher.
The narration of the plot in the side quest produces interesting issues, those are
gender equality and also empowerment. Deriving from the character named
Yoana, the issues listed happened to her as she experienced patriarchal system.
These issues caught the intention of the present researcher because it is rarely
found that a video game has feminism element in it. Thus, the present researcher
was interested to bring these issues deeper through this study.
One issue listed is gender equality. Quoting from Rao equality means “The
rights of women should be the same as of men and no one has the right to
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suppress her” (Rao, 2016). From the description above, woman should have the
same opportunity as men and none of the right to bury them. It relates back to the
issue in the video game. Yoana, as a woman, feels the tension from her partner
Fergus. Despite of being an equal partner to each other, Fergus does not care
about that and believes that he is the best at forging armors.
Gender equality has been a matter to discuss until nowadays. CD Projekt
RED‟s The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt successfully inserted the element of criticism in
their game. The present researcher did not expect to encounter such matter to
discuss. As stated before, it is rarely happened to a video game where feminism
element is inserted in the game. One of them is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
Talking about gender equality does not simply answer whether it is equal
or not. However, woman‟s empowerment also related to equality itself. According
to Cronin-Furman, “empowerment should mean that women gain the ability to
challenge and combat their oppression” (Cronin-Furman as cited in Rogers,
2020). The work which the present researcher analyzed emphasized on the woman
character, Yoana, in challenging the patriarchal system in her society. The
character also proves that she could do better and she establishes equality itself.
Yoana is a woman character appeared in the video game. Specifically, she
appears in the quest Master Armorers. The side quest or secondary quest is about
the main character of the game, Geralt, looking for a true and fine armor maker,
which they entitle it as “Master Armorer.” Geralt meets Fergus, the dwarf, who
claimed himself as the true “Master Armorer.” However, when Geralt is speaking
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to Fergus, his partner Yoana, intervenes they conversation. Fergus tells Yoana to
stop and let him do the talking.
Across the storyline and narration, there would be a local lieutenant who
required good-built quality armor. However, same as Fergus, the lieutenant
underestimates Yoana‟s potential. Instead, she crafts an armor for Geralt. In short,
Yoana is proven to be the true “Master Armorer.”
The point of the summary is to emphasize that along with the narration,
Yoana is being underestimated by nearby male characters. It does not apply to
Geralt, the main character of the game, because he is only a neutral character.
Yoana, as a woman, is being in the position where equality is none existence.
With the potential she possessed, Yoana actually a strong woman who could
prove that she is an independent woman.
The present study is worth to be observed because it is interesting that the
object of the study was from a video game. Secondly, gender equality is one
popular issue in the world that is still in debate. Gender issue could be found
almost in every part of the globe. Therefore, the present study is expected to
contribute on the further study on the aspect and globe of feminism in video
games, especially The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. For practical benefit, the present
study could give theoretical analysis of gender equality and empowerment in The
Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
B. Problem Formulation
The present undergraduate thesis aims to theoretically answer several
research questions as follows:
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1. What are the characteristics of Yoana described in the The Witcher 3: Wild
Hunt - Master Armorers side quest?
2. How is the gender inequality issue depicted in the The Witcher 3: Wild
Hunt - Master Armorers side quest?
3. How does Yoana empower herself to be equal as Fergus in The Witcher 3:
Wild Hunt - Master Armorers side quest?
C. Objective of the Study
In accordance with aforementioned research problems, the present study
aims to reveal gender equality and women empowerment issue in the video game
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt from a female character, Yoana. Firstly, it aims to
characterize the category of the female character mentioned, Yoana. Secondly, it
aims to reveal the gender equality issue that has been a problem throughout the
narration of the story. Thirdly, it aims to identify the empowerment coming from
the female character, Yoana, and how the character mentioned fights back against
patriarchal environment to achieve the equality itself. The first research problem
aims to classify the protagonist of the narration in this secondary mission Master
Armorer whether Yoana is the oppressed or oppressor. The second and third
research problem will reveal the gender inequality and also how the woman
character tries to against patriarchal society to achieve equality. The points
explained are the objective in the present undergraduate thesis.
D. Definition of Terms
In this part, the present researcher provides brief explanation to several
keywords and terms that are discussed in the following analysis.
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Gender equality. Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being
Research written by Abendroth and edited Michalos defines the term as “the equal
participation of women and men in different life domains (e.g., the economy,
social life, politics, education)” and also “Women‟s rights movements linked to
the first and second wave of feminism fought to establish gender equality as a
fundamental human right” (Abendroth, 2014, p. 106).
Women’s Empowerment. Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-
Being Research edited by Alex C. Michalos defines the term as “the process of
increasing women‟s access to control over the strategic life choices that affect
them and access to the opportunities that allow them fully to realize their
capacities” (Chen and Tanaka, 2014, p. 305).
Video game. According to “Simulation versus narrative” written by
Gonzalo Frasca, the term is defined “as extensions of narrative” and also “a
particular way of structuring simulation, just like narrative is a form of structuring
representation.” (Frasca, 2003, pp. 222–224).
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CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
In this chapter, the present researcher discusses the review of literature. It
is divided into three sections. First, the present researcher discusses review of
related studies. Second, the present researcher discusses review of related theories.
Lastly, the present researcher closed the chapter with theoretical framework.
A. Review of Related Studies
The first related study is written by Mahdyawati entitled Rahima’s
Struggle Against Oppressions as Seen in The Pearl That Broke Its Shell. The
mentioned undergraduate thesis discusses a female character named Rahima in
against the patriarchal system.
In several cultures, there is a strong domination of men toward women.
Women are limited by social construction that says men who have more
power than women. Women cannot do whatever they want because men
use power to control and dominate women. From this condition, women
suffer oppression (Mahdyawati, 2020, p. 1).
There are three problem formulations discussed in the undergraduate
thesis. The related study firstly discusses the characteristic of the character,
Rahima. Secondly, it discusses what oppression Rahima experienced in the book.
Thirdly, the study discusses how Rahima struggles against oppressions.
The writer applied three theories to answer the research problems. The first
theory applied is theory of character and characterization. The theory is 9 ways to
make the characters understandable and feel alive by M.J Murphy. The study
applies 2 ways, those are thought and reactions. The second theory applied by the
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writer was theory of patriarchy. The theory reviewed is based on various writers.
The study compiles various patriarchy theories to answer the problem
formulation. The third theory applied in the study is theory of feminism. The
theory is similar to the second theory. The writer compiled theories from various
writers and applied them to answer the research problem
From the issue, which appears in the novel, feminist literary criticism is
relevant as the opproach to analyze the struggle of Rahima against
oppressions as seen in The Pearl That Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi
(Mahdyawati, 2020, p. 20).
The approach applied in the study is feminist literary criticism. The
method used by the writer was library research. The writer stated that feminist
approach is not only to find out the experience but also the women‟s struggle to
fight oppression in order to liberate them.
In the first related study, the study presents the characteristic of the
character Rahima. It is later found that Rahima is a submissive, brave and
optimistic woman. Meanwhile, the present study conducts similar aspect. In
second research question, Mahdyawati discusses the form of oppression done by
Rahima‟s father and husband. It is later found out that Rahima is given the
oppression physically and also psychologically. Lastly, Mahdyawati discusses the
turn point of the work. Rahima fights back the patriarchal system. Later, it is
found 3 ways how Rahima struggles against patriarchy. Meanwhile in the present
research, the researcher discusses similar problems. The present researcher
discusses on what gender equality issue happened in the narration. Secondly, the
present researcher discusses the empowerment coming from the female character
who is characterized as similarly to the portrayal of Rahima. The similarity
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between Rahima and the present research character, Yoana, is clearly described
that both of the female character is being oppressed by patriarchal society.
The present research is none like other researches because it discusses a
video game. The video game which is the object of this research has a complex
narration similar to a novel. This is the stand point for the present research and
what makes it different from the previous studies.
The second study is taken from a journal article an written by Levita Setya
Budi and Dewi Widyastuti entitled “Self-Determination to Fight Oppressions as
Seen in the Main Character of The Color Purple by Alice Walker.” The study
discusses the form of oppression received by the main character of The Color
Purple, Celie.
As stated in the journal article, the study uses radical feminism theory to
analyze self-determination to fight the oppression. The theory is also supported by
feminism approach to analyze The Color Purple (Budi & Widyastuti, 2017, p.
116).
The writers pointed out three problems that were answered in the journal
article. First, the study analyses the character, Celie‟s characteristics. Second, the
study points out the oppressions experienced by the character, Celie. Lastly, the
study points out Celie‟s Self-determination to fight the oppression received.
Celie is experiencing the abuse from her stepfather. The writers of the
related study also state “Women, that are always being the victims of oppression,
did not keep silent. They make many movements to struggle and fight for their
rights throughout the history” (Budi & Widyastuti, 2017, p. 117). Later on, it is
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found that the character Celie from The Color Purple used self-determination to
oppose oppression she received. Meanwhile, the present research also discusses
the oppression done by the male character throughout the narration and how the
female character, which is the oppressed one, opposes the patriarchal society that
suppressed the gender equality.
In conclusion, The Color Purple shows that women still experience
inequality in life. They get many oppressions, sexually and non-sexually.
It is because women are living under the domination of patriarchal society.
In a patriarchal society, women are the oppressed class (Budi &
Widyastuti, 2017, p. 124).
The conclusion of the study states that women are still experiencing
inequality in this life. The inequality discussed is of course none other than gender
inequality. As stated, “women are the oppressed class,” it means among a
patriarchal society women are still getting ill-treatment in form of various ways.
Celie, the main character of The Color Purple, proves that a woman must
be able to fight any oppression whatever characteristics that she has. As a
woman, Celie shows that she has to fight any oppression that she
experiences by having self-determination. She proves that her finding of
sexual and non-sexual self-determination helps her to react and fight
sexual and non-sexual oppressions that she experiences, and she could live
her life without any oppression (Budi & Widyastuti, 2017, p. 124).
The conclusion states Celie successfully oppose the oppression that she
experienced by having self-determination. Celie received sexual and non-sexual
oppression. She managed to fight it and achieve her freedom and live without
oppression.
The present research is discussing on a female character named Yoana.
She shares similar condition to Celie from The Color Purple. However, as stated
before, the present research‟s object is taken from video game. The present
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research is different to others because it is not found that a research discussed
about oppression of a woman inside a video game story.
The third review of related study comes from the article entitled “Gender
Inequality in Video Games: The History of Gender-Related Issues in Gaming”
written by AJ Eaton. This article states that women are sometimes portrayed as
weaker character than men, physically and in term of intelligence.
Most feminist on the liberal side debate that our society gives us the wrong
impression into believing that women are not as intelligent and physically
strong as the male counterpart is (Eaton, 2018).
Based on the statement above, the present researcher could conclude that
women sometimes are described or portrayed as a weaker character. Meanwhile,
similar issue happened on the object of present research. Similar aspect happens to
the female character, Yoana in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Master Armorer side
quest. She is portrayed as a weaker character when the male character did not see
the full potential of the woman character.
The problem that was pointed out by the writer was the portrayal of female
characters in video games and also the population of female gamers around the
world. However, the present researcher focuses on the portrayal of women
characters in video games.
Gender inequality in video games has dated back since the 1980s with
characters portraying as different genders because of unpopular emotional
state or reactions from consumers and advertisers alike. Modern video
games have improved this issue but still include sexist features in certain
video game titles, as well as the community of female gamers being left
out and harassed for playing video games (Eaton, 2018, para. 1).
The study is based on field research. The writer discussed about the
percentage of female gamers around the world with providing statistic bar to make
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it more understandable. Eaton stated the number of female gamers are keep
increasing until now (Eaton, 2018, para. 3).
Eaton also did library research by providing explanation on how gender
affected video game. One character from Super Mario Bros named Birdo is
identified as a male in the Super Mario Bros 2 released in 1988. Later on, the
character Birdo was revealed to be a boy who thinks himself as a girl. Birdo was
revealed to be a transgender character. The character was renamed as Birdetta
(Eaton, 2018, para. 6).
Video games as a medium are comparable to films. They are made for
both genders. Females should be able to choose their own gender when
picking a character. One of Liberal Feminists‟ goals is ending domestic
violence and sexual harassment towards women. This can be brought up
again as in many video game titles, there are an outrageous amount of
sexually harassing statements made to female characters. Liberal Feminists
would see changing these features to be beneficial to both male and female
parties and would want game developers to change them in a way that
female and male characters are equally distributed and acknowledged in
the game (Eaton. 2018, p. 15).
The article states that there is the element of women‟s struggle in video
games. This phenomenon is similarly happened in films. Even though, this
element is not “severe” when video game first developed in the 80s, this issue
occurs in modern video games too. The purpose of game developers is to provide
the equality between female and male characters.
The present study does not discuss about transgender character in a video
game. The present study provides an overview of how a female character received
the oppression from male characters. As stated, gender equality has been an aim
for game developers. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Master Armorer side quest is one
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of many example where a woman or female character oppose the gender
inequality.
The fourth study is taken from journal article entitled “Video Games and
Gender: Game Representation, Gender Effects, Differences in Play, and Player
Representation” written by Michele Zorrilla in 2010.The study conducted uses
library research. The problems formulated in the journal article are what the
connection between gender and video games and gender representation in video
games.
Video games, like other media, undoubtedly have effects on shaping
people‟s perspectives. Before commenting on some of these effects, it is
necessary to address theories concerning other media, its effects, and how
they apply to this latest iteration today. While there are multiple theories in
regards to media and its effects, there are two of particular concern to this
paper: cultivation theory, and uses and gratifications theory (Cabeen, 2010,
p. 3).
The theory applied in the study is cultivation theory and uses and
gratifications theory. Cultivation theory focuses on the effect of television and
other media as well towards society. It is defined that “media consumption
„cultivates‟ in us a distorted perception of the world we live in, making it seem
more like television portrays it, than it is in real life” (Ivy & Backlund as cited in
Cabeen, 2010, pp. 4–5). Meanwhile, uses and gratification theory is also applied
to the study.
Focusing on the individual as the primary unit of data collection, uses and
gratifications has been used in the analysis of “a plethora of psychological
and social contexts including media dependency, ritualization,
instrumental, communication facilitation, affiliation or avoidance, social
learning, and role reinforcement” (Ruggiero as cited in Cabeen, 2010, pp.
3–4).
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Quoting from William et al, the female character in most of video games is
categorized as secondary character. It means the characters rarely appeared.
This difference is heightened among the primary „doer‟ characters, where
males are even more likely to appear. As a general rule then, males appear
more frequently in games than females, and even more so as drivers of the
action. When females do appear, they are more likely to be in secondary
roles than primary ones. (William et al as cited in Cabeen, 2010, p. 9).
The portrayal of female character has been an interesting topic to discuss,
especially in the scope of video gaming. As the present research analyses, the
female character received the oppression from patriarchal system, where men are
portrayed stronger and more intellect than women. Women also have the intent to
oppose this stereotyping view. Therefore, the portrayal of women or female
characters in video games is various. In this case, the present study focuses on
how the female character Yoana is characterized, what gender equality issue
happened, and also how Yoana empowers herself to be equal as the male
character in the secondary quest.
B. Review of Related Theories
There are several theories applied to answer aforementioned research
questions. In this section, the present researcher provides brief explanations of the
theories applied. There are 3 theories to answer aforementioned the present
research questions. They are theory of characterization, theory of patriarchy and
lastly theory of women‟s empowerment.
1. Theory of Characterization
In every narration or narrative story, characters play an important role.
Simply, characters are the entities who make an appearance in the story.
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Characters also appear in various kind of literature, including video games. In
fact, a video game must have a character in order to run the story. Character is
identified by the reader (or players) that it possesses particular moral, intellectual
and emotional qualities. A character is determined by the dialogue and from what
they do or action (Abrams, 1999, pp. 32–33).
In several form of literary works, such as novels and films, character is
defined as “a physical form with a set of psychological characteristics and as
someone who performs a series of actions” (Thabet, 2015, p. 39). Each character
in video game also has certain psychological characteristic. For example, one
character possesses the characteristic of hot-headed. It means, when player plays
the game and encounters such character, it would have the characteristic such as
easily angry towards other characters.
In order to understand the character inside a video game and also other
literary works, the concept of characterization is required to be reviewed. This
concept of characterization is called the theory of characterization.
Characterization is required in order to help readers, or in this case, players
understand how a certain character is portrayed in a video game.
According to Burroway, there are four different methods to identify the
characterization of a certain character. The methods are by identifying the
character‟s speech, thoughts, action and looks (Burroway, 2000, p. 54).
Character‟s speech covers everything that a certain character says. Simply,
it covers the utterance of a certain characters. How a certain character speaks is
also covered in this method.
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Thoughts covers what a certain characters are thinking. The character‟s
thoughts and feelings towards a certain event is the main focus of this method.
How a certain character feels about something is also part of the “thoughts”
method.
Behavior of a certain character is covered in action method. What a
character does is the main focus in action method.
The last method is look. It covers how the appearance of the character
describes. It covers how the character dresses. The method, to put it simply, is
dealing with how the character looks.
The present researcher applies speech, thoughts and action methods in
order to answer the first research question.
2. Concept of Gender Equality
Discussing gender equality and looking at the fact at the moment, males
and females have different portion of rights in the society. The common case
happens in the society is the discrimination of gender. The object of the
discrimination is usually females. For example in late 19th
century, women had
difficulties in politics. They did not have the rights to vote.
According to Glossary Terms and Concepts by UNICEF, gender equality
is defined as the same proportion of rights received by men, women, girls and
boys. They must be treated equally in terms of condition, treatment and
opportunities.
The concept that women and men, girls and boys have equal conditions,
treatment and opportunities for realizing their full potential, human rights
and dignity, and for contributing to (and benefitting from) economic,
social, cultural and political development. Gender equality is, therefore,
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the equal valuing by society of the similarities and the differences of men
and women, and the roles they play (Gender Equality: Glossary of Terms
and Concepts, 2017, p. 3).
Receiving equal treatments between males and females is gender equality.
Both sexes have the same treatment in all conditions. As the definition states, it
values similarities and also differences of men and women.
The effect, if there is no equality, is defined as inequality. In gender
equality, whether men and women, girls and boys receive equal treatments.
However, it does not apply in gender inequality. The ubiquitous phenomenon
regarding to this issue is women being oppressed by the system of men. This
system believes men are superior and women are the inferior.
In essence, gender equality emphasises the gendered aspects of
inequality and the groups generally marginalised by patriarchy. Thus,
the promotion of gender equality inevitably challenges patriarchy
insofar as it fights against gender inequalities. The latter are enabled by
the patriarchal system while also contributing to perpetuating it (Santos,
2019, para. 5).
As Santos stated, the gendered aspects of inequality, or gender
inequality, is caused by the system of patriarchy. Gender equality cannot be
established while the society still believes on men dominating and ruling
society. Discussing about the cause of this issue, patriarchy is also necessary to
discuss.
The world may see women as weaker figures than men. The social
background might be patriarchal and it might be dominant where women are seen
only in one-sided view. A research by Ashley Montagu states about female‟s
inferiority.
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My many years of work and research as a biological and social
anthropologist have made it abundantly clear to me that from an
evolutionary and biological standpoint, the female is more advanced and
constitutionally more richly endowed than the male. It seemed to me
important to make facts clear. Those are the provable facts. (Montagu,
1999, p. 46).
Scientifically and biologically speaking, women is considered as the
“superior” to men (Montagu, 1999, p. 46). It means we can see that view of the
world or even point of view from society is not true. In fact, Montagu states, the
fact that female are “richly endowed than the male” is a provable facts.
The culture of the world has been dominated by the superiority, believing
that men or males are stronger or even smarter than women or females. The reality
is women are “forced” to believe the concept or the system of patriarchal system.
The concept like women should stay home and do house chores while men are in
the counting house and also in the table of director, for instance (Montagu, 1999,
p. 59).
The practice of men being the “lead” or considered as stronger than
women is understood as a term “patriarchy.” Patriarchy has been a fundamental
basis in the society. According to Kate Millett, “patriarchal power is ubiquitous”.
It means the system has spread and implemented almost everywhere. Millett adds
“Patriarchy is a fundamental part of all representations because these are
permeated by male power” (Millet as cited in Humm, 1994, p. 44).
According to Madsen (2000), patriarchy is defined as cultural or
ideological concept that gives privilege to men or other masculine things,
including political system at expense of women (Madsen, 2000, p. xii). To put it
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simply, patriarchal is a system in which society believes that men or males have
high privilege in the society and also the male or men dominating the society.
The connection between patriarchy, gender equality and inequality could
be seen in how it works. Gender equality will never be established in society if the
system of patriarchy itself is still there. The establishment will never be there
because the concept patriarchy believes men are always stronger and more
capable. It leaves the fact that women have no choice but bow down to the system.
The result of the system leaves a mark in form of gender inequality where men
and women have different portion of rights among the society. Lastly, gender
equality will never be achieved as long as patriarchal system is still there.
Santos states “gender equality emphasises the gendered aspects of
inequality and the groups generally marginalised by patriarchy” (Santos, 2019,
para. 5). Patriarchy relates to gender equality and inequality. Patriarchy also
results the marginalization of women among patriarchal society. The
marginalization is symbolized as a gap between men and women‟s rights in the
society.
3. Theory of Women’s Empowerment
Women have been a victim to some kind and also several of abuse. The
history itself shows that among of all deprived groups, women are the one who
suffer the most. Their suffering is not based on culture, race, region or even
religion. They suffered from abuse, molestation, violence, rape, malnutrition, ill
treatment and all sorts of deprivation words (Mandal, 2013, p. 17).
It is a fact that women have been suffering in every age and country from
their protectors i.e., fathers, brothers, uncles, neighbors and others in
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childhood; boyfriends and lovers in youth; husbands and in-laws in
married life; while from sons and others in old age (Mandal, 2013, p. 17)
The fact that the suffering of women, based on Mandal (2013), it is all
done by men by subjugating women in different phases in their lives and through
the ages. Women had been regarded by man as inferior, and had robbed of the
rights. Since then, the issue is a world question (Langley and Fox as cited in
Mandal, 2013, p. 17).
To define “empowerment,” Bhadra (2006) defines empowerment refers to
“increasing the power of the low-power group, so that it more nearly equals the
power of the high power group.” The statement mentions “group.” In this
particular case and also in the present research, the “group” refers to men and
women. In this case, empowerment refers to increase the women‟s power to
achieve equality from men (Bhadra as cited in Mandal, 2013, p. 18).
Meanwhile, Sushama Sahay (1998), defines “empowerment” as “an active,
multi-dimensional process which enables women to realize their full identity and
powers in all spheres of life.” (Shay as cited in Mandal, 2013, p. 18).
It implies decentralization of power and authority in the deprived,
oppressed and powerless people who have not been able to participate in
decision making and implementation of policies and programs of both
government organizations as well as in societal matters (Mandal, 2013, p.
18).
Women‟s empowerment focuses on gaining power and authority as
experienced by the oppressed and powerless people (in this case, women). It
encourages women to oppose the system of patriarchy. As stated before,
patriarchy is the source of women suppression. Women‟s empowerment, in
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simple definition, is a process of opposing the patriarchal system to gain the
equality in the society.
According to Mandal (Mandal, 2013, pp. 19–24), there are 5 types of
women‟s empowerment. Those are social, educational, economic, political and
psychological.
a. Social empowerment
Social empowerment focuses on strengthening the social relation between
women and their social status. Social empowerment also focuses on most of
feminism theory. It also opposes the discrimination to women seen from
disability, race, ethnicity, religion and gender.
b. Educational empowerment
Educational empowerment focuses on the importance of literacy towards
gender empowerment. Mandal (2013) states “Without proper education to all
children including girls, gender empowerment is not possible.” The connection to
women‟s empowerment is that girls are needed to be educated in order to realize
their rights and duties. Receiving education boosts self-confidence, self-esteem
and self-sufficiency.
c. Economic empowerment
Economic empowerment focuses on women have the equal resources in
market. By the equality of women in economic system, women would gain greater
control over resources, such as material, human and intellectual like knowledge,
information, ideas and financial resources like money and also decision making in
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home, community, society and nation and to gain power (Kapur as cited in
Mandal, 2013, p. 21).
d. Political empowerment
Political empowerment focuses on women having the same portion as men
in the politic world. The purpose of political empowerment is to give women right
to formulate policies and programs. Rajput (2001) supports this statement by
stating that without political participation, it is difficult of women to increase
effectiveness, capacity, challenging existed power structure and patriarchal
ideology (Rajput as cited in Mandal, 2013, p. 22).
e. Psychological empowerment
Psychological empowerment aligns with social empowerment.
Psychological empowerment is not only transgressing the patriarchal taboos
among society but also self-confidence. Furthermore, the empowerment gives
women satisfaction in various ways related to work, living, learning and adjusting
personal and financial situation.
The present research uses 2 types of women‟s empowerment according to
Mandal (2013). The research applies social empowerment and educational
empowerment to cover the base of theoretical answer for the research question
available.
C. Theoretical Framework
The present research provides 3 research questions which answers and
analysis are required. In the present research, 3 theories are discussed and
reviewed. Each theory answers the research questions provided in this research.
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To analyze and answer the first research question, the theory of character and
characterization by Murphy is used. There are 9 ways that the author used to make
the character feels alive. The 9 ways of characterization helps the present
researcher to answer the first research problem. The first research question
demands the characteristic of a certain character. The theory of characterization is
used to answer the first research question.
Theory of gender equality helps the present researcher to answer the
second and also to support the third research question. Discussing about gender
equality and women‟s empowerment cannot be separated to patriarchal system of
society. Therefore, the theory of patriarchy is provided to be the basis of the
present researcher‟s answer for the second research question. The theory of
patriarchy helps the present researcher to identify the gender equality issue
appeared from the source.
The theory of women‟s empowerment helps the present researcher to
answer the third research question. The 5 types of women‟s empowerment help
the present researcher to identity which one of the five types does the character
uses to achieve gender equality among patriarchal society. The third research
question is answered based on the theory of women‟s empowerment.
These three theories are the basis for the present researcher to answer and
also identify the answer for each of the research questions formulated. There
theories are related to each other. The theories reviewed above are the keys for the
present researcher to answer each of the research equation formulated and finally
to draw the conclusion.
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CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
In this chapter, the present researcher explains the methodology
implemented in the research. It is divided into three sections. First, the present
researcher explains the object of the study. Second, the present researcher explains
the approach used in the study. Lastly, the present researcher explains the method
used in the study.
A. Object of the Study
The object of the study, which is the present object of this research, is a
popular video game among gamers around the globe. This video game achieved
more than 10 awards from 2013 (pre-release) until 2016. The video game is
claimed to have the best storyline ever in the industry of gaming. The video game
is entitled The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt developed by CD Projekt Red and published
by CD Projekt.
According to Wikipedia, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the third series of
The Witcher series. The first series, The Witcher is released in 2007. Following
the second series, The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is released in 2011. Lastly,
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is released in 2015 with two downloadable contents,
Heart of Stone (2015) and Blood and Wine (2016).
The Witcher franchise has achieved very good reviews among the players.
The user reviews for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt from Metacritic is shown to
achieve the score of 93. Specifically, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was crowned as
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GOTY (Game of The Year) in 2015 upon its release. The GOTY edition was
launched in 2016 with complete edition of the game, including its DLC, such as
Heart of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has a lot of narratives to explore. There are two
categories of mission in this game. First is the main quest where the main story
goes on and second is the side quest where player could choose not to run the
quest. The focus of the present research is one of many side quests that the main
protagonist, Geralt, encounters in the game.
The side quest or secondary mission discussed is Master Armorer side
quest. The side quest is triggered with Geralt interacting with NPC nearby. For the
specific, the name of the region is Crows Perch. NPC is an abbreviation of non-
playable characters. Unlike Geralt, which player controls him, NPC cannot be
controlled by the players.
Master Armorer side quest focuses on Geralt intends to get a new armor
for him. Geralt meets Fergus, the dwarf who crowned as “master armorer.” Fergus
has a work partner named Yoana. Along the story, Yoana keeps telling Fergus that
if Geralt wants a good quality and durable armor, he must retrieve a legendary
tool in Undvik, a place where an ice monster is guarding. In short, Geralt managed
to retrieve the tool, however, Fergus does not allow Yoana to interfere his work.
Yoana cannot take how Fergus mistreats her. She decided to make her own armor
for Geralt. The result is Yoana‟s crafting is better than Fergus.
To be more precise, the present research analyzes the story of Master
Armorer side quest dialogue script and also the scene in the video game itself,
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especially on how Yoana is being oppressed and how Yoana empowers herself to
be equal. Yoana is a minor character and the only woman character in the side
quest. She received ill-treatment from society which they believe men are better or
it called as patriarchy.
B. Approach of the Study
The present study chooses feminist literary criticism approach to be the
basis of the analysis. The present researcher chooses feminist literary criticism
because it is best and suitable for the phenomenon that happens in the story of The
Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Master Armorer side quest.
Indeed, feminism has often focused upon what is absent rather than what is
present, reflecting concern with the silencing and marginalization of
women in a patriarchal culture, a culture organized in the favor of men
(Guerin et al, 2005, pp. 222–223).
Feminist literary criticism focuses on the concern with the suppressing
women in patriarchal society. It also deals with the marginalization or the gap of
women among a society favored to men known as patriarchy system.
Feminist literary criticism is also defined as “belief in and desire for
equality between sexes.” In this case, both sexes cover man and woman. Feminist
literary criticism aims for the equality in society, politics and economy. Feminist
activist from Bell Hooks defines feminism as “a movement to end sexism, sexist
exploitation, and oppression” (Dastagir, 2017, para. 2).
Feminist literary criticism is suitable for the present research. The
discriminations and oppressions experienced by Yoana, the woman in the story, is
likely to be the equality issue in society. Discussing gender equality does not
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leave behind the term “empowerment.” As Guerin et al said, it opposes the
marginalization and also the silencing of women in patriarchal culture.
The approach aforementioned is used to get closer to the work, especially
the conversations and dialogues between each character. Feminist approach could
make a way for the present researcher to identify the gender equality issue and
how a female figure could oppose it through empowerment. In addition, feminist
approach also critically views the oppression experienced by women, including in
a video game.
C. Method of the Study
The present research implements library research. The primary source of
this research is a side mission or side quest in a video game The Witcher 3: Wild
Hunt entitled Master Armorer side quest. The analysis of the present research is
also supported by several sources. The secondary sources are taken from printed
and also electronic books, journal articles, online articles and also previous
undergraduate thesis. For instance, to understand the characterization of Yoana,
the present researcher reads Understanding Unseens by M.J Murphy. To
understand feminist approach, A Reader’s Guide to Contemporary Feminist
Literary Criticism by Maggie Humm is used. To define women‟s empowerment, a
journal article written by K.C Mandal entitled Concept and Types of Women
Empowerment is used.
The three problems formulated are answered based on several books and
theories. The theories used are theory of characterization, patriarchy and women‟s
empowerment. The first search problem is answered based on the theory of
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characterization. Following the first research question, the second is answered
based on theory of patriarchy. Lastly, the research problem is answered based on
theory of women‟s empowerment.
In order to complete the analysis, the present researcher implemented
seven steps. First, the present researcher read and tried to understand deeply to the
primary source, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt by playing the game and played also
the side quest aforementioned. Second, the present researcher formulated research
problem which consists of three research questions. Third, secondary sources, for
instance, several related studies were reviewed. Fourth, the present researcher set
the suitable approach and theories. Following the fourth step, evidences were
collect from the dialogue script of Master Armorer side quest. Sixth, in order to
draw the conclusion, the present researcher analyzed and interpreted the evidences
under the theories chosen. Finally, the conclusion is drawn based on the analysis.
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CHAPTER IV
ANALYSIS
This part of the research provides answers to the research questions. The
analysis is formulated into three parts. First, the present researcher provides
answer to the characterization of Yoana. Second, the present researcher identifies
the gender inequality issue seen in the side quest. Third, the present researcher
provides answer to how Yoana empowers herself to oppose against the inequality
issue.
A. The Characterization of Yoana
According to four methods by Burroway, there are four methods to
understand a certain character. It is by the method of speech, thoughts, action and
look. In this analysis, the present researcher applies three out of four methods.
Those are speech, thoughts and action.
1. Underestimated as an inferior
The following analysis is based on Burroway‟s thought and speech
method. Based on the perspective from Fergus, Yoana‟s partner, and the local
lieutenant, Yoana is underestimated. Fergus does not allow Yoana to speak to
customer. Instead, Fergus says he would do the talking.
FERGUS. Ought to know one thing when it comes to armor: if it‟s gotta be
durable, it can‟t be light.
YOANA. It can. Just needs the proper tools to make it. Tools like the folk
of Clan Tordarroch used in Undvik.
FERGUS. Yoana, I told you time and again to stay silent when I talk to
customers. Shouldn‟t pester folk with those nonsense Skellige
legend o‟yours.
(The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, 2015, p. 1).
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Based on the conversation Fergus and Yoana have, Fergus does not
believe what Yoana tells him even though they are partners in their work. As
stated, Yoana knows the truth of the tool to make what Geralt meant, in this case
the legendary tool. She tells Fergus about the tools. It turns out that Fergus
rejected what Yoana tells him. Instead, he tells her to stay silent and do not bother.
Figure 1
On the other hand, the local lieutenant, who approaches them in early story
also has the similar point of view of Yoana. The lieutenant also sees Yoana as an
overbold person. Even though the lieutenant is not underestimating Yoana directly
through his dialogue, he implies the meaning of underestimating Yoana.
YOANA. The new tools – we can do it! Stoke the fire, I‟ll ready the rest!
LIEUTENANT. Bold, your worker. You allow her much.
FERGUS. Er, you know how it is, general. Good help‟s hard to come by.
We should go outside, there‟s business to discuss.
(The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, 2015, p. 3).
From the conversation between Yoana, Fergus and the lieutenant, the
doubt coming from the lieutenant is real. By saying to Fergus “You allow her
much,” he implies that Yoana should not be discussing the work with them. Here,
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the lieutenant does not pay any attention at all to what Yoana says. Instead, he
says that Fergus allow Yoana too much to take her position to work.
Underestimated as an inferior means Yoana is being seen as she having
minor role for the forge to run. Inferior is the opposite of superior. The
domination of Fergus and the lieutenant really puts Yoana alone as a woman
because both of them see Yoana similarly. Yoana is categorized as inferior
because of the domination of men, the superior class. The domination puts Yoana
in where she could not deliver her right to speak, in this case, to speak to
customers.
Yoana is given ill-treatments from her partner. The underestimation
coming from Fergus can be seen in the conversation between him, Geralt and
Yoana in their first meeting. Yoana tells a truth about legendary tool in Clan
Tordarroch. Fergus silences Yoana right away by saying that the tool is nonsense
and it is only a myth.
When Yoana tells the truth about the tool, Fergus does not believe in his
partner. In addition to what Fergus does to Yoana, a local lieutenant approaches
them. Once again, Yoana joins the conversation to the lieutenant. It turns out that
the lieutenant has similar view to Fergus, as stated before.
It makes Yoana feels underestimated by both Fergus and the lieutenant.
Fergus tells her not to talk to customer and also the legendary tool. The lieutenant
says to Fergus that he allows Yoana much.
Yoana realizes that Fergus and the lieutenant put her in low-powered class,
as an inferior. When Yoana has her chance to have conversation to Geralt, she
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unexpectedly said about how she is treated this whole time before Geralt arrives in
their workplace. Yoana says she is treated like she is nobody, just a menial labor.
Yoana is treated no more than a helper. According to what Fergus and the
lieutenant said about Yoana, it really puts her to bravely talk about the ill-
treatment she received.
YOANA. It‟s always the same! I‟ve had enough!
GERALT. Enough?
YOANA. They treat me like I'm nobody, the menial labor. Truth is, the
Nilfgaardian, the one Fergus is kissing up to - I'll have to craft
his armor. Yours, too, for that matter.
(The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, 2015, p. 3).
2. Skillful
Even though Fergus and the lieutenant treat her not so well, Yoana is
actually skillful. This analysis is based on the application of action. In the
beginning of the story, Yoana is described as a weak figure. She does not have big
influence to where she works. Fergus, on the other hand, underestimates her until
she feels like she is treated as nobody.
Behind the negative condition around Yoana, she is actually a woman with
outstanding talent. It is proven in the game when Yoana makes her own armor for
the lieutenant and Geralt. Yoana crafts an armor with her own way of making one.
On the other hand, Fergus also makes his own armor. Yoana makes her own
armor without Fergus knowing it.
Near the end of the story, both of the armors are ready to be tested. Fergus
and the lieutenant are surprised by Yoana making her own armor. In order to
prove the durability, both armors need to be tested by shooting it with arrow bolts.
Geralt wears the armor crafted by Yoana. However, no one is able to wear the
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armor crafted by Fergus. At that moment, there is a civilian passing by and he
wants to meet Fergus. The lieutenant insists for the man to wear Fergus‟ armor.
The testing begins by shooting both of the armors with arrow bolts. The
result is Yoana‟s armor is proven to be more durable than Fergus‟. The
skillfulness of making armor is implemented in Yoana. It turns out that she is the
actual “master armorer” instead of Fergus.
3. Forgiving
This analysis in based on what Yoana does to Fergus. It is based on
Burroway‟s action method. As the previous analysis describes about Yoana being
underestimated and also in the state of being inferior, Yoana is a forgiving person.
She has a generous heart even though Fergus mistreats her for a long time. Yoana
is willing to give her forgiveness to Fergus after what she received from him.
After knowing that Yoana is proven to be better, Fergus and with his
sadness and sorry, intends to leave the forge and not to bother Yoana with his
presence. Instead of letting Fergus go or even make Fergus go away, Yoana
produces different action than expected. She wants Fergus to stay instead and help
her with the forge. As the analysis described, Fergus makes Yoana feels like
nobody and also let her to be powerless to speak up. However, she shows her
forgiving figure to Fergus.
The characterization of Yoana being forgiving could be seen in her action
when she decides to accept Fergus back even though he could go and not bother
Yoana anymore. Instead of letting Fergus go, Yoana forgives him for what he did
and accepts him as her partner again.
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FERGUS. I‟ll be goin‟, to, methinks… Just get my things.
YOANA. Wait. We needn‟t part ways, Fergus. You‟ve been a good helper
– we could go on that way. But… without the lie…
FERGUS. Hmm… We did make quite the pair
(The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, 2015, p. 7)
Figure 2
In the end of the quest, Yoana is proven to be better than Fergus at making
armor. The result also surprised the lieutenant that Yoana is actually the “master
armorer.” Following to the storyline, Fergus who feels down mentally and thinks
that he is not worthy to work anymore decides to move away so that Yoana could
take control the forge. However, Yoana stops him and says something generous.
Yoana wants Fergus to stay and help her to restart their relation in making armor.
Yoana is a great-hearted character. Despite she is being oppressed by other
characters, she would give them chance to fix Fergus‟ mistakes.
B. Gender Equality Issue in The Side Quest
The side quest begins when Geralt, the protagonist of the video game, is in
search for the local warlord, Bloody Baron. He arrives at the small region named
Crows Perch. Here, the players could interact with Fergus, the dwarf. By
interacting Fergus, the players would receive the side quest entitled “Master
Armorer.” Then, the side quest begins as Geralt needed new armor.
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Fergus, the dwarf, is working with his partner, Yoana. Yoana is a
supporting character that has complex characteristics. As the characteristic
described, Yoana receives inequal treatment from her partner in their work. By the
existence of this inequality, gender equal is still nonexistence.
To put it simply, gender equality is both men and women have the same
right to possess or to do something. UNICEF states that between men and women,
boys and girls, they must have equal treatment from the society.
The concept that women and men, girls and boys have equal conditions,
treatment and opportunities for realizing their full potential, human rights
and dignity, and for contributing to (and benefitting from) economic,
social, cultural and political development. Gender equality is, therefore,
the equal valuing by society of the similarities and the differences of men
and women, and the roles they play (Gender Equality: Glossary of Terms
and Concepts, 2017, p. 3).
The basic premise of gender equality is having equal rights to possess, in
every condition, without any gender limitation. In the side quest, Yoana as the
only woman, is experiencing gender inequality. This issue comes up from the
beginning. However, Yoana manages to overcome the issue.
As described in the previous analysis regarding to Yoana‟s characteristics,
the unequal treatment from Fergus could describe what Yoana is facing. The issue
happened along the story of the side quest. The issue depicted in the side quest is
the patriarchal system that is implemented in two characters, Fergus and the
lieutenant. As stated before, the system believes men are always stronger and
more capable than women. Millet stated “patriarchy is ubiquitous.” It means the
system of “men” can be found almost everywhere. Millet adds it is a fundamental
part of all representation. In this case, Fergus and the lieutenant dominate the
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society because they are men. Millet also adds patriarchy is permeated by male
power (Millet as cited in Humm, 1994, p. 44).
Fergus and the lieutenant believe that Yoana is just a helper in the forge.
Yoana is being the victim from the impact of patriarchy. The domination from
Fergus and the lieutenant would not give certain privilege in the forge, such as
leading it. Madsen emphasizes patriarchy as cultural or ideological concept that
gives privilege to men or other masculine things, including political system at
expense of women. It means Fergus and the lieutenant believe that they were
superior and woman, in this case, Yoana is someone whose the privilege is taken
(Madsen, 2000, p. xii).
Yoana, as the only woman character in the side quest, is being
discriminated, underestimated and oppressed. She becomes the object of
oppression. As a woman, Yoana experiences the impact of patriarchal system. The
system itself is not told directly by both Fergus and the lieutenant, however, how
both of the male characters do to Yoana and how they treat her shows how the
system controls both Fergus and the lieutenant.
As UNICEF states, being equal means both sexes receive equal treatments.
In this “Master Armorer” side quest, it is Yoana who does not receive any equal
treatments from Fergus, her partner, and the lieutenant. They treat Yoana as a part
of minority, which Yoana is described as the inferior. Meanwhile, Yoana is
struggling and finally awake that she is the object of the impact from the system.
Fergus, in fact, does not treat Yoana as he supposed to. Yoana is his
partner in work. However, Yoana is feeling oppressed by him. As partners, Fergus
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should have aware that she is his partner. It means he should have trusted her.
Fergus, in the other hand, mistreats Yoana as if she is only “a helper” for him. It
means Yoana is restricted by him because she only does a work when Fergus told
her to. Yoana could not take this any further. She is aware that she is the object of
the patriarchy.
On the other hand, the lieutenant also does something similar to Yoana. It
is not like physical abuse or verbal abuse, however, it is more like a despise view
towards Yoana. Despise view from the lieutenant is more like an underestimating
perspective to Yoana in terms of her leadership in the forge. Based on how Yoana
is characterized in the first part, the lieutenant also takes part on making Yoana
not equal as others. He, in the beginning of the side quest, has similar view on
Yoana with Fergus. They see Yoana as if she is only a helper in the forge and
does not deserve to lead.
The lieutenant has his doubt on Yoana making armor for his army. Instead
of giving Yoana a chance to prove herself, he turns his alliance to Fergus which
they share same perspective on woman, in this case Yoana herself. The lieutenant
said Fergus allows her much. It means Fergus allows Yoana to dwell in the work
too much. The lieutenant also addresses Yoana as Fergus‟ worker. Even though,
they are partners, Fergus and Yoana, Fergus does not pay attention to it. Here, the
lieutenant and Fergus shows similar idea on woman, which woman is not allowed
to lead the work. They believe men are stronger in leadership than woman.
Patriarchal system that is believed by Fergus and the lieutenant limits
Yoana as a woman. With the existence of patriarchal believe from Fergus, Yoana
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is limited in her rights. For example, she is limited in her freedom of speech. She
is not allowed to talk to customers and only Fergus can. The limitation exists
because Yoana has already been underestimated by Fergus. In addition, Yoana is
underestimated as an inferior. As stated, inferior does not possess big power in a
society. It makes Yoana receive oppression from Fergus seen from his action.
Figure 3
The analysis above shows that the difference of woman‟s opportunity is
limited by patriarchy. It is the main source of its problem in the very first place.
Yoana, from the beginning of the side quest story, is being discriminated.
Discrimination from Fergus and the lieutenant results Yoana to become inferior in
the nearby society. To make it simple, Fergus and the lieutenant does not give
Yoana a chance to actually show herself.
Yoana‟s potential is suppressed by both Fergus and the lieutenant. The
result of their suppression is that Yoana becomes smaller in portion. It means
Yoana becomes more minor in terms of giving impact along the story progresses.
However, Yoana did not just stay silent. She promised to herself to turn the
situation in a flash.
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She possesses knowledge better than Fergus, in fact. She is capable to lift
up what‟s missing in the forge. She actually completes the forge where they,
Fergus and Yoana, works together. However, as written above, Yoana is
completely “stomped” by Fergus and lieutenant. However, back to main problem,
she could not talk freely as both Fergus and the lieutenant do not give Yoana
chance to talk.
At last, she decides to stand up for herself. She asks Geralt for a little help
to show that she is capable. After oppressions Fergus and the lieutenant give to
her, she manages to take the opportunity to realize and stand up for herself.
C. Yoana’s Ways to Empower Herself
Yoana has been receiving the oppressions from Fergus and the lieutenant,
which both of them are men. Yoana, as a woman, is being discriminated and even
she considers herself as “nobody” in front of her partner, Fergus and the
lieutenant. As she saus, Yoana is the object of these oppressions. Because of the
oppression she experiences, Yoana clearly states she is nobody in the forge while
working with Fergus. The lieutenant also adds the pressure and burden to Yoana‟s
shoulder because he also is giving the oppression by underestimating her.
As the previous points have already been discussed, Yoana is being
underestimated as an inferior by Fergus and the lieutenant. Yoana becomes the
object of the oppression because she is a woman and the only woman character in
the side quest. The effect of the oppression caused Yoana to doubt herself and
considers herself as nobody compared to Fergus and the lieutenant.
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YOANA. They treat me like I'm nobody, the menial labor. Truth is, the
Nilfgaardian, the one Fergus is kissing up to - I'll have to craft
his armor. Yours, too, for that matter.
(The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, 2015, p. 3).
Both, Fergus and the lieutenant leaves her alone while they were
discussing business. Yoana is actually Fergus‟ partner. However, he does not
include Yoana as one or even as a partner. Fergus treats Yoana as if she was just a
“helper” when Fergus asks her to do something, she must do it right away without
any further discussion. As the result of this pressure, Yoana does not want herself
to be stuck in the same position as she was before. Yoana realizes that she needs
to do something to turn the situation.
Figure 4
Yoana is aware that she is the object of patriarchy. As discussed before,
patriarchy is the source of this equality issue happened in this side quest.
Patriarchy is implemented in the story of the side quest indirectly. It is because the
story does not mention patriarchy bluntly, however, it is shown by how the male
characters (Fergus and the lieutenant) treats Yoana along the side quest story.
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The oppression of patriarchal system really “punches Yoana in the face.” It
means Yoana is fully realized that she is being oppressed. She states that she
would not remain in that state, oppressed. She would counter the oppression by
empowering herself. Empowerment which Yoana does, changes her from the
bottom into the top. Yoana possesses such potential and knowledge more than
Fergus. She does not run out of idea how to turn back the situation. She does turn
it as she promised to herself.
Geralt of Rivia, the main character of the game, listens to what Yoana
feels towards the oppression given to her. Geralt, unlike Fergus and the lieutenant,
he is willing to listen and help Yoana the way he could. Yoana asks him some
materials for making the new armor with her own ingredients.
GERALT. If that's the case, stand your ground. Don't let him treat you like
this.
YOANA. I won‟t, not anymore. He can craft the Nilfgaardian armor
himself. I'll make another suit, and we'll see which one's better. I
need but one thing I can‟t get on my own. Would you help me?
GERALT. Depends on what it is.
(The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, 2015, p. 4).
Geralt sparks the spirit from Yoana to come out as an independent being.
Geralt also wants Yoana to break the system, which he knows, Yoana is the object
of patriarchy oppression. Yoana realizes that part of her is actually able to turn the
situation. Therefore, Yoana decides to turn by empowering herself with her own
ways.
Badhra (2006) defines the term empowerment as “increasing the power of
the low-power group, so that it more nearly equals the power of the high power
group.” As discussed in the previous section, empowerment means increasing
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43
power of a certain low-powered group. Essentially, empowerment gives low-
powered people strength to stand up. It means the people with low power have
their chance to be equal by opposing the equality issue.
Equality can be achieved by having two groups of people or more to possess
equal rights. Equal does not mean exactly same thing. However, equality stands
for balance between each side. In this case, equality for gender or gender equality
can be achieved by having both women and men to possess balance between their
rights and social status.
In addition, if patriarchal system exists in a certain society, equality would
never be established. It results to the marginalization of women in society. It
covers the limitation in certain right of women. This unequal treatment from
patriarchy could be opposed by empowering one self. It is where women‟s
empowerment exists. In order for women to achieve equal rights and receive equal
treatment, they empower themselves in some ways.
Women are often described as weaker character. It can be found in several
literature, or even video games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt especially for
Master Armorer side quest. The female character, Yoana, is described exactly as
an oppressed woman. To achieve equality for herself, she needs to empower
herself. As discussed before, empowerment means to give strength and power for
a certain low-powered group to achieve equality.
Yoana, categorized as low-powered individual, realizes that her presence is
in tight spot. It means she is oppressed by other male characters, Fergus and the
lieutenant. Yoana realizes that she could do something to turn the situation. Yoana
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is capable of doing something and she, in fact, possesses something that Fergus
does not. At last, she empowers herself with her own ways. There are two
categories of empowerment that Yoana does to achieve equality in the patriarchal
society.
According to Mandal (2013), there are 5 ways women could empower
themselves. Those are social, educational, economic, political, psychological
empowerment. Yoana implements social and educational empowerment. Social
empowerment, according to Mandal, focuses on strengthening the relation
between women and their social status in the society. Educational empowerment
focuses on education. Yoana is probably given knowledge of forging good armor
more than Fergus. She shows it as she possesses knowledge to achieve equality.
1. Social Empowerment
Social empowerment means the character or a certain individual focuses
on his or her social status. Since The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Master Armorer side
quest has gender issue to be discussed, the context is set to be “her.” It means
social empowerment focuses on how women or particular female character
achieve their social status among the society.
One female character in particular is Yoana from Master Armorer side
quest. The social status of Yoana before she implements women‟s empowerment
is dreadful. As seen in the discussions above, Yoana is oppressed by both Fergus,
her partner in work and the local lieutenant. The oppression experienced by Yoana
shapes her into a weak character in the story.
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The characteristics of Yoana being the object of oppression changed after
she decides to do something to achieve equality, Yoana realizes that she is
oppressed by patriarchy. She wants to do something to make Fergus realizes that
she is actually capable and she is the true holder of “master armorer” title. She has
conversation with Geralt of Rivia, the main character of the game, that she had
enough with how others (men) treated her.
Yoana realizes that she is in tight spot where Fergus and the lieutenant
underestimate her. She emphasizes it as a “menial labor.” In addition, she also
emphasizes it that she is treated like she is a nobody. The lieutenant always
believes that Fergus is more capable than Yoana. That is the reason why Yoana
said Fergus is “kissing up” to the Nilfgaardian lieutenant.
Figure 5
Yoana realizes that she is not treated well. She implies that she is only and
no more than menial labor. She, in fact, is Fergus‟ partner. However, she is treated
not as she should be. Yoana implies only Fergus‟ commands her to work. Without
it, she is not able to touch the forge as she said “I'll have to craft his armor. Yours,
too, for that matter” (The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, 2015, p. 3).
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Social empowerment is one of ways for women to achieve equality
through empowerment in social way. It means it is related to the stabilization of
social status in the aforementioned society. Yoana lives in patriarchal society in
which it believed that men or male are always more capable, stronger, more
reliable than women or female. The situation is a perfect chance for Yoana to
achieve equality in the patriarchal society. The reasons are first, Yoana is the only
women character in the side quest story. Second, Yoana possesses something
more than Fergus could imagine. Third, Yoana is strong enough to oppose the
inferiority and oppression she experienced.
Geralt, knowing this situation, sparks the sentences that makes Yoana
realized what she needs to do to achieve equality in the workplace. Geralt, as a
neutral character, he does not involve with underestimating or even oppressing
Yoana. The pressures which Yoana receives are fully from Fergus and the
lieutenant. Even though the lieutenant does not insult or mock her directly, he
does underestimate Yoana by not giving her a chance. Instead, he believes Fergus
that he was more capable to rely on.
YOANA. Horseshoes, nails…Not much else you can do, seeing as he
cocks up simple bungs. But in the end, they call him “master.”
No one‟d ever think I could be a skilled armorer - a human, and
a woman to boot. A dwarven blacksmith - that's another story…
GERALT. If that's the case, stand your ground. Don't let him treat you like
this.
YOANA. I won‟t, not anymore. He can craft the Nilfgaardian armor
himself. I'll make another suit, and we'll see which one's better. I
need but one thing I can‟t get on my own. Would you help me?
GERALT. Depends on what it is.
(The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, 2015, p. 4).
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Finally, Yoana realized she needs to do something. With the conversation
between her and Geralt, Yoana realizes that she would not be in the same position
ever again. Yoana socially tries to be equal as Fergus by making another armor
and see which one is better. She also requires some help from Geralt to make her
vision came true.
As discussed, Yoana makes a decision that could change her life and how
others see her. Yoana is portrayed as a “helper” to her partner Fergus. Since then,
the story of Yoana does not have much role in the workplace. It is because others
and the society, including Fergus and the lieutenant, see her as a “lower” human
being. They do not consider Yoana as equal as themselves. In this point of view,
Yoana becomes the inferior and minor compared to Fergus and the lieutenant. The
influence of this inferiority makes Yoana strangled in the same position for a long
time.
Right after she is aware of the bad influence she received from Fergus and
the lieutenant, she decides to change it. She had enough of how Fergus treats her.
In addition to Fergus‟ treatment, the lieutenant also adds the oppression verbally
to Yoana. In this occasion, Yoana wants to speak up while she could. She finally
starts to talk about it to the neutral customer, Geralt of Rivia, the main character of
the game.
By having the courage to talk about the oppression and promising to her
that she would not be in the same position again are sign that Yoana practices
social empowerment. As stated, social empowerment deals with equal social
status between men and women. Yoana does the practice of social empowerment
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because she is aware of the pressure, oppression and being underestimated by the
opposite sex. She would change her position as she stands up to do something that
could change her social status.
2. Educational Empowerment
In the moment Fergus and the lieutenant does mistreat Yoana, she has her
willing to stand back up and oppose the system. The system of patriarchy changes
the perspective of men towards women. The system does shape how Fergus and
the lieutenant‟s perspective to Yoana. As discussed in the characteristics of Yoana
in the story, she is the object of oppression from the patriarchal system. Yoana
experiences the unequal treatment from the men, Fergus and the lieutenant, whom
she lives around with. It means before Geralt arrive, she is already mistreated in
the very first place.
Yoana confesses that the situation is always the same. It means the
oppression and mistreatment from both Fergus and the lieutenant is constantly
occurs before Geralt arrives at the workplace. Yoana also implies she had enough.
She had enough with how Fergus and the lieutenant mistreats her. She could do
nothing, at that moment. She does not have the chance to prove herself that she
could be equal as Fergus and entitled as the “master armorer.”
At this point, Yoana does possess the willingness to be equal by
empowering herself. First, Yoana mentioned that she would not stick in the same
position as men dominating her. She promises to change her own fate and decides
not to be oppressed all over again. The mentioned situation is categorized as
social empowerment as a women or female character dares to oppose the “system
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49
of men” known as patriarchy. The empowerment is named “social” because it
deals with women empowerment in term of social status. Yoana was an oppressed
female character and she was going to oppose the system.
In addition to her empowerment socially, Yoana proves it with educational
empowerment. Educational empowerment deals with men and women are
educated with equal treatment. It also covers the materials for education both men
and women. The weights of the materials do not possess the gender biased
materials. For instance, there is no difference of men and women to work in a
certain places. In this case, armor forging was not only meant for men but also
women and both of genders received equal knowledge.
Yoana, in fact, possesses the knowledge of armor making better than
Fergus. She could not show it because Fergus keeps hiding her for the reality that
his crafts are actually good in his opinion. In fact, when both Fergus and Yoana
make their own armors, Yoana is proven to be better than Fergus. It is because
Yoana understands the knowledge of armor crafting. Yoana even says it in the
very first place that she knows story of legendary tools to make high quality armor
but Fergus silences her instead.
FERGUS. Ought to know one thing when it comes to armor: if it‟s gotta
be durable, it can‟t be light.
YOANA. It can. Just needs the proper tools to make it. Tools like the folk
of Clan Tordarroch used in Undvik.
(The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, 2015, p. 1).
Yoana receives education before Geralt arrives or before the story even
began. Yoana knows all things about making good quality armors. Even if Fergus
is also able to craft his own armor, Yoana is still better. By receiving knowledge,
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Yoana could realize their rights and duties. It is important for Yoana to fully
realize her rights as women, which is to be treated equally.
Educational empowerment not only deals with women realizing their
rights and duties among the society, but also boosts self-confidence, self-esteem
and self-sufficiency. Education and knowledge could empower one-self by one
receiving it. Self-confidence, self-esteem and self-sufficiency grow when one-self
mastered certain knowledge. By having self-confidence, self-esteem and self-
sufficiency in one-self, the chance to oppose incoming oppressions could be taken
care with ease.
In this case, Yoana is the one who promised herself to oppose the
patriarchal system with her knowledge that she possessed. Yoana and Fergus
work on the forge together. As “partners,” Yoana is also there when Fergus made
armors. Yoana, oppressed by the patriarchal system, would not be oppressed
anymore. She actually possesses the willing and knowledge that she could use to
oppose the system and to gain equality in the society. Yoana starts to make armors
along with Fergus. Both of them compete to prove which armor is the best. Fergus
crafts armor for the lieutenant. Meanwhile, Yoana crafts armor for Geralt.
The competition between Yoana and Fergus remains hot. Fergus used his
own recipes and knowledge to forge his armor. Meanwhile, Yoana asks Geralt for
a little help for a witcher. Once Yoana‟s armor is finished, she wants to bath it
with acid instead of regular oil. For the notes, a witcher like Geralt is tasked to
slay monsters. Fundamentally, a witcher is a mutated human being that is sent to
do some task such as killing monsters. In the very beginning, it is witcher‟s job to
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slay monsters. Usually, people who are helped by a witcher pay them with money
as a reward. Witcher works like exterminator. The difference is only witchers
exterminate monsters.
Yoana realizes that she has knowledge to craft her own armor. First,
Yoana knows about the legendary tools in Undvik in which her story is
considered rubbish by Fergus. Yoana knows that the armor could be durable, top-
quality built when it is crafted with the legendary tools.
Second, Yoana also possesses knowledge on how use the tools to create
the armor Geralt means. She understands the materials and recipes to build top
quality armor as Geralt wants. In the same time, the lieutenant also orders Fergus
to craft armor. It ends with Fergus and Yoana craft their own armor with their
own way.
Yoana knows exactly that high durable and top quality armor could be
made by bathing the armor into acid. Yoana says by dipping it into acid would
harden the armor. This is the key where Yoana shows her craftsmanship. She
masters the technique, materials and recipes.
YOANA. To finish the armor, I‟ll need to harden it, quench it in a bath.
Oil‟s what we usually use, but I want to use acid.
GERALT. Hmm… Kikimores and archgriffins spit acid.
YOANA. Archgriffins? Draconic griffins, you mean? Baron‟s men came
by few days back. Said they‟d seen one north of Crow‟s Perch.
It‟d killed some folk out there.
GERALT. Bound to be a notice posted for the griffin anyway. Could kill
two beasts with one stone. Fine, I‟ll see what I can do.
YOANA. Bring me the acid, and I'll prove I'm better than Fergus. And I‟ll
craft armor for you, lots of it, the kind no other armorer can.
(The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, 2015, p. 4).
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The knowledge brings Yoana into her independent life. Yoana proves that
she is the actual “master armorer” and she is worthy to receive it. Instead of
Fergus, Yoana is the master armorer and she is now in charge of the forge. Yoana
implements what she knows (her knowledge) into a beautifully crafted armor and
of course, it is durable and top quality as Geralt demands.
The story goes on. Yoana and Fergus compete in front of Geralt and the
lieutenant. Fergus crafts his own armor. Meanwhile, Yoana also does the same.
Yoana decides to craft it in her own way and also with her own recipes, including
acid from a monster called “Archgriffin.” When Geralt brings the acid, the armor
Yoana crafted is ready to be bathed in the acid. As Yoana said, it would harden
the armor as it was very useful for durability.
YOANA. Geralt! It‟s done.
GERALT. Looks…very professional.
FERGUS. Welcome, general. Armor‟s all ready. Come out splendid, if I
do say so myself.
The game shows both what the armors look like. Fergus’ one is not so
“professional” than the one that is crafted by Yoana.
LIEUTENANT. Rather coarse. I trust the appearance does not reflect the
quality.
YOANA. General, I‟ve also made a suit. If you please…
LIEUTENANT. What is the meaning of this?
GERALT. Exactly what it looks like. Yoana crafted a suit of armor for
you, general. To prove she‟s the superior armorer.
(The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, 2015, p. 5).
The armor that Fergus crafted is no better than Yoana‟s. It is awful
compared to Yoana‟s in term of the appearance. Even the lieutenant is shocked by
the appearance of Fergus‟ armor. Even though, the lieutenant is fooled by the
appearance, he believes that it would not affect the quality. Meanwhile, Yoana
says she crafted an armor of herself. The lieutenant is surprised even more. Geralt
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objects the perspective from the lieutenant by saying it is intended to for the
lieutenant.
The only way to prove that Yoana‟s armor is more durable than Fergus is
to test it with a person donned the armor and shot it with an arrow. Before the
testing begins, Fergus is surprised because Yoana crafts armor on her own.
FERGUS. For gods‟ sake, Yoana… What do you think you‟re doin‟?
LIEUTENANT. Temeria remains a wild land, it seems. Insubordination of
this kind is not something we Nilfgaardians allow.
YOANA. If I may, general. I am Fergus‟ subordinate in appearance alone.
It‟s what we agreed, as few would ever believe a woman to be a
better armorer than a dwarf.
LIEUTENANT. You are right. I, for one, do not think it possible. But you
are confident in your abilities. Let us put them to the test. Not on
dummies, in live combat.
(The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, 2015, pp. 5-6).
To test the armor made by Fergus and Yoana, two men must don the
armors. Fortunately, there is one man, Geralt himself and another man who is a
civilian passing by. The lieutenant allows Yoana to also test her armor since her
armor is better in term of visual rather than Fergus‟. The civilian wants to meet
Fergus for his horse shoe. It turns out to be him wearing the armor made by
Fergus and Geralt wears armor from Yoana. The test begins by shooting the
armors with bolts.
LIEUTENANT. Don your armor, both. I will await outside.
Geralt and the civilian don their armors. Geralt wears armor from Yoana
and the civilian from Fergus. The test begins. The lieutenant
shoots a bolt and it pierced through the civilian’s armor.
LIEUTENANT. Does this look to you like armor that stops bolts? Compensate
the man. Now. Let us see what this other suit is worth.” – talking to
Fergus.
The lieutenant shoots a bolt and it does not pierced through Geralt’s body.
GERALT. Gonna live?
CIVILIAN. Ah… Aye. But this armor‟s rubbish.
(The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, 2015, pp. 6-7).
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The lieutenant witnesses that Yoana is the actual “master armorer.” It
means it was her who is better than Fergus in term of making armor. Fergus also
witnesses what her partner could do. The civilian claims the armor from Fergus is
rubbish because it is not durable. One shot of bolt could pierce the armor Fergus
made. Meanwhile, the lieutenant takes the crossbow and shoot Yoana‟s armor
(worn by Geralt) himself. There is no single puncture in Yoana‟s armor. It means
it is proven that Yoana is more capable than Fergus in any way.
Figure 6
The lieutenant decides that Yoana is in command of the forge. Fergus,
thinking him would be kicked from the forge, has initiative to pack his belongings
and plans to move away because Yoana, whom he oppressed before, is about to
kick him out. Instead of doing so, Yoana welcomes Fergus as partner once again.
With one condition, no more lies and distrust between them. Yoana let Fergus
stay to help her instead of kicking him out.
LIEUTENANT. I am not easily impressed, but I must admit you have
succeeded, my dear. Where to, dwarf? You must hear this. The
forge is now Miss Yoana‟s. She will also assume all
Nilfgaardian army requisitions. Is that clear?
FERGUS. Aye, as day.
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LIEUTENANT. Your pay for the armor. I will send a man to collect it.” –
Giving the pay to Yoana.
FERGUS. I‟ll be goin‟, to, methinks… Just get my things.
YOANA. Wait. We needn‟t part ways, Fergus. You‟ve been a good helper
– we could go on that way. But… without the lie…
(The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, 2015, p. 7).
Now that Yoana is the “master armorer” and she takes control of the forge,
she and Fergus are back again together. The difference is that Yoana is now the
leader and she will not be underestimated and oppressed again. She managed to
empower herself to reach the equality. Yoana has reached the goal of being equal
and treated as equal as men. By becoming a leader, Yoana successfully oppose the
patriarchy from feminist empowerment. Yoana promised to herself not to be in the
same position (oppressed). It showed that Yoana did practice the social
empowerment, which it deals with feminism.
Women must not only bow down to the supremacy of men. Women must
stand and oppose the discrimination towards women. In addition, Yoana also
proves it with her own intelligence by making her own armor with her own
knowledge. Her education about armors stuns the lieutenant. It is proven that
Yoana has managed to leave the oppressed position to be liberated as an
independent woman.
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CHAPTER V
CONCLUSION
This chapter presents the results of the analysis in previous chapters. It
concludes the findings and analysis in more compressed form. The research aims
to reveal the gender equality issue and women‟s empowerment in the video game
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt especially in the secondary mission or gamers often call
it as side quest Master Armorer. The research observes a woman character named
Yoana who was experiencing pressure from her society.
Yoana is described as an underestimated woman. In addition, she is also
categorized as an inferior. The male characters, especially Fergus and the
lieutenant, see Yoana as only a helper in the forge. Yoana is seen as a different
person. In addition, the lieutenant doubts Yoana as she is a woman. Yoana is
underestimated by Fergus and the lieutenant as they believ that men were more
capable than woman in working on the forge. The lieutenant emphasizes the
statement by saying to Fergus that he allows Yoana much to work in the forge and
to talk to customers.
Yoana is limited by the superiority of the male characters. As the previous
characteristic revealed, Yoana is an underestimated character. Since the beginning
of the story, Fergus would not allow Yoana to speak to customers or even discuss
business with him. Yoana is being left out by Fergus as she is a minor character
and most of all because she is a woman. Yoana, being inferior, means she does
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not possess the equality in her work with Fergus. Limitation from Fergus put
Yoana in very bottom place as she is only considered as a helper.
Yoana is described as a skillful woman. She has the skill to craft high
quality armor in which Geralt and the lieutenant want. Though the process of
armor making is not shown in the video game, however, the skillfulness of Yoana
can be seen by the end of the story when she managed to make the lieutenant
believes her as the “master armorer”
Lastly, Yoana is described as a forgiving person. She is actually generous
and forgiving. Fergus, her partner, has been mistreated her for a quite long time.
However, Yoana forgives Fergus for what he has done. It occurs in the end of the
quest where the lieutenant decides to make Yoana the leader in the forge. Fergus
is actually willing to leave the forge. However, Fergus is stopped by Yoana. She
asks him to stay instead and restart their relationship as a partner in work.
The second research findings discuss about how the gender inequality
depicted in the side quest. Based on how the men characters treat Yoana, it can be
concluded that they consider themselves as superior. Superior takes control and
leaves inferior behind. It is required to be verified that superior goes to Fergus and
the lieutenant and inferior goes to Yoana. Yoana has been limited in her rights, for
example, talking to discuss business is not allowed by Fergus. This unequal
treatment Yoana receives is caused by the patriarchal system. It is no question if
Fergus and the lieutenant see Yoana as a menial labor than a partner or normal
worker, as Yoana states. As long as patriarchy exists, gender equality will never
be established without empowerment.
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In order to oppose patriarchy, Yoana empowers herself. She does this in
order to establish equality in the society. Yoana empowers herself in two ways.
First is social empowerment. It deals with the social status of the woman character
in order to achieve equal status and also treatment. It is very close and related to
feminism. Yoana promises to Geralt that she would not stick in the same fate as
she used to be. She promises she would oppose the patriarchal system that
occurred in the society.
Second, Yoana insists on making her own armor. When Fergus makes one
because he receives an order from the lieutenant, Yoana is decided to make one
also. However, Yoana crafts the armor with her own ways, her own materials and
most of all, with her own knowledge of making armor. Yoana knows that regular
armor would not be durable without bathing it to acid. Yoana asks Geralt to bring
her acid from a monster called “Archgriffin” and he brings it as she asked. Yoana
knows the method because she possessed great knowledge of making armor. It is
no wonder that the lieutenant shifts his view of Yoana. In the end of the story,
Yoana is crowned as the true “master armorer” because she successfully crafted
her own armor in which it has better quality than Fergus‟ armor. It shows that
Yoana is actually clever and possessed high intelligent on making armors. This
way is called educational empowerment since it deals with men and women
receive equal treatment of education. In this case, Yoana is more capable on
making armors with her own intelligent.
Literature could embody in many ways. One of its mediums is video
game. It has narration that directs the characters to follow the story. In addition,
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gender equality is also warm issue to discuss nowadays. In battling the inequality
between genders, it requires empowerment. In this case, women have suffered
from men‟s domination. It is called women‟s empowerment. The issue
aforementioned occurs in video games also. One of them in The Witcher 3: Wild
Hunt especially for the secondary mission Master Armorer. The only woman
character namely Yoana is oppressed by the patriarchy system in her society.
However, she managed to break the believe and proved that women are not weak,
even in the depiction in video games.
Lastly, this study has uncovered the gender equality issue and women‟s
empowerment in a video game entitiled The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt especially in
Master Armorer side quest. However, the present researcher would also invite
other researcher to explore on gender study and women‟s empowerment found in
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt for further enrichment of gender equality and women‟s
empowerment.
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APPENDIX
Appendix 1: Conversation Transcript of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Master
Armorer Side Quest.
The quest begins with Geralt of Rivia arrived at Crow’s
Perch. There is a dwarf who is a blacksmith that crafts
armors for Nilfgaardian soldier. He lived with his helper,
Yoana.
Fergus
―How may I assist you?‖
Geralt of Rivia
―Looking for someone who can craft me some armor. Gotta be
top quality.‖
Fergus
―Well, I’ve been at it twenty years, now. Mastered the craft
in some respects, if I do say myself.‖
Yoana
―Pft..You wish…‖
Fergus
―Don’t listen to her. She’s been sore lately, snortin’ every
chance she gets. So, what kind of armor are we talkin’
about?‖
Geralt of Rivia
―Light, but durable. Can’t constrain movement, and I gotta
be able to get in it without anybody’s help.‖
Fergus
―That all? Sure it shouldn’t be self-cleanin’? And how it
wipe your arse after ye take a shite in the bushes?‖
There are 2 possibilities to continue the conversation.
However, the point is still the same. Both choices make
Fergus says:
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Fergus
―Ought to know one thing when it comes to armor: if it’s
gotta be durable, it can’t be light.‖
Yoana
―It can. Just needs the proper tools to make it. Tools like
the folk of Clan Tordarroch used in Undvik.‖
Fergus
―Yoana, I told you time and again to stay silent when I talk
to customers. Shouldn’t pester folk with those nonsense
Skellige legend o’yours.‖
Yoana
―It ain’t legend, and it ain’t nonsense. My granddad would
go to Undvik for his armor, said Tordarroch folk made the
best. Till last year, that is, when a giant ravaged their
island. Inhabitants either ran off or died, but the forge
should be still in one piece.‖
Geralt of Rivia
―Worth looking into. Say I find the tools, will you craft
the armor for me?‖
Fergus
―Ahem. On condition you bring the tools. But only then.‖
Geralt of Rivia
―These legends mention where the forge might be?‖
Yoana
―Yes, north side of the isle, in a cave. Clan folk carved
out a rock face to build it.‖
Geralt of Rivia
―Look for the tools next time I’m in Skellige. Take care
now.‖
Geralt of Rivia continues his journey through the game.
Players can obtain the “forging tools” after defeating a
rock monster (ogre) in a cave as mentioned by Yoana. After
Geralt got the tools, the mission carries on by talking to
Fergus again.
Fergus
―How may I assist you?‖
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Geralt of Rivia
―Went to Undvik a while ago. Found these.‖
Fergus
―Well, goose kick me! These look like the real thing…‖
Yoana
―Because they are – look at the markings! Authentic! How did
you get them?!‖
Geralt of Rivia
―Wasn’t easy. Sooo…I’m hoping for a good price – on that
armor of mine.‖
Suddenly a Nilfgaardian soldier and his lieutenant approach
them.
Soldier
―Harmon aep Groenekan, lieutenant general of the Second
Mounted Army.‖
Fergus
―Welcome to our humble establishment! A true honor to host
one of such renown! I’ve heard the general’s connoisseur and
collector of armor.‖
Soldier
―This is true. And they call you a master of the craft.‖
Fergus
―All too kind, sir, tru—―
Lieutenant
―I need a suit of armor. Heavy, able to withstand piercing
projectiles.‖
Fergus
―Piercin’ projectiles? Bolts, you mean? Hmm, that ain’t
easy, needs a special alloy, temperin’…‖
Yoana
―The new tools – we can do it! Stoke the fire, I’ll ready
the rest!‖
Lieutenant
―Bold, your worker. You allow her much.‖
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Fergus
―Er, you know how it is, general. Good help’s hard to come
by. We should go outside, there’s business to discuss.‖
Yoana
―It’s always the same! I’ve had enough!‖
Geralt of Rivia
―Enough?‖
Yoana
―They treat me like I'm nobody, the menial labor. Truth is,
the Nilfgaardian, the one Fergus is kissing up to - I'll
have to craft his armor. Yours, too, for that matter.‖
Geralt of Rivia
―Hmmm… So what’s Fergus do?‖
Yoana
―Horseshoes, nails…Not much else you can do, seeing as he
cocks up simple bungs. But in the end, they call him
―master.‖ No one’d ever think I could be a skilled armorer -
a human, and a woman to boot. A dwarven blacksmith - that's
another story…‖
Geralt of Rivia
―If that's the case, stand your ground. Don't let him treat
you like this.‖
Yoana
―I won’t, not anymore. He can craft the Nilfgaardian armor
himself. I'll make another suit, and we'll see which one's
better. I need but one thing I can’t get on my own. Would
you help me?‖
Geralt of Rivia
―Depends on what it is.‖
Yoana
―To finish the armor, I’ll need to harden it, quench it in a
bath. Oil’s what we usually use, but I want to use acid.‖
Geralt of Rivia
―Hmm… Kikimores and archgriffins spit acid.‖
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Yoana
―Archgriffins? Draconic griffins, you mean? Baron’s men came
by few days back. Said they’d seen one north of Crow’s
Perch. It’d killed some folk out there.‖
Geralt of Rivia
―Bound to be a notice posted for the griffin anyway. Could
kill two beasts with one stone. Fine, I’ll see what I can
do.‖
Yoana
―Bring me the acid, and I'll prove I'm better than Fergus.
And I’ll craft armor for you, lots of it, the kind no other
armorer can.‖
After talking to Yoana, Geralt is supposed to fight a
monster called archgriffin and extract its acid as Yoana’s
request.
Yoana
―You’re back! So? Got the acid?‖
Geralt of Rivia
―Mhm. Use it carefully. It’s about as caustic as things
come.‖
Yoana
―I know. It’s burned many a man where I come from. Armor’s
ready, now for the last touch. We’ll soon see who’s better –
Fergus or me.‖
A Few Hours Later…
Yoana
―Geralt! It’s done.‖
Geralt of Rivia
―Looks…very professional.‖
Fergus
―Welcome, general. Armor’s all ready. Come out splendid, if
I do say so myself.‖
The game shows both what the armors look like. Fergus’ one
is not so “professional” than the one that is crafted by
Yoana.
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Lieutenant
―Rather coarse. I trust the appearance does not reflect the
quality.‖
Yoana
―General, I’ve also made a suit. If you please…‖
Lieutenant
―What is the meaning of this?‖
Geralt of Rivia
―Exactly what it looks like. Yoana crafted a suit of armor
for you, general. To prove she’s the superior armorer.‖
Fergus
―For gods’ sake, Yoana… What do you think you’re doin’?‖
Lieutenant
―Temeria remains a wild land, it seems. Insubordination of
this kind is not something we Nilfgaardians allow.‖
Yoana
―If I may, general. I am Fergus’ subordinate in appearance
alone. It’s what we agreed, as few would ever believe a
woman to be a better armorer than a dwarf.‖
Lieutenant
―You are right. I, for one, do not think it possible. But
you are confident in your abilities. Let us put them to the
test. Not on dummies, in live combat.‖
A civilian pass nearby to talk to Fergus.
Civilian
―Ho, ho, quite a crowd.‖
Liuetenant
―You there. Put in this armor.‖
Civilian
―Er… I’m just here to shoe me horse…‖
Lieutenant
―Mine is not a request.‖
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Yoana
―General, I crafted this armor for a man. It can’t fit me
properly.‖
Lieutenant
―Then find another to wear it.‖
Yoana
―Geralt? Will you help?‖
Geralt of Rivia
―Fine. Hope I won’t regret this…‖
Lieutenant
―Don your armor, both. I will await outside.‖
Geralt and the civilian don their armors. Geralt wears armor
from Yoana and the civilian from Fergus. The test begins.
The lieutenant shoots a bolt and it pierced through the
civilian’s armor.
Lieutenant
―Does this look to you like armor that stops bolts?
Compensate the man. Now. Let us see what this other suit is
worth.‖ – talking to Fergus.
The lieutenant shoots a bolt and it does not pierced through
Geralt’s body.
Geralt of Rivia
―Gonna live?‖
Civilian
―Ah… Aye. But this armor’s rubbish.‖
Lieutenant
―Stand. I wish to see the armor.‖
Geralt of Rivia
―Not even a dent.‖
Lieutenant
―I am not easily impressed, but I must admit you have
succeeded, my dear. Where to, dwarf? You must hear this. The
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forge is now Miss Yoana’s. She will also assume all
Nilfgaardian army requisitions. Is that clear?‖
Fergus
―Aye, as day.‖
Lieutenant
―Your pay for the armor. I will send a man to collect it.‖ –
Giving the pay to Yoana.‖
Fergus
―I’ll be goin’, to, methinks… Just get my things.‖
Yoana
―Wait. We needn’t part ways, Fergus. You’ve been a good
helper – we could go on that way. But… without the lie…‖
Fergus
―Hmm… We did make quite the pair.‖
Yoana
―Well then, go stoke the fire. We’ve got customer, he needs
armor fit for a witcher.‖
Fergus left the scene to stoke the fire.
Yoana
―You weren’t certain the armor would protect you. Admit it.‖
Geralt of Rivia
―Master craftsmanship’s something I trust in, some I strive
for myself. Wouldn’t have asked for legendary tools from
Undvik and archgriffin acid if you didn’t know what you were
doing.‖
Yoana
―Thank you for trusting me. Give us a few days, and your
armor’ll be ready. Come on, let me help you get out of
that.‖
Geralt could go somewhere for a few days in the game or
meditate for some days in order to get his armor from Yoana.
Approximately 2 days, the armor is ready.
Yoana
―Geralt! Good for you to come by. What can I do for you?‖
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Geralt of Rivia
―My armor coming along all right?‖
Yoana
―It’s ready. I’ve reinforced the joints and bathed it in
acid. As my clan’s tradition demands.‖
Geralt of Rivia
―Thanks. How much do I owe you?‖
Yoana
―Oh please. I’d not be here if it weren’t for you. It’s a
gift, in thanks for what you did. Take it, and may it serve
you well.‖
Geralt of Rivia
―Thanks. And you take care.‖
Geralt receives the armor and the quest is completed.
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI