Much like Geralt's friend Dandelion, the dwarf Zoltan Chivay has played a major role in The Witcher franchise since the very beginning. Though he only appeared briefly in Andrzej Sapkowski's novels, CD Projekt Red granted him a much more significant role in all three of The Witcher games. As one of the most memorable side characters across the series, Zoltan's personality is just one of the characteristics that make him stand out among Geralt's friends and allies.
Zoltan was a veteran of the Second Nilfgaardian War, and he met Geralt while traveling with a company of dwarves, one halfling and Zoltan's parrot, Field Marshall Windbag (translated as Field Marshal Duda in the English version of the books). In an effort to escape Nilfgaardian enemies, the party was traveling toward Sodden when they encountered a band of refugees comprised mostly of women and children. Zoltan and his company traveled alongside the refugees to protect them, and it was as they went further south toward Nilfgaard that he encountered Geralt, Dandelion and Milva.
Though Zoltan believed Geralt's mission to enter the City of Golden Towers would fail, they traveled together for a time until being separated during an attack of Nilfgaardian soldiers on the Ina. They reunited weeks later, Geralt's party now containing several new members, and though they traveled together briefly, Zoltan told Geralt he and his men were heading back to Mahakam.
When they parted ways, Zoltan gifted Geralt with Sihil, a sword of dwarven make that he treasured. They did not meet again until after Geralt and Yennefer retrieved Ciri. Geralt was meant to meet with them again in Rivia, but a pogrom resulted in Geralt being killed with a pitchfork as he tried to defend those being oppressed. Yennefer died expending her magic saving Geralt, and Zoltan witnessed the entire thing.
That Zoltan appeared in the first Witcher game was not a surprise. He was first encountered just outside of Vizima when Geralt happened upon him surrounded by a group of thugs. The two fought off them together, and afterwards, Zoltan confessed his joyful surprise to see the witcher, whom he'd watched die just five years earlier, with his very own eyes.
For the remainder of that game, Zoltan and Geralt could spend time together, especially if Geralt sided with the Scoia'tael or remained neutral in their dealings. Zoltan taught the witcher about dice poker, and Geralt could potentially earn a diamond by drinking Zoltan under the table in a drinking match.
In The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, Zoltan was first encountered in Chapter One, where he is about to be hung in Flotsam alongside Dandelion for colluding with the Scoia'tael. After rescuing the pair, Geralt discovered that Zoltan's engagement had fallen through, as had his mining career, and he had been making his living as a merchant and jewelsmith.
The game featured a number of quests that found Geralt fighting side by side with Zoltan. If he happened to side with Iorveth and the Scoia'tael on matters, it became clear where the dwarf's loyalties were. He deeply wanted the freedom Iorveth and Saskia were pursuing for non-humans, and he would be whatever he could do to make that happen.
Zoltan also played a significant role in Wild Hunt, where he could be found in Novigrad at Dandelion's tavern. He had found and claimed a strange owl (which he called "Poppy") as he lamented for his old friend, the parrot Field Marshal Windbag. The owl later turned out to have been Philippa Eilhart in her animal form, and Zoltan was sad to see her go.
Zoltan was involved in numerous quests, including the hunt for Dandelion and a plotline of his own that saw him in a bit of hot water over a valuable set of Gwent cards he was trying to trade for profit. To bolster his income, Zoltan had started trading Gwent cards, and he asked Geralt to help him acquire a rare set that could potentially lead to a big payoff. This led to a dangerous showdown that further entangled the witcher in a mysterious plot that carried on for several questlines.
Because of his friendship with Geralt, Zoltan made himself readily available for numerous battles in Wild Hunt, including the Battle of Kaer Morhen that saw Geralt's mentor and father-figure, Vesimir, killed. While preparing for the battle, Zoltan worked in the keep as a blacksmith, helping to prepare for the upcoming fight.
One of Zoltan's most charming qualities is his sense of humor. He makes a mockery of life, taking things on the chin no matter how grim or dire they seem. In a world like that of The Witcher, being able to roll with the constant punches striking from all sides makes someone like Zoltan a priceless ally. Much like the role Dandelion plays in Geralt's life, the witcher's friendship with Zoltan is an endearing part of the story. Though they often find themselves in hot water together, their bond and mutual respect for one another makes the fights they face worthwhile.
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