The “Traces in the Manor” quest is a pivotal moment in Chapter 3 of Crimson Desert. After completing the “Manor” task, you will head to Glenbrait Manor. There, you will have to find hidden rooms using environmental puzzles, collect key items such as daggers and the basement key, and rescue Nair and Andrew.
Along the way, you will unlock valuable trophies, lore, and crafting recipes that will significantly ease the upcoming boss battle with the “Reed Devil” in Chapter 3. This guide will walk you through every step of the “Traces in the Manor” quest in Crimson Desert so you don’t miss anything important.
Table of contents
Completing “Traces in the Manor”
Getting to Glenbrait Manor
Save
Before entering Glenbrait Manor, there are a few things to take care of. The manor is located south of Howling Hill, about a kilometer away. The journey itself will be peaceful, but what awaits at the destination is not.
So, prepare food at the manor’s camp in advance – this will give you a safety net during both the ambush and the subsequent boss fight. It is highly recommended to upgrade your equipment to at least the second or third level at the forge, as the enemies here deal significant damage.
When you arrive at Glenbrait Manor, the corpse breaking through the front gate will set a grim tone, hinting that something terrible has happened inside. The battle will begin almost immediately after you cross the threshold.
The first serious challenge in the “Traces in the Manor” quest is the sudden attack by the Reed Devil’s minions. These enemies are fast, aggressive, and constantly teleport or change position. Trying to brute force your way through is an exhausting endeavor.
Instead of chasing them, focus on controlled combat. Dodge in time, wait for the right moments, and use short combinations of strikes, rather than long and risky chains.
Once you clear the courtyard, you will finally have space to catch your breath and start exploring the manor itself.
Glenbrait Manor is the main highlight of the “Traces in the Manor” quest. It’s not just a place for battles, but a multi-layered puzzle, full of hidden rooms, valuable loot, and storyline hints.
Immediately after entering, inspect the right side by the stairs. There is a painting depicting two knights fighting on horseback. You can literally enter the painting and interact with the wall to open a secret room. Inside, you will find the Glenbrait Manor Basement Key – your first important item for progress.
Then go upstairs and take down the Golden Dagger with a Ruby Handle from the wall. You will also see a candelabra casting light around the room, and opposite it stands a statue holding a large gemstone. To the left of this statue is a cabinet connected to a mechanism. Open the cabinet and interact with the rotating handle inside.
Continue rotating the handle and adjusting the direction of the light from the candelabra. Turn it until the light falls directly on the statue. With the correct alignment, a hidden niche will open in the wall, containing the Golden Dagger with a Sapphire Handle.
Exploring the Study
Save
With both daggers in hand, head to the study on the upper floor. You will recognize it by the large fireplace and desk. Above the fireplace, there are two slots specifically designed for the daggers you collected. Insert both, and a hidden mechanism will activate. The bookshelf to the right will slide aside. You will discover a secret passage leading down.
Before descending, talk to the injured servant in the study. The conversation with him will give you context for the storyline and hints about what lies ahead. On the desk, you will find the Glenbrait Manor Key – another important item.
In the room, you will also find a Memory Shard. Use Fire to reveal and view it.
Save
In the far corner, you will find a Crafting Book titled “Two-Handed Word, Volume 1”. Interacting with it unlocks new crafting recipes.
Searching the Basement
Save
After finishing upstairs, go through the secret passage and head down to the basement. There, you will find several valuable items. In the basement, there is a Cloud Cart Blueprint.
Completing “The Unhuman”
Save
Follow the Trail
The next part begins with the side quest “The Unhuman”. After clearing the manor, return to the study and use Fire near the open window. This will reveal a trail that will lead you out of the manor and deeper into the surroundings.
Follow the trail. Along the way, you will encounter more enemies – Reed Devils, usually in groups. These battles can quickly deplete your resources, so don’t hesitate to avoid unnecessary fights if you have low health or supplies.
Eventually, the trail will lead to a hut guarded by soldiers. Inside, you will find Nair and Andrew along with the Count. Here, a cutscene will begin, which will advance the quest to the next phase: the hunt for the Reed Devil.
