How to Find Mutton and Complete the Vlas Questline in Mortal Shell 2

Where to Find Vlas and Mutton for the First Time

The journey to find Vlas begins in the desolate Road of Absolution , an area immediately following the Outskirts of Mammon Beacon. This region is notorious for its verticality and the presence of lightning-wielding soldiers who can quickly deplete your health from a distance. According to Game8 , Vlas is positioned near a destroyed carriage, but reaching him safely requires a bit of tactical navigation.

Navigating the Road of Absolution

From the Beacon, follow the main path until you reach the large stone bridge. While the game encourages you to fight through the gauntlet of soldiers on the bridge, many experienced players recommend a different approach. By carefully dropping from the left side of the bridge onto the lower scaffolding, you can bypass the most dangerous ranged encounters. This shortcut places you directly behind the primary ambush point, allowing you to approach the wreckage with full health.

Identifying the Wreckage

Vlas is hiding behind a large, overturned wooden carriage. The wreckage is distinct, featuring scattered crates and a faint trail of blue smoke. When you first approach, Vlas will be visibly shaken, rambling about his lost companion, Mutton, and the "thieving brigands" who took everything. It is important to note that Mutton is not physically present here; you will only see an empty, bent cage nearby.

How to Trigger the Quest Progress at the Ambush Site

A common point of frustration for the community involves the quest failing to progress after the initial dialogue. Simply speaking to Vlas is insufficient to move him to his next location. As noted in several Reddit community threads , players must satisfy a specific "5-item" interaction requirement that the game does not explicitly track in the UI.

Checklist of Objects to Inspect

• The Scattered Weapon: A broken spear lying in the dirt about ten paces in front of the carriage.
• The Fresh Bloodstains: Located near the rear wheel of the overturned wagon.
• Cargo Crates: Specifically, the crate with the red cloth draped over it.
• The Small Empty Cage: This is the most frequently missed item, tucked slightly under the carriage frame.
• The Main Carriage Frame: Interact with the central axle of the wreckage.

Once all five items are inspected, Vlas will provide a new line of dialogue regarding the "Lonesome Spire" and the Brigands who took his key. At this point, you can safely leave the area to hunt for the Unremarkable Key.

Where to Find the Unremarkable Key to Free Vlas

The Unremarkable Key is a critical quest item located far from the initial ambush site. You must travel north toward the Sentry’s Grave dungeon, specifically looking for a sub-area known as the Abandoned Outpost. This area is heavily patrolled by elite guards, so caution is advised.

Locating the Abandoned Outpost

From the entrance of Sentry's Grave, head directly north past the stone pillars. You will encounter a small cluster of wooden shacks. The key is not hidden in a chest but is instead sitting plainly on a wooden table inside the largest shack. According to GameRant , this shack is often guarded by two shield-bearing enemies who can be difficult to stagger.

Combat Tips for the Shack Area

The guards here utilize a "shield bash" mechanic that can break your harden state. It is recommended to use a heavy weapon like the Smoldering Mace to deal posture damage. Alternatively, you can lure the guards out one by one using a lute or a throwing item to clear the shack safely. Once the area is clear, grab the Unremarkable Key from the table; it will appear in your inventory under the "Quest Items" tab.

How to Free Vlas at the Lonesome Spire

With the key in hand, your next destination is the Lonesome Spire . This location serves as a temporary camp for a group of Brigands. You will find Vlas locked in a cage at the very top of the spire, positioned directly behind a Brigand merchant who is selling stolen goods.

The Merchant Dilemma

This is a critical juncture in the questline. Freeing Vlas immediately causes the Brigand merchant to flee the area permanently. This merchant sells several limited-supply items that are difficult to acquire elsewhere in the early game. Before you interact with Vlas's cage, you should prioritize buying out the merchant's stock.

Once you have secured your items, use the Unremarkable Key on the cage. Vlas will thank you and mention that he will meet you at "the safe place" (Marrow Keep) once night falls. As noted by ShowGamer , you do not actually need to wait for a day/night cycle; simply reloading the area or resting at a Beacon will trigger his relocation.

Why Does Mutton Hiss and Can You Pet the Cat?

Mutton is one of the few friendly creatures in the world of Mortal Shell 2, yet many players are confused by his hostile behavior. Even after being "saved" and brought to Marrow Keep, Mutton will hiss at the player whenever they approach. This has led to a widespread search for a "petting" mechanic.

The Lute Secret

While Mortal Shell 2 does not feature a traditional "pet" prompt for Mutton, there is a hidden interaction involving music. If you stand near Mutton and play any Lute (Simple Lute or Impervious Lute), the cat's behavior changes significantly. After a few seconds of music, Mutton will stop hissing, sit down, and begin bobbing his head in time with the rhythm. This interaction is widely regarded as one of the most charming secrets in the game, as it rewards the player's familiarity with the Lute mechanic.

Shell Interactions and Myths

There is a common myth within the community that the Proxima shell allows for a unique petting animation. Based on testing and community feedback, this is only partially true. While the Proxima shell has a unique interaction with the dog found in the Eternal Narthex, Mutton remains indifferent to your shell choice. The only way to "befriend" the cat is through the power of song.

The Secret Lore Behind Mutton’s Two Tails

The story of Vlas and Mutton contains a dark undertone that many players miss on their first playthrough. Throughout the quest, Vlas expresses extreme distress over the Brigands threatening to "cut off Mutton's tail" if he doesn't cooperate. However, when you finally see Mutton in Marrow Keep, he appears perfectly healthy.

The Bandit’s Deception

If you look closely at the table behind the Brigand merchant at the Lonesome Spire, you will find a gruesome detail: a dead, mutilated cat missing its tail. This suggests the bandits killed a different cat to trick Vlas into believing they had harmed Mutton.

Vlas’s Denial

In his hub dialogue, Vlas mentions that Mutton "grew his tail back through sheer spite." This indicates that Vlas either realized the deception and chose to ignore the horror of it, or he truly believes in Mutton's supernatural resilience.

The Two Tails Conclusion

This environmental storytelling highlights the cruelty of the world, showing that even a "happy ending" for a merchant and his cat is built upon a foundation of bandit lies and unnecessary slaughter.

What Rewards Do You Get for Saving Mutton?

Completing the Vlas questline is highly recommended for any player looking to optimize their character. The rewards are both immediate and long-term, providing currency and essential hub services.

Reward Item	Quantity	Effect/Benefit
Coin of Mammon	2	Can be traded to Thestus to reset your Shell's skill tree or change the world state.
Hub Merchant Access	Permanent	Vlas becomes a permanent merchant in Marrow Keep, selling unlimited Roasted Rats and Bolts.
Mutton's Presence	Permanent	The cat stays in the hub, providing a rare moment of levity in the game's dark atmosphere.
Expanded Inventory	Unlock	Vlas adds the "Quenching Acid" to his inventory once he is settled, which is vital for weapon upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions