Gaining The Upper Hand

Over at the alcove table are the revolting, chopped, and water-logged remains of the recent victim. They stink, but further examination is needed. Inspect the following:

• (Examine head): You pry a small pouch of Nilfgaardian florens from the throat; if the murderer did this, you’re dealing with a sentient, thinking Beast.
• (Examine arms): Both are separated from the torso. More interestingly is a third hand, which the Bruxa placed in her bag.
• (Examine chest): Though the body suffered great blows to it, the bones were sliced through, and not crushed; indicating the creature had long claws. No Bruxa did this!
• (Examine the severed hand): A still-warm hand, severed at the wrist! Though several monsters can regenerate, the limb seems alive, still.

The pouch in the mouth, the way the body was quartered, and the third hand from a separate entity all offer up further questions and no answers. It is time to visit the Duchess herself, and reveal your investigation to Palmerin.