Getting To The Root Of The Problem

On your hikes across Ard Skellig, stop at the woodland village of Farylund (close to the middle of the island), and listen to a group of villagers muttering close to an irrigation stream. They speak about one of their own, killed by the woodland spirit. Head to the edge of the woods to view the twisted remains of a villager, strangled, split and torn, and wrapped tight in vines. The crowd is divided into two camps; those that believe the death was due to ignoring “the old ways” (lead by Harald), while others believe this is a monster that requires eradication (lead by Sven).

After a less than friendly welcome, mention your services are for hire. You may ask about the woodland spirit, the others it has killed, and why the spirit may be out for revenge. This starts a war of words between Harald and Sven. Tell them enough, and that you’ll make up your mind after you discover what’s responsible for the deaths. Head west, into the woods.

Move to the first objective area, dealing with a possible warrior endriaga incursion. Then stoop and use your Witcher Senses:

• Pick up a trail of large footprints.
• A dead dog shows thin and deep cuts, not unlike a razor.

Follow the trail, watching for four more endriaga, moving past a possible wolf attack as you reach the second objective area.

• Inspect a tangle of tree roots that have skewered a villager into an upright stone. This has smashed the victim’s bones which takes immense strength.
• Follow the tracks in a more southwesterly direction, into an area of standing stones and marsh waters. Expect frightened deer to scarper at your arrival.

The beast sharpened its claws (or marked territory) on three of the large standing stones. Engage a couple of white wolves in combat here. You know what made these marks now—an ancient male leshen.