Torn To Pieces

Now enter the woods to the northwest of Blackbough. Expect pockets of wild nekkers and wolves to dispatch. Once you reach the objective area, you can find a pack of wolves surrounding a corpse that could be a clue. However, once you dispatch the wolves to clear the way for the investigation, Margaret suddenly interrupts your search. She pleads with you to end the search and lie to Niellen that his wife is dead. You have two opportunities to agree to this. You can:

• Agree, receive 55 crowns from Margaret, return to Niellen and lie to him regarding his wife’s fate, and receive an additional 10 crowns.
• Agree, receive 55 crowns from Margaret, and continue to complete this quest.
• Refuse, receive a verbal tongue-lashing as Margaret walks off, and continue your woodland search.

Slightly southwest of the center of the objective area is a grim discovery; the rotting corpse of Hanna who has been literally torn to pieces. Close by is the body of a dog; examine that to see long cuts made with lengthy claws. Note the claw marks on the ground around the dead dog, too. You know what made these lacerations…

Near to the dead dog are paw marks near an upright stone where the werewolf climbed a tree. Close by is a tuft of fur, and a stench you can follow through the woods. Look up with your Witcher Senses as you spot the scent moving through the tree branches, and track it back to the ground, eventually finding some shredded clothing. While this is happening, expect to encounter more wolves and a bear.

Look northwest from the discarded clothes, and find the hunter’s quarters (Isolated Shack signpost), and enter the premises. On a bed are some Mysterious Notes. Read them to confirm your suspicions of werewolf activity.

Now exit and inspect some freshly-dried blood to the side of the structure. Venture under the property, to a hidden cave with a door you need to smash open using Aard.