In the Heart of the Woods

In the Heart of the Woods is a witcher contract in the village of Fayrlund on Ard Skellig. It starts with a brutally mangled body, and everyone in the village agrees that the Woodland Spirit did it. That is where the agreement ends.

The elders say the Spirit has protected Fayrlund for generations and is now punishing them for breaking an ancient pact. The younger villagers say it is a cruel brute that kills for pleasure, and that instead of worshipping it, they should get rid of it for good. Geralt promises to help, without yet knowing which side is right.

The investigation reveals the truth behind the killing and forces a decision. Siding with the young hunter Sven means killing the Woodland Spirit, a leshen, in a tough fight. Siding with the elder Harald means honouring the old ways, with all that comes with them. Both endings have a cost, and the quest is one of the best examples of Skellige’s clash between tradition and change.

Walkthrough

  1. Arrive in Fayrlund and examine the murdered man.
  2. Talk to Harald, Sven and the villagers.
  3. Investigate the forest and the Woodland Spirit’s grove.
  4. Decide whether to side with the elders or with the young hunters.
  5. If you side with Sven, fight and kill the Woodland Spirit.

Quest Consequences & Choices

Siding with Sven kills the leshen and ends the old pact. Siding with Harald keeps the old ways alive, with darker consequences for the village.

Involved characters

Involved monsters

Quest Type:
Rewards XP: 80 XP if you side with Harald, 110 XP if you side with Sven
Gold: 60 crowns
Loot: Leshen trophy (if you kill the Woodland Spirit)
Location:

weapons

Steel for humans, silver for monsters. Explore the craftsmanship, ancient runes, and legendary blades forged to survive the path.

monster

From bloodthirsty vampires in the shadows of Toussaint to ancient leshens guarding primeval forests. Study their weaknesses before the hunt.

characters

Witchers, sorceresses, kings, and bards. Uncover the complex histories, alliances, and fates of those who shape the Continent.

armor

Grandmaster gear from the schools of the Wolf, Cat, and Bear. Discover the protection and hidden powers of legendary witcher armor.