The Crones

The Crones, also called the Ladies of the Wood, are three ancient witches: Brewess, Weavess and Whispess. They rule over Crookback Bog in Velen and are thought to be daughters of the original Lady of the Wood. They have been around since humanity’s earliest days, maybe even since before the elves came.

For the people of Velen they are the true rulers of the land. They offer protection in return for total obedience and demand gruesome offerings. They speak through an enchanted tapestry and through Gran, an old woman bound to their service. Their magic draws on water and earth. They hear everything said in their woods, can see what is coming, twist the fates of mortals and seem to stay ageless and strong thanks to their elixirs.

Geralt first deals with them while searching for Ciri around the bog, in quests like Ladies of the Wood, Family Matters and Return to Crookback Bog. In Ciri’s Story: Fleeing the Bog we learn how close Ciri came to falling into their hands. The reckoning comes on Bald Mountain during their sabbath in Bald Mountain. Ciri fights all three and kills Brewess and Whispess, but Weavess escapes. In the tragic ending of Something Ends, Something Begins, Geralt hunts her down in the bog to take back Ciri’s medallion.

Combat strategy

The main Crones fight happens with Ciri during Bald Mountain, after Imlerith falls. It’s three against one and they hit very hard, so patience matters more than damage. Two of the sisters can briefly fade out of material form and dodge your hits, which makes Brewess the easiest target for Ciri’s Charge.

Blink is Ciri’s best tool here. Use it to dart between them, land hits and get out before they can gang up on her.

Use Blink to hit all three Crones and break up the spell they are weaving together.
Save Charge mostly for Brewess, since the other two can phase out.
Keep moving and don’t stand in front of more than one sister at a time.
Play it safe and wait for openings. They punish greedy attacks.