The Beast of White Orchard

The Beast of White Orchard is the first proper monster hunt in The Witcher 3 and works as a sub-quest of Lilac and Gooseberries. The commander of the Nilfgaardian garrison knows where Yennefer went, but he will not share it for free. His soldiers have failed to kill a griffin that has been attacking the area, and he wants its head. Geralt, as he usually does when Yennefer is involved, agrees.

Why the griffin attacks

The investigation is a small lesson in witcher work. Geralt talks to the local hunter and the herbalist, reads up on griffins and learns why this one has turned so aggressive: Nilfgaardian scouts killed its mate while it was brooding. Griffins mate for life, and this one has been left a widower with a grudge. Geralt feels some sympathy for the beast, but a contract is a contract.

The hunt

To lure the griffin out, Geralt gets buckthorn from the herbalist to make bait, and Vesemir helps set the trap. Once it lands, the fight is a real test for new players, with the griffin swooping in and dragging Geralt across the field before it is brought down. Geralt takes its head to the garrison and can accept the promised payment or turn it down, which earns a bit more XP but no coin.

Walkthrough

  1. Talk to the Nilfgaardian commander at the garrison to take the contract.
  2. Visit the hunter to learn more about the griffin.
  3. Get buckthorn from the herbalist and read the bestiary entry on griffins.
  4. Talk to Vesemir and investigate the site where the griffin’s mate was killed.
  5. Set the bait in the field and kill the griffin with Vesemir’s help.
  6. Take the griffin’s head to the commander and accept or refuse payment.

Quest Consequences & Choices

Refusing the payment gives more XP instead of crowns. Either way, the commander tells Geralt where Yennefer went, and Lilac and Gooseberries continues.

Involved characters

Vesemir
Mislav
Peter Saar Gwynleve
Tomira

Involved monsters

Royal Griffin
Quest Type:
Rewards XP: 300 XP and 150 crowns if you accept payment, or 400 XP if you refuse it
Gold: 150 crowns (if you accept payment)
Loot: A crossbow, which Geralt keeps for the rest of the game
Location: ,

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