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.