Hunting the Wild Hunt is an optional quest in Chapter IV which Geralt can receive from the Hermit in the Fields.
Walkthrough
While speaking with the Lady of the Lake, Geralt learned that the Fisher King was not her only servant in town. The Hermit, a druid, was also part of her circle and happened to be an expert on the legend of the Holy Grail. He decided to pay the recluse a visit.
The hermit was an obliging fellow who was more than happy to satisfy Geralt's curiosity about the Holy Grail and the Lady of the Lake. In return, the witcher asked him if he was in need of the services of a witcher. Surprisingly (not!) he was. The hermit explained that the King of the Wild Hunt and his band of crazed spectres had invaded the fields trying to lure the spirits of the Lady's fallen champions, knights who were buried outside the hermit's hut in the kurgans, into their midst.
He told the witcher that while he can not hope to kill the King of the Wild Hunt himself, killing nine of his wraiths, a sacred number to the druids, would send him on his way. These specters appeared after dark, near the Druids' lantern in the south-eastern area of the fields, near the ravine. Geralt must have used mandrake sprinkled on the lantern's flame to keep the King of the Wild Hunt at bay while he killed the nine minions.
Geralt did as instructed and made quick work of the wraiths. He then went back to see the hermit and and collected his reward.
Notes
You can choose your reward in this quest. Possible rewards are:
- A book on vampires.
- Ownership of the witcher's hut (contains a few things, but is ultimately a rip-off):
- A rattle talisman for protection against giant centipedes worth 80
(200 to the Hermit). - Contrary to what the hermit claims, you can not use the hut to store items.
- Meditation within the witcher's hut is not possible (despite the Fireplace having a "name plate").
- A rattle talisman for protection against giant centipedes worth 80
- Wreath of immortelles
- The Wreath will come in handy in the quest The Heat of the Day as it is used to free nightwraiths of their curse.
Independently of your choice you also receive a pouch of salt talisman for protection against wraiths, worth 120
(300 to the Hermit).
Phases
The Wild Hunt
The hermit asked me to kill the wraiths that haunt the Druids' circle. He also told me how to repel the King of the Wild Hunt. First, I need to collect some mandrake root from the kurgans (or barrows) by the hermit's hut. Then I need to place the root in the fireplace within the Druids' circle and light it. I need mandrake root to drive the King of the Wild Hunt and his specters away from the Druids' Circle.
Mandrake
I must defeat the wraiths that haunt the Druids' circle. The hermit claims I can keep the King of the Hunt away by placing mandrake root on the fire in the Druids' Circle and lighting it. I must use mandrake root to drive the wraiths and the King of the Hunt away from the Druids' Circle. I must use mandrake root to drive the wraiths and the King of the Wild Hunt away from the Druids' Circle.
Wraiths
I defeated several wraiths, but I need to kill more if I'm to drive the Hunt away from the area. I have to defeat several more wraiths. (500 XP)
The Fire
I lit the fire and the King of the Hunt no longer troubles me. I can now destroy the other wraiths.
More Wraiths
I dispatched several more wraiths. I hope a few more will be enough. I must defeat several more wraiths. (1000 XP)
The Fire
I lit the fire and thus avoided having to face the King of the Hunt. I can now destroy the other wraiths.
Quest Completed
I defeated all the wraiths as agreed. I should see the hermit about my reward. Now I can see the hermit about my reward. (1500 XP)
A Reward
I picked up my reward. The hermit was grateful. He also gave me some wraith-repelling salt. I received my reward. ( + choice of reward + 5000 XP)
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