In “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” players step into the boots of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter tasked with tackling various contracts throughout the land. One of these challenges is the “Shrieker” contract in Velen, a side quest that involves a Cockatrice terrorizing the locals at Crow’s Perch. This guide will cover the ins and outs of this contract, including how to initiate the quest, strategies to lure and kill the Shrieker, and whether or not to accept the reward.
Finding and Starting the “Shrieker” Contract
To begin the “Shrieker” contract, head to the region of Velen, specifically to a location called Crow’s Perch. There are two ways to trigger this quest:
- Read the notice on the Crow’s Perch notice board.
- Locate the Shrieker’s cave on your own while exploring.
Upon engaging with the notice board, you will be directed to talk to Chet, who provides the background on the beast terrorizing the villagers. It’s revealed that the last person who attempted to confront the Shrieker lost his life, leaving behind a son, Symko, who Chet has since taken in.
After speaking with Chet, find Symko near the same house to gather information about the Shrieker. The child was present during the attack, and you can either choose to calm him down using the Axii Sign or let him be. This will conclude the initial investigation phase of the quest.
Tracking and Luring the Shrieker
Begin your hunt by heading to the attack site, located east of Crow’s Perch. Utilize Geralt’s Witcher Senses to examine the area for clues. You will find a dead dog and tracks that reveal the monster’s trail. As you follow the blood stains, Geralt deduces that the creature must be wounded.
Track the trail toward a cave entrance. As you enter, listen for auditory cues and use your Witcher Senses to highlight evidence. Eventually, the noises lead you to the Shrieker’s (Cockatrice’s) hiding spot, boosting your experience by 25 XP for identifying the creature correctly. The next step is to lure the beast out by throwing a bomb—preferably a Samum, Grapeshot, or Dancing Star bomb—towards the sound’s origin point. This will scare the Shrieker into fleeing through another exit, setting up an opportunity to engage it outside the cave.
Combat Strategies: Killing the Cockatrice
Before confronting the Cockatrice, it’s crucial to equip and prepare accordingly. Cockatrices are weak against several substances and tools, particularly Draconid Oil and certain bombs. Make sure to apply Draconid Oil to your silver sword and have a Crossbow ready.
- Maintain a position at the creature’s sides or back to avoid its frontal attacks.
- Utilize your crossbow when it attempts to take flight, which can force the beast back to the ground.
- The Aard Sign is particularly useful to temporarily stun the Shrieker, creating openings for additional attacks.
The combat experience mirrors previous encounters, such as the Griffin battle, where dodging its aerial and ground attacks forms the core of the strategy. Once the creature is slain, you are rewarded with the Cockatrice trophy and various valuable materials.
Loot and Rewards
Upon defeating the Shrieker, you can loot several items from its body. These include:
- Cockatrice Trophy: This can be attached to Roach’s saddle, offering a 10 percent chance of dismembering enemies.
- Cockatrice Stomach: A valuable alchemy ingredient for crafting superior oils.
- Monster Blood and Feathers: Used in a variety of crafting recipes.
- Cockatrice Egg and Mutagen: Vital for advanced alchemical concoctions.
- Dwarven Axe: A weapon that provides an additional critical hit bonus and armor-piercing properties.
Claiming or Refusing the Reward
Once geared with the trophy, return to Chet to resolve the contractual obligations. Players face a moral choice here: either take the reward or allow Chet to keep the money for Symko’s benefit.
| Decision | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Take the Money | Receive 235 gold and approximately 176 experience points. |
| Refuse the Reward | Obtain around 250 experience points for the act of charity. |
Your decision impacts the perception of Geralt’s character, though it’s more of a moral choice than one affecting the game significantly. Securing the coin might be necessary for financially strapped players, but leaving the reward for the boy’s welfare adds a layer to Geralt’s personality as a compassionate monster hunter.
In conclusion, the “Shrieker” contract efficiently tests players’ abilities to track, strategize, and execute monster slaying tasks endemic to “The Witcher 3” experience. Whether you choose financial gain or altruism, this contract underscores the nuanced world in which Geralt navigates, blending mythic challenges with everyday human tribulations.
