In “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” not every quest requires slashing through monstrous beasts or thwarting nefarious human foes. Some missions take a lighter tone, like the whimsical side quest “Shock Therapy” found in Skellige. This guide provides an in-depth walkthrough to complete the quest by outlining how to spook the mute druid, Egill, effectively and enjoyably. Whether you’re looking for a chuckle or just aiming to collect every Gwent card the game offers, this guide will cover all routes to success.
Starting the Quest
The “Shock Therapy” quest begins near Gedyneith, a sacred tree located in the Skellige archipelago. As you wander the area, you will encounter a druid near a cave, waving you over to solicit your help. This druid, concerned about Egill, a fellow druid who has recently fallen silent, requests your assistance in “curing” his friend.
Understanding the Task
Upon accepting the quest, you realize your task is to administer a shock — not of the physical sense, but through carefully orchestrated pranks meant to jolt Egill into speaking. According to the druid, traditional healing methods have failed, and he believes a good scare might do the trick.
Locating Egill
Egill roams around his workspace, providing little verbal interaction but plenty of non-verbal language. Responding to your attempts at conversation, he presents a middle finger rather than words. Here’s where the real challenge begins: using your Witcher Senses, you need to find the right tactics to scare Egill into breaking his vow of silence.
The Methods: Frightening the Silent Druid
Three different options are available, each contingent upon Egill’s current activity. Below is a detailed breakdown of each method and when to use them to achieve the desired fright:
- Destroy Egill’s Fire: If Egill is warming himself by the campfire, extinguish it abruptly by using the Aard sign. This unexpected action will startle him and might earn you another crude gesture.
- Hit the Pots: When you find Egill resting on his mat, a blast of Aard directed at the nearby pots will cause a loud noise, disturbing his peace and jarring him into revealing language prowess unexpected from a silent druid.
- Disturb the Hornet’s Nest: If Egill is near the edge, deep in prayer, a nearby hornet’s nest presents an opportunity for fright. Use the Aard sign once more to send the hornets in his direction, prompting a reaction that might just make him break his quiet reverie.
The Outcome
Upon effectively scaring Egill with the three methods, he bursts into a tirade of words, angry at being disturbed. It turns out Egill had taken a vow of silence for spiritual reasons, not due to a physical ailment. Geralt and the player find themselves at the heart of a druidic prank.
Concluding the Quest
Once Egill has had his outburst, you should return to the druid who initially gave you the quest. A humorous exchange follows, but ultimately, your dialogue choices here do not alter the quest’s outcomes. Completion of the quest rewards you with 75 experience points and a special Gwent card, Iorveth, adding extra strategy to your deck.
Strategizing the Approach
The “Shock Therapy” quest, while simple in its mechanics, offers players a detour from the usual intensity of the Witcher’s path. To execute this quest efficiently, keep the following strategies in mind:
| Action | Timing | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Destroy Fire | When Egill is near fire | Use Aard to extinguish fire promptly. |
| Hit the Pots | When Egill is laying mat | Blast nearby pots with Aard. |
| Hornet Nest | When Egill is praying | Agitate nest by blasting it with Aard. |
Exploring Broader Themes
Beyond its comedic veneer, “Shock Therapy” toys with themes of perception versus reality and misinterpretation. Geralt, trusting in his role as a healer, further emphasizes the occasionally misguided but good-hearted intent in using alternative methods of “therapy.”
Conclusion
“Shock Therapy” provides a moment of levity rooted deeply in The Witcher 3’s complex world. Whether you are a veteran of the series revisiting this side quest or a new player delving into Skellige’s mysteries for the first time, executing this task grants more than a card for your Gwent deck; it offers an entertaining respite and insight into everyday life within the Witcher’s universe. By following this guide and choosing the best strategies, you ensure not only quest completion but also perhaps a newfound appreciation for the lighter-hearted narrative interludes that populate Geralt’s epic journey.
