“A Knight’s Tales” is one of the more intricate side quests in “The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine” expansion. This quest revolves around a mysterious bleeding tree and a girl named Daphne, who has been cursed and transformed into the tree. To complete this quest, Geralt must find a way to break Daphne’s curse. There are four primary options to achieve this, each offering a unique path and outcome.
Quest Initiation
To begin “A Knight’s Tales,” Geralt can either read an advertisement on one of the notice boards in Toussaint or directly encounter the quest giver, Jacob the Woodcutter. Jacob is located near a large tree in the western part of Toussaint. Once Geralt converses with Jacob, he’ll learn about the bleeding tree and the enchanted woman.
Investigating the Bleeding Tree
Upon arriving at the scene, Geralt should utilize his Witcher senses to examine several items around the tree, including:
- Blood on the main tree.
- Blood marks near the three.
- A cut-down smaller tree.
After gathering the necessary information, Geralt must speak with Jacob again. During this conversation, Geralt can also negotiate the payment, although it will not be significant. Jacob then provides Geralt with a book titled “Tales and Fables,” which is crucial for unlocking one of the quest’s possible resolutions.
Finding the Witch
Next, Geralt must locate the witch at Lynx Crag. Lynx Crag is to the north-west of the starting area (M2,13). The journey to the witch’s hut involves some climbing, as the hut is situated atop a high hill, reachable only via a narrow path.
Upon entering the hut, Geralt should use his Witcher senses to inspect all the items within. Key objects include the tomes “On the Transmutation of Bodies” and “Liber Ivonis,” a note titled “Remarks on the Proper Administration of Yarrow,” and a bear pelt with a magic symbol behind it. Hidden behind the pelt, Geralt finds a magic symbol and several attached items, including a Silk Kerchief.
Soon, the witch will appear in the hut, and Geralt must decide how to proceed. The available options include:
- Trying to lift the curse by himself.
- Asking the witch to help lift the curse.
- Forcing the witch to help lift the curse.
Variant A – Lifting the Curse Without the Witch’s Help
If Geralt chooses to lift the curse himself, he must return to the bleeding tree and prepare a ritual. This ritual involves lighting fires in four spots around the tree (no need for Igni, just press the interaction button). Once the fires are lit, a fight with Daphne, now transformed into a wraith, will commence.
- Before the battle, it’s advisable to use wraith oil.
- During the fight, use the Yrden sign to deal extra damage when she enters the magic circle.
- Avoid prolonged attacks, as Daphne’s strikes are powerful.
- Skeletons will spawn mid-fight; it’s best to focus on Daphne and ignore the skeletons as much as possible.
After defeating Daphne, Geralt can speak with Jacob to receive his reward.
Variant B – Asking the Witch for Help
This option is only available if Geralt has read the book from Jacob and thoroughly inspected the objects in the witch’s hut. The first step in this path is to kneel before the witch and agree to give her a lock of Geralt’s hair, enabling her to hide from him in the future.
The witch will then direct Geralt to find Sir Gareth’s remains, located in a cave beneath her hut. Inside the cave, Geralt will encounter level 40 kikimora workers and a warrior. Using insectoid oil and the Igni sign can help manage these foes. After defeating the monsters, Geralt can use Igni to clear the eggs blocking his path and access Sir Gareth’s bones at the cave’s end.
With Sir Gareth’s bones in hand, Geralt returns to the bleeding tree and lights the fires in four spots. This time, the curse is lifted peacefully, and Daphne’s spirit is freed. Jacob is happy and provides the agreed payment.
Variant C – Forcing the Witch to Lift the Curse
If Geralt opts to force the witch’s cooperation, he will first engage in battle with her and her level 40 panther. During the fight, focus on the witch and avoid the panther when possible. Utilizing signs like Quen for protection and Aard for stunning can be beneficial. Once the witch’s health is significantly reduced, she will surrender and agree to assist in lifting the curse.
Returning to the bleeding tree, Geralt discovers that Jacob is missing. Using Witcher senses to follow red trails, Geralt finds Jacob’s body and must then defeat Morholt, a wolf possessed by Daphne. Morholt’s abilities are straightforward, and using the normal sword along with signs like Igni will make quick work of him. Examining Jacob’s remains completes the quest.
Conclusion
“A Knight’s Tales” offers a rich narrative and multiple paths to explore in “The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine.” Whether Geralt lifts the curse himself, seeks the witch’s aid, or forces her into compliance, each route provides unique challenges and outcomes. Understanding the ramifications of each choice ensures that players can tailor their experience, providing them with a fulfilling journey through one of Toussaint’s most enigmatic side quests.
