A very tragic story of a cage for a monster, which served as the physical shell of a witcher, who sacrificed himself. Several hundred years in an endless stream of struggle. And deliverance by his own fellow School of the Wolf.
The heroic component of these creatures has always admired me, their nobility with which they undertake to save those, who sometimes don't deserve this honor. But such is the fate of heroes; they will cover even the ungrateful with their breasts.
Sketch attempt of Godfried’s austere dad, Reinald, back in the 80s. Reinald is French Canadian and in his prime he was a relatively famous landscape painter within his locality. Unfortunately, Godfried and his father never really got along. I won’t go into details. You’ll find out why when I post the damn story.
Under the read more, all the relevant notes/letters from Reinald that Geralt discovers in the new quest. Spoilers, obviously.
Notes presented in the order you can find them.
Reinald's note
Dear O.
If [sic] hope this message finds you well. Beware the beings that lurk the mine. Took them for plague spirits of some type at first, but they behaved all too human, just stupefied in some strange way. A novel ghoul species? Wraiths? A manifestation of concentrated suffering? Whatever the case, they haven't tried to hurt me (much). Still, I advise caution.
Watch for the ones pierced by nails - they seem especially dangerous. Was forced to kill one when it attacked. I assumed it was a ghoul, but its viscera were fully and undeniably human. That said, most of the organs were badly damaged - symptoms of a blood fever. Couldn't understand how he was still alive. I suspect now it must have been some form of possession - something that twisted his form, and then - for reasons unknown - departed. I gathered samples our mentors ought to see. Have I discovered a new species? Curious to hear your thoughts.
Reinald
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First letter from Reinald
Dear O.
If you're reading this, it means you found the message I stowed near Novigrad as agreed. Probably wondering to yourself: who was right? You'll be happy to know… you were. I'll only acknowledge it this once, so go on - savor the moment. But I digress - although the contract seemed easy enough, I should've waited for your arrival. How many times now have we made that mistake, hm?
I think I've contracted something, fallen ill somehow. And yes, I know that's impossible. But I have no other way to explain my fever and lapses in memory. Here's hoping I have a uniquely weak constitution for a witcher, because if not, I find the alternative explanation far more concerning. But if somehow the worst were to happen, I've prepared some notes for you. I marked each location with our insignia - you can't miss them.
For now, I'll experiment with a potion similar to Petri's Philter, though I lack celandine. With any luck I'll find some in the grasses surrounding Devil's Pit - that, or I'll have to substitute sewant mushrooms. If all goes well, you won't even read this. If all goes poorly - but it won't! - I'll store the recipe and ingredients for you. Again, just in case, because you'll never need to read this.
Reinald
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Third letter from Reinald
O.
Had to sit for a spell. The priests still won't open the gate and my strength is fading. My body feels like it's on fire. I have no memory of the past… hour? Day?
I'm trapped In this darkness, haunted by foolish thoughts with no way to distract myself.
Remember when we learned to hunt ghouls? The folk in that village believed necrophages to be "the dead arisen", animated by foul magics. Hah!
Wanted to ask you what will happen if I fail here… but I've suddenly forgotten your name… Osmar, was it? Omunds. Amund?
Osmund, yes! Gods, it's so clear now, but for a moment there… nothing. A gaping hole in my memory. Not an inkling of who you are.
Starting to think I will never leave this place.
R.
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Fourth letter from Reinald
Osmund
something inside me - no signs of leaving
can hardly write, won't let me
going to die here
all alone
if you don't find me
R.
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Second letter from Reinald
Dear O.
The whoresons! They locked me in! First they ask for aid, then, withoug hesitation, pen me in like a rabid mutt at the first sign of trouble. They wouldn't even hear my report, thought me a specter trying to deceive them. Fuck that cult and their "common good" horseshit. How can I help the common good if I can't get the herbs I need? Speaking of, the sewant mushrooms won't do the trick. I already checked. Turns out the worst-case scenario was true. I'm not sick after all - I'm possessed.
The specter has fully fused into my body. Not even Quen has an effect. If only I had the right ingredients, I could brew my philter, intensify my signs and expel the filth with a combination of Yrden and Aard. But as I said, the cocksuckers won't fucking let me!
Guess you'll be reading these letters after all… I'll be waiting deep in the caverns. Make the potion but DO NOT COME NEAR ME UNTIL YOU DRINK IT. And don't substitute any ingredients or the red miasmal will possess you too.
Strange…"miasmal"? What is that? How do I know it?
Dwarven spirit
Celandine (not sewant mushrooms!)
Contents of the chest
Reinald
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Fifth letter from Reinald
O.
shouted throat raw refused to let me out
know why now
Death everywhere
darkness blood corpses fresh and fetid, air thick with plague
Concentraded suffering created specter pestilence pain
a red miasmal - born from death young and old, rotted flesh
already inside me when entered cave
no strength to fight
imprison salt cavern only chance
