The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt continues to surprise players with its intricate side stories, particularly within the sun-drenched region of Toussaint. Available in the Blood and Wine expansion, the secondary quest titled A Knight's Tale offers a tragic and memorable narrative centered around a cursed tree and a weeping lumberjack. Navigating this moral dilemma requires a deep understanding of folklore, careful exploration, and a choice that will fundamentally alter the fates of those involved.
How to Start the Quest in Toussaint
To initiate this melancholic adventure, Geralt of Rivia must make his way to the Castel Ravello Vineyard notice board or travel directly north into the dense Caroberta Woods. There, players will encounter a lumberjack named Jacob who is mourning beside a strange, bleeding bleeding tree. Speaking with Jacob reveals that his beloved, Daphne, was transformed into the wood by a powerful witch inhabiting the nearby Lynx Crag.
Before confronting the supernatural entity, Geralt must utilize his keen Witcher Senses to examine the perimeter around the supernatural tree. Investigating the trunk reveals authentic human blood pooling near the roots, confirming that a powerful curse is actively binding a soul. This preliminary investigation establishes the necessary magical context needed to negotiate or battle the entity responsible for the transformation.
Investigating the Witch of Lynx Crag
Following the quest markers leads players high up the steep paths of the mountainside toward the secluded hut of the Witch of Lynx Crag. Upon arriving, players can search the exterior and interior of her dwelling to gather clues about her dark herbalism and ancient pacts. When the witch finally manifests, Geralt is presented with a critical dialogue choice that dictates how the curse can be lifted.
Players can choose to violently demand that the witch break the enchantment, which triggers an intense battle against her and her summoned panthers. Alternatively, using a peaceful approach allows Geralt to negotiate a ritual that requires retrieving a lock of Daphne's original hair from a nearby cave. Choosing diplomacy is often favored by completionists who want to explore every narrative thread available in this complex region.
Lifting the Curse and the Best Ending
If you opted for the peaceful route and retrieved the lock of hair, Geralt will return to Jacob to perform a cleansing fire ritual. This method successfully releases Daphne's spirit from the bark, allowing her soul to find peace while leaving Jacob safely alive to mourn his lost love. This outcome is widely considered the best resolution because it avoids unnecessary bloodshed and provides closure to the tragic couple.
Conversely, forcing the witch to lift the curse without the proper ritual components results in a horrifying transformation where Daphne emerges as a hostile wraith. In this scenario, Geralt is forced to destroy the spirit, and the collateral damage leads directly to Jacob's untimely demise from heartbreak. Balancing these choices highlights the classic dark fantasy elements that define the storytelling throughout the universe.
Quest Completion Rewards and Toussaint Coinage
Completing this harrowing contract rewards players with a substantial amount of experience points alongside a generous pouch of local Toussaint coin. Jacob will express his deepest gratitude depending on the final survival status of his physical form and soul. Additionally, completing the quest in a virtuous manner contributes directly to the five chivalric virtues required for the famous Aerondight sword trial.
For those looking to maximize their efficiency across the duchy, tracking down every unique reward ensures Geralt stays properly equipped for tougher end-game encounters. Players can read more about various optimization techniques and walkthrough strategies in our comprehensive gaming archives. Securing these resources makes navigating the remaining dangers of the fairy-tale province significantly smoother for veterans and newcomers alike.
