The Witcher 3: Contract: Lord of the Wood
The Witcher 3: Contract: Lord of the Wood is a side quest that puts players in the shoes of Geralt as he avenges a group of dwarven lumberjacks who fell victim to a monster in the forest. This challenging quest takes place near the end of the game, and players must navigate through Novigrad’s outskirts to complete it.
To start this quest, players must visit Cunny of the Goose in Novigrad. There, they will find a notice titled “Contract: Devil in the Woods” on the nearby Notice Board. Players can choose to read it or interact with it to learn more about the quest. The contract issuer, Brean Hotsch, explains that a team of lumberjacks was killed in the woods, and someone needs to eliminate the threat to allow operations to continue.
Before accepting the quest, players have the opportunity to negotiate their payment. Once ready, they should head to the site of the attack where they will meet the main characters of this quest: Astrid, Gele, and Torst. Astrid is the only survivor, while Gele and Torst require assistance.
Speaking to the survivor at the inn reveals that they were attacked by a large monster. Although Astrid provides some information about the attack, she doesn’t know the identity of the monster. Geralt's Witcher Senses pick up on this fact and provide a clue about the direction the monster ran off in.
Players should head to the Logger’s Hut, the lumberjacks’ work site. They will notice wheel tracks leading to an abandoned wagon deep in the woods.
Before proceeding, players should replenish their supplies as there are usually nekkers hanging around the area. Since players will have to fight these monsters anyway, it's better to prepare for the inevitable battle.
Investigating the wagon and the dwarves’ camp reveals clues pointing to a leshen as the monster responsible for the attack. Leshens have the ability to remain hidden in forests, so players must destroy its totem to force a confrontation.
Crows are often seen near the totem, providing a clue to its location. Players should head towards the furthest eastern location out of the four options given.
Using Aard to cast on the totem will destroy it. This triggers a cutscene where the young leshen confronts Geralt.
Players can improve their damage against the leshen by using Relict Oil. Setting the leshen on fire is an effective way to cause continuous harm.
The leshen attacks by sticking its arms into the ground, causing roots to burst up and damage Geralt. Players should avoid attacking the leshen while it’s in its smoke form, as it will reflect damage back.
Once the young leshen is defeated, players should collect the trophy. They must then return to Brean to claim their reward before heading back to Novigrad.
The Witcher 3: Contract: Lord of the Wood is a thrilling and challenging side quest that showcases the dangers of the Northern Realms’ forests. Our Witcher 3 Lord of the Wood tips provide plenty more details about the leshen, including its weaknesses and how to set it on fire.
