Monster Slayer Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Quest
Suggested level: 26
Group: Secondary Quests
Location: Kaer Morhen
You can start this quest by inspecting the body of one of the drowners that you will findon the southeastern shore of the lake in Kaer Morhen. For example, you will find them near the Lakeside Hut.
While walking along the shore of the lake near Kaer Morhen, Geralt came across the body of a drowner. The witcher thought at first that Lambert or Eskel had killed the creature - but upon closer inspection he soon discovered there were no marks dealt by sword or Sign. It was thus clear someone - or something - else had done the drowner in. They say the enemy of one's enemy is a friend, but Geralt wanted to see who exactly this drowner-killing "friend" was.
Related points of interest
Lakeside Hut
Kaer Morhen
Troll's Lair
Kaer Morhen
Quest stages of Monster Slayer
1. Use your Witcher Senses to find out what's killing drowners near the lake.
Walking along the shore of the lake you will find more bodies of drowners that will eventually lead you to the Troll's Lair.
2. Kill the troll. / Search the troll's lair.
You'll encounter a rock troll (26) in the cave that you'll have to kill. Then search the cave and you'll find an old letter in it.
3. Read the letter.
Old Letter
All those chosen by the Professor should be present outside the keep at the designated time. Tardiness, failure to bring the proper equipment or insubordination will be punished with death.
We shall mount our principle attack on Kaer Morhen with our frightener. Gaining mastery of the keep should not present much of a problem, for we have heard only a handful of witchers remain in residence there. Therefore you must make haste: a 50 orens reward awaits you for every mutant head you sever.
Once we have taken the witchers' secrets, we must separate, in order not to attract attention. Every one of you will then be left to find your own way back to Vizima, where we will reunite.
-Azar Javed
When you read the letter, you will learn that it contains an old plan of Salamandra's attack on Kaer Morhen, which was not implemented thanks to the troll.
It turned out the drowners had perished at the hands of an old rock troll who clearly did not want them as neighbors. He didn't seem fond of Geralt's presence, either - or at least, it seems safe to conclude as much, given that he tried to tear the witcher to shreds as soon as he saw him. Witchers make tougher opponents than drowners, however, and the troll was soon cut down. Geralt then uncovered a very interesting document in the troll's cave that shed new light on the Salamandra's attack on the fortress years prior.