“Kaer Trolde is the main fortress on the isle of Ard Skellig. For centuries it has been the an Craites’ seat and jarl Crach an Craite’s pride and joy. Partly carved from the solid rock of the isle’s highest mountain, it makes a strong impression on all who behold it. Legend has it it was built by Grymmdjarr Iron Fang, son of Hemdall and Heulyn, founder of Clan an Craite. Grymmdjarr wanted a way to watch over all of Skellige to ensure no harm would come to his brothers, rulers of the other islands. So he wrapped heavy chains around a mountain resting on the sea floor, pulled it to the surface and placed it on the island of Ard Skellig. In seven days he carved out of it an impregnable fortress whose lofty towers afford a view of all the archipelago.”

-In Game Map Description

Far west, off the shores of Temeria lies a large group of islands called Skellige. These nordic, viking like people who live on these islands live off of the ship wrecks that wash up onto there islands shores. The largest island in Skellige is called Ard Skellige, this is the home of Skelliges largest cities and fortresses, Kaer Trolde.

This long lived castle nested in a massive cliff edge has stood as the home for Skellige most fearsome tribe. Other tribes live on the main island but none are as large and dominant as the Kaer Trolde Clan. There king, Bran who led his clan with an iron fist; Passes away as you first land into this town. People are heart broken but more so affriad of the Black Ones’ invasion that is imminent.

Skellige Ilse

The conflicts between tribes have been common over the centuries, however each civilization of people on this island all have the same values. They worship the land, and believe that the gods gift them with plentiful food and hunt. It is because of this that they fight for there honor, and to please the gods that gift them with life.

Your time on Skellige is long, and drawn out, but this is the location for the conclusion of the games story, and is a large place holder for after – game events. Personally, Skellige was my favorite area in the Wither 3, due to its vicious monsters and rugged landscapes.

“Once part of Redania, Novigrad now has the status of a free city. It is the world’s largest city and, without a doubt, the richest as well. Cradle of the cult of the Eternal Fire, it is now home to the church of the same name. It is ruled officially by the head of the church, referred to as the hierarch, though its underworld crime bosses also have a great deal of say in matters.”

-Map Description (in-game)

Novigrad is a special place in this game, 1/3 of the story take place in this one city, and thousands of NPC’s and side quests roam the streets of this absolutely massive city. This is the second main area in the game that you journey to, coming directly out of the harsh, baron swamp lands of Velen; Novigrad is a sight for sore eyes, and also a vastly different experience of a video game.

Novigrad is composed of a few major parts inside the cities boundaries, the most northern tip, Temple Isle is the home of the cities leader, and also the richest district in the city, whilst the far eastern end is called, The Bits- are the slums, and least wealthy area in the city. Harborside and Farcorners make up the ocean-side, and southern parts of the city.

I will admit, personally i have never played a game with such an incredible place. When critics say that this city is alive, they mean it. The sounds and sights of the city are never ending. Small things change the city around you and you as the player can completely choose how you change this city, from the people who rule this city, to the underground illegal markets, to million dollar heists. You can do it all in this city and it is my favorite area ever in a video game.

Novigrad is the largest city in this game but it is not the last. A major plot point occurs in this culture capitol of the world, however it will only lead you, the player into even more crazy adventures.

(Video Tour of Novigrad City In Game) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34SvvSIkRjk

“The wooden, colourful town of Oxenfurt with its narrow streets and pointed roofs. The town of Oxenfurt which lived off the Academy, off its students, lecturers, scholars, researchers and their guests, who lived off science and knowledge, off what accompanies the process of learning. In the town of Oxenfurt, from the by-products and chippings of theory, practice, business and profit were born.”

— pg(s). 190 – 191, Blood of Elves (UK edition)

Soon into your journey into this world of the Witcher 3, you get word of a certain place, just northeast; A place of knowledge, culture, science or maybe, Opportunity. There is one thing that is certain when arriving at Oxenfurt and its academy, You’ll have one good time.

Oxenfurt is the first major city you encounter in the game, journeying from the far south in search of the Baron of Crow’s perch’s daughter. Oxenfurt, like Crow’s perch is surrounded by water. Only two bridges connect this cities island to the rest of the land, one to the north and one to the south. The city is renowned, and because so it attracts people from all over the world; A dangerous world in this game. Bars and brothels fill the streets that students and their lecturers walk. And you can never be too sure what you have planned for the night in this town.

Cities such as this do not bring home to monsters that we have seen so far. However, monsters come in all shapes and sizes, big, small, monstrous, or not. The city shapes a perfect home for stealthy beings, ready to move without a trace; And kill as such.

“After Vserad, its previous owner, panicked at the news that armies were approaching and fled to Fyke Isle, this castle became home to Phillip Strenger, alias the Bloody Baron, along with his family and entourage.”

-In-Game Map Description

After You set out from the beginning town of White Orchard, you head south to Crow’s Perch. Looking for the Bloody Baron, and the answers he holds.

Crow’s Perch is a moderate sized village set on top of a hill surrounded by a moat of water. Previously, Crow’s Perch had two bridges originally to enter and exit the town, however the Baron burned down the west bridge in a broken rage. Tightly guarded, now lies only one entrance into Crow’s Perch, or rather; One exit.

Crow’s Perch is ruled by the self proclaimed warlord, the Bloody Baron. Upon entering this town you already have an idea for the type of man he is. Stories of murder, cruelty and torture surround this Baron’s name. However, soon you will meet this Baron and even worse sights will follow.

The Baron’s Perch is a pivotal location in the game, and is where one of the three major plot points are held. The Barron has vital information that you, the main character must retrieve. The location of this town is what really makes things interesting however. Being centered in a massive, thick bog is perfect for monsters big and small to hide and hunt. There is no shortage of children that go missing in these parts, and every incident has a story…

(LINK TO MONSTER OF WEEK #2):http://mrt1019.blogs.plymouth.edu/?p=68&preview=true

“The game begins near a small Temerian village, in surroundings which at first glance seem almost idyllic. Clear skies abound and the orchards’ trees are bursting with white flowers. It takes a moment to notice the tell-tale signs of war: collapsed roofs, turned-over carts littering the roadside, and abandoned possessions strewn about neglected farmyards. This juxtaposition of a warm, sunny spring and a landscape rife with destruction and conflict lends color and credence to the game’s atmosphere.”

-The Witcher 3: Artbook

The Town of White Orchard

White Orchard is the first town we arrive at after completing the tutorial section of the game…

White Orchard is a small, old village found on the outskirts of Vizima, and to the far east of Velen. This town though filled with history, is currently being ravaged by a vicious war between Tameria (North), and Nilfgaard (South). White Orchard is commonly a very peaceful, quiet town, consisting of only an Inn, Blacksmiths, Herbalists Hut, and a few small houses. This time of safety was short lived however, due to the arrival of the Beast of The White Orchard.

Your time in this town is short, but filled with activities. Villagers are quit to start brawls over which flag is to be hung in there town, resulting in blood spread at the Inn. People fear the Nilfgaardian Soldiers, while some are quick to join there ranks, looking for power, and protection.

White Orchard is not a sight for sore eyes, but is a sign of what has yet to be seen.