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Message: <blockquote data-quote="ruemere" data-source="post: 4242101" data-attributes="member: 5515">Hmm. Since I've read quite a few books by Andrzej Sapkowski (including both shorts stories and novels on Geralt, the wiedzmin from whom everything started), I'd like to offer a few comments.Basic information from Wikipedia (quite exhaustive):<a href="http://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiedźmin" target="_blank">Wiedzmin</a> (Polish)<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Witcher" target="_blank">Witcher</a> (English)... and licensed computer game based on that:<a href="http://www.thewitcher.com/" target="_blank">Witcher, the computer game official website</a> (English) - it's a recommendable starting experience (and rather faithful portrayal of the game world and characters - warning - mature content)Several important points:1. Witcher is for mature people. Killing monsters is usually secondary to moral and ethical problems. I think that the correct term for the genre is fantasy noir - violence, vices and weakness are most prominent elements of portrayed world. 2. Chief witcher, Geralt, is not just a walking monster killer for hire. He is a sterile mutant (though capable of performing sexually), scarred psychically from his twisted training, prone to bouts of depression and always a little apprehensive of the terrifying killing skills. Other important bits of knowledge:- his aging is slowed down by his mutation.- mutated pupils, pale complexion, white hair.3. Witcher's chilling proficiency in killing is the result of:- enhanced natural reflexes and healing ability,- abuse of speed and strength and sense enhancing drugs,- training in sword, chain combat styles (in the very first story, Geral is using his unique fighting style to mesmerize and confuse his opponent),- ability to use symbols, basic magic abilities allowing for hurting or keeping monsters at bay,- extensive training on monster habits and weaknesses (witchers don't fight fair - they always attempt to secure situational advantage).- special combat training allowing to react to attacks without conscious thinking - the witcher reacts with a series of offensive and defensive manoeuvers. The downside of the training is that the witcher cannot pull punches in combat and always fights with a killing intent - in fact, there are several passages indicating that once sufficiently provoked witcher does not stop until performing at least several killing strikes. For example, one of the main characters commits suicide by attacking witcher and not defending herself against automatic murderous riposte. Another example is that in order to lose a fight (and die) to a human swordsman, the witcher intentionally comes unarmed - his training kicks in, but proves ineffective due to lack of weapons.4. Witcher equipment:- two swords, one normal, one made of silver (silver in Witcher's world is more effective against most monsters) - the silver sword damages easily, so the witcher uses it only in special cases,- silver items,- magic medallion in the form of silver wolf head (check the wiki page for rendering of one),- large arsenal of drugs and herbs (some of the drugs are usually poisonous to normal humans)5. Witcher vs game world.- most of the stories deal with people attempting to use Witcher skills to their own ends - some monsters appear to be punishment inflicted on people for their sins. By killing them, Witcher sometimes becomes a party to a crime (samples: incest and accompnying curse[the very first story on witcher], mass murder, broken pledges, racial purges and so on). Andrzej Sapkowski often highlights associated moral dilemmas.- Witchers follow strict code, however the division between monsters and humans/intelligent beings is often blurry. Human beings often prove to as evil as monsters.- people are usually apprehensive of witchers - the act of killing comes to the all to easily, though, unless given a reason, witcher will never break a codex and attack a human.- elves are an older race, disappearing from the world. Often bitter, spiteful, hateful of human beings. Often degenerate. One fraction is known for performing terrorist acts.- other intelligent races - usually also slowly fading into background of encroaching humanity: gnomes, dwarves and rarer ones.- amorality - numerous important characters act amorally or base their decisions on their needs instead of trying to follow some code of ethics. Common trait of rulers, wizards and prominent characters of the stories.- betrayal- authority is usually based on strength of arms instead of order or culture- abuse of power, abuse of the weak and persecution of minorities are constant themesFinally, Witchers enter the game world after extensive training. Their starting level should be 5-7th at least and, given their superiority, it's hard to imagine them as regular player characters. These guys are supposed to take on monsters in one-on-one combat, win and survive in the world without easy access to healing.regards,Ruemere</blockquote>

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