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PLACEABLES | ACT III 102

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CHARACTERS

106 | THE WITCHER120 | DARK WITCHER122 | MAIN CHARACTERS136 | Aristocracy138 | NOBLES140 | QUEST CHARACTERS142 | COMMONERS144 | priests146 | courtesans148 | Sorcerers and sorceresses150 | NONHUMANS158 | FRACTIONS 105

CHARACTERS | THE WITCHER Geralt of Rivia Creating Geralt’s character for The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings was a challenge as difficult as it was for the first game, though for slightly dif- ferent reasons. We were designing him from the scratch back then, and we had to rise up to the  expectations of fans of the novels. Now, however, our graphic artists faced a new challenge – designing the main character’s appearance using the new graphical engine and all of its new possibilities. Work on the witcher’s appearance had to be done from scratch. Geralt’s face from the previous game was our basis. His new appearance was to be linked to the original, but would also use the full potential of the new engine. Certain physical traits of a person can reflect that person’s personality. With a distinctive nose and forehead curvature, as well as the mouth and chin arrangement, we managed to give Geralt a certain predatory look. Things inseparably associated with the witcher’s appearance, such as the scar on his face or yellow eyes with cat pupils were obviously retained, though Geralt now sports a new haircut. The tied hare is more practical, since it won’t get in the way in combat. In several scenes we also have the chance to admire the scars covering Geralt’s body. It’s obvious at first sight that our hero has experienced a lot, and his profession is not the safest one. 106

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CHARACTERS | THE WITCHER During his journey, Geralt will have a chance to wear various armors. He’ll be able to buy, loot, or craft some of them, often using quite exotic materials in the last case. When designing them, we focused on realism and functionality. Buckles have their role of fas- tening and supporting equipment. The wolf’s head amulet, the mark of the witchers’ guild, is worn in a visible place. We decided on108

the radical step of placing the sword hiltson the same side of Geralt’s head. The asym-metry adds dynamism to Geralt’s profile,and it eliminates the problem of animationslooking ridiculous with the character drawinga weapon over his own left shoulder. 109

CHARACTERS | THE WITCHER 12 56 7 Thanks to our graphic artists’ hard work, about thirty different sets of armor, differing in both appear-ance and statistics, were created. Most of them are strictly tied to phases of the story and the factionsthe witcher decides to cooperate with. This way, the hero’s appearance will depend on the player’sdecisions and accomplishments. The following pages contain a composition of armor elements availableto the witcher.110

348 9 101. LEATHER JACKET 8. ASTROGARUS' ARMOR2. STUDDED LEATHER JACKET 9. QUILTED JACKET3. QUALITY LEATHER JACKET 10. SHIADHAL'S ARMOR4. ELVEN ARMOR5. AEDERNIAN LEATHER JACKET 1116. HEAVY LEATHER JACKET7. KAEDWENI LEATHER JACKET

CHARACTERS | THE WITCHER 12 56 7112

34 8 9 101. LIGHT LEATHER JACKET 8. SOLID LEATHER JACKET2. ARMOR OF VICOVARO 9. RAVEN ARMOR3. THYSSEN LEATHER 10. HEAVY ELVEN ARMOR4. SHIADHAL'S ARMOR5. QUILTED ARMOR 1136. ARMOR OFMAHAKAM7. ARMOR OFMAHAKAM

CHARACTERS | THE WITCHER 12 56 7114

348 9 101. DRAUG ARMOR 8. ARMOR OF YS2. ARMOR OF TIR 9. DREARG RUADHRI3. MAGICIAN'S ARMOR 10. ARMOR OF BAN ARD4. SORCERER'S JACKET5. BLUE STRIPES' JACKET 1156. KAEDWENI LETHER ARMOR7. ARMOR YSGITH

CHARACTERS | THE WITCHERSTEEL SWORDS The witcher’s steel swords are designed tobe “weapons for humans”. Our hero will havea chance to use several dozen various typesin-game. We present several chosen models here. 116

SILVER SWORDS The silver swords are used for fighting mon-sters. They’re distinct from the steel swordsbecause of their slightly curved crossguard andmore delicately constructed blades. 117

CHARACTERS | THE WITCHER ALCHEMY As in the first game, alchemy is a very impor- tant part of Witcher 2, and work on the appear- ance of Geralt’s portable alchemical set took us some time. The illustrations shown here depict different variants of portable alembics, which are an element of this part of witcher equipment. This device allows our hero to brew potions that enhance his combat effectiveness. 118

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CHARACTERS | DARK WITCHER The swords on this page were designed for the special Dark difficulty leveland appear there exclusively. Players choosing this level will face the great-est challenges the game has to offer. These unique weapons are among thethings that set this level apart from other difficulties. All blades availablein Dark mode are extremely dangerous weapons. They both possess specialattributes and are afflicted by a powerful curse. Neutralizing the effects ofthe latter requires significant effort, but the rewards are worth it. In devising the swords, we used completely new designs for the blade,grip, pommel and crossguard. We wanted all the final designs to embody thestereotype of a “dark,” cursed weapon. 120

The special equipment available in this mode also includes three uniqueoutfits. These consist of jackets, trousers, boots and gauntlets, grouped intosets that complement specific swords. One the one hand, the dark colorschemes are a nod to the classic witchers’ outfit described in the novels; onthe other, they reflect the cursed nature of these items. Apart from lookingstylish and offering increased protection, when the outfits are complete theyprovide players with unique powers. The drawings above depict the three additional outfits that are availablewhen playing at the Dark difficulty level. 121

CHARACTERS | MAIN CHARACTERSA slim man was lying by its side, delicately nud-ging the cords of a lute. His eyes were coveredby a fancy hat the color of a plum, adornedwith a silver buckle and a long, nervous, heronfeather.Geralt knew the hat and the feather. Both werefamous from the Buina to the Yaruga, knownat courts, keeps, inns, taverns and brothels.Especially at the brothels.Andrzej Sapkowski, The Bounds of Possibility 122

Dandelion The witcher’s companion, Dandelion, or more precisely viscount JulianPankratz de Lettenhove is a famous troubadour, but also a fop, a woman-izer and a dandy. When making the character’s model, our artists had noproblem with visualizing him. Dandelion’s appearance, as usual, speaksfor itself. Some instantly recognizable elements of Dandelion’s appearance,such as gaudy, ornate clothes, were already present during our work onthe first part of the game. Now they were enriched with a few moredetails, among them the distinctive plumed hat with a long feather. Dandelion’s clothes were to correspond with this character’s person-ality – that of a travelling bard. It consists of clothing and accessoriesinspired by fashion from the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries. Even though the Dandelion described in the novels wears no beard,we decided to add a detail in the form of a neatly trimmed beard. Thiselement gives the character’s features some coherence and allows us toemphasize his care for external appearance. 123

CHARACTERS | MAIN CHARACTERS Triss Merigold Sorceress Triss Merigold, Geralt’s friend and former lover, is one of the most important supporting characters in The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings. She accompanies our hero during his travels, and the choices the player will make concerning her will heavily influ- ence the story. “If Triss Marigold couldn’t be my girlfriend, I’d like her to at least be my sister” – this phrase may be humorous, but it still gives a good impression of the effect we wanted to get when working on the sorceress’ new appearance. Triss’s appearance changed the most of all characters we met in the first game. Her new clothes were to be equally elegant, functional, and comfortable for traveling. We based them on a 15th century doublet. Its skin-tight cut underlines the sorceress’ shapely figure perfectly, especially when coupled with trousers and high topped boots. The male clothing, fingerless leather gloves and pinned up hair make her stand out among other women, and turn her into a “tomboy”. Triss’ personality has changed too. She’s no longer the girl from the novels known to “giggle like a flapper”. Now she’s a decisive, brave woman. She knows what she wants and she won’t hesitate to take risks in order to get it. Her new appearance is also a reflection of this change. One can openly admit that Triss grew up and is more mature, though she has lost none of her personal charm and grace. 124

- Triss… – she mumbled.- Teleport us out of here!- No, Yennefer – Triss’ voice was calm. And verycold.- They’ll kill us…- No, Yennefer. I won’t run. I won’t hide behindthe Lodge’s skirt. And have no fear, I won’t faintfrom fear like at Sodden. I’ll break it in myself. Ialready did!Andrzej Sapkowski, The Lady of the Lake 125

CHARACTERS | MAIN CHARACTERS The one at the front didn’t carry anything. He had a small axe at his belt, and a long sword at his back, in a scabbard covered in the skin of tabby cats. A green, wet and ruffled parrot sat on his shoulder. He was the one to hail them. - Greetings! – He hollered, stopping in the middle of the road with his arms akimbo. - I’d prefer to meet a wolf than a man in a forest in these times, and even then I’d rather greet him with a crossbow bolt than with a good word! But those welcoming others with singing, those introducing themselves with music, are clearly stout fellows! Or stout lasses, begging the fair lady’s forgiveness! Greetings! I’m Zoltan Chivay. Andrzej Sapkowski, Baptism of Fire 126

Zoltan Chivay The dwarf Zoltan Chivay is Geralt’s cordial friend from the time evenbefore the events of the first game. The short, sturdy dwarf kept hisappearance from the previous game, though of course his model wasbuilt from scratch using our new graphics engine. Though our artists had no doubts as to how Zoltan would look in thispart of the game, the final model was created only after the anatomy andproportions of the dwarven race were redesigned. With that basis, Chivaywas given his face and distinctive haircut. As a veteran of the Battle ofBrenna, Zoltan also kept the “military” element of his clothing, that is:a worn-out gambison. According to the literary original, Zoltan was armed with a sword, sowe decided to go with that, giving him exactly that weapon. It’s certainlya departure from the stereotypical image of a dwarf using an axe ora hammer. 127

CHARACTERS | MAIN CHARACTERS Vernon Roche Vernon Roche, Commander of the Blue Stripes – King Foltest’s special forces – is one of the most important characters in the game. Depending on the player’s choices, he and Geralt may stand side by side. Vernon is a common man, elevated to his rank by the Temerian king himself. At first sight he doesn’t look like a veteran of years of fighting non- humans. His clothes – a chaperone and an overcoat – remind us instead of a merchant or burgher. However coupling this attire with his face and his rough, unyielding personality showcases the contrast we aimed at. Though Roche wears a mail beneath his clothes, he doesn’t really need to be clad in steel to inspire respect with his appearance alone. Suffice to say that those who dismiss him make a big mistake. Vernon’s rank and position are signified by the Blue Stripes’ insignia he wears, as well as by the medallion bearing the crest of the kingdom he serves with his full devotion and complete dedi- cation. The words “For King and Temeria” become a true oath in his mouth. Vernon is an experienced soldier who rarely parts with his arms. His main weapon is a two-handed sword, though he also carries a heavy mace and a backsword. This selection of arms is quite different than that used by Geralt. Unlike the witcher, Roche prefers to fight with less finesse, but more brutally. 128

- Judging by that cockade, you’rein king Demavend’s special forces?- Yes, my lady.- Your rank?- Captain.- Excellent […] Demavend’s army,as I can now ascertain to mysatisfaction, finally grew a habitof handing out officers’ patents tosoldiers with balls.Andrzej Sapkowski,Time of Disdain 129

CHARACTERS | MAIN CHARACTERS Only one elf, a Scoia’tael from Iorveth’s routed unit, recently heavily tortured in the Laundry, was calm and collected, busily inscribing: “Freedom or death” on the timber wall. Andrzej Sapkowski, Baptism of Fire130

Iorveth Iorveth is a character created from scratch for the secondwitcher game’s story. There are precious few references tothe elf of that name in the novels. These inspired us to expandhim into a fully fledged character. We wanted Iorveth to be a person equally capable as anadversary and as an ally. The cooperation between artists anddesigners allowed us to achieve the desired effect. Iorveth is the commander of one of the last elven units thatstill fight humans. The elf’s once beautiful face is now cruellyscarred – that is the price he paid for his determination.The Aen Seidhe’s pride makes him conceal the scars, so hecovers part of his face with a cowl. His clothes are a mixtureof human and elven garments, typical of the Scoia’tael gue-rillas. One detail that stands out is a collection of badgesfrom the special forces that human kingdoms recruit to fightnonhumans. Their owners had the misfortune of runninginto Iorveth, and he only lacks Vernon Roche’s badge to makethe collection complete. Iorveth’s weapon is a real master- piece of elven handiwork. The bow’s slender double limbs are powerful enough to launch an arrow that will pierce mail armor like a linen shirt. It’s a combination of elegance and murderous efficiency, a fact many an unlucky dh’oinne would attest to if they still could. 131

CHARACTERS | MAIN CHARACTERS Dethmold Dethmold of Ban Ard is a sorcerer for whom any and all ethical and moral norms have ceased to exist. Since his brother died in the incident at Thanedd, Dethmold changed a lot. And not for the better. He won’t hesitate to follow any means to his ends, treating others like tools and trampling more than one corpse on his way. The above illustrations show the process of creating this character’s concept art. Visions of the sorcerer sometimes diverge from one another wildly, but all have one thing in common –  we wanted to make the character unsettling in a way. He is most certainly not a nice old man that one might want to leave one’s younger siblings with. Dethmold is a wind sorcerer, therefore his most distinctive possession is his staff that ends in an anemoscope weathervane. He has a sack and bottles of magical infusions on his belt. We also couldn’t omit armor fragments, worn more for aesthetic reasons than for protection.This way the Ban Ard sorcerer fits the fashion style we deemed typical of his confreres. 132

After a while, Keira Metz returned, but notalone. She was accompanied by a flaxen-hairedsorcerer, whom was introduced to Geralt the daybefore as Dethmold of Ban Ard. The man cursedat the sight of the witcher, slamming his fist intohis open palm.- Damn! Is he the one Yennefer is so fond of?- Yes – said Keira. - Geralt of Rivia. The problemis, I’ve no idea how are things with Yennefer…- Neither do I – Dethmold shrugged. - Either way,he’s involved now. He saw too much. Take him toPhilippa, she’ll decide. Bind him.Andrzej Sapkowski, Time of Disdain 133

CHARACTERS | MAIN CHARACTERSBut the assassin was not a novice.He stooped and also started circling,his pace soft like a cat’s. Suddenly,he jumped, whirled his sword, andthen whirled himself, shorteningthe distance. The witcher did notconfront him. He was content witha swift upper feint that forcedthe assassin to jump away.Andrzej Sapkowski,The Sword of Destiny 134

Letho Letho is witcher Geralt’s main antagonistand was designed to be a livingcontradiction. Muscular hands, a thick neck, broad chest and a thick broware reminiscent of an ape, but that huge, bald man with a wrestler’s buildmoves swiftly and gracefully like a cat. The face fitting a dumb brute showsno emotion, but that façade conceals a cold, calculating mind. The mysterious kingslayer’s identity remains a mystery through much ofthe game’s story. It’s obvious he’s responsible for the deaths of at least tworulers of the Northern Kingdoms. He seemingly cooperates with the elves,but it quickly turns out that the Scoia’tael guerillas are but tools in his hands.In time, it is revealed that he’s following his own mysterious plans. Letho’s clothes are simple and functional. The sleeveless leather jacket,multiple belts and buckles holding reserve weapons and necessary equip-ment, and above all else the sword worn on the back, are immediately remi-niscent of witcher gear. Letho is our hero’s equal both in terms of his abilitiesand his equipment. 135

CHARACTERS | ARISTOCRACYFoltestFoltest, lord of Temeria, Pontar, Mahakam andSodden and recently the senior Protector ofBrugge demonstrated his noble profile to all,turning his head towards the window.Andrzej Sapkowski, Blood of Elves Apart from his physical traits as described inthe novels, such as a handsome face and a nobleprofile, we took Foltest’s personality traits intoconsideration when designing his appearance.The novels paint a picture of a strong, indepen-dent ruler who breaks all norms according to hiswhim. That description resulted in his currentappearance: that of a handsome middle-aged manin good shape. His regular features are in harmonywith his firm, determined air and slightly wrymouth. The front of the monarch’s rich attire is adornedwith a heraldic shield. A keen eye will recognizemore than just Temerian lilies – the cross molineof Brugge and the coats of arms of all otherdomains under Foltest’s royal rule are on display. 136

Henselt- No, no, and one more no! – bellowed kingHenselt, pounding the table top with both of hisfists so hard that a goblet overturned and inkpots trembled.- I will have no discussion on that subject! Notender in this case! Enough, schluss, deireadh![…] - I object to such remarks! – bellowed Henselt,this time so loudly that not many buffalos wouldkeep up with him.- I object to such remarks, especially made byvarious spies! I’m a bloody king!Andrzej Sapkowski, The Lady of the Lake Henselt, the king of Kaedwen, is a massive,bearded man with the appearance of a robber.Greedy and violent, he has always been a problemfor his neighbors. He once colluded with Nilfgaardto satisfy his territorial ambitions, and he wouldsurely do so again if it would bring him any ben-efits. His hatred for the nonhumans is widelyknown. When designing this character, we wanted toconvey such personality traits as boisterousnessand intransigence. Apart from his huge frame,the small, piercing eyes and furrowed brow arehis most distinctive features. These convey hisviolent, obstinate disposition. The enclosed crownof a sovereign ruler reflects his attitude to ruling.Henselt definitely doesn’t like others to tell himwhat to do. 137

CHARACTERS | NoblesBaronKimboltTo the side, an older, powerfully built, beardedman sat on a chest. Behind the king stoodanother man - richly clothed, a proud look on hisface. A magnate.Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher Baron Kimbolt, one of the chief claimants tothe Temerian throne after Foltest’s death, is anold style magnate. He separates those aroundhim into the nobly born and common folk, payinglittle attention to the latter, that is, unless he hasa temporary use for them. Proud and gruff, heconsiders political power his birthright and hasno patience for those who stand in his way. When designing the baron’s appearance, wethought it should reflect the old aristocrat’s con-servative beliefs. Kimbolt, a gray-haired man witha heavily furrowed face, has the stocky, hale frameof an old knight. Accessories like his steel vam-braces and the heavy Temerian sword at his hipemphasize his military past, while the patch overhis right eye proves just how fickle Fortune can bein wartime. The baron’s carefully braided beard isa nod to the archaic style he professes. All theseelements serve to set Kimbolt apart from youngerTemerian nobles, making him a character bothmemorable and distinctive. 138

CountMaravelIn the rainbow of colors cast by the stainedglass window, a hunting tapestry at his back,stood a man of impressive girth clad in a caftandripping with gold and a pelt-trimmed cloak.Andrzej Sapkowski, The Swallow’s Tower Though in the Witcher saga the passage abovedescribes a completely different character, he andCount Maravel certainly share many traits. Thiscrafty politician and diplomat is the other sig-nificant player in the struggle for the Temerianthrone. He is the polar opposite of his politicalrival, Baron Kimbolt, and not just in appear-ance. Cautious and restrained, he could easilybe called a refined orator. Simultaneously, hewould not hesitate to sell his own mother tothe Nilfgaardians to further his aims, and wouldsimply smile as he presented written confirma-tion that she was, in fact, no relation to him. Heconsiders violence a last resort. Enlisting othersto commit it in his stead allows him to uphold hisimage as a jovial, good-natured individual. The nobleman’s broad, bloated face and bulkyfigure hint at his wealth and his zeal in partak-ing of the pleasures life has to offer. The countholds Temerian customs and garb in contempt,thinking them outdated and parochial. His ownattire is fashionable – his vest sleeves are slotted,his shirt cuffs are laced, his belt is inlaid withsilver and the sheath of his dagger is ornate. Aneatly trimmed beard completes the image of thiselegant aristocrat with sophisticated tastes andprogressive views… on both fashion and politics. 139

CHARACTERS | Quest CHARACTERSCynthia[…]She ever so slightly puckered her full lips. Herdoll face contrasted sharply with the strategicwisdoms she proclaimed.“The strike is preemptive. Specially selected unitsof Army Group “East” will engage King Henselt’sforces, knocking any ideas he might have ofassisting Temeria out of his mind.”Andrzej Sapkowski, The Swallows’ Tower Cynthia, Philippa Eilhart’s lover, originallyappeared only briefly in the game’s secondchapter. Extending her storyline required design-ing new garments that would be altogether differ-ent from the alluring nightgown she wears whenwe first see her. Cynthia’s new attire needed toblend functionality with discreet elegance, whileslightly hinting at her predatory nature. It was tobe the dream outfit of every sorceress/intelligenceofficer. Dark colors prevent Cynthia from standingout and are very much in line with the tenets ofNilfgaardian fashion. The cut of her puff-sleevedvest underlines her slim waistline. Her short skirtprovides ease of movement when she needs tosneak around or climb, and reveals her legs cladin long leather boots. Apart from being practicalin inclement weather, her hood adds an air ofmystery, while the sword and dagger at her belthardly look ornamental. A gold brooch completesthe outfit. Upon the badge, the careful observerwill spot the sun – the symbol of the Empire ofNilfgaard. Assembled, all these elements paint apicture of a woman of action – a resourceful, reso-lute and highly effective intelligence operative. 140

BrigidaAnd you, Sir Loudmouth, what do you displayon that silver shield? A black pillar betweengriffin heads? The arms of House Papebrock, ifI’m not mistaken – and I’m rarely mistaken inthese matters. They say the pillar accuratelyrepresents the intellect typical of the family’smembers.Andrzej Sapkowski, Baptism of Fire Though the young courtier Brigida Papebrockissued from the noble house whose name shebears, she clearly did not inherit the intellectualdefects customarily attributed to its members. Ifnot for her determination and guile, she would nothave survived the troubles that have plagued hersince she became entangled in a certain scheme. When we meet her, Brigida has been on the roadfor some time. Through a string of unfortunateevents, she became the quarry for many huntersand has had to fend for herself. Her appearancereflects this. The woman’s clothing, once elegant,is now soiled and worn. The bottom edges of bothher skirt and the slip beneath it have been torn off– perhaps to allow for greater freedom of move-ment, or for use as a makeshift bandage. She hasused hemp rope to sling a simple jute sack overher back. These “temporary measures” taken bythe woman herself emphasize just how resoluteand down-to-earth the nobly bred-and-bornBrigida can be. The golden locks that frame herface fail to conceal her defiant and pugnaciousnature. Thus, though Brigida needs our help andprotection when we meet her, she remains quiteunlike the stereotypical “damsel in distress.” 141

CHARACTERS | COMMONERS[…] locals and visitors alike were for the mostpart occupied by activities typical for theirnation or profession. Respectable merchantsquarreled with dwarves about prices of goodsand loan interests. Less respectable merchantspinched the arses of the girls distributing aleand cabbage with peas. Local idiots pretendedto be well informed. The girls tried to lookattractive to those with money, and to deterthose without it at the same time. Drivers andfishermen drank as if a ban on growing hop wasto be issued tomorrow. Sailors sang a song pra-ising the sea waves, the bravery of captains’, andthe graces of mermaids, focusing on the latterwith great detail.Andrzej Sapkowski, The Lesser Evil The vast majority of people Geralt meets are simple commoners. Craftsmen, merchants, scholars, whores, fishermen, innkeepers, children – the folk of towns and settlements of the Northern Kingdoms, usually busy with their day-to-day affairs. This section is about them. The background characters are an important element of every fictional world – they make it more believable and colorful by living out their lives beside the main story. We made tried to make them as diverse as possible. Thanks to modular building of characters, based on different clothing elements, we achieved a wide variety of different classes, professions, genders and ages. 142

Attention to realism and details of appearancewas as important to the design of backgroundcharacters as it was in the design of other elementsof the environment. Details such as a bag, a pouch,a ladle at the belt, a knife, a mug or a key ring makethe character look less generic and more natural –we can suggest that he or she doesn’t carry theseitems for show, but that they’re important for his orher occupation or profession. We wanted the streetsin The Witcher 2 to be full of real people not out-of-context “extras” in their medieval Sunday best. 143

CHARACTERS | PRIESTS 144

The priests were created as a separate background group. We attemptedto attain the appearance of a clergyman without suggesting any specificreligion. These illustrations depict the work’s final appearance, as well asinitial sketches of faces and clothing details. 145

CHARACTERS | COURTESANS Whores, strumpets, courtesans, “women ofnegotiable affection” – whatever one might callthem, the representatives of this profession arean element of the game world. Though the initialsketches can be at times quite different from theirfinal appearance in game, looking at the ideasthat were the basis of the final look might be worthyour while. Hair cut short and clothesrevealinglegs are something of a call-sign of this profession.Details such as jewelry, tattoos or garters completethe image. 146

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CHARACTERS | SORCERERS AND SORCERESSES- In my day – said Yarpen Zigrin – warlockssat in their towers reading learned tomes andstirring the contents of melting pots with ladles.They didn’t loaf about warriors, they didn’tinterfere with our business. And they didn’tbump and grind before men’s eyes.- The bumping and grinding, truth be told, isdone with quite an arse –said Dandelion whiletuning his lute.Andrzej Sapkowski, The Limit of Possibility Sorcerers and sorceresses are an inherentelement of most fantasy worlds. They playa special part in the Witcher universe, as they’rea powerful faction that influences the politics andstatus quo of the Northern Kingdoms. We wantedto make prominent, distinctive sorcerer personas.They were supposed to look a bit eccentric, butalso to command respect. Bands, trimming andscrolls covered in magical symbols signify theirstatus and profession. Sorceresses are more eager to use their powers and abilities in order to slow down the aging process and to emphasize their beauty, so most look no older than thirty- something. Their clothes, which are a variant of courtly attire, are both fashionable and provocative at the same time. We can see some versions on the neighboring page. Sorcerers wear armor elements, such as epau- lettes or gloves, mainly as decoration. These still serve to underline the aggressive and destructive aspects of the powers they wield, just as mundane weapons do.148

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CHARACTERS | NONHUMANS Working on the dwarves’ appearance was not a huge problem. Our artists made a sat- isfactory image of the race very quickly, providing us with a solid basis for further work. They focused on adequate propor- tions and physiognomy first and foremost. The aim was to create believable dwarves, a de facto separate species, and not simply short, bearded humans. The effects can be seen on the in-game graphics found on the neighbor- ing page. 150