The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers players a vast array of side activities, with monster contracts standing out as some of the most engaging quests in Novigrad. Among these hunts, the Lord of the Wood contract challenges players to track down and defeat an ancient forest guardian known as Kernun. Completing this contract requires sharp investigative skills, proper preparation, and mastery over tactical combat.
Starting the Contract and Gathering Clues
To begin the quest, players can check the notice board at the Cunny of the Goose inn to pick up the contract notice. Inside the tavern, talk to the halfling merchant named Brean Hotsch to negotiate your reward before heading out. You can also speak with the sole survivor of the attack sitting nearby to gather extra details about the creature.
After speaking with Brean, head towards the lumberjack camp to begin investigating the site of the attack. Activate your Witcher Senses to follow wagon tracks and locate the abandoned lumber wagon deeper in the forest. Examining the surrounding area carefully reveals claw marks on rocks and bloodstains that identify the beast as a powerful Leshen.
Locating the Totem and Preparing for Battle
Once Geralt identifies the monster, your goal shifts to destroying its totem in order to force the creature into the open. Use your Witcher Senses to track strange acoustic sounds reverberating through the forest untill you discover the wooden shrine. Approaching the totem and destroying it immediately draws the attention of Kernun.
Before starting the fight, applying Relict Oil to your silver sword grants a substantial damage boost against the beast. Equipping the Igni sign is also highly recommended, as fire magic deals massive damage against the creature's wooden form. Keeping Quen active ensures protection against sudden root attacks erupting from beneath the ground.
Defeating Kernun and Claiming Your Reward
During the battle, Kernun will frequently summon packs of wolves to distract you while teleporting around the arena. Focus on clearing the summoned wolves quickly so you can regain single-target focus on the main threat. Maintain an aggressive rhythm of quick light attacks followed by dodging backwards to avoid sweeping claw strikes.
Once the Leshen falls, loot its remains to collect the Leshen trophy and valuable crafting materials. Return to the Cunny of the Goose inn and speak with Brean Hotsch to report your success. Presenting the trophy completes the contract and earns you a substantial payout of crowns for a job well done.
