Witchers

Witchers are professional monster hunters in the fictional world created by Sapkowski and expanded in various media. They are humans who have undergone extensive training and mutagenic experiments to gain enhanced physical abilities, heightened senses, and an extended lifespan. Witchers travel between towns offering their services on contracts to slay dangerous beasts, spirits, and, at times, human threats, typically functioning as specialized mercenaries in a medieval-like setting.

Most Witchers undergo the Trial of the Grasses, a dangerous mutagenic process that yields increased strength, speed, and endurance, albeit at great personal cost. They are trained at secretive schools, such as the School of the Wolf, which provide swordwork, tracking, alchemy, and discipline. A Witcher typically carries two swords: steel for humans and nonhuman targets, and silver for monsters, along with a range of oils, bombs, and potions.

Witchers rely on a combination of combat skill, alchemy, and magical signs to combat threats. They master potent potions and oils, and employ five basic signs—Aard, Igni, Yrden, Quen, and Axii—that can be used in combat or to influence others. They also depend on a magical sense triggered by a fitted medallion that vibrates in the presence of magic or approaching danger.

Socially, Witchers are often viewed as outsiders or mercenaries and face distrust from local populations. Their numbers are limited, and their activities depend on political conditions and contract availability. The concept encompasses several distinct schools and lineages, with the Wolf School being the best known in contemporary adaptations.