Characters (Update from 09.15.2010: Vernon Roche)

The Cap suggests that this post will be entirely dedicated to the characters of the game The Witcher 2. I will update this post and promote it higher as descriptions of new game characters become available. Characters listed on the official website will be provided with this description and corresponding images. Those that are not yet there will receive a brief description of my own and the appropriate screenshot. For your convenience, descriptions and large screenshots will be hidden under spoilers.

Geralt

You are a mutant, my friend, and the sooner you come to terms with this thought, the easier it will be for you.

You will have to take on any job offered and disappear unnoticed as soon as your services are no longer needed. You are an unusual creature, no doubt about it. And because of this fact, you find yourself in as precarious a situation as other non-humans - who are regularly executed or hanged. Simply by existing, they provoke revulsion and hatred among common folk, who at any opportunity point out to non-humans their designated place.

So why, despite being so unlike regular people, haven’t witchers shared the sad fate of other flawed creations? There are two answers to this question. First, it’s all about probability - it’s much easier to encounter an elf or halfling than a witcher. And second, you have compelling evidence that you should not be touched: an excellent sword and a simple set of life rules. Your blades are, so to speak, your lifeline. Therefore, it’s no surprise that your exceptional ability to harm your close ones cools the ardor of many of your opponents. Still, despite your incredible swordsmanship, you don’t throw yourself into danger heedlessly. You don’t use force where it is not needed. If there’s a way to avoid conflict - by any means - you, without testing your luck, sheathe your sword. But if you do draw your blade, you have neither doubts nor pity.

After all, you are not a saint and do not intend to save the world - you just want to survive and remain true to your profession.

Dandelion

No world can exist without heroes who protect the innocent and fight against evil. And heroes are unimaginable without bards: who else will tell future generations about great deeds and the heroic, albeit absurd, death of a hero?

And although in every roadside inn, there’s a homegrown minstrel, in reality, this proud name is worthy to be worn by only a few - and Dandelion is undoubtedly among them. However, among his countless passions, Dandelion became famous not so much for his musical talent, but for his romantic escapades and insatiable thirst for the fairer sex.

Dandelion is a close friend of Geralt. He can’t even recall how they met, but for many years, they have been nearly inseparable. Dandelion has always been marked by his passion for exaggeration, the tact of a street jester, and an ego the size of a small kingdom. These remarkable traits would have long sent him to the gallows if it weren't for Geralt's prudence and his witcher blades.

Triss Merigold

A beautiful young woman - and an incredibly talented and ambitious sorceress.

Like all mages, Triss studied for many years at the sorceress school in Aretuza. She learned the secrets of elemental magic, the art of transfiguration and teleportation, alchemy, and healing. By now, she is the official representative of the Council of Wizards in Temeria and advisor to King Foltest.

Triss is one of the most outstanding mages of her generation. She participated in the first battle of Sodden, and for some time, it was believed that she perished in battle against Nilfgaardian mages. The memory of Sodden Hill remains a scar on her soul and body to this day.

Triss is among the few mages allowed to stay in Kaer Morhen. For a short time, she was Geralt's lover and still loves him. Triss is a member of the Sorceress Convent, whose participants all believe that magic is too delicate and powerful to be entrusted to men.

Zoltan Chivay

Zoltan Chivay is one of Geralt's few close friends. They met many years ago, purely by chance, when Geralt was searching for Ciri, and Zoltan, as always, was trying to get rich.

In the chaos of war, they saved each other's lives more than once, and over time, their chance meeting blossomed into a true friendship that persists to this day. The skill with which Zoltan wields a dwarf ax commands respect even from Geralt. During breaks between bloody battles, Zoltan tries to uphold the oldest dwarf traditions, namely brawling in taverns, losing money at cards, and getting blind drunk. Geralt, who respects the customs of any people, often joins Zoltan, only to bitterly regret his interest in dwarf culture the next morning.

Vernon Roche

Vernon Roche is an example of a man who forges his own destiny. He tracked down Scoia'tael squads during the war with Nilfgaard. He personally hanged their leaders along the roads. He pulled elven arrows from his own body. And it didn’t take long for King Foltest to realize that such talent should not be occupied solely with fighting partisans. After all, Temeria has many enemies aside from the squirrels. Vernon Roche was promoted and became a special agent. One could say, a specialist in special assignments.

Since Vernon became the right hand of the king, he has uncovered conspiracies, burned down the estates of disobedient barons, and infiltrated the spy circles of hostile states. Over the years, Vernon has gathered a small team of ruthless thugs, professional interrogators, and stealthy scouts, ready to go through fire and water for him. Roche is a born tactician, expertly leading his men. His squad’s only failure was that he never managed to catch the notorious bandit named Yorveth.

Countless stories and anecdotes are told about Vernon. It is said that if each of his enemies gave Roche a oren, he would be able to buy Temeria and even the neighboring lands as an addition. Someone even said that Roche would have to bury himself because none of his friends would come to his funeral. However, Roche could handle this task too: just give him a shovel or at least a knife to his coffin.

The Kingslayer (unofficial name)

A mysterious character who will apparently become our main antagonist in the game.

He has old scores with the rulers of the northern kingdoms. And his sole goal - to rid them of unnecessary body parts, such as heads. To succeed in his endeavor, the Kingslayer seeks assistance from the Scoia'tael, presenting their leader, the elf Yorveth, with the head of King Demavend as his "portfolio". Foltest was to be next, but things didn’t work out. A huge brute with bull-like muscles and a face marred by deep scars, the Kingslayer makes a terrifying impression.

The screenshot has been processed in Photoshop to improve facial illumination

Yorveth

To some, Yorveth is the most dangerous bandit of the Pontar valley; to others, he is a fierce defender of non-human rights. During the Nilfgaardian war, he commanded the Scoia'tael that plundered the lands of the Northern Kingdoms. Later, he managed to hide from Temerian punitive units for many months.

And although Yorveth's squad was defeated, he managed to survive. In a new squad, he gathered old fighters discontent with the outcome of the war, young elves, eager for freedom, and outlaws among dwarves. This squad became a legend.

Yorveth knows no mercy for his enemies. He treats both humans and those elves whom he believes have betrayed their people with equal cruelty. In the pristine forests at the border of Temeria and Aedirn, Yorveth attacks the rich and kills the poor. Temeria has sent punitive expeditions against him repeatedly, but he has managed to escape any trap.

Yorveth has become public enemy number one for Vernon Roche, while the local garrison has despairingly felt safe only under the protection of fortress walls.

Yorveth has his own secrets. Those who see him merely as a monster soaking the ground of Temeria in blood are mistaken. Yorveth is, above all, a true son of the proud and wise race of elves. And soon the world will learn of his true goals.

The screenshot has been processed in Photoshop to improve facial illumination

Bernard

This bald man is the mayor of the town of Flotsam, where Geralt and his companions will arrive at the beginning of the game.

Like any person in power in a small town, Bernard loves to demonstrate it. He is cruel and does not value life, be it human or elf, man or woman, poet or warrior. All suspected of treason are sent to the gallows without any unnecessary discussions. Actually, it is in close proximity to it that Geralt will meet this rather unpleasant type.