So it just requires physical contact. I definitely think it's allergic reaction.
It's a trope of the Witcher world and other authored fantasy worlds, not RL folklore, so I have been trying to come up with a mode of action by which silver would be damaging to monsters, and I've come up empty.
In real cases of suspected revenants (vampires, necrophages, and the like) it is generally steel but not silver. Putting sharp steel objects (nails, shrapnel, and the like) in the revenant's coffin is thought to be fatal to them. A number of such burials have been found in cultures where these monsters are thought to exist. The mode of action here is clear enough: as the corpse bloats, it presses on the sharp objects, is punctured, and deflates.
In real cases of suspected revenants (vampires, necrophages, and the like) it is generally steel but not silver. Putting sharp steel objects (nails, shrapnel, and the like) in the revenant's coffin is thought to be fatal to them. A number of such burials have been found in cultures where these monsters are thought to exist. The mode of action here is clear enough: as the corpse bloats, it presses on the sharp objects, is punctured, and deflates.
I agree with Guy N'Wah. It seems traditionally it is cold iron that is damaging to magical beings (fairies and such). This silver thing seems to come out of silver bullets against werewolves, and it is probably modern Hollywood invention.
Well, there are some stories in which the bad guy has to be killed with a silver bullet or the like; the chief example is The Two Brothers in Grimm, where the huntsman has to off a bullet-resistant witch with the silver buttons of his coat. But such stories are few, and importantly they are not cited by the authors who witnessed or unearthed actual cases where a suspected revenant was sent permanently into the afterlife.
The recent find of a suspected vampire burial near Gliwice, http://www.thenews.pl/1/9/Artykul/141129,Vampire-graveyard-found-in-Poland suggests that practices like this (the skeletons were found with heads cut off and placed between the legs) were thought necessary and not too uncommon.
Last edited:
If you read the Kingkiller Chronicles from Patrick Rothfuss (- first 2 books are out, they're great -) iron is used against demons, monsters and other such scum. Even touching it makes them go berserk.
And yes, the touch of silver was enough in the Witcher books to make monsters go berserk, but i'm still not convinced that steel can harm them that much. If that was the case, why would Geralt bother with a second sword, if he can just have the steel one etched with silver by some smith.
I think it's because silver isn't as sturdy as steel. Human opponents are likely to be wearing armor quite often, so using a silver-layered steel sword against them means that the silver-layer would be damaged frequently, and require constant repairs, whereas a purely steel sword will be more durable against the heavy defense. Hence, two swords - one for "humans" (i.e. armor), the other for allergic monsters.
Yes, but we're talking about a steel sword with silver etching (runes, plaques, etc. of silver ingraved in the sword. The edge is still steel.) This wouldn't make the steel sword weaker vs humans, but the silver would still touch the monsters if slashed.
This is why i don't think that would be enough against monsters. The edge needs to be silver, otherwise Geralt wouldn't have 2 swords.
Last edited:
"From the floor, he picked up an oblong packet thickly wrapped
in sheep's skins and fastened with a leather strap. He unwrapped it and pulled out a sword with an elaborate hilt, in a black, shiny scabbard covered with rows of runic signs and symbols. He drew the blade, which lit up with a pure shine of mirror-like brightness. It was pure silver."
"Geralt smiled. The reputation of turtle-stone was as mistaken as it was popular. But the witcher was not going to lose his strength on spells, much less expose his silver sword to contact with Ostrit's blade."
I think it's just a steel core sword with a silver coating. He doesn't use it on humans because he doesn't want to harm the coating on armour/blades, thus the standard steel sword. His steel sword is also for monsters - non-magic ones that aren't affected by silver. Magical monsters are weak to silver, even a small wound causes them extreme pain (as shown in the bruxa fight), which is why silver is best for monsters.
in sheep's skins and fastened with a leather strap. He unwrapped it and pulled out a sword with an elaborate hilt, in a black, shiny scabbard covered with rows of runic signs and symbols. He drew the blade, which lit up with a pure shine of mirror-like brightness. It was pure silver."
"Geralt smiled. The reputation of turtle-stone was as mistaken as it was popular. But the witcher was not going to lose his strength on spells, much less expose his silver sword to contact with Ostrit's blade."
I think it's just a steel core sword with a silver coating. He doesn't use it on humans because he doesn't want to harm the coating on armour/blades, thus the standard steel sword. His steel sword is also for monsters - non-magic ones that aren't affected by silver. Magical monsters are weak to silver, even a small wound causes them extreme pain (as shown in the bruxa fight), which is why silver is best for monsters.
Last edited:
Well, looks like that answers quite a few questions right there. Nicely found, thanks!
If you consider to order one like that, I can only tell you that it is of exquisite quality and a real beauty. Some really great work!
Hell, throw them both in a version of the Witcher 3 collector's edition. I'd gladly buy it. :yes
I've seen people seriously suggest this in the CE thread ^^. While i would love it, i'm also sure they won't do it. Package would be a bit big ^^. And i think they also wish to keep the CE from becoming too expensive.
Heh, yeah I got that. but a man can dream can't he?
Can't the devs create a super collector's edition?
Calling it 'Collector's Ultimate Witcher on the Trail edition' maybe? Will include everything a Witcher utilises when fighting monsters. Swords, alchemy set(mortar,pestle and alembic) and potion flasks and a guide book on how to use Signs! :
If too expensive they can have 'smaller' editions where you may choose between 'Swordmanship edition' which contain swords or 'Alchemist and mutagen' edition contain all kinds of alchemical stuff! And a figure of Kalkstein! :laughing: No, but seriously, of course this is just my in my fantasies. If real however I'm game! :thumbsup:
With two functional swords, a good functional armor, and a real horse, with a choice of coat color. It will cost like a new car, and you'll have to rent a place in the local stables, but I am sure there will be people able to afford it. May be even I can get a loan to afford one... :hmm:
You know, I am in! Bay or chestnut, please!
TotalBiscuit convinced me against the idea that games in their pre-order version contain game-content that's not available to the rest. Check it out, maybe he'll persuade you against it too.