Hybrids

Hybrids are monsters that combine the features of different creatures. The Griffin is half eagle and half wildcat. Sirens look like maidens with silver-scaled tails. A Succubus walks on goat-like legs and has thick horns. Most Hybrids hunt from the sky, so witchers coat the silver sword with Hybrid Oil and use Aard and Grapeshot to bring them down.

Griffins once hunted marmots and wild goats high in the mountains. As humans moved into their lands, Griffins turned to cows, sheep and shepherds. They mate for life and defend their partner to the death, which made them a symbol of courage and loyalty. The Archgriffin is a hated subspecies. The Opinicus nested in the mountains outside Oxenfurt.

Harpies and Erynias hunt in flocks. Harpies nest on high cliffs and hoard shiny things. Erynias are their more dangerous relatives in Skellige, and they prefer well-rotted carrion. Sirens crowd the coasts of Skellige. They lure sailors close, and then their pretty faces turn into mouths full of fangs. The Ekhidna is a stronger relative of the Siren and strikes from both air and water. A Siren or Harpy brought to the ground is slow and nearly helpless, so the whole fight depends on grounding it.

Succubi stand apart. Lust drives them rather than a desire to kill. They live near villages and towns and prowl at night. Quen guards against their bone-crushing blows.