The Apiarian Phantom – Witcher 3 Quest

This guide is a walkthrough of a contract side quest in the Witcher 3 for the area of Novigrad. The guide is composed of a map, map legend, and walkthrough to show readers exactly where to go and what to do to complete the quest.

Map Legend

1 – Yantra
2 – Honeyfill Meadworks
3 – Attack Site
4 – Crevice

Background

You’ll receive this quest by reading the note “Contract: The Apiarian Phantom” on the notice board in Yantra in the Novigrad Outskirts (#1).

Note: “Apiarian” means “of or relating to bees or beekeeping.”

Walkthrough

From the note you’ll learn that a phantom has been terrorizing the bees and beekeepers at the Honeyfill Meadworks (#2). When you go there and talk to the owner Holofernus Meiersdorf, he’ll tell you that nobody has seen the phantom, but that the one beekeeper it killed looked like he had been frozen. Bernie and Franklin Meiesdorf will then lead you to where the beekeeper was killed.

At the attack site (#3), you’ll find a beehive covered in frost, some dried blood, and the phantom’s footprints, which will indicate that the creature is heavy with big feet. You’ll then need to follow the footprints south. They’ll enter the lake in that direction, but then they’ll come out on the other side and lead you to a small crevice in the ground (#4). You won’t be able to fit into the crevice, but you’ll find a cellar door in the ruins just to the east. When you reach the door, you’ll discover that it’s locked, but Franklin will give you the key. This sequence will earn you 25 xp.

When you open the cellar door, a Hound of the Wild Hunt will burst through and run away. To catch it, you’ll need to mount Roach (who will conveniently appear nearby) and chase it around. When you eventually catch up to it and hit it with your sword, it will stop and fight. The hound will attack you in the same way as other hounds you’ve probably seen in the game, with strong melee attacks mixed in with frost spells. When you kill the hound, it will drop a Wild Hunt Hound Trophy.

To complete the quest, you’ll just need to return to Holofernus. He’ll shortchange you on your negotiated fee and only give you 249 crowns, but you’ll also earn 250 xp.