The Beast of Beauclair

The duo were led by the Duchess to an encampment, though, it seemed too busy for a country not currently at war with anyone. Geralt and Ciri occasionally saw glimpes into some of the tents, spotting men with heavy injuries obviously not caused by human weapons.

Geralt "Was there some kind of attack here?" he asks, curious at what creature might have caused all this.

Henrietta shakes her head, "Unfortunately yes, but not from any country, guild, or even a band of brigands... The one responsible for all of this is the target for your contract, the people have taken to calling it the "Beast of Beauclair", though, my guard captain Damien de la Tour will have more information than I can provide." she says, stopping in front of a large man hastily giving orders to different squads of men.

Damien "You, go patrol the waters surrounding the palace, see anything hostile or out of sorts, then kill it... Understood?" he says, the men nodding before being sent off.

Eventually he's sent all the men away, and notices the Duchess's presence. When he turns towards them Geralt and Ciri finally get a good look at his appearance... He has a bald head with an immaculately maintained mustache, his face does have three large scars displayed on it, two of which look recently received.

Damien "Duchess? Are they the ones you requested?" he asks, giving them an appraising look.

Henrietta nods, "This is Geralt of Rivia and his daughter Ciri, they have already proven their expertise in killing monsters so please restrain yourself from testing their mettle."

Damien rubs his chin and looks over them, "This iz not some bring your daughter to work day Witcher, the beast has killed many already and doesn't seem to slowing his rampage down anytime soon."

Ciri frowns "I could easily beat you if that's what you're implying" she growls at him.

Geralt gestures for her to stop for a moment, "Him? Meaning you've already identified whatever is responsible for this?"

Damien nods, "I encountered them personally... Some kind of fanged monster with huge claws." he says pointing at the scars on his face.

Henrietta "Damien here thought that your service was not needed, that he could solve the problem himself... I invited you anyway as I didn't believe him knowledgable enough in such matters to stop the beast's rampage."

Geralt nods with crossed arms, "You chose right, what you've described is a Higher Vampire, an immortal being that literally cannot die no-matter what you do to it... Inhumanly fast, strong, durable... And all of them have abilities unique to themselves, giving them an incredible advantage over combatants that aren't aware of how they fight."

Henrietta's composure breaks momentarily, "Immortal? Then Toussaint is doomed?"

Geralt shakes his head and gives a smug look to Damien, "Fortunately I brought Ciri... She's likely one of the few people alive that're able to combat such a creature."

Ciri "How'd you reckon Geralt?"

Geralt "Hmm, we've got a certain painting capable of containing something like a Higher Vampire." he says, causing Ciri to slowly nod in realisation.

Henrietta "It seems you have a plan in mind already? Truly quick work, I expected nothing less from the man Dandelion admires so."

Geralt "All we need now is to find where this Monster of yours is."

Damien "Hmm, from the original five victims we found a pattern...The beast hunted men who strayed from the virtues Toussaint was founded upon... Compassion, Generosity, Honour, Valor and Wisdom... Using these hints is where I finally met the beast, but it was too fierce and defeated me... The next kills were on similar men, all knights who'd strayed even slightly from their path." he says looking downtrodden.

Geralt "Hmm, don't suppose you know of any knights who'll likely be attacked?"

Henrietta sighs, "As much as it pains me to say, many knights have begun to lose the virtues that made them so righteous in the first place... There are too many to attempt to catch the fiend in the act."

Ciri "Then... Why don't we have a knight "Stray" even further? Have a knight publically show how much they lack the virtues and wait for the beast to strike." she reasons, Geralt slowly nodding at her idea.

Henrietta "No... We can't have a knight reputation sullied through such a thing, especially when their life would be put in danger as well!" she refutes, only for Damien to chip in.

Damien "I... I myself will do it... As repentance for my failure at apprehending the beast." he says.

Henrietta "No, Damien, I command you to not do something so, so, STUPID!"

Damien shakes his head, "Apologies Duchess, but I have made up my mind... I will become a dishonourable swine to save this land." he states, his resolve made.

...

Henrietta scowls and storms off, leaving the trio alone as she heads to her palace.

Geralt gives Damien a respectful look, "Are you sure? There's a chance you'll be torn apart..." he says bluntly.

Damien nods, "If it must be so, then let it be so... I wish to battle again against the beast, and reclaim the honour I'd lost... But, first, I need to learn how to be a cantankerous swine... Perhaps you could show me Witcher?" he asks seriously, not yet realising that he'd insulted Geralt.

Ciri's about to punch him in the face but is stopped by Geralt, "It's fine. Alright, let's go to a Brothel, drinks are on me... First, though I'd like to make sure our contract has been finalized... With the Duchess gone that leaves you to sort it out."

Damien nods, "You've already been given the Vineyard Corvo Bianco, the gold reward will have to wait until after we've killed the beast." he states. "Now, we should get moving." he says, anxiously walking into town towards the nearest brothel.

Ciri sighs, "I hate brothels."