What Are The Witcher Signs? - Witcher Lore - Witcher Mythology - Witcher 3 lore

What are the witcher signs? Many of you will know of the witcher signs and their place in the world, but I doubt you will know all of these signs especially some of the witcher signs not included in the game. In this video I explain to you about all the witcher signs such as, the witcher sign igni, the witcher sign aard, the witcher sign axii, the witcher sign quen, the witcher sign yrden, the witcher sign somn and the witcher sign heliotrop. I also go into how witchers learn these signs and how each sign can be used for not just offensive abilities. I'm sure many of you have asked 'How do the witcher signs work?' so, in today's video I decided to address it. I'll also go over some light theory's of why not everybody can use the witcher signs
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A quick disclaimer - A lot of these videos use information from the witcher wiki, in some cases I do read directly from the pages, I do always make sure to include my own thoughts and other information I know myself, but I just want to make sure everyone is on the same page here. Even though I use information from the wiki, I do still create the videos, with time, effort and a lot of editing! The idea behind the lore videos is to present to information to you guys in a fun and more interesting way then you guys having to get the information from pages and read it yourself. If anyone isn't okay with this I apologise, but since day one I have always said where I get the information from. Thank you for reading.

[@stonks1800]

imagine being the most vicious and feared creature on the continent and this dude just jumped on you throwing gang signs

[@Conzed92]

Master Derp I died reading this comment 😂 Thanks!

[@hezze5934]

funny, laughed.

[@thaxtoncook8296]

West side rivia bitch!

[@hiddensinix2767]

I imagine this is how the Griffin school worked

[@LeAlejx]

@@thaxtoncook8296 long live radovid you fucking punk

[@tozai9222]

Axii, also known as Jedi mind trick „These are not the Witchers you are looking for“

[@Not-an-Alien]

I love Axii

[@jemican4500]

bruh that makes two aard and axii force push and jedi mind trick

[@markmagician2471]

Arrad is force push

[@RebelGuitarist747]

You wanna buy some fisstech? *axii* You don't want to sell me fisstech.

[@jamesferguson5583]

I always have so much trouble with axii especially getting them to attack each other. Never works

[@FattyD]

Thank you George for keeping the witcher alive on youtube! Very few witcher channels left actually posting some originial content

[@WitcherGeorge]

Thanks man!

[@Nard88]

Cheers

[@noazitu]

Quen is my favorite. It protects me from getting my heart broken

[@WitcherGeorge]

Me too aha

[@demonickiller6315]

Bruh who hurt you

[@brianruaro7384]

Also mends your bleeding heart. 🤷

[@Pixel3572]

@@demonickiller6315 i don’t know what it is about the phrase “who hurt you” but I just laugh so much reading it

[@demonickiller6315]

@@Pixel3572 it does cause a big giggle

[@DonPatrono]

my idea is that the "active shield" design of Quen in Witcher 3 was supposed to be the Heliotrope. In the books (especially "The Last Wish") Quen is shown to be a passive ability (cast the sign and it will stay on you), whereas the Heliotrope is an active one (it will be in effect as long as the witcher casts the sign); also it is shown that Quen is effective against sustained or quickly repeated attacks (like a Genie's magical emissions), while Heliotrope is effective against strong, immediate attacks (like Yen's offensive spell or a bruxa lunging at you). My theory is, Heliotrope was originally meant to be in the game (and this comes from the leaked material), but having two different protection spells would have been confusing, so they simply incorporated it as a more evolved version of Quen in-game.

[@WitcherGeorge]

I can definitely see the similarities, the blending was probably just to make the game a little simpler.

[@Csarci]

Correct sir! . I would also argue axii basic is somme as the enemies kinda just stop what they are doing ... could be argued they are asleep. Also I don’t know why people keep saying the signs are barley used...just got done reading the books, Geralt uses aard all the time, especially in combat and it’s definitely just as powerful as Witcher 3 version. He uses aard to topple people a few times, also uses it to keep a djinn at bay.

[@Csarci]

Another thing I just thought of. In the books his elixirs are definitely cat, Malibor and a combo of thunderbolt/blizzard. He uses them in the first few books though they are never named explicitly. Love these videos! Would have loved to learn and see more of the other Witcher schools like griffin and viper in game.

[@GruntSquad92]

So that makes quen what? An resistance aura/buff, whereas the heliotrope being an "physical" shield?

[@Raccoozs]

I will never get tired of the Witcher lore videos

[@WitcherGeorge]

Thanks man!

[@orangeslush9915]

Maxed out quen is just broken

[@WitcherGeorge]

Best sign aha

[@clitcrusader4897]

With replenishment and ursine armor

[@clitcrusader4897]

Dying becomes impossible

[@vahidakonigin4839]

You know how op it would be if Geralt would have been a Griffin?

[@ginge641]

Adem Aljović Yeah. He could just fly away from enemies.

[@ameliuslantea1789]

There is also the *Aagni* Sign, which is mentioned in the Wiki and can only be seen in the Opening and Ending Cinematic of *The Witcher 1.* *Aagni* is a powerful combination of both Aard and Igni. It is used by Geralt against the Striga of Vizima (Adda) and the mysterious assassin but beside that we don't see it anywhere else...

[@younggrasshopper3531]

Huh I wondered about that!

[@cezarypluskwa4183]

Witcher Geralt of Sapkowski's books used Igni to light a bonfire, fix a pot, or melt the lock. Axii is more in the pronunciation and tone of voice than in the strength of the sign. He used Aard most often as a telekinetic wave. So, we have use signs in the game too much and too often. ;)

[@WitcherGeorge]

Pretty much!

[@howielowis458]

In my headcanon Geralt just got better at using them, hence being able to use them more frequently and with greater efficiency.

[@younggrasshopper3531]

howie lowis same. In my 1st W3 playthrough I did full magic build, reasoning that Geralt probably gets tired of sore arms from whacking so many enemies to death, so started shifting to signs more

[@m.h.vaclav1245]

I think there was a book in the Witcher 3, which explained that the Mutations force a small number of magical capabilities into their organisms, that allow them to use the signs. A part of that is also their higher resistance against certain types of magic. Since the Mutations are partially a result of Monster DNA and Monsters came into their world at the same time as Magic, there might be a connection.

[@WitcherGeorge]

Very possible!

[@axedaman954]

Aard + the piercing cold mutation is my favorite

[@WitcherGeorge]

I love it too

[@Spherrum]

Signs require strong concentration and knowledge about signs. And not everyone without mutation is able to concentrate one's will that hard.

[@WitcherGeorge]

Possibly!

[@rejvaik00]

Yeah Ciri can't use signs either and she also can't get mutagens as they kill or cripple females for life

[@pickle2636]

@@WitcherGeorge im pretty sure it said that somewhere in the books

[@rejvaik00]

@@tyskietrio4772 gonna need a source for this, if true I'll remove my previous comment

[@anonymousbloke1]

@@tyskietrio4772 there may be female "semi-witchers", but not full-fledged ones, as in the Books Vesemir and other witchers wanted to subject Ciri to certain potions that would stunt her growth of secondary gender characteristics (i.e. tits, if simplified) so she could withstand certain trials at least partially. Triss convinced them otherwise though

[@johnodinsson3635]

Just wanna say, I watched Witcher on Netflix, then wanted to dive into the games (currently playing W3 on Switch), now I want to read the books...and I am LOVING your videos...getting plenty of background info to fill gaps...great work, sir...thank you very much!!

[@cassuttustshirt4949]

Dumb Witch Hunter: Hey, isn't that the sorceress Triss? We've been looking for her! *Geralt casts axii* this isn't the sorceress you are looking for. Dumb Witch Hunter: This isn't the sorceress we're looking for Geralt: Movie along, now Dumb Witch Hunter: Move along, move along Axii has great power over the weak minded ;-) Also, thanks for the shout out in the beginning. Made my day right there =D

[@Not-an-Alien]

Which means it only takes one particularly devout witch hunter to resist your compulsion. Then there's a mess to clean up.

[@brucemustdie]

The Witcher Episode IV: A New Hope

[@boulderthefat154]

The mages when training witchers called them tricks :)

[@petervillent5573]

Comparing "Igni" to the firestorm Yen & Triss summoned at one point in the book you can really call it a trick.

[@jconte2343]

For Quen, I wouldn’t upgrade it past its second mode, and upgrading the first level of Axii is a must have for dialogue. Maybe upgrade Arrad if you wanna go full Jedi.

[@Marvindlight]

Just want to say fist playthrough without DLC took me near 100 hours. Am glad I completed this game, finally, ha. Quen 4 lyfe

[@anonymousraccoon8923]

In my 2nd play through, I got me a Grandmaster Griffin Set and full sign build. Perks . Super fast stamina regen . Can cast 2 basic signs in succession (griffin passive) I didn't need to use Quen most of the time because I could burn lock most enemies and the burn damage was insanely high. Unfortunately, the game was too easy then.

[@WitcherGeorge]

It does ruin the challenge

[@specialnewb9821]

Seems like a big overlap between Quen (game) and Heliotrope.

[@WitcherGeorge]

Yeah, they kinda blended them

[@rejvaik00]

Another failure from the TV series...

[@SquirrelKnight50]

Let me tell you a joke... Yrden.

[@nikolafeschiev3399]

good one

[@jaredboron2793]

nice one

[@jasonwoods840]

Was it an axii-dent?

[@WitcherGeorge]

It's main use is wraiths aha

[@orangesoda8635]

50. cal headshot I use the buffed yerden in almost every big fight. It casts lightning at enemies, damaging and slowing them.

[@RenMagnum4057]

Aard + Shockwave + Ice mutation = Winter

[@SpiderconPrime]

=wild hunt

[@proximityclockworkx1572]

Caranthir would be jealous.

[@danieleriksson5587]

Did not even have time to watch the video right now,but gave it a like. Gona watch it tomorrow.

[@WitcherGeorge]

Thank you!

[@PAJ_L2001]

Quen is my favourite in Witcher 3, though I use them all. Yrden for Wraiths and Vamps, axii in cutscenes, quen for protection, and aard (love me some alternative aard with piercing frost) and igni for offense.

[@jeremiahschoonover8047]

I found your channel due to the tv show and playing a little bit of wild hunt and saw your review. You inspired me to read the books and learn more and the show while still cool to me even though you don’t agree the books and graphic novels are a thousand times better. Love your channel man

[@revan7389]

My favorite signs are Igni, Yrden, and Quen because out of all the signs these are the ones I use these the most in Witcher 2 and Witcher 3.

[@solomonrivers9118]

I’ve been playing through Assassins of Kings recently and I can’t believe how much of a base there is for a Star Wars game. Aard-Force Push Yrden-Force Restraint (possibly Force Choke) Igni-Force Lightning Quen- Shield Axii- Mind Trick Swords- lightsabers (you can even reflect bolts back) I love this series and have no shame admitting I have the signs memorized

[@alejandrorojo6203]

Great video George! I found it quite interesting, I had a basic understanding of Signs until now. Anyway, my thoughts towards signs is that the reason that witchers can use them is that they could acquire some magical aptitude via the mutations they undergo through during training, therefore allowing them to do simple magic, the Signs

[@WitcherGeorge]

Nice theory and thank you!

[@lincolnmyth1342]

I just finished a season of storms last night. The ending was awesome.

[@WitcherGeorge]

Great book!

[@FirstNameLastName-okayyoutube]

I'm fairly certain that's some easy to use Magic that could be developed like what we see witcher's have would be used by an entire section of armies. But you don't see that and you don't even see people with mild magic ability being recruited for aforementioned section of an army. So I think it is more so exclusive to witchers. As Majors would rather expend their energy on more complex spells.

[@ashleyien1222]

I don't think everyone can use signs. I think you need a minimal amount of magical ability. That's what I understood in Blood of Elves when Lambert was telling Triss that Ciri couldn't be a source because since she couldn't do the signs she had no magic, she was just an ordinary child. I'm not sure if he says minimal magic ability is needed, but its what I understood from it. All witchers would therefore have at least minimal magic ability (either through birth... perhaps only those with this ability survive... or maybe through mutations). Though Vilgefortz seemed to indicate Geralt had more than minimal abilities and could have been a mage. Triss noted Eskel emanated even more magical power than Geralt did... so at least those two have strong magical talent and possibly stronger signs than the other witchers.

[@quintinbassett9467]

I’m only partway through the books, so a large part of my knowledge is from the games. But I thought that the Trail of Grasses is what enabled All witchers to perform signs, even those without any predisposed ability.

[@shai5550]

I think Vilgefortz knew that Geralt was actually the son of a sorceress if I remembered it right. He really could’ve been a mage if he didn’t become a witcher

[@Thedeepseanomad]

Yes. In the games it is also stated that one of the witcher trails is the process that enables witchers to use signs. It seems is an alchemical process that focuses whatever latent magical talent the individual posess into something that can be used practically.

[@howielowis458]

I wonder if it would be possible for Geralt (or any witcher) to learn more magic. It would seem like the most logical step. Geralt hardly will make much more progress with his swordmanship but he should be able to improve his magic abilities greatly, right? Let's say he learns from Yennefer for the next 50 years after Blood and wine. He would be OP.

[@lucifers.morningstar3805]

@@howielowis458 at that point he would just be OP unstoppable.

[@Dijeouni]

I'm just coming out of left field here never having played The Witcher but these 'signs' come from Alchemy - Fire is a regular triangle, water an upside down triangle, air is a triangle with a slash, and earth an upside down triangle with a slash.

[@WitcherGeorge]

Awesome!

[@_nick.._.liachnis]

The books contain a few signs that would be perfect for various builds like Somne, Supirre and the Sign the reflects a monsters aggression on it.

[@kriegofficergary6921]

Hey george me and the boys got a promotion!

[@joeyking6134]

Temerian infantry Temeria!

[@kriegofficergary6921]

Joey King MOTHER TEMERIA BORE ME IN.MOTHER TEMERIA I'LL DIE

[@WitcherGeorge]

Good work!

[@filmwoodmedia]

Temerian infantry TEMERIA!!

[@kriegofficergary6921]

Fabled Pictures Temeria! Temeria! Gods shed all grace on thee! And smite thy foes with horrid woes, for all eternity!

[@blarkmooo363]

You do a very good job, with gathering up materials and your presentation of info.

[@dragos5640]

Geralt + dual sword fight = total badass

[@deceitfuladvocate1494]

I believe signs themselves can only be done by witchers because of their mutations. That's why ciri can't use signs. She didn't undergo the mutations. That's why in the witcher 3 freezing aard is a thing. It makes sense in the lore.

[@h.brickers1169]

In 7 days I did a (so fAr) 40 hour playthrough on the Witcher 3 w out the hud and the experience is mesmerizing

[@emmabethel]

I have a lore question: I briefly understand how boys are chosen (I.e. the law of surprise), but why do some live and others die in agony when going through the mutation? I heard that school of cat picked those of elven decent, but is that a factor in them surviving the ordeal? Do the short stories and books give more information? Or is it in game? Also, why only boys? Is it a matter of females only become sorcerers, and only boys can become witchers? Sorry for the very long post, but thanks for all the lore videos.

[@elizabethalderman8749]

A little fun Witcher lore snippet for you, Ciri actually was able to use signs, but sporadically as she couldn’t truly control her power. Yen helped her master Aard

[@WitcherGeorge]

And then it all went (well except the elder blood abilities).

[@nielsbaumann9128]

Yesss another lore video! Keep it up, love your content!

[@WitcherGeorge]

Glad you enjoyed and thank you!

[@thomaswest2583]

Ciri can use magic. Yennifer was teaching her magic in the books. But she never finished learning magic. Her magic was very limited

[@MrSilentfire11]

In the witcher bonus DLC for monster hunter world he explains his spell igni and when he leaves he leaves a bag of stones he engraved with the igni symbol that allowed the hunters non magic people who live in a "non magical world" even though it's nothing but monsters. to use magic. Going on that in the witcher games there are non magical people who could still use basic magic equivalent to a weak sign. But they would probably be pretty expensive to buy and very rare for witchers or witches to makes them for people unless it was to keep them safe.

[@AzzAra09]

All Signs we know so far Aard + Cryokinesis Aagni (Aard + Igni) Igni Quen Axii Yrden Heliotrope (like Quen but more useful against magic attacks and non material attacks, like shock waves and sonic waves. It could protect even against telekinetic attacks) Somne (put target to sleep and create suggestions) I'd like to see in a future game the using of Somne, in fight could be cool to see effects like suggestions, get enemies scaried and some form of illusions, and of course, see Aagni too. Then would be cool to see a completely new sign, like invisibility, I'd call it Sidhe.

[@kingofthefleetians7569]

Yrden could also be used to seal doors and door ways in the books I believe

[@Tap2Win22]

Geralt and Dandelions History? : How they met, other Stories?

[@WitcherGeorge]

Good idea

[@milawick300]

I love the books. Thinking about trying the games even though I'm not much of a gamer.

[@liamclayton9561]

Love the channel, aren't many witcher lore channels

[@WitcherGeorge]

Thank you!

[@kudokoshi4257]

Its like a ninjas hand sign, well always thought of it that way just to differentiate them from actual spells that needs lot of knowledge.

[@gamingtechreviewstv6012]

I read somewhere that the five signs seen in the games are based of the classical elements : Igni: fire Quen: earth Aard: air Yrden: water Axii: light

[@drcyantist6993]

Imagine you're a witcher that just recently got from the most exhausting, painful and longest training years of your life, to meet one day a monster that rip your arms.

[@Vopadevas]

The Signs confused me a bit not because of their use but because Witchers were worried about money all the time but it seems like they could make a living teaching Sign magic!

[@qdllc]

From what I gather of the Witcher world, everyone can use magic...some just are more naturally adept. I say this because curses (a form of magic) have been placed both deliberately and accidentally. Simply cursing someone with sufficient emotion can make it happen. That said, most people have no knowledge or training in the magic arts, so they can’t use it. Those who learn magic can only go as far as they are gifted in connecting with the sources of magic. Ciri couldn’t so signs, but she was able to use magic. Most likely, her initial failure to master signs made her believe she couldn’t use magic...creating a block until Yen taught her otherwise.

[@masaisassi3730]

In the Netflix Witcher: Nightmare of the wolf Movie, I believe there’s a witcher that cast Aard without having a hand. So I don’t know if having fingers it’s a must, likewise im unsure if the movie it’s considered canon.

[@CorneliusBogfrollupFitzgerald]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="203">3:23</a> fun fact the word pyrokinetic was actually first used in a Steven King book

[@WitcherGeorge]

Ah awesome!

[@rejvaik00]

Yeah in the book firestarter. I remember seeing the movie about it too

[@hamsterhusch2785]

ciri cant use signs? i remember a trainingsession with yen from the books, where she blew a whole barn away with aard.

[@WitcherGeorge]

I believe that was an actual spell!

[@warpdriveby]

I can think of examples of Aard (season of storms fight with Bang and Bur), Yrden (Last Wish vs Striga), Axii (Last Wish used on town guard post brawl), and Igni (used by cat witcher end of SoS), these aren't the only ones, just the first I remember quickly, but I couldn't find quen. Anybody know if/when it's used? I was originally hoping for a heliotrope sign in 3 but It's not like it's lacking it either.

[@nttntjno1797]

Added note that Ciri can't use sign because she can't fully control her power. In the past Yennefer actually taught her some basic magic and ended up with Ciri blows up a shed which upsets her greatly.

[@YakshaAdvaita]

Few additional signs are supirre and hate reflection signs used very rarely.

[@acedarakai1857]

These signs would be so useful in my daily life

[@WitcherGeorge]

They sure would aha

[@mowermen1762]

Ace Darakai uses igni to make tea

[@Jake-ky4yj]

Bit late on the draw, but i think you have to be able to use magic first in order to do any kind of sign. And all witchers can use signs because the mutations that they undergo give them access to magic whether they had it before or not. Something the mages would have seen to. Or maybe in order to survive the mutagen in the first place you have to have at least some connection to magic. Also normal people can't drink Witcher potions. So that's a bad example of anyone being able to sign.

[@Will057]

Don't you just love the quen sign. Loved the video as always.

[@WitcherGeorge]

Quen is the best and thank you!

[@BranGrizz]

do a video on sourceress' in general or compare and contrast with mages

[@WitcherGeorge]

Good idea!

[@BranGrizz]

u should also do a vid on the term "relict"

[@chanhmilner2670]

As i was playing last night doing a mission called path of the warrior in skellige, where i came across a book call witcher signs that state witchers are able to use signs due to their mutations, and dont trust magic or portals.

[@londonfog6654]

Yrden+Igni combo 🕺

[@benjamintalbot201]

While this is just for the books perhaps different for the games, Lambert states in blood of elves that to cast signs you need the most basic magical connection. As such it seems probable that not all people could cast signs but that it is commonplace, after all every witcher met can cast such and they are not adopted on any expression of magical ability.

[@WitcherGeorge]

Good point!

[@franciosdeaeruiu7555]

Dome quen is best sign, ive done so much cool shit with it

[@happylittletree1727]

Sign builds are hilariously overpowered. Being able to 1 shot crowds with frost Aard, detonating masses of necrophages with igni, and using all the Hearts of Stone runes to charge Aerondight with sign strikes.

[@__cunilingus__826]

Actualy in books, when Geralt looses his medalion in fire, its said that he cannot use signs. Correct me if Im wrong, but I think its in part where Druids burn Schiru and Towny Owls men.

[@christophergroenewald5847]

Wasn't it mentioned somewhere in the books that Geralt couldn't use signs without his meddling? I'm probably remembering wrong, but I think I remember reading that.

[@Hananiah70]

What do you mean by meddling?

[@christophergroenewald5847]

@@Hananiah70 medallion. Autocorrect error

[@travosaga]

I think the mutation process probably opens the witcher's body up to some sort of magic use, though obviously not on the same level as a born sorceress.

[@WitcherGeorge]

It's most likely a part of it!

[@ryancialone3045]

My head canon is that everyone can technically use signs but the average person would have to focus so hard for it to be practical. But the witchers’ mutations do something to their brains where they can do it with minimal effort

[@MrBubblecake]

So if Signs are kinda weak and only require a hand gesture, does that mean certain humans who may possess hidden magical ability can do signs even by accident?

[@revan5293]

I wish we had a lighting sign

[@Vermbraunt]

I think it would be cool to see non witchers who are trained to use signs. Maybe some type of elite bodyguard for someone important. They seem like they would be useful. I was always under the assumption that the witcher mutations were what gave them the ability to use signs but it seems not

[@WitcherGeorge]

That sounds awesome!

[@trymsaltkjel4257]

FINALLY!!!

[@DevillJin]

There is a story about the signs in wicher 3... i think it was in ingame book... wichers are able to use magic thx to the mutations... thats why they can use signs, they dont like magic but in theory all of them could be mages...

[@OkBud1997]

I thought the deal with who can use signs had to do with being imbued with the circle of elements

[@WitcherGeorge]

I don't think that's true, as other magic users could easily accomplish a sign, without being exposed to the circle of elements.

[@OkBud1997]

WitcherGeorge Yea true, but dont they need to use the energy around them to use magic? Whereas I think the circle of elements kind of like stores it in the medallion so they can use limited magic like signs without studying it like other mages do to learn greater spells.

[@adamzh]

I honestly love you (had to get it off my chest)

[@WitcherGeorge]

Aha thanks

[@thecakeisalie652]

In the books Ciri is very capacle sasting spells like sorceresses. It is unfortunately a little contradicting from book 1 and 2 to the other books. Or Triss has no clue and Yen know how to teach Ciiri properly.

Maybe it wouldn't have made much difference, but I wonder why Geralt didn't use Heliotrop when he fought Vilgefortz

[@WitcherGeorge]

Because plot aha, also perhaps Vilgefortz could've prevented it with his powerful magic?

[@devilgames2217]

Quen > all

[@markmagician2471]

Axii better

[@SplashAttackTCG]

Lol, Ciri uses the ultimate sign, DESTROY EVERYTHING.

[@silviaf2725]

Um, it seems no one in the comments noticed that Ciri's Ciri's a unique example of magic-using. She can't use magic, or The magic used by people in the Continent because she rejected this ability in the Korath desert, and at the same time the elder blood blabla... An interesting thing I noticed is that in the first game, Leo could use signs though he didn't receive the mutating procedures, so the witcher mutation is not required for using the signs.

[@DCdabest]

Some dope as somatic-only Cantrips

[@hrs.ai2018]

Gwent also a sign, it forces people silently nodding

[@stofsk]

I don't think anyone can use signs, I think either a sorceror/mage can (because they have a connection to the Power) but don't because it's like training wheels version of magic, and witchers can obv. and the impression I have (which could be wrong I guess) is that witchers gain a slight connection to the Power as a result of their mutations. That's just an impression I have, I don't know if it's said in the games or the books (I've only read the last wish short story collection).

[@zionleach3001]

When I first saw the 3rd game trailer with the Griffon, I thought Igni was something attached to his wrist and not magic.

[@kingofthefleetians7569]

One time I tried positioning my fingers into quen and immediately understood why that requires stamina

[@lllNiaNlll]

What about that quest, "Devil by the Well", when Geralt faces the Noonwraith? Doesn't he incantate Igni, instead of doing the gesture?

[@WitcherGeorge]

He does?

[@lllNiaNlll]

@@WitcherGeorge It's the quest (Witcher Contract) in White Orchard, right near the start of the game. You can't see his hands, but he does say the word "Igni" and the objects burst into flame.

[@fallenangel5603]

I’d like to think that anyone can use signs but it’s not just about the gesture and concentration but also belief. Take Ciri for example, she had a connection to magic but tried to draw power from fire. This act exposed her to something that scared her so much she cut herself off from magic. For all intents and purposes she should be able to use magic but through her own belief and will she has cut herself off. I feel like that is the case with signs people just don’t believe they can do it there fore they can’t even though it’s so simple as far as magic goes.

[@bingo5636]

new opening logo is nice

[@WitcherGeorge]

Thank you!

[@digikpkm]

in one of the books (yennefer talking to little ciri) she explains the signs a little bit

[@WitcherGeorge]

Blood of elves I believe

[@DannyJP29]

Oh cool you actually included me in the screen cap! Haha thanks for doing my suggestion

[@WitcherGeorge]

np man!

[@carenhall2066]

Ciri can use magic during battle, she does do the jump in battle, she's also done the portal during battle, but as it destroyed half of the forest in Skellige, she needs practice.

[@WitcherGeorge]

I'm not saying ciri can't use magic full stop, just that she couldn't learn the signs, obviously in the books she later learns general magic (then stops being able to use it) , but the elder blood is a different form of magic entirely.

[@punishercork]

I honestly felt like that they were shitty plot devices in the book. Nothing seemed to dictate why or when Geralt would use them. I think the writer for The Witcher set up great blueprints for a game. Potions, bombs, signs, swordsmanship, mutations. If anything Geralt gets hurt way too easily and is constantly in critical care. I imagine the regeneration capability as a poor mans wolverine, (leaves scars, heals quickly but not completely.)

[@WitcherGeorge]

good point!

[@Luos31]

The reason I would choose the school of the Griffin 😎

[@Sean-wi6hm]

I assume you must have a connection to magic or have passed the trial of grasses to use signs

[@HeliodromusScorpio]

I love frost upgrade for aard

[@xhesil8848]

It seems logical that not everyone can use Signs. Itis said that certain Witcher potions enable the use of Signs, what if those are the Grasses? Ciri can't use Signs, but has magic power, so, logically, magic alone doesn't guarantee access to Signs, however, nobody is shown using Signs other than Witchers (to the best of my knowledge), so it seems likely that it is an effect of the Trial of the Grasses. It might be that the magic used for Signs is generated differently than normal magic, creating the separation. Because, otherwise, any mage could use the Signs in a pinch, but I don't think we've seen this happen.

[@WitcherGeorge]

That is possible, except the witcher adapted the signs from existing magical spells, yennefer refers to them as 'tricks' hence why other magic user don't really bother to learn them, as what they can do is significantly more advanced.

[@xhesil8848]

WitcherGeorge sound. Hmm... What if the Trial of the Grasses imbues the Witchers with a smaller magical reserve with less power than that of a mage, so a mage could, with training use Signs, but a Witcher might not be capable of using proper magic. I'm trying to figure out why Ciri can't use the Signs while having magical power. She was trained as a Witcher, but wasn't given the Trial of the Grasses (right?), so her inability to use Signs would be reasonably tied to the Grasses. I wonder, on the topic of Yennefer, can she use Signs? I know she can use proper magic, but is she able to use Signs? If she can't use them, that would support the Trial of the Grasses hypothesis. In any case, great video, George!

[@icedviking4485]

They are called *Witcher Signs* for a reason, so no - not everyone can use them. btw. Now I wanna see those 2 additional signs in TW3! They seem pretty cool.

[@WitcherGeorge]

Well they're actually just called 'signs' aha, also a mage could easily use them, they are very simple magic.

[@icedviking4485]

That's right George. But I was talking about peasants, noblemen and people like that - not mages, druids, etc! Great video as always though!

[@clitcrusader4897]

Gimme citations please, where does it say an average dudebro can't flip the bird at someone to shoot magic?