“Beyond Hill and Dale” is one of several possible late-game quests fromThe Witcher 3: WildHunt’sBlood & WineDLC. Geralt of Rivia is forced to choose between two forking paths near the end of the previous quest, “The Night of Long Fangs.” The path to this quest beginswhen Geralt accepts Regis’request to bring Syanna to Dettlaff, ignoring the Duchess' orders.
“Beyond Hill and Dale” is a wholly unique quest; a total deviation in tone that finds Geralt and Syanna navigating an illusory world made up of fairy tale characters and other fantastical elements. Like so much else inThe Witcher 3, “Beyond Hill and Dale” stands as a perfect example of whyBlood & Wineis the gold standard for DLC.
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Entering the Land of a Thousand Fables
Once Geralt has discovered Syanna’s location in “The Night of Long Fangs,” Geralt and Regis must locateThe Land of a Thousand Fables,the book that contains the illusoryworld in which Syanna is hidden. Geralt must first retrieve the key from behind the painting, then unlock the slender cabinet. This is where the book can be found. A cutscene will be initiated when Geralt examines the book, sweeping him away to The Land of a Thousand Fables. “The Night of Long Fangs” will automatically conclude, and “Beyond Hill and Dale” will automatically begin.
Following the Yellow Brick Road
The first instruction Geralt receives upon entering the Land of a Thousand Fables is to follow the Yellow Brick Road. From the outset, there is no obvious destination. Geralt’s best option is exploring in the same direction as the yellow marker on the edge of the minimap.
Keep in mind that there is no access to the main map during “Beyond Hill and Dale.” Geralt must rely on memory and the minimap. During this quest, be careful when following the small white dots on the minimap ,as they do not always mark the correct route.
Something’s Not Right
What at first appears to be a fantasy land of whimsical, fairy-tale wonder is quickly revealed to be something far more sinister. Geralt first realizes this when he comes across the corpse of a dwarf while crossing a bridge. Shortly after, he isattacked by anarchespore.
Not long after the attack, Geralt begins to hear what sounds like the crowing of several birds. Using his witcher senses, Geralt will discover the sound’s origin. As he gets closer, he’ll hear a woman speaking, along with the classic cackle of a witch.
How to Defeat The Wicked Witch
When Geralt gets close enough, a cutscene will begin, revealing the voice he heardto be that of Syanna. She appears to be banging on the door of a large oven, trying to get at whatever is inside. With her is a decrepit old witch, saying things a decrepit old witch from a children’s story would usually say. Before Geralt can get a word in edgewise, the witch gathers her broom and cauldron and initiates combat.
The Witch flies around Geralt, guarded by a large, protective bubble. Watch out for these attacks:
When the fight comes to an end, Syanna will open the oven to reveal a young boy, presumably the Witch’s next meal. The boy is Jack, of beanstalk fame.
When in the Land of a Thousand Fables, simply visiting themeditationtab in the main menu will refill all bombs and potions without moving time forward. ensure to use it after a fight!
How to Find the Location of Jack’s Magic Beans
After talking to Jack, Syanna learns that the boy’s magic beans have been hidden throughout the Fablesphere, as she calls it. According to Jack, the only one who may know where they all are is Joss, the boy who cried wolf.
Find Joss, the Boy who Cried Wolf
Continuing down the Yellow Brick Road from where Geralt fought The Wicked Witch, he and Syanna will encounter a gang of shadowpixies. These small,elementalcreatures can be a handful in large numbers.Useelementa oilto end them quickly. Pixies will pop up throughout the journey, acting as the main enemy Geralt will encounter.
Just down from the pixies, Geralt and Syanna will come across two unicorns, making travel much faster. And then, almost immediately, they find Joss. His name and history notwithstanding, this time he is actually surrounded bywolves.Once defeated, Joss' lying self will “reveal” the location of the three magic beans.
How to Collect the Red Bean
TheRed Beanis found at Grandma’s house, in the possession of theBig Bad Wolf.When Geralt and Syanna first arrive, the wolf is in no mood to play.
Geralt must retrieve theRed Hoodfrom Little Red Riding Hood’s corpse. It can be found at the bottom of the well. Simply jump in and dive to the bottom to retrieve it. Return to the Big Bad Wolf so he and Syanna can play out their little game.
Fighting the Big Bad Wolf is essentially just awolffight, as the bestiary lists himas a simplebeast. Usebeastoilto add attack power to Geralt’s sword attacks. UseIgni,as most beasts are vulnerable to fire. Geralt will automatically cut theRed Beanfrom the Big Bad Wolf’s belly.
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How to Collect the Yellow Bean
TheYellow Beanis found withLonglocks.This bean is not at att difficult to collect. Geralt needs to make his way up the tower and into the main chamber. Inside he will find Longlocks' long-dead body,along with herspecter.The fight is similar to thewraith variants,except her healing power is more advanced. Usespecter oilto increase attack power. She will summon minions that allow her to heal. Kill these off as quickly as possible to avoid her healing to full health.
Once she is dead, simply take the yellow bean from the pillow on her bed.
How to Collect the Blue Bean
This final bean is located with theThree Little Pigs.When Geralt arrives at their location, he will find a single brick house. UseAardto blow it down! The Three Little Pigs will attack as soon as the house is gone. They are vulnerable toBeast Oil, Igni,andYrden.
Once they are dead, theBlue Beansits on a small table inside what remains of the home.
Visiting the Girl who Sells Flint
Once Geralt retrieves the three beans, the only fable that will remain marked will be theGirl who sells flint.Visiting the young girl is requiredif looking to achieve the ‘good’ ending.
The girl can be found selling all sorts of interesting products in the single ‘normal’ settlement in the Fablesphere. Speak with the girl to learn aboutSyanna’s ribbon. Geralt must acquire this, and the only way to do so is to beat the young girl atGwent.
Plant the Magic Beans and Fight the Cloud Giant
When Geralt and Syanna are readyto make their exit, follow the guide markers to the location near Longlock’s tower. A much larger group of pixies will be there waiting. Once they are defeated, Geralt can plant the three magic beans.
As he and Syanna reach the top of the beanstalk,the Cloud Giant will be waiting. Defeat him with the following tactics:
Romancing Syanna
It’s probably more appropriate to say that Syanna romances Geralt. If Geralt chooses to go stark raving mad, he needs only choose “Let Syanna have her with you,” and they will have their little fantasy, cloud-based romance scene. Like hissecret encounters with Shaniand Kiera, nothing will happen with Yennifer or Triss if Geralt agrees to be Syanna’s…friend?
Take Gesheft Before Leaving the Fablesphere
Before Geralt bids adieu to the land among the clouds, verify to grab one of the bestrelic silver swordsin the game.
After the Cloud Giant fight, as Geralt and Syanna make their way towards the bridge to the castle and on to the exit, look out for awill o' the wisp.If Geralt approaches it, it will lead him down under the bridge and into a cave. Inside, there is a fire pit with a sword in it. Let Geralt have hisDark Soulsmoment by igniting the flame. After doing so,Gesheftwill be free to take.
With this, simply return to Syanna, and she will escort Geralt to the exit. Returning to Beauclair will bring “Beyond Hill and Dale” to a close and begin “Tesham Mutna.”
The Witcher 3: Wild Huntis available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
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