A Toast to Toussaint: Unraveling the Rich Tapestry of Monster Contracts and Races in The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine
Stepping into the sun-drenched, vineyard-laden land of Toussaint for the first time is a sensory shock for any seasoned Witcher. The air smells of wine and roses, not of mud and misery. Knights errant duel for honor, and the most pressing concern for many nobles is the vintage of their next bottle. It’s easy to be lulled into a false sense of peace, to think that Geralt’s silver sword might finally get a long rest. But don't be fooled. Beneath the gilded surface of this fairytale duchy lies a world of danger, intrigue, and, for a Witcher, gainful employment. While the main narrative of Blood and Wine is a masterpiece in itself, the true soul of the expansion often reveals itself in the vibrant side activities, particularly the meticulously crafted monster hunting contracts and the thrilling horse racing competitions. These aren't mere filler tasks; they are essential chapters that complete the story of Toussaint, offering profound depth, thrilling challenges, and a genuine sense of becoming the land's protector.
Let's first unsheathe our silver and delve into the heart of the Witcher's trade: the monster contracts of Toussaint. Noticeably, these aren't the grim, straightforward pest-control jobs of Velen. In Toussaint, even monstrosity has a layer of theatricality. The best monster contracts in Blood and Wine are not just about tracking and killing; they are intricate short stories that hold a mirror to the duchy's quirky, and sometimes dark, soul.
Take, for instance, the contract "The Beast of Toussaint." This isn't just another werewolf; it's a narrative woven into the very fabric of the main quest. You are hired to hunt a creature terrorizing the land, but the investigation leads you down a path of tragic love, a dangerous curse, and a heartbreaking moral choice. The monster's identity is a revelation that challenges the very definition of the word "beast." This contract perfectly exemplifies why completing Witcher contracts in the Blood and Wine DLC is so rewarding. It forces you to be a detective and a philosopher before you can be a executioner. The key to success here, and in all Toussaint contracts, is a rigorous guide to investigating and defeating Toussaint's unique monsters. Never skip the investigation phase. Using your Witcher Senses to examine footprints, blood stains, and other clues isn't just a gameplay mechanic; it's the key to understanding the monster's strengths, weaknesses, and the tragic story behind its rampage.
Another standout is the contract "La Cage au Fou," which leads you to a mysterious, abandoned estate. The horror here is psychological, a descent into madness that culminates in a confrontation with a Wight. The process of investigating the fate of the previous owners and preparing the right potions and oils—a crucial part of any effective strategy for slaying Toussaint's exotic creatures—is genuinely unsettling and immensely satisfying. And who could forget the mysterious "The Tufo Monster," a contract that begins with a simple haunting but unravels into a tale of ancient wrongs and a spirit demanding justice? These stories showcase the incredible writing of CD Projekt Red, proving that a side quest can carry as much emotional weight as the main plot.
For players seeking a tangible advantage in these hunts, understanding the rewards for completing monster hunts in Blood and Wine is a great motivator. Beyond the substantial crowns and experience points, successfully completing these contracts often yields unique, high-level Witcher gear diagrams for the Grandmaster sets. This creates a fantastic gameplay loop: you take on a dangerous contract, earn a diagram as part of the reward, craft the powerful armor or sword, and become better equipped for the next, even deadlier hunt. It’s a system that makes your progression feel earned and deeply connected to your actions within the world.
Now, let's swap the grim atmosphere of a monster's lair for the thunder of hooves and the roar of the crowd. If monster contracts represent Geralt's professional life, then the horse racing tournaments in Toussaint represent his chance to become part of the local culture—and earn some serious coin. The Toussaint tournament races are a significant step up from the rudimentary races in the base game. Here, racing is a celebrated knightly pursuit.
The most prominent of these is the Tourney of Toussaint, a multi-day event that includes a grand melee, a shooting competition, and of course, the races. The winning strategies for Toussaint's horse racing challenges are deceptively simple but require precision. Unlike the open fields of Velen, these races often take place on winding, narrow paths through the beautiful countryside. The key is not just speed, but control. Constantly tapping the gallop button (or holding it on easier difficulties) to manage your stamina is vital. A well-timed burst of speed on a straightaway can secure a lead, while a careless turn can send you crashing into a fence, costing you the race. Mastering the horse racing mechanics in The Witcher 3's final expansion is a skill in itself, and it's incredibly rewarding to deftly navigate the course, leaving the flamboyant Toussaint knights in your dust.
But why bother? The benefits of winning races in the Blood and Wine expansion are substantial. Victorious races net you generous prize money, but more importantly, they contribute to your overall standing in the tourney. A strong performance across all events can earn you the prestigious title of "Champion of Toussaint," a unique saddle, and the adoration (or envy) of the populace. It’s a fantastic way to feel integrated into the chivalric society of the duchy, proving that Geralt is not just a mutant killer but a man of formidable skill in any arena. For those looking to optimize their steed, seeking out the best horse equipment in Toussaint, such as the Zerrikanian saddlebags for extra carry weight or the Blinders saddle that improves stamina regeneration, can make a noticeable difference in both races and general exploration.
So, how do these two seemingly disparate activities—monster slaying and horse racing—come together to define the Blood and Wine experience? They represent the two sides of Toussaint itself. The monster contracts expose the dark, festering secrets that hide behind the beautiful vineyards and grand estates. They are a reminder that no paradise is without its demons. The races, on the other hand, embody the idealized, chivalrous fantasy that Toussaint proudly projects to the world. By engaging deeply in both, Geralt doesn't just visit Toussaint; he experiences it in its entirety. He partakes in its celebrated traditions and surgically removes its hidden cancers.
For any player wondering how to get the most out of this expansion, the answer is simple: embrace the side content. Don't just rush from one main quest marker to the next. Stop and read the notice boards. Talk to the desperate villagers and the pompous knights. Accept every contract and enter every tournament. The monster hunting contracts will test your skills as a Witcher like never before, offering some of the most memorable stories and valuable loot in the entire game. The horse racing competitions will provide a thrilling change of pace and immerse you in the local culture like nothing else. Together, they transform Toussaint from a beautiful backdrop into a living, breathing world that is a joy to protect, explore, and ultimately, to call home. So saddle up Roach, check your potions, and dive in—an adventure worthy of a ballad awaits around every corner.
