How to Beat Contract: The Apiarian Phantom

Solve 'Contract: The Apiarian Phantom' in Velen, investigating and defeating an Ekimma at a beehive.

The Apiarian Phantom is a relatively early-game contract in Velen that introduces players to the dangers of Ekimmara, a powerful type of Lesser Vampire. This contract requires keen investigative skills and a solid understanding of monster weaknesses to successfully complete. While not the most complex contract, it can be challenging for unprepared Witchers.

Quest Giver and Location

You can pick up the "Contract: The Apiarian Phantom" from the Notice Board in Lindenvale, a small village located in the eastern part of Velen. Look for the notice board near the main road, typically close to the merchant and blacksmith. The contract will describe a strange, winged beast terrorizing the local apiaries.

Recommended Level

This contract is typically recommended for Witchers around Level 10-12. While it can be attempted earlier with good preparation, the Ekimmara can deal significant damage and has a fast, aggressive attack pattern.

Rewards

Successfully completing "The Apiarian Phantom" yields a good amount of experience, crowns, and valuable monster ingredients. The exact crown reward can vary slightly depending on your negotiation with the quest giver.

• Experience Points: ~250-300 XP
• Crowns: ~250-350 (negotiable)
• Monster Loot: Ekimmara Hide, Ekimmara Mutagen, Vampire Fang, Vampire Saliva, Monster Blood
• Additional Items: Potentially a rare crafting component or diagram from the chest at the end of the investigation.

Monster Profile: Ekimmara

The Ekimmara is a Lesser Vampire, known for its bat-like appearance and incredibly fast, erratic movements. They are primarily nocturnal hunters, but this particular one seems to be active during the day, making it an unusual threat.

• Weaknesses:
  • Vampire Oil: Absolutely essential. Apply to your silver sword for a significant damage boost.
  • Black Blood Potion: Highly recommended. When an Ekimmara hits you while Black Blood is active, it takes damage itself. This is incredibly effective against their rapid attacks.
  • Igni Sign: Can briefly stun and set the Ekimmara on fire, interrupting its attacks and dealing damage over time.
  • Yrden Sign: Can slow the Ekimmara down, making it easier to hit and evade its attacks.
  • Moon Dust Bomb: Can prevent the Ekimmara from turning invisible, a tactic they sometimes employ.
• Resistances: Poison, Bleeding, Aard (less effective)
• Immunities: Fear, Stun

Walkthrough: The Apiarian Phantom

Step 1: Speak to the Quest Giver

After picking up the contract from the Lindenvale Notice Board, head to the marked location on your map, which will lead you to the apiary. You'll find Ignatius Kennet, the owner of the apiaries, near his damaged beehives. Speak with him to learn more about the attacks. He'll describe a creature that moves like a blur and leaves behind strange, sticky residue.

Step 2: Investigate the Apiary

Activate your Witcher Senses (right-click on PC, L3 on PlayStation, LS on Xbox) to begin your investigation.

1. Examine the Damaged Beehives: You'll find claw marks and evidence of a powerful impact.
2. Follow the Tracks: Witcher Senses will highlight a trail of large, clawed footprints leading away from the apiary. Follow these tracks.
3. Examine the Sticky Residue: Along the trail, you'll find patches of a strange, viscous substance. Geralt will identify it as a clue, suggesting the creature might be a vampire.
4. Find the Corpse: The tracks will lead you to a partially devoured corpse of a cow or similar animal. Examine it for more clues. The nature of the wounds further points to a vampire.

Step 3: Follow the Scent Trail to the Cave

From the corpse, your Witcher Senses will pick up a strong scent trail. Follow this trail carefully. It will lead you away from the main road, through some sparse woods, and eventually to a hidden cave entrance. This cave is the Ekimmara's lair.

Step 4: Prepare for Battle

Before entering the cave, take a moment to prepare. This is crucial for a smooth fight:

• Apply Vampire Oil: To your silver sword.
• Drink Black Blood Potion: If you have it. This potion is a game-changer for this fight.
• Drink Swallow Potion: For health regeneration.
• Equip Igni or Yrden: Have your preferred sign ready. Igni for damage and interruption, Yrden for slowing.
• Have Bombs Ready: Moon Dust or Northern Wind can be useful for control.

Step 5: Confront the Ekimmara

Enter the cave. It's a relatively small, linear space. As you venture deeper, the Ekimmara will ambush you. Be ready for a fast-paced fight.

• Combat Strategy:
  • Dodge, Don't Roll: Ekimmara attacks are quick and often come in combos. Dodging (Alt on PC, Circle/B on console) is generally more effective than rolling, as it keeps you closer for counter-attacks.
  • Hit and Run: Get a few hits in after it attacks, then dodge away. Don't get greedy.
  • Use Igni: A well-timed Igni can interrupt its charge or attack sequence, giving you a brief window to land more hits.
  • Yrden Trap: If using Yrden, cast it and try to lure the Ekimmara into the trap. The slow effect makes it much easier to land hits.
  • Black Blood Advantage: If you've drunk Black Blood, let the Ekimmara hit you. It will take damage, making the fight considerably easier.
  • Beware of its Charge: The Ekimmara has a powerful charge attack that can knock you down. Dodge to the side.
  • Watch for Invisibility: If it tries to turn invisible, a Moon Dust bomb can reveal it. Otherwise, keep dodging and wait for it to reappear.

Step 6: Loot and Return

Once the Ekimmara is defeated, loot its corpse for valuable monster ingredients, including the Ekimmara Hide and Ekimmara Mutagen, which are crucial for crafting and alchemy. There might also be a small chest or container deeper in the cave with some additional loot.

Return to Ignatius Kennet at the apiary in Lindenvale to collect your reward. You'll have the option to negotiate for a higher price, typically increasing the crown reward by about 5-10%.

Common Pitfalls and Tips

• Underestimation: Don't underestimate the Ekimmara. Despite being a "Lesser Vampire," it's a formidable foe for its level.
• Lack of Preparation: Going into this fight without Vampire Oil or Black Blood will make it significantly harder. Always prepare for monster contracts!
• Aggressive Playstyle: Trying to tank hits or get too many attacks in will likely lead to your demise. Patience and precise dodging are key.
• Night vs. Day: While this Ekimmara is active during the day, most vampires are stronger at night. Keep this in mind for future vampire contracts.
• Mutagen Use: The Ekimmara Mutagen can be used to unlock a new ability slot or craft powerful Greater Mutagens later in the game.