Are Succubi Evil in The Witcher 3? A Deep Dive into Morality and Monster Hunting
The question of whether succubi are inherently evil in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is complex and lacks a simple yes or no answer. Succubi in the Witcher universe are driven by an insatiable lust, a biological imperative that compels them to seek out sexual encounters with other humanoid species. While their motivations are not inherently malicious – they don’t crave blood or desire to kill – their actions can have harmful consequences, blurring the lines of morality. The game presents them as beings driven by instinct, often lacking a true understanding of the societal and emotional repercussions of their behavior. Therefore, judging them as simply “evil” is an oversimplification. The nuances lie in individual succubi and their interactions with the world around them.
Understanding Succubi in the Witcher Universe
Biological Imperative vs. Intentional Harm
The foundational aspect of a succubus’ nature is their relentless sexual desire. Unlike many monsters, succubi aren’t driven by hunger for flesh or a thirst for destruction. Their primary goal is to satiate their lust. However, this doesn’t absolve them of all responsibility. While the article you provided does not reference the Witcher directly, the text is a good summarization of a Succubus, but within the world of the Witcher there can be great repercussions for their actions.
The Spectrum of Succubus Behavior
The Witcher 3 doesn’t paint all succubi with the same brush. Some, like the succubus encountered in Novigrad, seek out willing partners, albeit often through manipulation or deception. Others, like the one in Skellige, are more aggressive and less concerned with consent. This variation in behavior highlights the fact that succubi, like humans, exist on a spectrum of morality. Some are more considerate, while others prioritize their own needs above all else.
The Consequences of Succubus Encounters
Regardless of their intent, succubus encounters can have devastating consequences for their partners. The sheer intensity of the experience can be physically and mentally draining, leading to exhaustion, illness, and even death in extreme cases. Furthermore, their presence can disrupt social order, incite jealousy, and fuel fear and prejudice.
Moral Ambiguity and Player Choice
The Witcher 3 excels at presenting players with morally ambiguous choices, and the succubus encounters are no exception. Geralt, as a Witcher, is tasked with protecting humans from monsters, but the game challenges the player to consider the complexities of each situation.
The Novigrad Succubus: A Case Study
The “Deadly Delight” quest in Novigrad is a prime example of this moral ambiguity. The succubus Salma is accused of murder, and Geralt is hired to investigate. Ultimately, the player must decide whether to kill her or let her go, based on the evidence and their own moral compass.
The Alchemist’s Practicum: An Alternative Encounter
The quest “Practicum in Advanced Alchemy” in Skellige presents another succubus encounter, but with a different set of circumstances. This encounter offers another perspective on succubi and their motivations, further complicating the question of their inherent evil.
Weighing the Options: Mutagens and Morality
The game also introduces a practical consideration: the Succubus Mutagen. Killing a succubus grants you this rare ingredient, crucial for crafting the powerful Succubus Decoction, which increases attack power during combat. This creates a tension between Geralt’s professional duty and the player’s personal morals. Is the benefit of the mutagen worth taking a life, especially if the succubus doesn’t appear inherently evil?
Considering the Broader Context
To truly understand the question of succubus morality, it’s essential to consider the broader context of the Witcher universe.
Prejudice and Misunderstanding
Monsters, in general, are often demonized and misunderstood in the Witcher world. Fear and ignorance fuel prejudice, leading to the indiscriminate slaughter of creatures that may not pose a direct threat. This raises the question of whether succubi are unfairly targeted simply because of their nature and the societal fear surrounding sexuality.
The Witcher Code
Witchers are bound by a code of neutrality, but that neutrality is constantly challenged by the moral complexities of their work. Geralt often finds himself forced to make difficult choices, weighing the needs of humans against the lives of monsters. The succubus encounters force the player to grapple with this moral dilemma and decide where Geralt’s loyalties truly lie.
The Influence of Humans
It’s also important to consider the role that humans play in the interactions with succubi. Are they always innocent victims, or do they sometimes contribute to the negative outcomes? The game hints at the potential for exploitation and abuse on both sides, further blurring the lines of right and wrong.
Conclusion: A Matter of Perspective
Ultimately, the question of whether succubi are evil in The Witcher 3 is a matter of perspective. There is no easy answer, and the game deliberately forces the player to confront the complexities of morality and monster hunting. By understanding their motivations, considering the consequences of their actions, and weighing the broader context of the Witcher universe, players can form their own informed opinions and make choices that reflect their own moral compass. The game excels in making the player question the decisions they make. The constant question is always “what will have the greatest impact, and what is the lesser of two evils?” It is possible to learn more about how morality plays a huge role in video games at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Succubi in The Witcher 3
1. What is the Succubus Decoction, and what are its effects?
The Succubus Decoction is a potion that grants a temporary increase in attack power during combat. Specifically, Attack Power grows over the course of a fight until reaching a maximum threshold of 30%.
2. How do I obtain the Succubus Mutagen?
The Succubus Mutagen can be obtained by killing a succubus. There are two opportunities to acquire it: during the “Deadly Delight” contract in Novigrad or during the “Practicum in Advanced Alchemy” quest in Skellige.
3. What are the weaknesses of a succubus in combat?
Succubi are vulnerable to Steel Swords, and their weakness is Hybrid Oil. The Aard and Axii signs can be used to interrupt their spellcasting, leaving them open to attack. Dimeritium bombs can also prevent them from casting spells.
4. Is it possible to spare the succubus in the “Deadly Delight” quest?
Yes, after confronting the succubus Salma, you can choose to spare her life. She will be required to leave the city and provide proof of her departure.
5. What happens if I spare Salma in “Deadly Delight”?
If you spare Salma, you will not receive the Succubus Mutagen. You will, however, avoid potentially killing an innocent creature. The game hints that you might regret this decision later.
6. Does the druid ever return to seek revenge on the succubus in Novigrad?
No, the druid does not return to confront the succubus. Once you’ve completed the quest, whether you kill or spare her, the storyline is concluded.
7. What is the lore behind succubi in the Witcher universe?
Succubi are demon-like beings driven by an insatiable lust. They seek out sexual encounters with humanoids, often through manipulation or deception. Their motivations are not inherently malicious, but their actions can have harmful consequences.
8. Are all succubi evil?
No, The Witcher 3 presents succubi on a spectrum of morality. Some are more considerate and seek willing partners, while others are more aggressive and less concerned with consent.
9. What role does morality play in The Witcher 3?
Morality is a central theme in The Witcher 3. The game constantly challenges the player to make difficult choices with far-reaching consequences, forcing them to consider the complexities of right and wrong.
10. Can I make Geralt an “evil” character in The Witcher 3?
While Geralt is not inherently evil, it is possible to make villainous choices that affect the story and his relationships with other characters. Sparing or killing succubi is just one example of these morally ambiguous decisions.
11. What is the connection between succubi and albasters?
An albaster is a Fae species who feeds off sexual shame and therefore, are considered the natural enemies of succubi. Albasters have incredible sexual restraint, often even being asexual.
12. What are some other monsters that have complex moral dimensions in The Witcher 3?
The Witcher universe is full of monsters with complex moral dimensions. Examples include leshens, who are protectors of the forest, and werewolves, who are often victims of a curse.
13. What should I do with the Succubus Witcher 3?
You can decide to kill her or let her live, but she must leave the city, and give you something that could be used as proof of her death. If you kill her, you have a chance to get the Succubus Mutagen
14. How do you beat succubus in Witcher 3?
Use the steel sword against the succubus to dispose of her quickly. Use the Aard or Axii signs to interrupt the succubus while she is casting spells. The Aard and Axii signs will also leave the succubus open to attack. Use Dimeritium bombs to prevent the succubus from casting spells.
15. Can you get succubus mutagen Witcher 3?
Yes, there are two areas to get this mutagen. Kill the Succubus in the Contract: Deadly Delight quest or kill the one in Practicum in Advanced Alchemy in Skellige. If you spared both, you cannot acquire the mutagen.