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What are witcher signs

Witcher signs are a form of simple magic that witchers can cast without extensive preparation. They require the witcher to make a specific hand gesture and channel a small amount of magical energy. The five traditional signs are Aard (telekinetic force), Igni (fire), Yrden (magical trap), Quen (protective shield), and Axii (mind influence).

In The Witcher 3, Geralt's signs were his primary magical tool. His limited magical aptitude meant signs were relatively weak compared to a full sorcerer's spells, but they were fast to cast and useful in combat.

Signs in The Witcher IV

Ciri has access to witcher signs after completing the Trial of the Grasses. Igni has been confirmed through both the cinematic trailer and the tech demo. She uses it to ignite her chain weapon and to cast fire directly at enemies.

Whether all five traditional signs return in their Witcher 3 forms has not been confirmed. The developers have indicated that Ciri's magical abilities are broader than Geralt's signs, so the sign system may be reworked or expanded.

Elemental magic

Beyond standard signs, Ciri demonstrates elemental manipulation that goes past what any previous witcher could do. In the cinematic trailer's climactic fight against the Bauk, she draws water from the cave walls and channels it into an electrical blast. This kind of environmental magic is closer to what a trained sorceress would do than what a typical witcher could manage.

This expanded magical ability makes sense given Ciri's background. She trained under Yennefer of Vengerberg, one of the most powerful sorceresses in the Witcher world, giving her a foundation in proper magic that most witchers lack. Combined with the Trial of the Grasses enhancing her physical and magical capabilities, she occupies a middle ground between witcher and mage.

Traditional signs reference

• Aard: Projects a telekinetic blast that staggers or knocks down enemies

• Igni: Shoots a stream or burst of fire. Confirmed in The Witcher IV

• Yrden: Places a magical trap on the ground that slows enemies who enter it

• Quen: Creates a temporary protective shield around the caster

• Axii: Influences or confuses a target's mind, useful in dialogue and combat