Archespore

Archespore is a plant-like monster that appears in CD PROJEKT RED's The Witcher franchise. While it's restricted to the ground, this doesn't make it any less dangerous so caution is heavily advised when going up against one. However, just like any plant, it has a weakness to fire.

The Witcher

Archespore

Fortunately, fire proved an equally efficient remedy for these cursed plants, and using the Igni sign does not require carrying an inconvenient tank on one's back.

Journal Bestiary Entry

Some crimes are so terrible that they fill people with terror and offend the gods. The criminal's ill will and the cruelty of his deed conceive a curse that brings the archespore to life. The beast attacks innocent creatures hatefully, trying to take vengeance until justice is done.

Location

• Swamp
• Kaer Morhen valley (The Price of Neutrality premium module)

Source

• In Chapter III, Geralt can talk with a "Townswoman" sitting at The New Narakort. She is blonde and wearing a green dress with a yellow shirt. She will tell him she is in the mood to spin a tale but she is thirsty. Depending on her mood, she will ask for "a mug of beer" or milk, in exchange telling Geralt about Basilisks, Wyverns and eventually Archespores.
• Geralt must exit and then re-enter the inn (or meditate) after each tale to speak to her again. After Geralt has acquired all the entries she knows about, she will still ask for milk and beer but will not give any new tales or journal entries.
• Curses and the Cursed

Notes

• Archespore remains will not contain Archespore juice unless you have their bestiary entry.
• Early in the game, torches are a quicker and safer anti-Archespore weapon than Geralt's swords. Each hit will stun it and occasionally incinerate it.

Blood and Wine expansion

Archespore

Bestiary Entry

Looks like a flower to me. A hideous, disgusting flower.
– Blasco Tennerbe, last words

Archespores look like gigantic, aesthetically unpleasing flowers with some of the traits of exceptionally cruel and bloodthirsty sundews. They are, however, far more dangerous that even the most colossal sundew. Their peculiar appearance makes them practically impossible to discern amidsts other plants. By the time one draws close enough to realize what they are, it is often too late to flee.

According to popular belief, archespores are cursed plants grown in soil fertilized by the blood of the dying. They are most often found in places which in the past saw pogroms, bloody rituals or cruel murders Four types of archespore have been catalogued to date, differing from one another in terms of coloring: brown (the least dangerous), green and purple (the most dangerous). The final variant, said to have been cultivated by mages from Ban Ard, is the yellow archespore, whose strength is similar to that of its green-colored-cousins.

Regardless of color, all archespores fight using similar methods: attacking with powerful, jaw-like leaves. If their victim is out of reach, they can also spray caustic acid which if it makes any contact whatsoever with the skin, can provoke a reaction similar to that caused by severe poisoning.

Like other plants, all archespores are extremely vulnerable to fire, which is one of the most effective methods of fighting them. Silver also works well, as does any sort of shock wave. Archespores do not like strong vibrations, which cause them to flee underground at once. Due to the nature of their origins, oil damaging to cursed beings can also be useful against them.

Combat Tactics

Archespores have several deadly techniques in killing those who come too close. From a distance, they shoot a poisonous venom that not only causes substantial damage, but will sap your energy. Their pods can explode, releasing poison. The creature can also lunge forward if Geralt gets too close. They also have the ability to quickly sink into the ground and appear some distance elsewhere, effectively the same as a teleport move of other enemies. They will do this if you manage to land several attacks in a row (3 Fast Attacks for example) and will leave a pod where they sank into the ground; if you don't immediately roll away it will explode in your face causing more damage. Fighting several of them in a group can be very tricky with all of the ranged poison spits from different directions and laying of explosive pods all over the place; never stay still in this situation.

If Geralt manages to destroy the pods, the archespore will put its head in the ground to root elsewhere; it is especially vulnerable at this time. Archespores are vulnerable to cursed oil, Aard sign and Igni sign. It is also important to take Golden Oriole if possible.

Associated Quests

• Wine Wars: Vermentino
• Wine Wars: Coronata

Gallery

Geralt fighting one on promotional screenshot.

1st render by Marcin Klicki

2nd render by Marcin Klicki

3rd render by Marcin Klicki

Gwent card art

In The Witcher