Axibrun

The axibrun (Polish: ośniak) is a forest-dwelling monster.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

It is mentioned by Geralt in the Practicum in Advanced Alchemy quest.

— We can subdue animals, but not monsters... And the word is one has made its lair here.
— A leshen? An axibrun?

The ośniak was to appear in the third game but during the 2013 - 2014 development it was removed, possibly because it closely resembled rock trolls.

Textures from leaks

Information from leaked materials

Monster living in the forests or in the caves. It attacks in groups up to 4-5 members.

• Role in the group: Individual
• Preferred behavior: aggressive - chases the opponent and attacks.
• Special attacks and actions:
  • Strong attacks - his attacks are slow paced but deal high damage.
  • Charge - he charges and hits the player for high damage. Player can dodge / cast Quen to protect himself.
  • Eat a Nekker - if a Nekker is nearby, Ośniak can grab it and feed on it, which restores Ośniak's health. After feeding (one bite animation) Ośniak throws a dead Nekker (ragdoll) at his enemies. That attack deals small damage, but can stagger the opponent.
• Defence: none.
• Vital points:
  • Instant kill:
    • Opening the belly - makes his intestines fall out (cost: 5 points).
  • Protection: none
  • Critical effect/disable ability:
    • Cutting ligaments - disables the charge ability (cost: 2 points).
  • Massive damage: none
• Immune to: Silver
• Vulnerable to: Steel and all witcher's signs