The Witcher 3 thread - now with more goat

Weird. I just inserted another link in this response.

Now that I'm finally getting the hang of dodging and counterattacking (which you don't need that much if you play a sign-based build on Normal), know how to keep moving in order to avoid bolts and arrows (the deflecting is limited to while you have your weapon ready, which means it's useless for closing from long range), and have found out how to defeat those pesky Elementa somewhat efficiently, I might give the "Blood & Broken Bones" difficuly another try. My only problem are pack-type enemies like nekkers, ghouls and wolves. Does anyone have any combat tips other than "don't get surrounded"? I have a mostly sign-based build, but packs are fast and too numerous so I rarely have time for stamina regeneration - even keeping my Quen shield up is difficult - even with potions and all possible bonuses.

Also, in my NG+ I'm level 86 and still playing with the enchanted Grandmaster Griffin equipment set I brought with me from the original playthrough, rated for level 47 or so IIRC. The advantages (double-casting of signs, 40% extended radius for Yrden traps) easily outweigh the lower protection and damage, even though "don't get hit" has acquired a higher priority that way. I had to put off some particularly annoying fights in the expansions (like that thrice-damned Ofieri mage in Heart of Stone) until I have the Legendary Grandmaster set at level 93. Haven't started the expansions (reloaded after failing with the mage) yet except exploring locations in NE Velen. I've also put off Kaer Morhen - just doing the Novigrad plot with Skellige and all contracts and sidequests available already done, and planning to do most of Blood and Wine when it becomes available before continuing the main game, simply because I dislike so much of the fighting in the expansions and want to get it done before the more enjoyable parts. Also, fighting the Wild Hunt bosses while drastically overleveled, great! I always wanted to be able to curbstomp them.

One notable thing: I somehow acquired the patience of looting all smuggler's caches in the waters around the Skellig isles. Never did that before. Admittedly though I activated a damage-multiplying cheat for those trips. It's not as if the sirens are difficult to fight, especially with a sign-based build they're really easy enemies if you get them while flying (which is 95% of the time), but after the tenth basically identical fight you're fed up with it.

Cluster bomb upgrade does massive AOE damage. If it's on open ground I'd frequently use Roach to do a drive by bombing before I dismounted to finish off the stragglers. Also upgraded ignii can buy you lots of time since they stand in place and writhe for a bit. 

I'd personally prefer that all characters be played by unknown (or at least relatively so) actors.  I wouldn't hate Mads Mikkelsen as Geralt or Jack Whitehall as Dandelion, though. 

Does anyone know how to *efficiently* deal with shield-wielding enemies?

You can make the early ones stumble with Aard and get a few good hits in or an Igni attack and that was that, but the later ones only get stunned for a few seconds and don't lose their stance. You can roll behind them and get two hits in before they recover, but all in all fighting them is somewhat tedious, and I usually have to leave them for last.

Axii works too

Always Axii and counterattack shield bearers. Rend is excellent for 1v1 or when other attackers are at a safe distance.

For packs, Ursine gear, Quen, and Whirl are good. Northern Wind is also good. Also make use of explosive arrows when you have them.

I'm ok with that. Henry is one of the few celebrities I still like.
I just hope he doesn't look too goofy with long white hair and yellow eyes.

I'm thinking of properly trying to get into Witcher 3 now that I have Assassin's Creed Origins pretty much done. I've tried to play it previously before, but I ended up stopping on account of a.) being a beginner not knowing what I was doing at first and b.) can now properly focus on the game. Since the game takes a SUPER long time to complete, I decided on some ground rules for this playthrough based on my general gaming habits.

1. Play on the easiest difficulty. I'm the kind of guy who likes to experience a world, characters, and story more than the actual gameplay itself and from what I've heard, the combat in this game isn't the best polished.

2. I'm not going to put too much effort into recourse gathering or crafting. I'm the kind of player who usually uses what they have available at that time, so I'm just going to collect things or craft stuff as I go forward.

3. I'm only going to do sidequests and activities as they come up. I feel it would take too long and can distract me from the main story. As long as the sidequest is available on a notice board or I come across a yellow exclamation point on the road. Same with the question marks, I'll only investigate them if their on the route to my current destination.

4. I'm always going to be equipping the next strongest armor piece or weapon I get. The only exception to this will be the Witcher gear highlighted in green, which I hear are not only the more powerful stuff in the game, but it also fits the narrative idea of Geralt as a Witcher wearing gear specifically designed for Witchers.

These are just basic rules that I've set myself up with so that I can enjoy playing the Witcher 3 without getting too deep and distracted, allowing me to try and complete the story at a reasonable time. If there's any other advice you can give, that would be great.

Apparently the show is being showrun by the person behind Marvel's Daredevil and Defenders shows on Netflix, and have even hired a Game of Thrones director and cinematographer for some of the episodes.

Yeah I'm not too worried. I'm mostly concerned about the acting and script but I do like how passionate he seems to be about the series, that's a good sign imo. The maul cosplay guy doesn't even look remotely like Geralt but ends up making an amazing transformation with the makeup and costume.

Same like this Olgierd cosplay guy.