(But if a witcher was content without a wall at his back and then moves to find a suitable wall, try to figure out what the witcher is responding to and keep an eye on that person. It may very well be a habit the witcher has picked up or you are traveling with a very suspicious witcher. But if you can notice that your companion witcher is keeping his back to the wall, do not immediately panic. In most instances, a witcher can get his back to a wall without others putting two and two together and realizing he is eliminating the need to watch for threats behind him. Having swords across his back offers some protection, but a solid wall is never scorned by a witcher. It is a common habit among fighters to keep one’s back protected whenever possible.

It usually takes acquaintances of any witcher numerous interactions before they realized that they have not seen their witcher eat. To be polite he might pick at his food, but since eating is seen as a personal and vulnerable activity, witchers will not enjoy a meal unless he is around good friends (even though witchers are almost always hungry). Talking about contracts over meals is hardly ever an option witcher can take advantage of due to the negative public perception of them. They will not eat with company unless the witcher knows he cannot get through the day without it. It is pretty standard for witchers to avoid eating around others. If you are not a companion/friend of the witcher and you notice these signs that the witcher is uncomfortable or ready to fight… adjust your behavior or risk injury/death. There are a few signs to tell how tense witchers (modeled after the infamous Geralt of Rivia, White Wolf) are, in order from he-looks-pretty-calm to I-believe-there-is-imminent-danger. Witchers seem to struggle with understanding common folk, so always make sure to watch your actions and tone of voice, just as you would around an unfamiliar hound (a very, very smart and deadly hound). Some have more agreeable personalities than others, but be aware that witchers have run into many unpleasant humans that makes them suspicious of all polite contact- expect long days of enduring suspicious and veiled threats before a witcher ‘warms up’ to your presence. Witchers are intelligent creatures that may protect you if they grow fond of your company- so always be willing to make friends with a witcher.

Having a witcher as a companion can either lengthen your lifespan or significantly shorten it, depending on how fond a witcher is of you and how observant you can be. Should you be worried? (Understanding a witcher’s perception of danger based on actions- or lack thereof)

How many witchers are there