Need advice on how to slay Gargoyle.

[Atom.Little]

Velen, utmost southern point just north of Ard Power point; a guarded treasure; beast is lvl 15, I am lvl 18 an on my way to collect the first Griffin Silver Sword upgrade which can be found just noth of where the guarded treasure is at.

I decided to take the three places one by one as I'll doubtly get this far south in one of the most swampy areas of Velen.

Most beasts and mosters around here are of two different levels, either lvl 5 or lvl 7, and all the bosses I've met so far are lvl 15 (except for some exceptions which are all lvl 23 whether or not they're bosses or common mobs).

But I need advice about how to take this mob down. He's a gargoyle.

Therse are his moves:
When he first spots you, he jumps high in the air and lands right in front of you.
Next he lets out a soundless but visible "wave" (looks more like a gust of dust that moves like visible sound would) which drains your life very quickl. It also stuns you for a second or two - a very short amount of time - but slows you down very conciderably so you can't get out of reach of that life draining "soundless sound wave". The life drain that happens so fast seems independent of level difference. His level does appear in green font, so he is presumably "not particularly difficult to beat on basis of level difference" (according to the game after the strength alterations that took place with patch 1.06 or 1.07[1*]).

This is obviously one of the examples of mobs where their level is misleading, especially when you meet one of them for the first time.

(Another example is clearly most of the Wraiths (Noon-, Grave-, and Night Wraiths, etc., but they're not the subject of discussion here....unless, of course, the combat strategy happens to be the same for them and for this monster, I've been describing above.)
.........

I've tried anything I can think of to beat him, but so far I haven't succeeded. Let me list the things I've tried:

Apart for haviing a Place of Power effect of Aard still active, I have also made sure all my gear and weapons have been repaired very recently and all are at or above 95.

I've maed sure to drink both life regen and attack power enhancement potions and have only one life regen and two attack power potions left. The reason I haven't just meditated to stack up is that I don't want to armor and weapon enhancements to run out.

I have tried using Axii, Quen, Aard (an obvious choice with the extra power I still have on this one - but it's also the one I've put the least skill points into).

What I haven't tried and why:
1. Igni. - I haven't tried Igni even though it's my strongest sign, because he just doesn't come across as someone who'll take dmg from it - or rather, I won't get time to dmg him with it plus he jumps and slows me while draining my life, both not situations that invites the use of Igni.

2. Yrden - I haven't tried Yrden because I already have tremendous problems with it when I use it against the Wraiths and still die if I try to take on a lvl 15 Wraith (advice about this is welcome as well, even if this isn't a thread about Wraiths and how to beat them). Since he is standing still anyway when he drains my life, I will be forced to leave the Yrden circle, while he won't be slowed enough for me to do any conciderable damage. - The few times I've managed to slash away at him it was disappointing how little damage I was able to do to him.
.........

That's pretty much it. - After attempting to kill him several times I pretty much know what to expect and have tried to think ahead and act accordingly, but it just doesn't seem to matter. I can get away from him in time to not loose all my life, but only some of the time because I also have to try and get close to him in order to damage him.

Does anybody have any experience with how to fight a gargoyle - maybe even this particular gargouyle?
Any ideas &/or tips on how to fight him successfuloly will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

___________________________

[1*] - The reality in this respect is subject to some dispute, however, though true to tradition, those of us who feel the balance has slipped somewhat in different cases, remain largely silent; it's not nice to be called an incompetent player even if you can prove you've been doing quite well in a number of action and military shooter games.

[tyler]

I think the only way to defeat the element monster is patience... No sign will work, only sword attack, and dont be greedy, two or three hit and run away before he could react, and repeat this move again and again...And always Quen Quen Quen and more Quen

[Rafael Freeman]

The Wraiths are easy to kill if you use Yrden. Some Wraiths can also be stunned with Axii.

I can’t remember the exact fight you’re describing (sounds like a Gargoyle), but I’ve never met a monster that was really difficult to kill unless its level was significant higher.

I’m assuming that you spend your skills points and equipped the skills. I’m asking this, because sometimes people forget the latter part.

For most builds it’s extremely useful to improve the fast attacks. Investing in Quen is also useful.

Fight tough monsters like this: use Quen, dodge, fast attack after a dodge, roll out of range, let the monster approach, dodge, fast attack … and so on. Keep an eye on Quen.

Quen is extremely useful when a dodge fails, or against range attacks (including sound attacks and poisonous breath). When a monster’s back is turned, roll towards the monster and attack.

There are a few monsters that jump high and stun Geralt when they land. Roll before they land. Rolling backwards is always a good idea when Monsters use a ‘special’ attack.

If a particular monster is very tough, just chip away at its health. Don’t stand in front at it, so dodge and roll. + Quen :-)

[katzenkrimis]

Yrden and Yrden Alternate combo....lol

I could say that for everything in the game. Yrden Alternate will continue to impede him. While Yrden will slow him down.

Roll in behind him and strike him in the back, then roll out.

Use Wraith decoction. In case you screw up and take a big hit.

Looks like your level is too low for crafted exploding bolts. (need to be 19)

Throw a bunch of bombs to make it fun, even if the bombs have no effect. The crowd will love you for it.

[Atom.Little]

Originally posted by tang3211:

I think the only way to defeat the element monster is patience... No sign will work, only sword attack, and dont be greedy, two or three hit and run away before he could react, and repeat this move again and again...And always Quen Quen Quen and more Quen

Ah, a gargoyle is an elementa monster. That may be exactly what I need to know in order to beat him because now I know what oil to use.

In my experience so far you're right about no signs having any effect on him. And I think it's wise to move away even sooner than I've done....You know, I did so little dmg with my sword, and that made me keep at him because I was unsure about why he didn't take more dmg and though that maybe I just had to keep at it; some monsters don't take much dmg to begin with, but if you slash away at them persistently, they'll suddenly loose health fast. I thought this might/i] be the case with this dude. I was clearly wrong, though.

I'll also use your advice about Quen even though I already tried it and he immediately blew right through it with one of his jumps and caused me to loose more than half of my life. However, had I not had Quen up, he'd most likely have taken about 4/5 of my life - that's what he did several times afterwards when I gave up on Quen.

I'll be back and leave a line about how it works out. - Thanks a lot for your advice.

.........
P.S. Maybe I oughta go get that Griffin Silver Sword upgrade diagram and have it upgraded before I take him on. I have a feeling it might be the sensible thing to do....But even if I decide to do it this way it won't take that much longer, and I'll still be back with an update about how I did with the gargoyle elementa.

[jss1138]

Originally posted by tang3211:

No sign will work

Alternate Yrden mode works. Just keeps sending lighting strikes at the golem any time he's within range. Combine that with the standard trap and you can wail on him from behind (more damage) while he moves in very slow motion.

[Atom.Little]

Originally posted by katzenkrimis:

Yrden and Yrden Alternate combo....lol

I could say that for everything in the game. Yrden Alternate will continue to impede him. While Yrden will slow him down.

If I recall correctly, the alternate Yrden stops arrows, and if you put more points into it it also does dmg to those who hit at you within the circle. I've still to try it out, but I think you initiate it by holding Q instead of just tapping it.

Originally posted by katzenkrimis:

Roll in behind him and strike him in the back, then roll out.

Yeah, this was what I did several times. The problem was that I still didn't do much dmg, and then he pulled the life draining wave spell.

Originally posted by katzenkrimis:

Use Wraith decoction. In case you screw up and take a big hit.

Really? Wraith decoction? But I thought he was an elementa? I'll check this out, it's an unusual idea and it just may work.

Originally posted by katzenkrimis:

Looks like your level is too low for crafted exploding bolts. (need to be 19)

Yep, I checked that too. And not only that, the bolts I already have in my inventory used to be +3 and +5 Attack Power respectively depending on their levels. I had four stacks in all, one stack lvl 1, another lvl 4, then one lvl 9 and the last lvl 14. The latter two were +5, now they're ALL +2 independent on lvl. Their special abilities are the same as far as I can remember. The lvl 1 stack has no real special power, stack lvl 4 has 8 Silver Dmg and stack lvl 9 and 14 both have 10 Silver dmg. So IOW, the special additions that made them different has been removed and it now doesn't matter if I use lvl 9 or lvl 14 bolts.

Originally posted by katzenkrimis:

Throw a bunch of bombs to make it fun, even if the bombs have no effect. The crowd will love you for it.

I've considered doing that, but I'm not sure what kinds of bombs he's vulnerable to.

Thanks for your input. Interesting idea to use wraith tactics against a gargoyle, but hey, I'm definitely not the expert so I'll be the last to say it can't work. - I'm close to lvl 19 though, so it might be a good idea to go get that Silver Sword upgrade, do another quest, and then return when I've hit lvl 19 and can create those lvl 19 bull headed bolts.

[Atom.Little]

Originally posted by jss1138:

Originally posted by tang3211:

No sign will work

Alternate Yrden mode works. Just keeps sending lighting strikes at the golem any time he's within range. Combine that with the standard trap and you can wail on him from behind (more damage) while he moves in very slow motion.

But if you cast the alternate Yrden first and then right after that you cast the standard version, doesn't that make the alternate version disappear? - I think it says you can only have one sign up at the time. Maybe I misunderstood that? - It would certainly be worth trying your idea if it's available to me (think I have 2 or maybe 3 points in the alternate Yrden).

I'll say one thing, though: On wraiths it doesn't make them move in slowmotion at all. It's almost as if it doesn't have much affect on them. They can also disappear and call on three mirror images even when you have Yrden up. But of course, it may be that gargoyles react completely different to Yrden.

The whole idea of using other signs than mentioned in the Beastiary is an interesting idea that I'll definitely explore. It can clearly be useful with different methods from those mentioned when you fight lower lvl mobs.

Thanks for the tip.

[cassiels]

Your decoctions get their name from the monster you killed. They are not meant to be used only against monsters with that name. The description says what it does.

[pike]

elemental oil , northwind bomb and yrden , axii
use the oil , cast axii to slow him , then hit him with the freezy bomb , go behind him now cast yrden , whack him with the strong attack , rinse and repeat ,
diterium bombs work , throw a few of those for good measure too

golden oriole or any anti poison

[Atom.Little]

Originally posted by rafaelherschel:

The Wraiths are easy to kill if you use Yrden. Some Wraiths can also be stunned with Axii.

Wraiths are and have been the whole time the mobs I have the greatest difficulty slaying. I've even put extra points in Yrden because of them, and still as lvl 18 I can't take out a lvl 15 wraith (well, I eventually did, by luck). - I've experienced what you write about Axii sometimes working on wraiths once when I was lower lvl. Don't forget where, but there were several wraiths and I killed two of them by using Axii.

"Funny" thing is, when I got near the silver sword upgrade spot, I counted 7 wraiths who are all lvl 16. I don't stand a chance, yet I'm not giving in. I'm not about to wait until I'm lvl 28 or something before I get my silver sword upgrade, so it has to happen now.

Dammit, I wish I was playing another game right now. lol

Originally posted by rafaelherschel:

I can’t remember the exact fight you’re describing (sounds like a Gargoyle), but I’ve never met a monster that was really difficult to kill unless its level was significant higher.

Yeah, it's a gargoyle. - I think the reason why I sometimes have problems is that my fingers are really big so I often hit more than one key and that disrupts the fight, making me over cautious when I try to hit precisely that one key I need to hit. It has also made me drag out the learning to use various key combos. One thing f.ex. that is very important when you fight wraiths is to be able to dodge, which means hit the left Alt key. I consistetntly have trouble doing this, while you can imagine I don't have any problems hitting Space. So often when I try to hit Alt, I hit Space instead and that disrupts my line of thought because things don't go as I've planned; I have a picture in my mind about what I'm going to do and how the monsters will react, and then everything goes completely different just because I hit the wrong key.

Originally posted by rafaelherschel:

I’m assuming that you spend your skills points and equipped the skills. I’m asking this, because sometimes people forget the latter part.

This is something I would never forget. Luckily I've no issues with this at all.

Originally posted by rafaelherschel:

For most builds it’s extremely useful to improve the fast attacks. Investing in Quen is also useful.

This is the second time I play the game. The first time I reached lvl 22 and then my computer died. When I got a new one I had to start over.

The first time I played I started with filling out Fast Attack and then Strong Attack and Igni, some Axii and Quen.

Then I read in a guide that Fast Attack wasn't all that useful, so I decided to emphasize signs more this time around, and until recently it worked great for me. When I realized I had to put some points into the red tree, I chose to start out with the Strong Attacks, and I must say that until now it has served me well. Lastly I've put two points into Adrenaline (I loose 40 % less adrenaline when I receive dmg), but now I'm beginning to wonder if Fast Attack might be a good idea for the next points. - I actually think he's quite fast even without any points in that skill (I honestly can't tell any difference when I don't use Strong Attacks; Drowners, f.ex., has to be fought with fast attacks whether or not you have points in the skill to be even faster).

I'll keep your advice in mind, I need to put more into the red tree anyway, and there aren't that many other skills that appeal to me except for the adrenaline (last skill in the row).

Originally posted by rafaelherschel:

Fight tough monsters like this: use Quen, dodge, fast attack after a dodge, roll out of range, let the monster approach, dodge, fast attack … and so on. Keep an eye on Quen.

Good advice right there and I'll certainly try to do it exactly this way. It may take several rounds, but I'll get the hang of it eventually.

Originally posted by rafaelherschel:

Quen is extremely useful when a dodge fails, or against range attacks (including sound attacks and poisonous breath). When a monster’s back is turned, roll towards the monster and attack.

It also protects against sound and poisonous attacks? I wasn't aware of that. Against this guy, though, Quen is blown to pieces immediately and he does a lot of dmg in the same move. It's as you say, attack when his back is turned and move away before he gets time to touch you. I'll have to learn to get away fast enough....and be patient.

Originally posted by rafaelherschel:

There are a few monsters that jump high and stun Geralt when they land. Roll before they land. Rolling backwards is always a good idea when Monsters use a ‘special’ attack.

Very true. I probably just need a little more time to get the moves learned right.

Originally posted by rafaelherschel:

If a particular monster is very tough, just chip away at its health. Don’t stand in front at it, so dodge and roll. + Quen :-)

You're right, and so much is about being patient.

Thank you for some very sound advice.

[Atom.Little]

Originally posted by cassiels:

Your decoctions get their name from the monster you killed. They are not meant to be used only against monsters with that name. The description says what it does.

Yes, but it isn't the individual monster that gives name to the oils or decoctions, it's the monster types. Apparently this one is an Elementa - though now you mention it, I do think I've seen a decoction named Gargoyle decoction. - Anyway, they're arranged in groups, like Night Wraiths, Noon Wraiths and Grave Wraiths are all arranged under a tab with the same name, and if you look at them individually you'll find almost always that the same decoctions or oils and bombs and signs work on each and every one of them... with some variations, but largely speaking they do tend to have the same kinds of weaknesses.

Still, I may be mixing up the two things, Decoctions and Oils. If so, and if it is as you say about decoctions, I apologize. And I'll definitely check it out.

Thank you for your input.

[dnrob7]

Use the gloryhole potion to fix the poison spray situation.

[Atom.Little]

Originally posted by pike:

elemental oil , northwind bomb and yrden , axii
use the oil , cast axii to slow him , then hit him with the freezy bomb , go behind him now cast yrden , whack him with the strong attack , rinse and repeat ,
diterium bombs work , throw a few of those for good measure too

golden oriole or any anti poison

Nothwind Oil, alright, I haven't heard of that one, so it's not in my bomb collection yet. - I don't have any freeze bombs either yet - sadly. Hope to get my hands on such a bomb soon.

I did cast axii, even tried several times, but it was as if he didn't even notice it. At least I could not detect the slightest effect - maybe I've been unluckly, I don't know.

Deterium (or demeritium?) bombs... I have the enhanced version of dimeritium bomb, but not the normal version, so I can't make it.

Yrden and strong attack from behind, those I can do. If they'll be enough is another matter, though. I just may have to put this gargoyle off just a little longer. Think I'll get a lot of the things you mention, but which I don't have, in Skellige. Haven't been there much yet and seem to remember I got a lot of those f.ex. bombs there the first time I played the game (and had to start over on my new PC because the old one died prematurely).

Once I get my hands on these things I'll be sure to try this strategy out on a gargoyle - if not this one, then another.

Thanks for some interesting advice.

[Atom.Little]

Originally posted by dnrob7:

Use the gloryhole potion to fix the poison spray situation.

Ah, 'gloryholde potion', I've heard that before. I know I don't have it, but at least it should be possible to get fairly easily - or soon, if nothing else. Would be awesome to counter the poison spray rather than having to run away from it.

Thanks for mentioning this idea.

[dnrob7]

Originally posted by AmaDraque:

Originally posted by dnrob7:

Use the gloryhole potion to fix the poison spray situation.

Ah, 'gloryholde potion', I've heard that before. I know I don't have it, but at least it should be possible to get fairly easily - or soon, if nothing else. Would be awesome to counter the poison spray rather than having to run away from it.

Thanks for mentioning this idea.

I'm not being very literal with the name there^
"Golden Oriole" just makes me reach for a childish joke. But that would be the actual name of it.. Don't go looking for gloryholes o_o