Witch Hunter

The **Witch Hunter** is a Lawbot Manager Boss who was introduced as part of the Hires & Heroes Update. He can be fought atop the tower by the Trolley in the Ye Olde Toontowne Playground after unlocking the Kudos task Looming Lawbot. He was first revealed during the cogs.ink ARG.

## Content Sync

Toons fighting against the Witch Hunter will have Content Sync applied to them. They will be synced down to the following stats:

* 75 Laff Soft Cap (82 Max)
* Up to Level 6 Gags permitted
* C&Ds and Pink Slips restricted

## Attacks

(Single)
(Single)
(All)
 Damage
 Accuracy
 Frequency

## Cheats

This battle has a soft cap capacity of up to four Cogs. These Cogs will spawn every two rounds from any department with a Level range of 7-11. There is an increased chance of these Cogs being Lawbots (about 50%). The Executive chance is 25%.

While not visibly shown, the Witch Hunter can only be Lured for 1 round.

The Witch Hunter takes less damage. This percentage starts out at 50% at the beginning of the fight and decreases by 5% per Cog destroyed. Mob Mentality increases this percentage by 10% per use.

The more Cogs the Witch Hunter has, the stronger his cheats become. Note that Growing Mob only counts Cogs flying and surrounding the battle, and not the ones doing the battling themselves. Certain milestones are detailed as:

* **8 Cogs** - Permanently increase the Cog capacity in the battle to 5. Trial by Fire and Bewitched can target two Toons with passively stronger effects.
* **13 Cogs** - Mob Mentality affects 3 Cogs at once. Any incoming Cogs joining the battle receive Lure Resistance of two rounds for as long as this milestone is active.
* **16 Cogs** (max) - Mob Mentality affects all Cogs in battle. They are also granted the **Hivemind** buff, making them target the same Toon for as long as this milestone is active. The targeting changes every round, or automatically whenever the current Toon is defeated.

Every two rounds, the Witch Hunter magically gives a Toon a witch hat. The applied debuff is a 75% chance that Cogs will target that Toon more often. They will also take between 1.05x and 1.25x more damage depending on how many Cogs are in the Mob when this cheat is used. However, this Toon will also receive a 1.3x damage buff *against the Witch Hunter only*. Prioritization goes for Toons with the highest Laff, or the rightmost Toons if there are multiple with the highest Laff. This debuff lasts for 2 rounds.

Every two rounds, the Witch Hunter can allow up to two Cogs an additional attack. This cheat unlures them in the process, and grants them a hidden 33% damage debuff. It can also summon a group of 5-8 flying Cogs to surround the battlefield, which ties into his Growing Mob cheat. One of the summoned Cogs is guaranteed to be a Level 11.exe Advocate with a lower-than-standard Cog Defense. Mob Mentality affects more Cogs as the Mob grows. When 3 Cogs are in the Mob he will Mob 2 of the lowest levels. If there are Cogs with the same level he will Mob the one closer to him. With 4 Cogs, he will do the same but with 3 Cogs total.

Every three rounds, the Witch Hunter will ignite a random Toon. They are given the **Trial by Fire** debuff. This takes between 5%/10%/15% of a Toon's current health for 1 round, then takes 5%/10%/15% of their max Laff the following round, totaling 2 rounds. The percentage depends on how many Cogs are in the Mob when this cheat is used.

The AOE version of Trial by Fire. This takes 10% of all Toon's current Laff for 1 round, then 10% for the Toon's max Laff for the next round, totaling 2 rounds. This cheat is only triggered by health milestones. One at 2300 HP and another at 1150 HP.

## Strategy

The fight against the Witch Hunter is fairly straightforward. He alternates between using the cheats Bewitched and Mob Mentality every round. On the very first round he uses Bewitched, on the second round he uses Mob Mentality, this pattern continues throughout the whole fight.

Destroying the Cogs before the Witch Hunter uses Mob Mentality is recommend for the early part of the fight. It matters overall so that his damage resistance is reduced, but when the battle starts bringing in the guaranteed Executive Advocate, hitting the Witch Hunter starts to become an equal if not bigger priority. Remember that the Witch Hunter begins with a 50% damage reduction that decreases by 5% per Cog defeated, but he will gain +10% more when he uses Mob Mentality. You can use some IOUs if you are in a position where there are no Cogs in the battlefield, but the Witch Hunter has a high enough damage resist that prevents you from doing a lot of damage.

The simplest strategy is to use Lure/Throw/Drop on the Witch Hunter during rounds he will use Bewitched and use Sound/Zap on the other Cogs during rounds he will use Mob Mentality. This will steadily remove the Cogs before they are buffed by Mob Mentality as well as reduce the Witch Hunter's health while his damage resistance is at its lowest. Additionally, avoid prioritizing attacks on the Witch Hunter turn one as he is at his peak damage reduction.

For another, more specific strategy, it is recommended that all Toons have Prestige Sound (for boosted Encore damage), Prestige Throw (for when something misses and to require less turns/uses of Toon-Up), and Prestige Drop (for high damage dealing). Preferably, there should be at least one Toon with Prestige Lure, one with Prestige Squirt, and one with Prestige Trap. The steps are as follows:

1. Hose the Witch Hunter, or mid right, depending on the set (such as a Level 9.exe appearing) to reduce the Cogs health and to still Soak the Witch Hunter. This will set up debuffs for extra Drop damage in the next turn. The other 3 Toons should all use Trunk, or have all Toons use Trunk if the set requires it.
2. If Hose was used, that Toon should use Cream Pie (for Marked debuff) on the Witch Hunter while the now Encored Toons use 3 Safe on the Witch Hunter. If Hose was not used, have one Toon use it while the other Toons use Safe, all on the Witch Hunter.
3. The Toon that has been using Squirt and Throw should drop the guaranteed Executive Advocate that appears while the other 3 Toons use Sound. Alternatively, pre-place a Trapdoor on the Witch Hunter and clear the set using either Sound or Zap:
	1. **Zap:** Seltzer mid left and use 2 Stagelights on mid right.
	2. **Sound:** Use 3 Trunks or 4 if the set requires.
4. If the Advocate was Dropped, use Cream Pie and 3 Encored Safes on the Witch Hunter. If Trap was used, use Hypno-Goggles and 3 Safe on the Witch Hunter.
5. Depending on the state of the players, Juggling Cubes and 3 Trunk can be used. Otherwise, Hypno-Goggles and Prestige Trapdoor with 2 Drop on the Witch Hunter.
6. Use Hypno-Goggles and then 3 Cream Pie on the Witch Hunter. Alternatively, 1 Cream and 3 Drop is also effective.
7. Use Hypno-Goggles, Trapdoor, and 2 Safes on the Witch Hunter. Alternatively, 1 Cream Pie and 3 Safes on the Witch Hunter.

Assuming everything has not missed, the Witch Hunter should be defeated by turn 8. In order to maintain this 8 turn strategy, a Toon-Up Unite may need to be used. Otherwise, this may be extended by a few turns. If by the end he still has remaining health, or if Gags have missed, backstep by using 1 Juggling Cubes, 1 Hypno Goggles, and use 2 Throw on the Witch Hunter. During the Mob turn, Fruit Pie the guaranteed Executive Advocate or use Juggling Cubes with the other Toons using 3 Trunk. When he is in kill range, Trapdoor, Hypno, and 2 Drop can finish him off. Alternatively, use 1 Hose and 1 Juggling Cubes instead of Drop, allowing for a guaranteed kill using Zap the next turn.

## Loot

* Witch Hunter Sticker
* Pitchfork
* Caddish Chapeau

Witch Hunter StickerPitchforkCaddish Chapeau

* 28 Gumballs
* 200 Jellybeans
* 1500 Toon Experience

## Dialogue

Witch Hunter: "It is precisely for this reason that I have sought the exile of that ludibrious skeleton!"
"That hooded muttonhead is far too flummoxed to aid in our crusades."
"And what of these supposed "litigators?" That facinorous termagant traps them in her own land!"
"If I had a fraction of the power those gorgers possess, I would end this conflict at once!"
*The Toons teleport to the top of the tower.*
Cog: "Excuse me, sire, but you have company."
Witch Hunter: "Ah, so you are the loathly scum I have sought."
"Your stultiloquence has been a great source of consternation to this organization."
"And unless you intend to sophronise, then I will ensure you recompension."
*The Witch Hunter burns down the flagpole in the middle of the tower.*
Witch Hunter: "Now avaunt, fainéants! Or else face the flames."
*The Toons taunt the Witch Hunter.*
 Ending Cutscene
"No matter, you poltroons will learn the error of your ways soon enough.
*Two Lawbots suddenly fly onto the tower.*
Witch Hunter: "I've grown tired of dealing with blackguards such as you."
"And I will ensure that this company no longer suffers the indignation of your trespasses!"
"Starting now!"
"NOW!"
Lawbot 1: "Your words have no effect on us, Prester."
Lawbot 2: "Ms. Morsecode demands your presence at Lawbot Headquarters immediately."
Lawbot 1: "The company has received multiple complaints about your behavior towards fellow employees."
Witch Hunter: "Ah yes, the patent clerk."
"It seems her scourges against me will have no end."
"This brabble is not over, we will meet again."
*The Witch Hunter flies away along with the rest of the Cogs on the tower.*

* "Your condition begets your current contemn!"
 Mob Mentality
* "You are not welcome in our communities."
 Trial By Fire/Boilerplate
* "If I burn you, do you not hurt?"
* "Are you feeling the heat yet?"

* "Fellow Suits, YOU may be next!"
* "If I burn you, do you not hurt?"
 Death Taunts
* "I will magnify these events to my own kind."
* "Do not show your countenance here again!"
 Surrender Taunt
 Friend Request Denials
* The Witch Hunter glares at you from beneath the brim of his hat: "As if I would ever be seen consorting with the likes of you!"
* The Witch Hunter brushes some dust off his shoulder and sneers, "I will not be susceptible to such applesauce."
 Attempt to Sue
 Attempt to Fire

## Music

 Opening Cutscene Theme
 Battle Theme (Base)
 Battle Theme (4+ Cogs in Mob)
 Battle Theme (7+ Cogs in Mob)
 Ending Cutscene Theme
 Victory Theme

## Version History

v1.4.4 BETA
* The Witch Hunter stands ready to trial!
	+ Bewitched Toon damage boost: 20% -> 30%
	+ Will of the People Starting Defense: 40% -> 50%
	+ Mob Mentality Cogs' extra attack damage debuff increased: 25% -> 33%

v1.4.0 BETA
* The Kudos managers have some new tricks up their sleeve!
	+ Witch Hunter has slightly re-sharpened his previously double-dulled pitchforks.
		- Bewitchment gives Toons a 1.2 damage buff against the Witch hunter.
		- Cog levels can now reach Level 11 not including the guaranteed Executive Advocate.
		- The surrounding flying Cogs has increased by +1.
		- The Witch Hunter's base damage has been increased from the lowest being 14 -> 16, and the highest being 19 -> 21.
		- The Witch Hunter's defense has been decreased from 50 -> 45.
		- The cheats Trial by Fire and Boilerplate have had their damages reduced by 33%.
		- The Witch Hunter's starting Damage Resistance has been increased from 30% -> 40%

v1.3.1.5 BETA
* A new very rare drop has been added to the Witch Hunter's battle!
	+ Added the Caddish Chapeau as a possible Loot drop.

v1.3.0.8 BETA
* Re-re-unsharpened some of his pitchforks.
	+ Tweaked damage values across the fight to make unfair damage output less likely.
		- Trial by Fire/Boilerplate had their damage reduction removed.
		- Bewitched vulnerability for mob scaling was fixed (Old was just 1.15x permanently, now it’s 1.05x - 1.15x depending on the current mob the Witch Hunter possesses)
	+ The Witch Hunter has been pampering his cats a little too much, and they have become complacent...
		- The guaranteed Advocates can only spawn as a Level 11, not Level 12.
	+ Toons who had the Trial by Fire/Boilerplate damage overtime effect would no longer receive taking DOT damage after the ending cutscene would finish and roll into the victory cutscene.

v1.3.0.7 BETA
* The Witch Hunter has re-unsharpened some of his pitch forks.
	+ Toned down some of the buffs from the previous patch, giving Toons more opportunity to get consistent damage in.
	+ Fixed an issue that would sometimes cause Lure Gags in the fight to have more rounds than intended.
	+ Fixed an oversight that would cause Toon accuracy to be relatively low in the fight.
		- The guaranteed Advocates now have reduced Cog Defense.

v1.3.0.6 BETA
* The Witch Hunter has sharpened his pitchforks and is ready for battle!
	+ Will of the People was added to the Witch hunter’s status effect cheats.
	+ Visuals for specific gag calculations with lure tend to be off center (as of 1.3.2.2).
	+ The Witch Hunter Mob Mentality was usable after every turn starting when he reaches below a threshold of 2000 HP.
	+ The Witch Hunter’s Lure resistance was nerfed from 2 to 1 rounds.
* He has also adopted some adorable kittens...?
	+ When Mob Mentality is used, there is a guaranteed Level 12.exe Advocate amongst the group of Cogs that spawn.

v1.3.0 BETA
* Faint embers can be seen above the walls of Ye Olde Toontowne.
	+ The Witch Hunter was added to the game.

## Trivia

* On the cogs.ink website, the Witch Hunter's username is "virgilprester" and his password is "p1t(hspork1hunter2".
	+ The password was revealed by having Toons stand atop each of the towers in the Ye Olde Toontowne playground, which would give every Toon one part of the password. The username was revealed manually by Mac Opsys in the fourth batch of usernames.
* The Witch Hunter is one of the few Regional Managers to not have a unique suit (instead sporting the Executive Lawbot suit), the other being the Rainmaker.
* The Witch Hunter previously worked with the Chief Legal Officer at S.C.R.E.W. LLC, as a Head Attorney.
	+ His position was higher than the C.L.O.'s while he worked there. Since then, she was "very adamant" that he would be hired as Regional Manager.
	+ He did attempt to join C.O.G.S. Inc. previously as head of the Lawbot Department (after the Chief Justice quit), but was rejected.
* The Witch Hunter is one of the few Cogs to be closest to a playground than any other employee.
* The Witch Hunter is the only Regional Manager who does not have any indication of Lure Resistance, despite still having it, even after the nerf from 2 to 1 rounds.
* Attempting to access this Manager's fight without the requirements will result in the following message: "'Away, rapscallions,' a mysterious voice yells from atop the tower. 'Do not harass me with your rede!'"
* A witch hunter is someone who identifies and punishes people for their opinions.

## Gallery

* Official Artwork
* Screenshots/Misc. Images
* Renders

Official art of the Witch Hunter from the Hires & Heroes key artConcept art for the Witch HunterThe Witch Hunter and Merle Ambrose from Wizard101 making amendsThe Witch Hunter featured in an official Twitter comicThe Witch Hunter and Clash Partner EmperorAce

Mob MasterThe Witch Hunter's profile picture on cogs.inkThe in-game popup announcing the first Toons to defeat the Witch HunterA Valentoon's Day card from the Witch HunterThe Witch Hunter's head model mid developmentRig test of the Witch HunterThe Witch Hunter featured in a teaser for the 2023 Summer UpdateThe Witch Hunter's opening cutsceneThe Witch Hunter performing Mob MentalityA large amount of Cogs flying around due to Mob Mentality

Renders of the Witch HunterWitch Hunter performing his Mob Mentality animation