You’ve visited the world of The Witcher for two seasons with Geralt of Rivia, but are you ready to see the Continent in a new way? The Witcher: Blood Origin is taking you 1,200 years back to a time before Ciri ever shattered a monolith. The just-released new teaser trailer reveals that the past is filled with battles, fire and, naturally, blood. 

The new footage features Blood Origin’s trio of heroes, Scían (action icon Michelle Yeoh), Éile (Sophia Brown) and Fjall (Laurence O’Fuarain). Éile and Fjall are members of opposing clans, while Scian is a sword master and the last of her clan. 

In the teaser, the group traverses the Continent as we see shots of smoking cities and fights breaking out. “All beginnings, all endings,” Scian says heavily, suggesting that something important is destined to reach its conclusion. Adding to the eerie vibe is a song, sung by Éile, which speaks of burning borders and burning hearts. The closing, terrifying screech is the final hint of eye-catching destruction ahead.  

Over four episodes, Blood Origin will follow Scian, Éile and Fjall on a vengeful journey that will unravel the secrets of the creation of the first-ever prototype Witcher. The previously unseen Golden Age of Elves serves as a period backdrop. The key art for the prequel and the trio’s character posters –– which have also just been released –– fittingly show the warriors looking out at the vast unknowns of the Continent. 

“Viewers will be surprised because they’re going to see a story told about a period of elven history that was buried by the humans after their arrival and eventual conquest of the continent,” showrunner Declan de Barra told Tudum about the period. “We get to tell a tale about the elves when they were at their height, like all great societies before their fall.”

That cataclysm will also give viewers insight into some other enigmatic Witcher plot points, like the origin of the monoliths and the Conjunction of the Spheres, which changes the Continent forever. No wonder Scian looks so concerned. 

The Witcher Blood Origin raises its sword on Dec. 25.