'Witcher 3' Hearts of Stone expansion pack features: Update brings back a familiar face

Twitter courtesy of "The Witcher"

The upcoming "Hearts of Stone" expansion pack for "The Witcher 3" could be setting players up for a reunion of sorts with one of the original characters from the franchise.

According to the game's developer, CD Projekt Red, the newest expansion for the game is going to bring characters to the game that they describe as "both new and dearly missed." In addition to that cryptic message, CD Projekt Red has also released a new image featuring none other than the character named Shani. 

For those who may be unfamiliar with Shani or have only been introduced to "The Witcher" franchise with the latest release, Shani was one of the original characters in the series. She made her initial appearance back in the first "Witcher" game where she was a medic, although she has not since made any additional appearances. If the image is legitimate, then it appears Shani will make her return in "The Witcher 3" expansion, "Hearts of Stone," although the role she will play is unclear, according to iDigital Times.

It is also uncertain if Shani's appearance will mean that she will be a permanent fixture in both of the expansion packs set to be released for "The Witcher 3" or if she is only making a brief cameo.

As for "Blood and Wine", the other expansion pack coming to the game, details are also scarce at the moment; but one teaser image shows a castle set on top of a hillside and Gamespot speculates that the new location is set in Toussaint, the setting for the second expansion.

No further specifics have been provided for either expansion pack, but fans can expect a lot of content to come from each one. According to CD Projekt Red, "Hearts of Stone" is expected to add around 10 hours worth of new content to the game, while "Blood and Wine" will tack on additional 20.