I just downloaded this game new from gog. I played it years ago but wanted to redo it and import my character into Witcher 2.

I am in the first chapter. I just finished escorting that girl home and then I killed the main drowner for the trophy. Then I entered the cave with the echinops. When I come out, there is a headhunter there. He says I killed a guard--but I have only killed drowners, barghests, and those thugs. I can't defeat him at my low level and I don't have enough money to pay him off.

How did this happen and how can I fix it without redoing the whole game up to this point?

You're going to have to reload from an earlier save if you have one. Otherwise you'll have to start over from the beginning. I think the only way to kill a headhunter is with the lightning rod and pylons during a storm near the end of the third chapter. However, it's ultimately futile because even if you do manage to kill one, they keep coming until you die or pay them off.

Sigh.....thanks. This is not a good addition to the game I remember. I can just see the meeting there they came up with this. Sitting around a table... "Hey, let's add in a character that will instantly kill the player and hound him for the whole game unless they pay him all the gold they managed to collect from all these chores we assigned them! That will add fun and enjoyment!"

Anyway, thanks for the answer.