Elden Ring: NPC and Faction Guide

Welcome to the ultimate 'Elden Ring: NPC and Faction Guide'! Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting your journey in the Lands Between, mastering the intricate web of NPCs and factions is key to unlocking the full potential of your adventure. In this guide, we'll take you on a deep dive into the world of Elden Ring, starting with Meeting Key NPCs, helping you understand Faction Alignments, uncovering Quests Related to NPCs and Factions, and exploring the Benefits of Aligning With Factions. We'll also provide essential tips for Handling NPC and Faction Conflicts. Ready to elevate your gameplay and forge powerful alliances? Let's dive in!

Elden Ring: NPC and Faction Guide

Meeting Key NPCs

Elden Ring is packed with interesting characters you can meet throughout your journey. These NPCs (Non-Player Characters) offer quests, sell items, or provide crucial information to help you progress. Here’s how to find and interact with some of the key NPCs in the game.

Melina - Your Faithful Guide

Melina is one of the first NPCs you will encounter. She appears at Sites of Grace and offers crucial assistance by leveling you up. When you first meet her at the third Site of Grace, she will give you the Spectral Steed Whistle, summoning your loyal horse, Torrent.

Tip: Accept her offer to have the ability to level up and ease your journey.

Merchant Kale - The Friendly Vendor

Merchant Kale can be found at the Church of Elleh. This cheerful NPC sells useful items like crafting kits and arrows. Kale's inventory expands as you progress, so check back often.

Location: Church of Elleh, near the beginning of your adventure.

Important Items: Crafting Kit, Torch, Arrows.

Roderika - The Spirit Tuner

Roderika starts off at the Stormhill Shack, feeling lost and afraid. Speak to her, and later she will move to Roundtable Hold where she becomes a Spirit Tuner, allowing you to upgrade your Spirit Ashes.

Quest Tip: Encourage her to find her purpose so she can become your Spirit Tuner.

Diallos - The Loyal Brother

You'll meet Diallos at Roundtable Hold. He is on a quest to find his missing servant, Lanya. While he doesn’t offer direct help initially, keep an eye out for him as his story unfolds and ties into a larger narrative.

Key Dialogue: Speak to him often to follow his quest line and learn more about the world.

Patches - The Trickster

Ah, Patches. The trickster makes his return in Elden Ring and, in true fashion, he's up to no good. You first find him in Murkwater Cave. After a brief encounter, he will become a merchant.

Encounter: Fight him but show mercy when he surrenders to gain access to his shop.

Location: Murkwater Cave, accessible from the early areas of Limgrave.

Sorceress Sellen - The Magic Mentor

Sorceress Sellen can be found in Waypoint Ruins. If you’re planning to use sorcery, she’s essential. She sells powerful spells and provides valuable information about glintstone sorcery.

Location: Waypoint Ruins, hidden underground after defeating the Mad Pumpkin Head boss.

Skills: Offers sorceries like Glintstone Pebble and Great Glintstone Shard.

Kenneth Haight - The Domineering Noble

Kenneth Haight is encountered at the Mistwood Outskirts. He will ask you to clear out Fort Haight, which is overrun with enemies. Completing his request earns his respect and a valuable reward.

Location: Mistwood Outskirts.

Reward: Erdsteel Dagger upon completion of his quest.

Conclusion

Meeting these NPCs in Elden Ring is more than just a checkmark on your quest log. They enrich the world with their stories, offer useful items, and help you in various ways. Keep an eye out for them, and don’t be afraid to revisit old haunts - you never know what new adventures might unfold.

Happy adventuring, Tarnished!

Understanding Faction Alignments

In the sprawling world of Elden Ring, understanding faction alignments can mean the difference between life and death. Each faction has its own goals, methods, and quirks, and knowing where you stand can open up new quests, gear, and allies. Let's dive into the key factions you'll encounter and what aligning with or opposing them can offer you.

The Roundtable Hold

The Roundtable Hold is kind of like your home base. It's a neutral ground where you can find a bunch of NPCs willing to help you on your journey. Here, you'll mingle with other Tarnished, a variety of characters from different backgrounds, and shop for items. Notably, it's run by Sir Gideon Ofnir, who is eager to share what he knows about the Lands Between.

Neutral Focus: The Roundtable Hold doesn't necessarily push a particular agenda, making it a safe space for Tarnished.

Benefits: Access to in-game shops, blacksmithing services, and lore-heavy NPCs who provide quests and intel.

The Golden Order

These guys are all about maintaining the current order, upholding laws, and worshiping the Erdtree. They're led by the Two Fingers, mystical entities that interpret the will of the Greater Will. If you're playing with a lawful-good mindset, this faction might be your jam.

Lawful-Good Agenda: Promote the Erdtree's blessings and cleanse heresy.

Benefits: Access to holy incantations, blessings, and powerful allies deeply committed to the current regime.

The Serpent Cult of Volcano Manor

Volcano Manor is the bad boy faction of Elden Ring. Led by Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, this cult rejects the Erdtree's teachings and worships the Great Serpent instead. They might seem evil, but they offer a dark perspective that can be captivating.

Chaotic-Neutral Agenda: Reject the Erdtree and pursue power through chaos and rebellion.

Benefits: Unique, often evil-oriented spells and gear, as well as access to thrilling assassination-focused quests.

Carian Royals

The Carian Royals, anchored in magic and lunar worship, are led by the mystical Renna and Ranni the Witch. They're a faction with deep ties to sorcery and a rebellious streak against the influence of the Greater Will.

Neutral-Chaotic Agenda: Embrace the arcane and resist the overpowering influence of established divine forces.

Benefits: Powerful sorceries, unique items, and alliances that open up vast, magical storylines.

The Blood Cult

The Blood Cult is for those who embrace the darker, more violent elements of Elden Ring. This faction adores blood magic and revels in the chaos it can bring. Their leader, Mohg, Lord of Blood, is as dangerous as he sounds.

Chaotic-Evil Agenda: Embrace blood magic to overthrow established orders and sow discord.

Benefits: Access to blood magic spells, gear with vampiric attributes, and challenging but rewarding quests.

Making your Choice

Choosing a faction in Elden Ring doesn't mean you're stuck with them forever, but it can significantly shape your experience. Aligning with a faction can make enemies out of others, and the quests you undertake will reflect these choices. Playthroughs can vary wildly based on your allegiances, giving the game its immersive and multi-faceted replayability.

Remember, some factions might seem appealing because of their rewards, but their quests and moral implications might not sit well with every player. Feel free to experiment and find the alignment that fits your playstyle and the story you want to tell.

Closing Thoughts

Faction alignments in Elden Ring add a rich layer to the game. They offer diverse gameplay styles, unique gear, and compelling storylines. Whether you choose to uphold the law with the Golden Order, embrace chaos with Volcano Manor, or dabble in the dark arts with the Blood Cult, the choices are plentiful and impactful.

Explore, experiment, and find your path in the Lands Between. Good luck, Tarnished.

Elden Ring: NPC and Faction Guide

Quests Related to NPCs and Factions

Elden Ring is teeming with NPCs and factions that add depth to your journey through the Lands Between. Each character brings unique quests that often tie directly into the lore and world-building, some even affecting the game's ending.

Key NPC Quests

1. Melina

• First Encounter: You'll first meet her at the Site of Grace near the Gatefront Ruins.
• Questline: Melina is essential for leveling up and advancing the main story. Follow her guidance to reach Roundtable Hold and beyond. Pay attention to her dialogue; it evolves with your progress.
• Tips: Don’t ignore her requests; they’re crucial for the game's main progression.

2. Ranni the Witch

• First Encounter: Meet her at Three Sisters, after defeating Royal Knight Loretta in Caria Manor.
• Questline: Ranni’s quest is one of the most intricate. She asks you to find three items: Fingerslayer Blade, Inverted Statue, and Dark Moon Ring. Completing her quest unlocks one of the game's alternate endings.
• Tips: Some steps are obscure. Pay close attention to her clues and inspect areas thoroughly.

3. Blaidd the Half-Wolf

• First Encounter: Found howling in the Mistwood Ruins; use the Finger Snap gesture taught by Merchant Kale to make him appear.
• Questline: Blaidd assists you in multiple quests, including Ranni’s. His storyline is intertwined with the Stars. Talk to him at different locations to progress his story.
• Tips: He will help you fight bosses. Don’t forget to summon him.

4. Diallos

• First Encounter: In Roundtable Hold.
• Questline: Diallos is on a quest to find his servant, Lanya. This quest takes you across Liurnia of the Lakes. His story touches themes of loyalty and loss.
• Tips: Be persistent. After significant advancements in the main story, return to Roundtable Hold to continue his quest.

Key Factions and Their Quests

1. The Two Fingers

• Description: Represented by the figure known as Enia in Roundtable Hold. They guide Tarnished on their quest to become Elden Lord.
• Quests: Share a sequence of quests involving collecting Great Runes. Progressing here aligns with the main story.
• Rewards: Unlock dialogue, emotes, unique items, and deepen the story understanding.

2. Volcano Manor

• Description: A faction that opposes the influence of the Erdtree and hunts its enemies. Led by Lady Tanith.
• Quests: NPCs here offer assassination missions. Accepting their tasks often means engaging with other Tarnished NPCs.
• Rewards: Completion grants weapons, sorceries, and armor pieces with unique fire attributes.

3. Bloody Fingers (Varre)

• Description: Boasting a sinister reputation, these invaders are led by White-Faced Varre, found near the start at the First Step.
• Quests: Varre offers a quest tied to invasions. It's an entry point into PvP and the multiplayer aspect of Elden Ring.
• Rewards: Items enhancing invasion capabilities, special PvP gear, and lore insights on the bloody path.

4. Carian Royal Family

• Description: Linked to Ranni and the Carian Manor, with strong ties to sorcery and astrology.
• Quests: Ranni’s elaborate questchain is central here. Additional tasks include exploring the War Dead Catacombs and discovering hidden Carian secrets.
• Rewards: Exclusive spells, lore insights, and access to powerful gear.

Tips for Completing NPC and Faction Quests

1. Exhaust Dialogue: Ensure to talk to NPCs until they start repeating lines. This often advances their questline.
2. Explore Thoroughly: NPCs move locations often. Always revisit previous haunts and new areas after major progress.
3. Check for Missables: Many quests have time-sensitive elements. Complete them before advancing too far into the main story.
4. Invest in Relationships: NPC quests offer some of the game's best rewards, both in terms of equipment and story content.

With this guide, diving deep into Elden Ring’s NPC and faction quests will be much easier, enriching your journey through this expansive, intricate world. Happy questing!

Elden Ring: NPC and Faction Guide

Benefits of Aligning With Factions

In Elden Ring, choosing to align with different factions can be a game-changer. Each faction offers unique perks, from powerful gear to special abilities. Let’s dive into the coolest benefits of backing a faction in the game.

1. Access to Unique Gear

One of the biggest perks of joining a faction is the exclusive gear you can get. Each faction has its own set of weapons, armor, and items you won’t find anywhere else. For example:

• Order of the Silver Hand: Known for their stylish, heavy armor and powerful, enchanted weapons.
• Forest Guardians: Light armor and fast, agile weapons perfect for quick, sneaky attacks.
• Shadow Brotherhood: Stealthy gear that makes it easier to move undetected and strike from the shadows.

These items can give you a serious edge in combat, especially when facing tough bosses or PvP battles.

2. Special Abilities and Spells

Aligning with certain factions can also unlock unique abilities and spells that are unavailable otherwise. For instance:

• Order of the Silver Hand: Grants access to powerful healing spells and protective shields.
• Forest Guardians: Lets you summon animal companions to aid in battle or cast nature-based spells.
• Shadow Brotherhood: Provides stealth abilities and shadow magic, allowing you to become nearly invisible.

These special abilities can significantly change how you play and approach different challenges in the game.

3. Story and Lore Insights

Each faction is deeply woven into the world’s lore. By aligning with a faction, you unlock new storylines, quests, and backgrounds on the game's rich history. This can provide:

• Deeper Understanding: Get to know major characters and events from multiple perspectives.
• Hidden Quests: Discover quests that aren't available to players who don’t align with that faction.
• Unique Endings: Some factions can even influence the game’s ending based on your choices and actions.

By diving into these stories, you can get a richer, fuller experience of Elden Ring’s world.

4. NPC Allies and Merchants

When you join a faction, you also gain access to special NPC allies and merchants who can offer:

• Unique Items: Buy exclusive items that are only available to faction members.
• Valuable Tips: Get insights and tips about hidden areas, enemy weaknesses, and secret tactics.
• Quest Assistance: Some NPCs may even join you on quests, providing support and making tough fights easier.

Having these allies can be incredibly helpful as you navigate the dangerous world of Elden Ring.

5. PvP and Multiplayer Benefits

If you enjoy PvP or co-op play, faction alignment can offer some great multiplayer perks:

• PvP Rewards: Earn special rewards for defeating players from rival factions.
• Co-op Buffs: Receive buffs when playing co-op with members of the same faction.
• Faction Battles: Participate in large-scale faction wars, gaining prestige and powerful loot based on your performance.

These multiplayer benefits can make faction gameplay even more rewarding and fun.

Conclusion

Aligning with factions in Elden Ring is more than just a gameplay choice; it's a way to deeply enrich your experience. By gaining unique gear, abilities, story insights, and helpful allies, you’ll find that your journey through the Lands Between becomes even more engaging and rewarding. So, pick a faction that matches your playstyle and dive into the adventure!

Handling NPC and Faction Conflicts

Navigating the rich, interconnected world of Elden Ring means you’ll regularly bump into various NPCs and factions, each with their own stories, quests, and sometimes, conflicts. Knowing how to handle these situations is crucial to getting the best outcomes, so let's dive into some key tips and advice for handling NPC and faction conflicts.

Understanding NPC Motivations

Before you jump into any decisions, it's important to get a sense of what drives the character. NPCs in Elden Ring aren't just quest givers; they have their own goals and personalities. Pay attention to what they say and how they say it. For instance:

• Merchant Kalé often talks about the hardships of his life, giving you insight into his skeptical nature.
• Sorceress Sellen has a mysterious past, and learning about it might change how you approach her quests.

Taking the time to talk to NPCs multiple times can reveal new dialogue and sometimes critical information needed to make balanced decisions.

Choosing Sides in Faction Conflicts

Factions in Elden Ring can influence the story and your character’s progression significantly. Here’s how to navigate these tricky situations:

• Gather Information: Before making any decisions, explore the areas and gather information from various NPCs. This might unlock hidden quests and reveal additional faction motives.
• Consider the Rewards and Consequences: Each faction might offer different rewards, like weapons, spells, or important lore insights. Balance the potential benefits against the possible downsides, like angering another faction.
• Neutral Stance: If you’re unsure, sometimes staying neutral can keep your options open. This can let you observe the conflict’s progression without immediate consequences.

Key Faction Conflicts and How to Handle Them

Some faction conflicts are more prominent or tricky than others. Here are a few notable ones:

The Two Towers

Early in the game, you’ll encounter two towers controlled by separate factions:

• The Pearl Tower (led by Isolde)
• The Shadow Tower (led by Marlow)

Both leaders will try to convince you to aid their side. Helping one might mean fighting the other.

Tip: Visit both towers, gather items, talk to both leaders, and decide based on their promises and your play style.

The Sacred Trees Dispute

Deeper into the game, you might find yourself in the middle of a dispute between druids and a faction looking to exploit the sacred trees:

• Druid Clan led by Elder Thålan
• Industrial Faction headed by Overseer Riven

Helping the druids could lead to druidic spells and unique nature gear, while aiding the industrial faction could reward you with mechanical enhancements and weapons.

Tip: Look for hidden notes and talk to both sides’ followers. These interactions can help sway your decision by revealing the factions' true intentions.

Managing Unavoidable Fights

Sometimes, conflicts end in fights, no matter how diplomatically you try to play. Here’s how to handle these situations:

• Preparation is Key: Ensure you’re well-equipped with healing items, and your weapons and armor are in top condition before initiating any potential hostilities.
• Leverage the Environment: When fighting in complex terrains, use the environment to your advantage. High ground, cover, and choke points can turn the tide of battle.
• Know When to Retreat: It’s okay to retreat if a fight isn’t going your way. You can always come back stronger, with better gear or a new strategy.

Consequences of Your Choices

Remember, your decisions will have lasting impacts on the world of Elden Ring. NPCs may remember your actions, factions might close (or open) doors based on your choices, and some outcomes are irreversible. Here are a few final tips:

• Save Often: Make use of multiple save slots. This can allow you to reload if you find an outcome unsatisfactory.
• Reflect on Your Actions: After making a significant decision, take a moment to reflect on its storyline impact. Sometimes, the richest experiences come from embracing the consequences and seeing where the story takes you.