Night Maiden, Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide to the Enigmatic Witch

Unraveling the Secrets of Ranni the Witch, Night Maiden of Elden Ring

The world of Elden Ring is teeming with enigmatic characters, each with their own intricate backstory and enigmatic questline. Among them, Ranni the Witch, also known as the Night Maiden, stands as one of the most enigmatic and enigmatic. With her ethereal beauty, mysterious intentions, and profound impact on the game's narrative, Ranni has captivated the hearts of Elden Ring players worldwide.

This comprehensive guide delves deep into the lore, questline, and significance of Ranni the Witch, providing an in-depth understanding of this enigmatic figure.

Ranni's Role in Elden Ring

Ranni is an Empyrean, a being destined to ascend to Godhood, yet she has rejected her destiny. Instead, she seeks to challenge the Greater Will, the cosmic force that governs the Lands Between, and create a new order where destiny is not predetermined.

Ranni's questline is one of the most complex and rewarding in Elden Ring, taking players on a journey through hidden paths, ancient ruins, and treacherous battles. Along the way, they will uncover the secrets of Ranni's past, her motivations, and the profound impact she will have on the fate of the Lands Between.

Ranni's Questline: A Step-by-Step Guide

To embark on Ranni's questline, players must first encounter her in the Three Sisters area, north of Liurnia of the Lakes. After a brief conversation, she will request the player's assistance in retrieving the Fingerslayer Blade, a powerful weapon that can sever the connection between an Empyrean and the Greater Will.

The questline involves navigating treacherous dungeons, battling formidable enemies, and delving into the depths of Ranni's personal history. Here is a step-by-step guide to Ranni's questline:

Step 1: The Three Sisters

• Encounter Ranni at Ranni's Rise in the Three Sisters area.
• Accept her request to retrieve the Fingerslayer Blade.
• Travel to Caria Manor and defeat the boss, Royal Knight Loretta.

Step 2: The Carian Study Hall

• Continue through Caria Manor and reach the Carian Study Hall.
• Find the Rennala boss room and defeat her.
• Collect the Fingerslayer Blade from the corpse of Rennala.

Step 3: The Nokron Eternal City

• Travel to the Ainsel River Main and locate the coffin that leads to Nokron, Eternal City.
• Navigate through the city and reach the Night's Sacred Ground.
• Defeat the boss, Astel, Naturalborn of the Void.

Step 4: Lake of Rot and Astel's Naturalborn of the Void

• Continue through the Nokron Eternal City and reach the Lake of Rot.
• Defeat the boss, Astel, Naturalborn of the Void.
• Collect the Dark Moon Ring from the altar.

Step 5: Ranni's Rise

• Return to Ranni's Rise and give her the Dark Moon Ring.
• Witness the marriage ceremony between Ranni and the player character.
• Follow Ranni to the Ashen Capital and help her defeat the Two Fingers.

Step 6: The Age of Stars

• After defeating the Two Fingers, Ranni's questline will end, and players can choose to embrace her Age of Stars ending or follow their own path.

The Significance of Ranni's Ending

Embracing Ranni's Age of Stars ending leads to a profound shift in the Lands Between. The Greater Will is overthrown, the Golden Order is broken, and a new era of freedom and self-determination begins.

In this ending, Ranni becomes the new God of the Lands Between, guiding them towards a brighter future where destiny is no longer a burden.

Strategies for Success in Ranni's Questline

• Stay Informed: Read item descriptions and pay attention to NPC dialogue to understand Ranni's motivations and the objectives of her questline.
• Explore Thoroughly: Many items and clues are hidden throughout the game. Take your time exploring areas and interacting with objects.
• Seek Assistance: Don't be afraid to consult wikis, online guides, or ask fellow players for help if you get stuck.
• Be Patient: Ranni's questline is a long and complex one. Allow yourself plenty of time to complete it without rushing through.
• Enjoy the Journey: Ranni's questline is an immersive experience that offers a unique perspective on the world of Elden Ring. Take the time to appreciate the lore, characters, and stunning scenery.

Tips and Tricks for Ranni's Questline

• Beware of Ambushes: Ranni's questline is filled with dangerous enemies and challenging boss fights. Be prepared for ambushes and bring appropriate weapons and equipment.
• Use Spirit Ashes: Spirit Ashes can provide invaluable support during boss fights. Consider using the Mimic Tear Spirit Ash, which mimics your own character's abilities.
• Collect Crafting Materials: Exploring the Lands Between and gathering crafting materials will allow you to upgrade your weapons and armor, making Ranni's questline easier to complete.
• Don't Neglect the Lore: Ranni's questline is deeply rooted in the lore of Elden Ring. By paying attention to item descriptions and NPC dialogue, you will gain a deeper understanding of her motivations and the significance of her role in the game.
• Engage with the Community: The Elden Ring community is active and supportive. Engage with other players on forums, social media, or in-game to share tips, strategies, and theories about Ranni's questline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Ranni's Questline

• Miss Clicking the Body of the Deceased: While speaking to Ranni after her death, accidentally clicking on her body instead of her ethereal form can result in the questline being irreparably broken.
• Entering the Grand Library Before Obtaining the Dark Moon Ring: Attempting to enter the Grand Library before obtaining the Dark Moon Ring will cause Ranni to disappear and the questline to be prematurely ended.
• Not Taking Ranni's Advice: When Ranni instructs the player to attack her before completing her questline, it is crucial to obey. Not doing so will result in missing out on the Age of Stars ending.
• Ignoring the Warning: After returning to Ranni's Rise and witnessing her disappearance, failing to read the ominous warning message on the ground can lead to accidentally attacking Ranni and failing the questline.
• Choosing the Wrong Ending: When presented with the choice between accepting Ranni's Age of Stars ending and following one's own path, selecting the latter without understanding the consequences can result in missing out on the unique and satisfying conclusion to the questline.

Conclusion

Ranni the Witch, Night Maiden of Elden Ring, is a complex and enigmatic character who has left an unforgettable mark on the game's lore and gameplay. Embarking on her questline is a rewarding journey that provides a unique perspective on the Lands Between and the forces that shape its destiny.

By understanding the intricacies of Ranni's questline, using effective strategies, avoiding common pitfalls, and engaging with the community, players can fully immerse themselves in the world of Elden Ring and unravel the secrets of the Night Maiden.