How to Get the Bull-Goat Talisman?
The Bull-Goat Talisman is obtained by completing the Rya questline, but only if you choose to aid her ally, Knight Bernahl, against her. This involves progressing Volcano Manor quests and ultimately killing Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, after assisting Bernahl.
Introduction: An In-Depth Look at the Bull-Goat Talisman
The Lands Between are fraught with peril, and Tarnished warriors often seek every advantage they can find. Among the countless weapons, armor, and spells, talismans provide passive buffs that can dramatically alter a character’s capabilities. The Bull-Goat Talisman, in particular, is highly sought after for its significant impact on poise, a critical stat for withstanding enemy attacks and maintaining offensive pressure. This article delves into the precise steps required to obtain this valuable talisman, ensuring you can fortify your Tarnished against even the most formidable foes.
Understanding Poise and Its Benefits
Poise is a hidden stat in Elden Ring that determines your character’s ability to avoid being staggered or interrupted during attacks. A higher poise stat means you can withstand more hits without being knocked back, allowing you to continue your offensive maneuvers. This is especially crucial for players wielding heavy weapons or facing aggressive enemies.
- Benefits of High Poise:
- Increased resistance to staggering
- Ability to trade blows effectively
- Greater control over your character in combat
- Reduced vulnerability to enemy attacks
The Rya/Volcano Manor Questline: A Necessary Evil
Obtaining the Bull-Goat Talisman is intrinsically linked to the Rya questline and your choices within Volcano Manor. Rya, a seemingly innocent young woman, is actually Zorayas, daughter of Tanith, and suffers from a serious identity crisis due to her true form being of a Man-Serpent. Her questline ultimately leads to her wanting to be put to rest if she cannot find any other Man-Serpents. However, you won’t actually get to choose that fate. The only path to the Bull-Goat Talisman forces you to betray her.
The Key to the Talisman: Assisting Knight Bernahl
The crucial step involves accepting and completing assassination requests from Knight Bernahl, the Recusant located at Volcano Manor. You must accept his second assassination request, which involves a quest that is named: “The Great-Serpent Hunter”. Completing this quest requires you to kill Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy.
- Steps to Trigger the Bernahl Quest:
- Join Volcano Manor.
- Complete the first assassination contract.
- Speak to Bernahl after the first assassination.
- Accept and complete the Great-Serpent Hunter assassination.
The Betrayal: Confronting Rya
After completing the quest by assisting Bernahl and killing Rykard, Rya will be found in her room. Because you’ve killed Rykard, she will become very distressed. If you speak to Tanith about the matter, she will reveal that she has already addressed Rya’s problem. Return to Rya’s room, and you will find Tanith consuming Rya. After defeating Tanith’s bodyguards, The Bull-Goat Talisman will be on the ground where Rya once was.
Alternative Outcomes and Missed Opportunities
It’s vital to understand that completing Rya’s questline by granting her wish or progressing too far without completing the Bernahl quest will prevent you from obtaining the Bull-Goat Talisman in that playthrough. These choices lock you out of the required event.
- Outcomes that Prevent Obtaining the Talisman:
- Killing Rykard before accepting the “Great-Serpent Hunter” contract from Bernahl.
- Completing Rya’s questline by giving her the tonic and letting her leave.
- Completing Rya’s questline after she asks to be killed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Navigating the Volcano Manor questline can be complex, and several missteps can prevent you from acquiring the Bull-Goat Talisman.
- Common Mistakes:
- Prematurely killing Rykard: Ensure you’ve accepted and started the “Great-Serpent Hunter” contract before facing Rykard.
- Ignoring Bernahl’s quests: Actively seek out and complete Bernahl’s assassination contracts.
- Progressing Rya’s quest without assisting Bernahl: Don’t follow Rya’s questline until it is far too late.
Conclusion: Fortifying Your Tarnished
The Bull-Goat Talisman is a powerful asset for any Elden Ring player seeking to enhance their poise and resilience. While acquiring it requires a specific path through the Volcano Manor questline and a deliberate betrayal of Rya, the benefits it provides in combat are undeniable. By following these instructions carefully, you can ensure your Tarnished is well-equipped to face the challenges ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much poise does the Bull-Goat Talisman provide?
The Bull-Goat Talisman grants a significant +33% boost to your character’s poise. This percentage increase is applied to your base poise, making a substantial difference in your ability to withstand staggering. Stacking this with heavy armor and other poise-enhancing items can make you nearly unshakeable.
Can I get the Bull-Goat Talisman in a co-op playthrough?
Yes, the Bull-Goat Talisman is obtainable in co-op. As long as the host fulfills the quest requirements – completing Bernahl’s contracts and ultimately killing Rykard before Rya gets closure – the host will receive the talisman.
What if I accidentally killed Rykard before accepting Bernahl’s contract?
If you have already defeated Rykard before initiating the “Great-Serpent Hunter” quest, you are locked out of obtaining the Bull-Goat Talisman on that playthrough. You will need to wait for New Game Plus or start a new character.
Does the Bull-Goat Talisman stack with other poise-boosting items?
Yes, the Bull-Goat Talisman’s poise bonus stacks additively with other poise-boosting equipment, such as armor sets with high poise or the Stone Greatsword Key. This allows you to further maximize your poise stat for increased resistance to staggering.
Is the Bull-Goat Talisman worth getting for all character builds?
While beneficial for many builds, the Bull-Goat Talisman is most valuable for builds that prioritize heavy weapons and aggressive playstyles. Characters relying on dexterity and quick dodges might find other talismans more advantageous.
Can I still complete Rya’s questline after getting the Bull-Goat Talisman?
No. By taking the steps to obtain the Bull-Goat Talisman, you eliminate the other option for Rya’s questline by essentially killing her.
Does using summons affect whether or not I can get the talisman?
Using summons during the fight with Rykard does not affect your ability to obtain the talisman, as long as you have accepted the quest and followed the specific steps. Summoning can make the fight easier and is perfectly acceptable.
Are there any other ways to significantly increase poise besides the Bull-Goat Talisman?
Yes, equipping heavy armor with high poise stats is another primary method. Certain spirit ashes, like the Black Knife Tiche, have very high poise as well. Combining these methods with the talisman is the best way to become very hard to stagger.
What happens if I kill Bernahl before he gives me the contract?
If you kill Bernahl before he gives you the “Great-Serpent Hunter” contract, he will drop his armor and weapons. However, this action prevents you from obtaining the Bull-Goat Talisman in that playthrough.
Is there any way to reset questlines in Elden Ring?
No, there is no way to reset questlines in Elden Ring within a single playthrough. Once a choice is made, it is permanent. If you have made a mistake, you will need to start a New Game Plus or a new character.
What are some good armor sets to combine with the Bull-Goat Talisman?
Armor sets like the Lionel’s Set, Bull-Goat Set, and Greathelm Set offer high poise and excellent physical defense. Combining these with the Bull-Goat Talisman can create a formidable tank build.
How does poise affect PvP combat?
Poise is especially crucial in PvP combat, where players are constantly trying to interrupt each other’s attacks. High poise allows you to trade blows effectively and maintain offensive pressure, giving you a significant advantage in duels and invasions.