Chapter 1: The First Encounter

1. The Trials of Kindness

Your first major goal in Hernand is to build reputation so the local guard lets you into the upper district. Do not attack random NPCs here.

• 1

  The Tavern Brawl

  Enter the Rusty Boar Tavern. Choose the dialogue option: [Step In]. Rely on parries; do not draw your weapon.

• 2

  Hidden Item: The Merchant's Ledger

  Find a Stolen Ledger near the fireplace. Return this to the merchant outside for a Standard Inventory Expansion Tool.

• 3

  The Sewers & The Rat King

  Fight the Sewer Rat King. Search the bones to find the Rusty Greymane Dagger.

• 4

  Unlock the Mercenary Board

  Speak to Captain Aris to unlock the Mercenary Board.

2. Exploring the First Abyss Rift

• 1

  The Moving Platforms

  Jump across the floating debris. Look down and left on the third platform for a hidden Abyss Core.

• 2

  Puzzle: The Polar Opposites

  Rotate the Red Node twice clockwise, and the Blue Node once counter-clockwise to open the boss door.

• 3

  Boss Fight: The Abyss Warden

  Use your Axiom Force to grapple his shield and rip it away during Phase 3.

• 4

  Claiming the Artifact

  Defeating the Warden grants you the Hernand Abyss Fragment.

3. The Aftermath & Upgrades

• 1

  Meet Master Blacksmith Varr

  Return to the market square. Speak to him to unlock Weapon Upgrades.

• 2

  Upgrade your Sword

  Upgrade Kliff's starting sword to +1 before progressing to Chapter 2.

4. Chapter 1 Completion

✅ Before Leaving Hernand...