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, as lowering your reputation early makes this chapter significantly harder.

• 1

  The Tavern Brawl

  Enter the Rusty Boar Tavern. A cutscene will trigger where local thugs are harassing a merchant. Choose the dialogue option: [Step In]. You will have to fight three unarmed thugs. Rely on parries; do not draw your weapon or the guards will be called.

• 2

  Hidden Item: The Merchant's Ledger

  Before leaving the tavern, check the tables near the fireplace. You will find a Stolen Ledger. Return this to the merchant outside for a free Standard Inventory Expansion Tool.

• 3

  The Sewers & The Rat King (Mini-Boss)

  Head to the market square and jump down the open grate. Equip a torch. At the end of the linear tunnel, you will fight the Sewer Rat King.

  Boss Strategy: Sewer Rat King

  This oversized beast causes Bleed build-up. Use your slide dodge to stay behind it. When it stands on its hind legs, it is preparing an unblockable bite—roll backward immediately. After defeating it, search the pile of bones in the corner to find the Rusty Greymane Dagger (a vital lore item for Macduff).

2. Exploring the First Abyss Rift

With your reputation secured, the guards will let you enter the Hernand Castle courtyard where the first glowing Abyss Rift is located.

• 1

  The Moving Platforms

  Once inside the Abyss, gravity shifts. Jump across the floating debris. If you fall, you will respawn at the edge with 10% less health. Wait for the platforms to align perfectly before jumping.

• 2

  Puzzle: The Polar Opposites

  You will enter a room with a Red Node and a Blue Node. Use your Axiom Force (L2 + R2 / LT + RT). Rotate the Red Node twice clockwise, and the Blue Node once counter-clockwise. The laser will connect and open the boss door.

• 3

  Boss Fight: The Abyss Warden

  The Warden guards the Abyss Artifact. It uses a massive halberd and teleportation magic.

  Phase	Boss Attack	How to Counter
  Phase 1	Sweeping Halberd Strike	Block normally. Wait for the 3-hit combo to end, then counter with heavy attacks.
  Phase 2	Teleport & Plunge	The boss vanishes into blue mist. Sprint constantly in a circle until he crashes down, then attack his back.
  Phase 3	Abyss Shield	He generates a blue overshield. Standard attacks bounce off. You MUST use your Axiom Force to grapple his shield and rip it away.

• 4

  Claiming the Artifact

  Defeating the Warden grants you the Hernand Abyss Fragment. This permanently unlocks Tier 1 of your Axiom Force skill tree. Exit through the portal to complete Chapter 1.