What Happens When You Join Volcano Manor And Which Quests Follow
Joining Volcano Manor in Elden Ring represents one of the most decision-heavy narrative branches in the Lands Between. When players accept Lady Tanith's offer, they align themselves with a faction actively rebelling against the Erdtree. This decision grants immediate access to the manor's restricted areas while unlocking a sequence of assassination assignments and character side quests.
Immediate Effects of Joining Volcano Manor
Upon formally pledging allegiance to Lady Tanith, players receive the Drawing-Room Key. This key unlocks several rooms along the hallway, opening up the central hub where fellow Recusants gather. Joining does not lock you out of main story endings, allowing players to explore this dark faction safely.
Inside the drawing room, players find official contracts detailing specific targets located across the world map. Taking on these Recusant missions allows you to invade and eliminate other Tarnished NPCs for unique armor sets, weapons, and useful talismans. It also alters the dialogue and availability of several key non-player characters stationed within the building.
The Primary Recusant Assassination Quests
The main questline involves picking up consecutive letters left on the dining table in the drawing room. The first letter tasks players with invading Old Knight Istvan in Limgrave, rewarding the Scaled armor set upon defeat. Completing this initial task earns praise from Tanith and unlocks subsequent targets.
The second contract sends players to the Altus Plateau to invade Rileigh the Idle, yielding the Crepus's Vial talisman. The final contract, known as the Red Letter, requires reaching the Mountaintops of the Giants to confront Juno Hoslow. Defeating Juno rewards his striking armor set and whip, concluding the main series of assignments.
Interconnected NPC Questlines Unlocked
Joining the manor opens optional side quests from other resident Recusants like Knight Bernahl and Patches. Bernahl asks for assistance in a two-on-two invasion against fellow Tarnished in Leyndell. Patches provides his own contract, sending you after Great Horned Tragoth for specialized heavy armor.
Additionally, Rya's personal storyline progresses as you complete missions and investigate hidden secret passages behind the manor's illusory walls. Diallos also resides in the manor, questioning his purpose while reflecting on his family legacy. Each of these storylines adds deep lore details to the central narrative of Mount Gelmir.
Confronting Rykard and Questline Finality
Completing all primary assassination contracts grants an audience with Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy. Alternatively, players can explore the subterranean Legacy Dungeon behind the hidden walls to reach Rykard directly. Confronting and defeating Rykard dissolves the faction and causes the remaining Recusants to scatter.
It is crucial to finish all active Recusant requests and NPC interactions before defeating the Lord of Blasphemy. Once Rykard falls, incomplete contracts disappear and associated rewards become unobtainable for that playthrough. Proper planning ensures you collect every exclusive item before bringing the manor's story to a close.