Should You Give Rya the Tonic in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide

The question of whether to give Rya the Tonic of Forgetfulness in Elden Ring is a complex one, laden with moral implications and questline consequences. The short answer is: no, you should not give Rya the tonic if you are looking for the best possible outcome for her questline and character arc. While all paths ultimately lead to you obtaining the Daedicar’s Woe Talisman, the path that avoids the tonic is widely considered the “good” ending, offering Rya a more fulfilling conclusion.

Let’s delve deeper into the ramifications of each choice, and then we’ll explore some frequently asked questions about Rya and her quest.

The Consequences of Your Choice

Giving Rya the Tonic

If you choose to administer the Tonic of Forgetfulness, Rya will initially appear calm and fall asleep. You might feel you’ve helped her escape her suffering. However, this is a temporary respite. After you defeat Rykard, the Lord of Blasphemy, and everyone else leaves Volcano Manor, Rya will return to her original spot, seemingly unaware of her true nature and previous plight. The game implies that she has forgotten everything about her snakeborn heritage and the painful truth of her birth.

While she remains in the manor, this outcome is undeniably bittersweet. She is isolated, her memories lost, and she lacks the closure that a different decision could offer. She eventually leaves a Daedicar’s Woe Talisman, which you would receive regardless, and disappears completely. Tanith is pleased with this outcome, but a deeper look reveals that this was ultimately not the choice for her true happiness.

Not Giving Rya the Tonic

The other path, the one that doesn’t involve the tonic, is where Rya’s quest takes a more positive turn. By refusing the tonic, you acknowledge her desire to know herself fully, even if that truth is painful. She’ll express her gratitude for your kindness and understanding. This leads to a more fulfilling ending where after the defeat of Rykard and the departure of the Volcano Manor residents, Rya leaves a Daedicar’s Woe Talisman along with a note, calling you her champion. This ending allows her to come to terms with her nature, appreciate your actions, and find a measure of peace in her self-discovery.

Killing Rya

The final choice is to fulfill Rya’s own request and kill her. Tanith also pushes the player to kill Rya after giving her the Serpent’s Amnion. If you choose this, you will ultimately receive the Daedicar’s Woe Talisman after she transforms, and is considered the “bad ending” for her questline.

Why the “Good” Ending Is Recommended

Choosing not to give Rya the tonic offers several benefits:

• Character Growth: Rya grapples with her identity and heritage. Denying her the tonic allows her to confront her truth, leading to a stronger sense of self, even if it’s tinged with melancholy.
• A Sense of Agency: Giving her the tonic essentially strips her of her agency. By not giving it to her, you respect her right to understand her past and forge her own path, rather than being forced into ignorance.
• A More Heartfelt Resolution: The note she leaves, thanking you for being her champion, is a much more satisfying and impactful way to end her story than her simply disappearing or existing in a state of oblivion.
• Moral Implications: The game often encourages making morally grey choices, but Rya’s questline presents a situation where “good” is relatively clear cut. The game subtly prompts the player to not give Rya the tonic and to respect her autonomy.
• Avoiding Tanith’s Manipulation: Tanith ultimately seeks to control Rya through the tonic. Choosing not to give the potion rejects Tanith’s plans, a subtle but rewarding victory in itself.

While all paths ultimately reward the player with the talisman, the quality of Rya’s questline’s conclusion is vastly different depending on the decisions made.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rya and Her Quest

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify Rya’s questline and the choices you can make:

1. Where can I first meet Rya?

You first encounter Rya in Liurnia of the Lakes. She’ll mention she has lost a necklace.

2. How do I get Rya’s necklace back?

Rya’s necklace is held by Blackguard Big Boggart, located to the north of her initial location, in Liurnia of the Lakes.

3. What does Rya give me for returning her necklace?

After returning the necklace to Rya, she will give you a Volcano Manor invitation.

4. How do I get to Volcano Manor using Rya?

Once you reach Altus Plateau, talk to Rya. She will teleport you directly to Volcano Manor.

5. Can I reach Volcano Manor without Rya?

Yes, you can reach Volcano Manor manually by travelling over the Bridge of Iniquity, located in the north of Altus Plateau, just south of Shaded Castle.

6. What is the Serpent’s Amnion?

The Serpent’s Amnion is a key item Rya gives you that is essential for progressing in her questline. It unlocks a new area for her.

7. What happens if I give Rya the Serpent’s Amnion?

After giving Rya the Serpent’s Amnion, she will be very distressed and will relocate. You will need to progress through the manor and find her again by accessing a ladder off the side of the ramparts leading up to the Temple of Eiglay.

8. Where is Rya after I give her the Serpent’s Amnion?

After giving the Amnion, Rya is located in a small chamber on the pathway above the Temple of Eiglay. You’ll need to look for a rope ladder out of a window on the rampart, then proceed downwards to a door that leads to the chamber.

9. What is the Tonic of Forgetfulness?

The Tonic of Forgetfulness is given to the player by Tanith after you give Rya the Serpent’s Amnion.

10. What happens if I give Rya the Tonic of Forgetfulness?

If you give Rya the tonic, she will fall asleep and forget her true nature. After you defeat Rykard, she will return to her original location, and leaves behind the Daedicar’s Woe Talisman.

11. What is the “good ending” for Rya’s questline?

The “good ending” is achieved by refusing to give Rya the tonic and not killing her as requested. This leads to her thanking you for your kindness and leaving a note calling you her champion along with the talisman.

12. Where do I find Zoraya’s letter?

Zoraya’s letter is found on the floor of her last location after defeating Rykard and choosing not to kill her or give her the tonic.

13. Is Rykard Rya’s Father?

Yes, the game strongly implies that Rykard is Rya/Zoraya’s father.

14. Can I lock myself out of Rya’s questline?

Yes. Killing Rykard will lock you out of all Volcano Manor quests. It is best to complete all manor quests and character arcs before killing Rykard.

15. What does the Daedicar’s Woe Talisman do?

The Daedicar’s Woe Talisman increases the damage taken by the player. While it may seem like a detriment, it is actually used for a specific game mechanic in PvP.

Conclusion

The decision of whether or not to give Rya the Tonic of Forgetfulness is a pivotal point in her questline. While the talisman is always attainable, the optimal ending—where Rya comes to terms with her true self—is found in rejecting the tonic and not killing her. This choice respects her agency, allows for more meaningful character development, and provides a more emotionally resonant conclusion to her story in the Lands Between. Ultimately, it is the kindness shown to her by refusing to give her the tonic that is truly rewarding in the long run.