Should You Give Rya the Serpent’s Amnion in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide

The Serpent’s Amnion. Just the name conjures images of the grotesque and unsettling, perfectly fitting for the morally ambiguous world of Elden Ring. This key item is central to the questline of Rya, a seemingly timid scout for Volcano Manor. But should you give it to her? The short answer is a resounding yes. Giving Rya the Serpent’s Amnion is crucial for progressing her questline and unlocking its most rewarding outcome. Choosing not to give her the Amnion effectively cuts off the most fulfilling conclusion to her story, denying you unique insights into her character and the lore surrounding Volcano Manor.

Let’s dive deeper into why handing over this unsettling item is the correct choice, the consequences of your decision, and everything else you need to know about Rya’s compelling narrative.

The Serpent’s Amnion: Unraveling the Mystery

The Serpent’s Amnion is a key item you find within Volcano Manor. More precisely, you retrieve it after accepting two assassination contracts from Tanith, the head of the Manor, and engaging with her in her true form, which reveals her more sinister nature. After you complete two assassination contracts and speak with Tanith in her true form, she’ll ask you to search the manor for clues about Rya’s birth. The item description itself hints at its origins: “Serpent’s Amnion from a womb that bore unintended offspring.” This heavily implies a connection between the Amnion and Rya’s true identity.

The Amnion acts as a trigger, pushing Rya to confront a reality she isn’t ready for. It’s a catalyst for self-discovery and the key to unlocking the deepest parts of her character.

The Consequences of Giving the Amnion

Once you present Rya with the Serpent’s Amnion, her reaction is immediate and visceral. Overwhelmed by the implications of the Amnion, Rya becomes distressed and vanishes from her usual spot in the drawing room of Volcano Manor. This disappearance is intentional, guiding you to the next stage of her questline.

• Rya’s New Location: After giving her the Amnion, Rya can be found northwest of Laskyar Ruins, near a telescope icon on the map. She’ll be standing near a statue, grappling with her newfound knowledge.
• Unlocking Dialogue: Finding Rya in this new location opens up new dialogue options. You’ll learn more about her fears, her confusion, and her struggle to reconcile her perception of herself with the truth revealed by the Amnion.
• The Choice: Tonic or Truth? This conversation leads to a pivotal decision: offer her the Tonic of Forgetfulness, acquired from Tanith, or let her grapple with the truth.

The Tonic of Forgetfulness: A False Kindness?

The Tonic of Forgetfulness seems like a compassionate option. It promises to erase the painful memories and uncertainties Rya is experiencing. However, this is essentially a shortcut that prevents her from growing and understanding herself.

• Short-Term Relief: The Tonic offers a quick fix. Rya will simply go to sleep, seemingly at peace.
• Missed Potential: By choosing this path, you rob Rya of the opportunity to confront her past and embrace her true self.
• The Daedicar’s Woe Talisman: Regardless of your choice (Tonic or no Tonic) you will receive Daedicar’s Woe Talisman.

Choosing Truth and Growth: The Better Path

Resisting the urge to give Rya the Tonic is ultimately the more rewarding choice. By allowing her to confront the truth, you enable her to undergo significant personal growth.

• Embracing Her Identity: Without the Tonic, Rya continues her journey of self-discovery, eventually accepting and even embracing her true nature.
• A True Ending: This path leads to a more satisfying and complete conclusion to her questline.
• A Champion’s Reward: After defeating Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, returning to Rya in the drawing room will reveal that she has left. In her place, you will find Daedicar’s Woe and a note where she thanks you for sparing her, and calling you her champion.

Completing Rya’s Questline

The “good” ending to Rya’s questline involves refusing to give her the Tonic of Forgetfulness, and completing all the Volcano Manor’s assassination contracts before killing Rykard. It is also important to talk to Rya after completing each assassination, and before battling Rykard.

• Complete Volcano Manor Quests: Make sure to finish all the assassination requests given by Tanith.
• Spare Rya: Always refuse to kill Rya.
• Refuse the Tonic: Decline to give Rya the Tonic of Forgetfulness.
• Defeat Rykard: Progress through the Volcano Manor storyline and defeat Rykard.
• Return to Rya’s Location: After Rykard’s defeat, return to Rya’s original spot in the drawing room and interact with her.
• Claim Your Reward: Reload the area, and you’ll find the Daedicar’s Woe talisman where she once stood, along with a note acknowledging you as her champion.

Essential Considerations Before Facing Rykard

Rykard is a formidable opponent, but there are other factors to consider before facing this demigod.

• Quest Locking: Killing Rykard prematurely can lock you out of certain Volcano Manor quests, including aspects of Rya’s questline. To avoid any issues, exhaust all Volcano Manor content, including assassination contracts and dialogue with Rya and other NPCs, before challenging Rykard.
• Irreversible Decisions: Some decisions within Volcano Manor, such as killing certain NPCs, can also impact quest outcomes. Proceed cautiously and research the consequences of your actions before committing to them.
• Altus Plateau: Be mindful about accessing new areas like the Altus Plateau as this may trigger certain events that could change the state of quests.
• Game Knowledge is Key: In true FromSoftware fashion, Elden Ring often requires players to piece together information and experiment to fully understand the consequences of their actions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rya and the Serpent’s Amnion

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Serpent’s Amnion and Rya’s questline in Elden Ring:

1. What exactly is the Serpent’s Amnion?

The Serpent’s Amnion is a key item found in Volcano Manor. It’s described as being from a womb that bore unintended offspring, directly linking it to Rya’s origins.

2. Where do I find the Serpent’s Amnion?

After completing two assassination missions for Tanith and speaking to her in her true form, she’ll ask you to search the manor for clues about her birth – seeking the Serpent’s Amnion.

3. What happens if I don’t give Rya the Serpent’s Amnion?

If you choose not to give Rya the Serpent’s Amnion, her questline will effectively stall, preventing you from accessing its most satisfying conclusion.

4. Where does Rya go after I give her the Serpent’s Amnion?

Rya can be found northwest of Laskyar Ruins, just by the telescope icon on the map. She’ll be standing on the right-hand side of the statue.

5. What are my options after finding Rya near Laskyar Ruins?

You’ll have the option to give her the Tonic of Forgetfulness or let her confront the truth.

6. Should I give Rya the Tonic of Forgetfulness?

It’s generally recommended not to give Rya the Tonic of Forgetfulness. While it may seem kind, it prevents her from embracing her true self and leads to a less fulfilling end to her questline.

7. What is the Daedicar’s Woe talisman?

The Daedicar’s Woe talisman is an item that increases the damage you take. It is found in Rya’s place if you killed Rya or gave her the Tonic of Forgetfulness. Otherwise, you will find it on the drawing room after killing Rykard.

8. What happens if I kill Rya?

If you choose to kill Rya, she will transform back into a snake and drop Daedicar’s Woe.

9. What is considered the “best” ending for Rya’s questline?

The best ending involves sparing Rya, refusing to give her the Tonic, completing the Volcano Manor quests before defeating Rykard, and eventually receiving the Daedicar’s Woe talisman after defeating Rykard.

10. Can I complete Rya’s questline after killing Rykard?

If you kill Rykard before completing all the steps of Rya’s questline, then you will not be able to complete it. It is important to finish the Volcano Manor quest line before you kill Rykard.

11. What happens if I join Volcano Manor? Are there any downsides?

Joining Volcano Manor has no downsides. This is a questline that you should explore to get additional items and progress the game.

12. Is Rya related to Rykard?

Rya is the adopted daughter of Tanith, though she believes her to be her true mother.

13. Can I miss Alexander’s quest?

Yes. Many side quests in Elden Ring are easily missed if you do not explore the game and talk to the various NPCs. It is important to speak to Alexander throughout the game to progress his quest.

14. What does Volcano Manor have to do with learning?

The complex narratives and interwoven quests of Elden Ring, like the Rya storyline, demonstrate the game’s capacity to teach problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. Exploring the Manor’s secrets and understanding the consequences of your choices highlights the potential of video games as educational tools. For more insights on the educational aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

15. Does killing Rykard affect any other quests?

Killing Rykard prematurely will block you from completing some quests in Volcano Manor. Be sure to complete the Volcano Manor quests before defeating Rykard.

Conclusion: The Power of Choice

The decision to give Rya the Serpent’s Amnion is more than just a step in a questline; it’s a choice that reflects your own approach to the world of Elden Ring. Do you prioritize immediate relief and comfortable lies, or do you value truth and growth, even when they’re painful? The answer will not only determine Rya’s fate but also shape your own experience in the Lands Between. Choose wisely, Tarnished.