The Wanderings of a Sorceress: Tracing Sellen’s Path After Rennala in Elden Ring

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Sellen, the enigmatic and ambitious sorceress of Elden Ring, embarks on a complex journey filled with intrigue and transformation. After your initial encounter with her in Raya Lucaria Academy following the defeat of Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, Sellen’s physical location and questline take several turns. Initially, she can be found standing where Rennala usually is, offering cryptic words about the Academy’s support for your ascension to Elden Lord. However, after resting at a Site of Grace, Rennala reassumes her position, and Sellen relocates to the side of the room, marking the start of her personal quest. The most significant shift occurs later, when Sellen is transformed into a Graven Mass, a horrifying, non-hostile enemy type. It is from this form that she tasks you with finding her true body, which is imprisoned within the Witchbane Ruins on the Weeping Peninsula. This sets in motion a quest that delves into the dark arts of sorcery and the dangerous pursuit of ultimate power.

Delving Deeper into Sellen’s Questline

Sellen’s journey is not linear; it requires the player to navigate various locations, make crucial decisions, and ultimately choose her fate. Understanding the key locations and events is essential for completing her questline and unlocking its associated rewards.

Unlocking the Secrets of the Witchbane Ruins

The Witchbane Ruins, located in the southern reaches of Limgrave, on the Weeping Peninsula, is a critical location in Sellen’s quest. Here, you’ll discover her imprisoned, “real” body. Upon interacting with it, she will bestow upon you Sellen’s Primal Glintstone, containing her very essence. This is a vital step in freeing her and progressing the quest. Note that the witchbane ruins are located at the south section of the Weeping Peninsula, accessible by taking the main road south from Limgrave.

The Transfer of Essence and the Puppet Dilemma

Once you possess Sellen’s Primal Glintstone, your next step is to find a suitable vessel for it. This leads you to Seluvis’s Hidden Puppet Chamber near Ranni’s Rise. Within, you’ll find a hidden wall concealing a collection of puppets, one of which is another iteration of Sorceress Sellen. Imbue this puppet body with Sellen’s Primal Glintstone to restore her consciousness.

Confrontation and Choice at Raya Lucaria

The culmination of Sellen’s quest unfolds back at the Raya Lucaria Grand Library, the very location where you first encountered her after defeating Rennala. Here, you’ll find two summon signs: one for Sellen and another for Witch-Hunter Jerren. Choosing to side with Sellen involves defending her against Jerren. Should you choose to aid Jerren, you will fight against Sellen. Your decision determines the questline’s ending and the rewards you receive.

The Final Transformation: The Graven Mass and its Implications

Regardless of your choice in the final encounter, Sellen ultimately meets a tragic end. After the battle, returning to the Raya Lucaria Grand Library reveals Sellen transformed once more, this time into a massive Graven Mass. This grotesque amalgamation of sorcerers serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in the pursuit of forbidden knowledge and unchecked ambition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sellen’s Questline

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Sellen’s questline, providing further insight into this complex narrative:

1. What happens if I kill Sellen?

   If you kill Sellen (either the initial version or the puppet body) before completing her quest, it essentially locks you out of that questline for that playthrough. You won’t be able to acquire her armor set, spells, or witness the quest’s unique ending.

2. Can I reverse Sellen’s transformation into a Graven Mass?

   Unfortunately, no. Sellen’s transformation into a Graven Mass is a permanent consequence of her actions and the culmination of her questline. There is no way to reverse it.

3. How do I start Sellen’s questline?

   To initiate Sellen’s quest, you simply need to encounter her after defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, in the Raya Lucaria Grand Library. Speak with her, and she’ll mention the Academy’s support.

4. Where is Witch-Hunter Jerren?

   Witch-Hunter Jerren is first encountered at Redmane Castle during the Radahn Festival. After defeating Starscourge Radahn, he can be found sitting in the throne room within Redmane Castle. He then reappears at the Raya Lucaria Grand Library when you are faced with the decision to side with him or Sellen.

5. What rewards do I get for completing Sellen’s questline?

   The rewards vary depending on which side you choose. Siding with Sellen grants you the Glintstone Kris and the Queen’s Crescent Crown, while siding with Jerren grants you Sellen’s Bell Bearing (allowing you to purchase her spells from the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold) and the Eccentric’s Armor Set.

6. Is Sellen evil?

   Whether Sellen is “evil” is a matter of interpretation. She is undoubtedly ambitious and willing to delve into forbidden knowledge, even at great personal cost and the cost of others. However, her intentions could be argued as driven by a desire to restore the lost glory of glintstone sorcery.

7. Can I summon Sellen for the Rennala fight?

   No, you cannot summon Sellen for the Rennala fight. The summon signs for Sellen and Jerren appear much later in the game, during the final stages of Sellen’s questline in Raya Lucaria.

8. What level should I be to complete Sellen’s questline?

   Sellen’s questline doesn’t have strict level requirements, but being around level 60-80 is generally recommended, especially for the final encounter in Raya Lucaria. Ensure your weapon is appropriately upgraded as well.

9. Does Rennala have any connection to Sellen’s transformation?

   While Rennala doesn’t directly cause Sellen’s transformations, her presence in the Raya Lucaria Grand Library is a crucial element in triggering Sellen’s questline and eventual fate. Rennala effectively sets the stage for Sellen’s journey to begin.

10. What is the significance of the Graven Mass?

    The Graven Mass serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of forbidden knowledge. It represents the horrific consequences of Sellen’s relentless pursuit of power and the risks associated with tampering with the ancient secrets of glintstone sorcery. The Games Learning Society may have great insights on the underlying lore.

11. What do I do with Sellen’s Primal Glintstone?

    You must insert Sellen’s Primal Glintstone into the puppet body of Sellen located in Seluvis’s Hidden Puppet Chamber near Ranni’s Rise. This action is crucial to restoring her consciousness and progressing her questline.

12. What happens if I attack the Graven Mass?

    The Graven Mass is non-hostile and cannot be attacked. It is a static element, serving as a visual representation of Sellen’s tragic fate. It is there simply to observe and is not capable of engaging in combat.

13. Where is Seluvis’s Hidden Puppet Chamber?

    Seluvis’s Hidden Puppet Chamber is located near Ranni’s Rise in the Three Sisters area of Liurnia of the Lakes. The entrance is concealed by an illusory wall that can be revealed by attacking or rolling into it.

14. Can you respec with Rennala multiple times?

    Yes, you can respec with Rennala multiple times. Each respec requires one Larval Tear. This is a great way to experiment with different builds after completing Sellen’s questline or any other part of the game.

15. Which ending is considered the “best” ending for Sellen?

    There is no definitively “best” ending for Sellen. Both endings, siding with her or against her, result in her tragic transformation into the Graven Mass. The choice ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and the rewards you desire. See more at GamesLearningSociety.org

By understanding these key aspects of Sellen’s journey, players can fully appreciate the intricate narrative and make informed decisions that shape her ultimate fate.