Who Attacked Me at Roundtable Hold? Understanding the Ensha Invasion in Elden Ring
If you’ve suddenly found yourself beset upon by a hostile figure at the usually-safe Roundtable Hold in Elden Ring, fear not, Tarnished, you’re not alone. The culprit is likely Ensha of the Royal Remains. He’s an NPC invader who appears under specific circumstances, turning the sanctuary into a temporary battlefield. Understanding why he appears and what triggers his invasion is crucial for navigating this unexpected encounter.
The Ensha Encounter: A Detailed Breakdown
The Ensha invasion is a triggered event directly related to your progress in acquiring the Haligtree Secret Medallion. This medallion is broken into two halves: the Right Half and the Left Half. These halves are located in different regions of the Lands Between.
The Trigger: The moment you obtain either half of the Haligtree Secret Medallion, Ensha will become hostile. The next time you teleport or fast-travel to the Roundtable Hold, the invasion will commence. This is a one-time invasion; once defeated, he will not return to attack you again in the Roundtable Hold.
Ensha’s Appearance and Combat: Ensha will materialize near the entrance to the Roundtable Hold, clad in the Royal Remains armor set. This armor is notable for its distinctive skull-like helmet. He is a formidable opponent, wielding a variety of weapons and utilizing aggressive tactics. Be prepared for a challenging fight.
Motivation Behind the Attack: The lore surrounding Ensha suggests he was tasked by Sir Gideon Ofnir, the All-Knowing, to acquire the Haligtree Secret Medallion. It’s implied that Gideon wants the medallion for his own research and potentially to control access to the Haligtree, a hidden area of significant importance. Ensha’s attack is therefore motivated by his duty to retrieve the medallion from you, the player. Whether Gideon is aware of Ensha’s methods or ultimately approves of them remains a point of ambiguity.
Rewards for Victory: Defeating Ensha yields two immediate rewards. First, you’ll survive the ambush! Second, you can claim the Royal Remains armor set from the location where he previously stood near the entrance to the Roundtable Hold. This armor provides a passive HP regeneration effect when your health is low. Additionally, defeating Ensha unlocks new dialogue options with Gideon Ofnir, offering further insight into the situation and his motivations. This also leads to the question of the complex narrative and interactive storytelling in the game.
What if Ensha Kills You? If Ensha manages to defeat you in the Roundtable Hold, the consequences are similar to any other death in Elden Ring. You’ll respawn at the last Site of Grace you rested at, losing any runes you were carrying at the spot of your demise. You can then return to the Roundtable Hold and attempt the fight again.
Why is this invasion added into the gameplay? In Elden Ring, invasions serve a variety of purposes, with their prominence extending beyond this single encounter. In this case it serves as a plot event, adding tension and conflict to what is normally a safe haven and is designed to introduce a layer of player choice and consequence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Ensha Invasion
1. Can I avoid the Ensha invasion altogether?
No, you cannot completely avoid the Ensha invasion if you obtain either half of the Haligtree Secret Medallion. Once you possess one of the halves, triggering the teleport to Roundtable Hold guarantees the encounter.
2. Does it matter which half of the medallion I get first?
No, it doesn’t matter if you acquire the Right Half or the Left Half of the Haligtree Secret Medallion first. Obtaining either one will trigger Ensha’s invasion upon your return to Roundtable Hold.
3. Is Ensha a particularly difficult enemy?
Ensha can be challenging, especially for lower-level characters. He is aggressive and wields a variety of weapons. His Royal Remains armor also provides decent protection. However, with proper preparation and strategy, he is certainly beatable.
4. What level should I be before facing Ensha?
While there’s no specific recommended level, being around level 60-80 is generally a good starting point. This will give you sufficient stats and weapon upgrades to stand a reasonable chance against him.
5. What weapons and strategies are effective against Ensha?
Fast weapons with bleed buildup are effective against Ensha. Weapons like katanas, twinblades, and curved swords can quickly inflict bleed damage. Using Spirit Ashes to distract Ensha and create openings for attacks is also a viable strategy.
6. Can I summon other players to help me fight Ensha?
No, you cannot summon other players to assist you in the Ensha invasion at Roundtable Hold. It is a solo encounter.
7. What is the significance of the Royal Remains armor set?
The Royal Remains armor set provides a passive HP regeneration effect when your health is low. This can be useful in combat situations, allowing you to slowly recover health without using flasks. It also is directly related to the lore of the encounter.
8. What does Gideon Ofnir say after I defeat Ensha?
After defeating Ensha, speaking to Gideon Ofnir will trigger new dialogue options. He may express surprise or disappointment at Ensha’s actions, but he will not directly admit to ordering the attack. The exact dialogue can vary slightly depending on your previous interactions with him.
9. Does Ensha drop anything besides the armor set?
No, Ensha only drops the Royal Remains armor set. He does not drop any runes or other items upon defeat.
10. Is the Ensha invasion missable?
While you cannot avoid it once you have the medallion half, technically you could miss it. If you complete the game without ever collecting both halves of the Haligtree Secret Medallion, you will never trigger the invasion. However, this would mean missing out on a significant area of the game and associated lore.
11. Is Ensha related to any other characters in Elden Ring?
Ensha is heavily implied to be working for Gideon Ofnir. The lore suggests he is one of Gideon’s loyal followers or assassins, carrying out his master’s orders.
12. Why does Roundtable Hold have an invader anyway? Isn’t it supposed to be a safe haven?
The Ensha invasion highlights the underlying tension and deceit within the Roundtable Hold. While it appears to be a sanctuary for Tarnished, the ambitions and agendas of its residents are not always aligned. This invasion reveals the hidden power struggles and the lengths to which some characters will go to achieve their goals. The Games Learning Society explores these dynamics in games and their impact on player engagement.
13. Does Ensha’s armor set have any special properties other than HP regeneration?
The Royal Remains armor set also offers a decent balance of physical and magical resistances, making it a viable option for various builds. Its main draw is the passive HP regeneration, which can be particularly useful for tank builds or those who rely on attrition tactics. You can find more information about this type of content at GamesLearningSociety.org.
14. Is it worth fighting Ensha for the Royal Remains armor?
Whether it’s worth fighting Ensha depends on your playstyle and build. The Royal Remains armor set is a decent mid-game armor with a useful passive effect. If you value survivability and the HP regeneration is appealing, then it’s definitely worth the effort.
15. Does the Ensha invasion affect any other quests or storylines?
Defeating Ensha primarily affects your dialogue options with Gideon Ofnir. It does not have a direct impact on any other major quests or storylines in the game. However, it does provide further insight into Gideon’s character and motivations, which can indirectly influence your perception of the game’s overarching narrative.
Encountering Ensha at Roundtable Hold is a unique experience in Elden Ring. By understanding what triggers the invasion, what to expect, and how to prepare, you can overcome this challenge and claim the rewards that await. Good luck, Tarnished!