Why Does Ensha Invade in Elden Ring?
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Ensha of the Royal Remains invades the player in Roundtable Hold for one primary reason: to steal the Haligtree Secret Medallion. This invasion is not a random act of aggression, but rather a calculated move, likely on the orders of Gideon Ofnir, his master. The game’s narrative heavily implies that Gideon desires the Medallion for his own purposes, and Ensha is merely his instrument. When the Tarnished obtains one half of the Medallion, Ensha makes his move, attempting to forcibly retrieve it. Essentially, he is a pawn in Gideon’s larger schemes, operating under a veil of secrecy and ultimately serving as an obstacle to the player’s progress. The invasion underscores the complex web of allegiances and betrayals that are central to Elden Ring’s captivating lore. Ensha’s invasion also highlights the risks of possessing such powerful artifacts and the lengths to which others will go to obtain them.
Ensha’s Lore and Motivation
To fully understand Ensha’s invasion, it’s crucial to delve into his backstory. He is depicted as a figure shrouded in mystery, his armor adorned with golden human bones rumored to be from a soulless king, known as Ensha, the lord of the lost and desperate. This macabre detail hints at a dark past and a subservient nature. Ensha’s loyalty to Gideon appears absolute, suggesting he is not driven by personal ambition, but rather obedience to his master’s will. The fact that Ensha’s invasion is specifically triggered after the player obtains a piece of the Haligtree Secret Medallion reinforces the notion that he’s acting directly under Gideon’s orders, or at least in accordance with his known interests.
The Role of Gideon Ofnir
Gideon Ofnir’s involvement is crucial to understanding Ensha’s motives. Gideon is depicted as a scholar obsessed with knowledge and power, and it is clear through the game’s lore that he views the Haligtree Secret Medallion as a crucial component of his own agenda. Latenna even makes mention that her wolf companion, Lobo, was taken from her by the “all-hearing brute,” likely referring to Gideon Ofnir. This, combined with Ensha’s later invasion, further cements Gideon’s ruthless pursuit of artifacts. Gideon’s desire to prevent anyone from becoming Elden Lord, stemming from what he learns about Queen Marika, further underscores his ruthless nature, and makes it entirely plausible he would use Ensha as his instrument to achieve his goals.
The Invasion Trigger
Medallion Acquisition
The key trigger for Ensha’s invasion is the player’s acquisition of the first half of the Haligtree Secret Medallion. This strongly indicates that Gideon, aware of the medallion’s significance, had either commanded Ensha to obtain it for him or had already instructed him to intercept anyone who possessed it. As soon as the player returns to Roundtable Hold after securing the first half of the Medallion, the invasion commences, making it a fairly straightforward trigger for the fight.
Round Table Hold as a Battleground
The fact that the invasion occurs within the supposedly safe haven of Roundtable Hold further emphasizes the sense of betrayal and underscores the ruthless nature of Gideon’s machinations. It also serves as a warning that even in places deemed sacred or neutral, danger is always lurking within the world of Elden Ring.
What Happens if you Miss Ensha’s Invasion?
If the player fails to obtain either half of the Haligtree Secret Medallion before defeating the Fire Giant, Ensha will vanish from Roundtable Hold, and his invasion will be missed. This highlights the importance of player exploration and the potential consequences of skipping content in Elden Ring. This also means players need to make sure they complete the steps necessary to trigger this invasion before finishing the later parts of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Ensha wearing bones?
Ensha’s armor is graced with golden human bones which are said to be from a soulless king named Ensha, lord of the lost and desperate. This suggests a dark history and a connection to the fallen or cursed, contributing to his intimidating appearance and hinting at his subservient role.
2. Who is Gideon Ofnir?
Gideon Ofnir is a powerful scholar and a key figure in Roundtable Hold. He serves as a guide of sorts, but is secretly obsessed with preventing anyone from becoming Elden Lord and is willing to go to great lengths to achieve this, including manipulating his subordinates like Ensha. He’s also the “all-hearing brute” mentioned by Latenna.
3. Is Ensha a difficult fight?
Ensha can be a challenging encounter, particularly for players who are not prepared. He wields a powerful set of weapons and armor and can move very quickly. Players will need to utilize their skills and strategies to overcome him.
4. Where else can I find NPCs invading in Elden Ring?
NPC invasions are a common feature in Elden Ring. One notable invasion, besides Ensha, is Mad Tongue Alberich who also appears in Roundtable Hold. These encounters often lead to unique loot and offer different challenges.
5. What is the Haligtree Secret Medallion?
The Haligtree Secret Medallion is a key item required to access the Haligtree, a late-game area. It is split into two pieces, and obtaining each piece is key to triggering certain events like Ensha’s invasion and progressing through the game.
6. What happens if I defeat Gideon Ofnir?
Defeating Gideon Ofnir is a later-game event that will occur if you go against his wishes and he becomes a boss battle. However, killing him does not change Ensha’s invasion. This highlights the fact that Gideon’s decisions and plans are his own.
7. Who is the red NPC in Roundtable Hold besides Ensha?
The red NPC in Roundtable Hold is the Dung Eater, who appears later in the game after the player reaches Leyndell, Royal Capital. He is a terrifying and disturbing character with his own dark questline.
8. What is the Dung Eater’s goal?
The Dung Eater’s goal is to spread his curse to everyone in the Lands Between by creating the Mending Rune of the Fell Curse. His questline is one of the most disturbing and unsettling in the game.
9. Is the Dung Eater ending considered bad?
Yes, the Dung Eater’s ending is considered the worst due to it inflicting a curse upon the world and its inhabitants. It’s considered the most detrimental ending to the lands between.
10. How do I trigger Melina taking me to Roundtable Hold?
To trigger Melina taking you to Roundtable Hold, you need to defeat the boss Margit the Fell Omen and then rest at the next Site of Grace. Melina will then appear and offer you passage.
11. What is the significance of Radahn’s death?
Defeating Starscourge Radahn opens new paths for players, such as the entrance to Nokron, and progresses several questlines. Radahn’s death also has a direct impact on the game’s landscape, changing the environment slightly.
12. Who is the most hated enemy in Elden Ring?
Many consider the Fanged Imps to be the most annoying due to their ability to blend into the environment and their blood loss attacks. They are found in almost every catacomb, making them a frequent annoyance for players.
13. Who is the scariest boss in Elden Ring?
Many players find the Death Rite Bird to be one of the scariest due to its imposing appearance and aggressive attacks, especially when fought in early-game areas when the player is not fully prepared.
14. Who are the Two Fingers?
The Two Fingers are vassals and envoys of the Greater Will. Their responsibility is to select Empyrean candidates to inherit the Elden Ring. They also offer guidance to the Tarnished as the game progresses.
15. Who is the weakest boss in Elden Ring?
The Soldier of Godrick, found at the beginning of the game, is considered the weakest boss. He’s essentially a tutorial boss to prepare players for future fights and encounters.