Should I Join The Volcano Manor And What Happens After Joining
Navigating the treacherous landscapes of Mt. Gelmir in Elden Ring eventually leads adventurers to the ominous gates of Volcano Manor. Here, Tanith invites players to turn against the Erdtree and join their blasphemous faction of recusants. Deciding whether to take this dark pledge can be a source of anxiety for many players who worry about locking themselves out of crucial story progression or character quests.
The Immediate Benefits of Joining the Recusants
Accepting Tanith's invitation is highly recommended for almost every playthrough because it unlocks an extensive network of rewarding side content. Upon joining, you receive the Drawing Room Key, which grants access to hidden chambers and a series of lucrative assassination contracts. These special hunting assignments allow you to obtain some of the most powerful armor sets and weapon skills available in the Lands Between.
Furthermore, joining the manor does not negatively impact your relationships with other major factions or alter your main ending choices. Many players fear that aligning with these rebels will permanently break quests given by Melina or other core NPCs, but the game treats this as an independent mercenary storyline. It provides a safe environment to gather unique equipment without sacrificing your long-term narrative goals.
What Happens During the Assassination Questline
Once you are settled inside the manor, you will find letters detailing specific targets scattered across various regions of the map. Tracking down and defeating these fellow Tarnished NPCs rewards you with legendary gear like the Scaled Armor and the Hoslow Set. Each successful hunt brings you closer to the inner circle of the manor, unlocking deep dialogue with unique characters who reside there.
Completing these contracts also allows you to progress the personal storylines of beloved companions like Rya and Bernahl. Following their requests reveals hidden lore regarding the true nature of the manor's leadership and the dark rituals taking place beneath the floorboards. It transforms a standard combat playthrough into a deeply narrative experience filled with moral ambiguity.
Confronting the Lord of Blasphemy
The ultimate conclusion of your time at the manor involves an audience with Rykard, the Lord of Blasphemy, who commands the faction from his fiery domain. You can reach this spectacular boss encounter naturally by completing all of Tanith's assignments or by exploring a complex hidden legacy dungeon located behind an illusory wall. Both pathways lead to the same climactic battle, but finishing the contracts first maximizes your overall loot rewards.
It is absolutely vital to finish all individual NPC quests and contracts before defeating Rykard himself. Striking down the master of the manor causes the remaining inhabitants to pack up their belongings and leave the premises permanently, instantly failing any incomplete assignments. Careful planning ensures you do not miss out on excellent items like the Taker's Cameo talisman or rare weapon upgrades.
Long Term Impact on Your Journey
After the dust settles and Rykard is defeated, the Volcano Manor becomes a quiet, abandoned monument to a fallen rebellion. You are entirely free to explore its empty corridors and claim any remaining treasures that were previously locked away. The powerful weapons and armor earned during your time as a recusant will carry forward to assist you in the final stages of the game.
Ultimately, choosing to join the manor offers no narrative downsides and provides some of the most engaging combat challenges in the entire game. It stands as a masterclass in optional world-building, rewarding curious explorers with high-tier equipment and unforgettable boss encounters. Taking the oath turns a dangerous mountain fortress into one of your most valuable staging grounds.