Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree - Level 1 Part 8 Ancient Ruins of Rauh
Part 8 of the DLC Level 1 Journey. Avoiding using buffs, not collecting Scadutree fragments, but the urge is there for completionism at least. I do buy smithing stones as a way of “banking” my runes after bosses. They do sell for a loss, but it’s better than having zero runes because I’m too lazy to pick them back up.
I did Thollier's quest as I felt that I may as well before it's cut off for good. I don't plan to use him for the final fights, but plot wise it feels good knowing he's "there". Same with Saving Ansbach. Though I did forget how to start it. Figured I'd get to Romina first as that's what I did in my casual playthrough. That at least confirms Hornsent doesn't invade. Then remembered to talk to Leda which did it. Saving him is definitely a good window into what to regret later.
A shame I didn't first try Thollier, he is so simple. But I'll take second try.
The trip to and through the Ancient Ruins is largely uneventful. I'm surprised that jump down the back at the start didn't kill me with fall damage, I so expected it to.
Also, when going up through the rot bugs, this route seems easy and consistent. I wonder why, when I see no hit runners doing this (without abusing the shackles for the spiritspring), why they don't take this route? The other one requires weird dodging of the rot bugs.
While testing out Romina I decided I wanted a mix of Parry & Poise Break. So this meant a new weapon. I had runes to use, but I decided to top up. So I looked up and a grabbed a few big easy ones in the area. Got lost in Rauh though and accidentally picked up the Talisman which I didn't want. Then got sniped by an enemy, embarrassing yet funny.
Final stretch now.
00:00 - Start
00:31 - Thollier's Questline
10:57 - Thollier Invade
15:25 - To Ancient Ruins of Rauh
17:57 - Through the Ancient Ruins of Rauh
23:56 - Saving Ansbach from Leda
27:42 - Getting Shadow Runes
31:11 - Getting Stone Club
35:15 - Romina, Saint of the Bud