Or: How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love Arcane


Our weapon of choice is a big chunky greatsword wreathed in some sick-ass looking vines. First up, a quick look at the stats:

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Requirements:
24 Strength
14 Dexterity
23 Arcane

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Scaling:
Strength: C
Dexterity: E
Arcane: D

Damage Types:

• Standard
  
• Piercing

Now I know what you guys are thinking. 23 Arcane just to wield this thing and it doesn't even have status effect build-up?? What's the point when I could just use a katana with a blood infusion and beat everything?

Because you deserve a more fitting weapon for a gentleman, that's why. And if that doesn't convince you, maybe this next part will.

This is where the sword starts to get a bit more appealing. This unique Ash of War sends the blade flying like a corkscrew directly in front of you, before swinging in a wide arc that knocks enemies down. You can also charge it to increase how long it spins. This skill will shred poise at close range, but it leaves you extremely vulnerable to flanking attacks.

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Important!

This skill deals a very slight amount of Magic damage.
The final swing can be roll cancelled.



Most importantly, this skill throws a whirlwind of attacks out very quickly, which is the key to how we're going to break it.

If you already bagged the sword, you can skip this section.

The sword only drops from Elemer of the Briar,[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com] a miniboss at the Shaded Castle in Altus Plateau. This guy will punch your teeth in no matter what level you are, but I discovered that with a lot of patience and planning, you can take him down before you even fight Margit. Here's some advice on how to prevent a major ass-whooping so you can claim your prize:

• Bring a parrying shield. Elemer hits like a truck but is vulnerable to ripostes, and stance breaking is not going to cut it. You'll need two consecutive parries before he breaks poise.
  
• Fight the bell bearing hunters first to learn his attack patterns. Elemer shares the same moveset as all of these. You can dodge his Emperor Palpatine grab by rolling beside him right before he stomps his foot down.
  
• Stay close. You will die if you try to run from this boss. Take my word.
  
• Be patient. This is not a boss fight you can run into wildly. There is a very specific rhythm to it.

Assuming we're running either a 1-handed or sword + shield with no skill, our ideal gear is going to be focusing on increasing attack power and taking advantage of chain attacks with Eochaid's Dancing Blade. Lets take a gander at some recommendations and things to advise against.


Must-Have


Rotten Winged Sword Insignia[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com] Boosts your attack power with successive attacks. After the third hit, each attack has a bonus 13% to your damage. Look up Millicent's questline if you want to get it, because you're not going to see it until near the end of the game.

Godfrey's Icon[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com] and Shard of Alexander[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com] - Both of these boost attack power of skills by 15%. Bit of a no brainer. The Icon is much easier to grab and its bonus extends to charged spells if you want that.


Useful

The Warrior Jar Shard[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com] serves the same purpose as the Shard of Alexander, but with only a 10% boost. Getting it locks you out of getting the Shard of Alexander, you monster.

Winged Sword Insignia[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com] raises your attack power a little less than the Rotten version, but you can get it right out the gates in Liurnia.
Godskin Swaddling Cloth.[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com] Just in case you need a bit of healing, this will do nicely.

The Ritual Sword Talisman[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com] gives a nice boost to damage when your HP is at max. Not essential as this is a heavier weapon and you're likely going to eat a few hits anyways.


Avoid

The Twinblade Talisman[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com] gives you a 45% boost to attack power... on the last hit. This might come in handy for bosses that will just stand still and eat it, but most humanoids will dodge before that juicy final hit.

Bull Goat's Talisman[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com] increases poise. It almost never works except for hyper armour attacks such as the Marais' charged R2. Beware of this trap.

By now, you're all set to start smackin mobs and bosses with your cool stick. Did you enjoy your dark Sith adventures? Got more talisman recommendations? Go ahead and tell me down below.

Praise the sun! \[T]/