Navigating Rya's Questline: A Comprehensive Guide to Secrets and Rewards in Elden Ring

In the expansive world of Elden Ring, players encounter numerous quests that challenge their resolve and creativity. Rya’s questline offers one such adventure filled with labyrinthine paths and intriguing interactions. Unlike many other NPCs, Rya’s journey is not straightforward and requires players to pay close attention to details. This guide will walk you through the intricacies of Rya's questline, ensuring a successful completion and a wealth of rewards. A deeper understanding of her story not only enhances your gameplay experience but immerses you further into the vibrant lore of the Lands Between.

Chapter 1: Discovering Rya

Your initial encounter with Rya occurs in the picturesque landscape of Liurnia of the Lakes. Located southward, seek out the Birdseye Telescope, where a subtle pavilion awaits you. Here, Rya stands ready to unveil her plight. Engage in conversation with her, and you will learn that her prized necklace has been swiped by a rogue dwelling in a nearby hut.

This nefarious thief is none other than Blackguard Big Boggart, located at the Boilprawn Shack. Should you choose to recover the necklace, you have two options: either engage him in battle or purchase the necklace for 1,000 runes. It's vital to tread carefully, as taking his life can have implications on another questline, so weigh your options wisely.

Upon returning the necklace to Rya, you will be rewarded with the coveted Volcano Manor Invitation, a significant item that grants you access to a faction nestled in the northwest of the Lands Between, in Gelmir.

Chapter 2: The Meeting at Altus Plateau

To progress in Rya’s questline, your next destination is the Altus Plateau. There are two pathways leading you there, and your choice will determine Rya’s appearance location. If she fails to appear at either spot, simply teleport back to the lift and reascend to prompt her arrival.

Upon your meeting, Rya will transport you directly to the mysterious Volcano Manor, a critical setting for the unfolding story. Within these walls, a conversation with Tanith unveils your first assassination mission, marking your deeper involvement with the hidden agendas at play.

Chapter 3: Unveiling Rya’s True Nature

Your next interactions with Rya occur within Volcano Manor’s parlour, a place filled with whispers of danger and intrigue. After successfully silencing the first target—Old Knight Istvan—return to Rya for a progress report on her observations of “strange noises” echoing through the manor.

With Rya's guidance, venture to the table and collect a second letter, then set out to eliminate your next target. Once you return, you will find Rya in her true, serpentine form, revealing her real name: Zoraya. Exhaust the dialogue options, and then exit her room. Returning to the Site of Grace will transform her back to human form, allowing you to engage in further discussion in the adjacent room.

Chapter 4: The Hidden Passageway

Within the adjacent room, there exists a secret passage, an integral part of your explorations into the darker aspects of Volcano Manor. To activate the hidden doorway, a simple roll against the wall behind the corpse reveals your next path. Before diving deeper, consider questioning Tanith about “Zoraya’s form.” This inquiry is optional yet may shed more light on the enigmatic nature of the storyline.

Journey through the hidden passage, weaving past snails and bloodhound knights until you reach the chapel, home to the Site of Grace known as "Prison Town Church." Behind this church lies a doorway that leads to the outside world, presenting new opportunities for exploration and conflict.

Chapter 5: Facing the Darkness

Equipped with newfound insights about the complications within Volcano Manor, return to Rya and share your discoveries. With this critical knowledge, journey to the "Prison Town Church" Site of Grace and delve into the Legacy Dungeon of Volcano Manor. Here, you will encounter the formidable Godskin Noble, whose defeat is crucial to your progress. Triumph in this battle, and you will find yourself in the Temple of Eiglay, where the Serpent's Amnion awaits you on the altar.

Chapter 6: A Token for Rya

The Serpent's Amnion is essential for Rya, tying into her quest significantly. Present it to her, and you’ll witness her recognition of its distinct scent and importance. After delivering this critical item, rest at the Site of Grace to reload the area; Rya will have vanished from her original spot.

Your next move is to seek her out in new quarters deep within Volcano Manor. From the Site of Grace "Temple of Eiglay," take the northwest exit and ascend via the lift to the upper levels. Follow the corridor until you reach a window; after leaping out, you will find yourself next to Rya’s new hideout.

Chapter 7: Concluding Rya’s Journey

As you near the conclusion of Rya’s quest, you are met with pivotal choices that can affect the outcome of your adventure. After engaging her one last time, the quest can unfold in three distinct ways, depending on the decisions you've made throughout your interactions.

Each path may yield varied rewards and narrative conclusions, contributing richly to the overall experience in Elden Ring. With Rya’s arc coming to an end, you step away from Volcano Manor, equipped not only with unique items but also deeper insight into the intricate world crafted within the game.

Completing Rya's questline enriches your gaming experience, drawing you deeper into the memorable narratives and entwined fates of the characters in Elden Ring. As the journey unfolds, remember to savor each moment, for every character you meet and every choice you make shapes the destinies within the Lands Between.