Rya Elden Ring: Complete Quest & Lore Guide 2025

The journey with Rya is intricate, requiring keen observation and a willingness to explore. Missing a single step can easily halt her progression or lock you out of certain outcomes. Here's how to ensure you guide her through her harrowing ordeal. Your adventure with Rya begins in the picturesque, albeit perilous, Liurnia of the Lakes. * Initial Encounter: Rya can be found under a pavilion near the Birdseye Telescope, north of the Laskyar Ruins Site of Grace. She'll be distressed, explaining that her prized necklace has been stolen by a brutish Tarnished. * Retrieving the Necklace: Rya will vaguely direct you towards the culprit. Head northwest from her location to the Boilprawn Shack. Here, you'll find Blackguard Big Boggart, an unassuming merchant selling boiled prawns and crab. You have two options to retrieve Rya's Necklace: * Purchase it: The recommended approach is to buy the necklace from Blackguard Big Boggart for 1,000 Runes. This preserves his questline, which can be quite rewarding in its own right. * Defeat him: You can choose to kill Blackguard Big Boggart, and he will drop the necklace. However, this prematurely ends his own questline and denies you access to his valuable wares later on. * Returning the Necklace: Take the retrieved necklace back to Rya. She will be overjoyed and, in gratitude, offer you a Volcano Manor Invitation. She'll also inform you about the main ways to reach the Altus Plateau. This invitation is crucial for progressing her story and gaining access to Volcano Manor. The next stage of Rya's quest hinges on your arrival at the Altus Plateau. * Meeting Rya in Altus Plateau: Depending on your chosen route to the Altus Plateau, Rya will appear in one of two locations: * Grand Lift of Dectus Route: If you ascend to the Altus Plateau using the Grand Lift of Dectus (which requires both halves of the Dectus Medallion from Fort Haight and Fort Faroth), Rya will be waiting near the lift itself, behind the giant golems. * Ruin-Strewn Precipice Route: If you traverse the Ruin-Strewn Precipice dungeon to reach Altus Plateau, Rya will be found at the Lux Ruins, specifically near the Erdtree-Gazing Hill Site of Grace. * Teleport to Volcano Manor: Regardless of where you find her, speaking with Rya in the Altus Plateau will allow her to offer immediate transport to Volcano Manor. This is a significant shortcut, skipping a considerable amount of travel. Accepting her offer will instantly warp you to the manor, unlocking its Site of Grace. If you choose not to be teleported or have already reached Volcano Manor by other means, you can still proceed, but you'll need to locate Rya within the manor. Once inside Volcano Manor, Rya's true nature and the dark secrets of her origins begin to unfold. * Initial Manor Appearance: After arriving at Volcano Manor, you'll find Rya in the Banquet Room. Speak with her for some initial dialogue. You should then speak with Lady Tanith, the leader of Volcano Manor, and formally join the faction to receive the Drawing Room Key. This key grants access to other areas within the manor, necessary for Rya's quest. * First Assassination Request: Take the first assassination contract from the table in the Drawing Room. Your target is Old Knight Istvan in Limgrave. Defeat him and report back to Tanith. * Rya's Transformation: After completing the first assassination, reload the area (by resting at a Site of Grace or fast-traveling). Rya will move to a private room, which is the second door on the right down the main hallway from the entrance. Here, she will appear in her true form: Zorayas, a serpent-humanoid. Speak with her, and she will express her anxieties about her appearance and her connection to Volcano Manor. She believes she was "born by the grace of a glorious king" and that Tanith cherishes her true form. * Second Assassination Request: Return to the Banquet Room and pick up the second assassination request for Rileigh the Idle. Defeat him and report back to Tanith. * Whispers of Secrets: After the second assassination and speaking to Tanith, return to Rya (who will have reverted to her human form in the same private room). She will now express concerns about "strange noises" she's been hearing from the adjacent room. She'll ask you to investigate. * The Illusory Wall and Prison Town: This is a crucial step. In the room directly to the right of Rya's current location (the one with the crooked portrait of a brazier), there's an illusory wall. Roll into it to reveal a hidden passage leading into the depths of Volcano Manor's "underbelly" – the Prison Town. Progress through this area until you reach the Prison Town Church Site of Grace. Ensure you open the large doors leaving the church, as this is necessary for Rya's quest to progress. * Truth Revealed: Return to Rya and tell her what you've discovered within the Prison Town. The sight of other Man-Serpents, just like her, will deeply disturb her. She will express growing doubts about her origins. * Serpent's Amnion: Proceed further into the Volcano Manor dungeon. Your next objective is to defeat the Godskin Noble boss in the Temple of Eiglay. After defeating him, you can find the Serpent's Amnion on an altar at the back of the temple. This item is key to revealing the full truth to Rya. * Rya's Despair: Return to Rya (Zorayas) and give her the Serpent's Amnion. This item, through its description and her reaction, reveals the horrifying truth: she was not "born by the grace of a king," but rather a product of a "hideous ritual," making her an "unwanted child." This revelation shatters her world, and she will disappear from her usual spot after you rest at a Site of Grace. Rya, now consumed by despair, hides away in the depths of Volcano Manor. Her final fate rests in your hands. * Finding Distraught Rya: Rya can now be found hidden in a small, out-of-the-way room deeper within Volcano Manor. From the Temple of Eiglay Site of Grace, take the elevator up to the balcony. From there, head north along the path up the volcano. You'll pass an Abductor Virgin. Continue towards an archway in the distance, crossing a small lava area. Rya will be in a small room to the right of this arch. * Lady Tanith's Concern (Optional but Recommended): Before confronting Rya, you can speak to Lady Tanith back at the manor and select the "Zorayas' troubles" option. Tanith will express concern for her adopted daughter and eventually offer you the Tonic of Forgetfulness, an item meant to make Rya forget the painful truth of her origins. This item plays a role in one of the quest's outcomes. * The Moral Choice: Upon finding Rya in her hiding spot, she will be in deep anguish, lamenting her existence as a "grotesque child" and pleading for you to end her suffering. This is the pivotal moment of her quest, presenting three distinct choices: 1. Kill Her: If you choose to kill Rya as she requests, she will thank you for ending her pain in her final breath, transform back into her serpent form, and drop Daedicar's Woe. This is the most direct, and arguably most tragic, ending. 2. Give Her the Tonic of Forgetfulness: If you have obtained the Tonic from Tanith, you can offer it to Rya. She will drink it and fall asleep, seemingly forgetting her ordeal. After you defeat Rykard and the Manor is empty, she will return to her original spot in the manor (the second room on the right). Exhaust her dialogue, reload the area, and she will be gone, leaving behind Daedicar's Woe. 3. Do Nothing (Spare Her): You can choose neither to kill her nor to give her the tonic. Simply leave her there and proceed to defeat Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy. After Rykard is defeated and the Manor's inhabitants have dispersed, return to Rya's hiding spot. She will have new dialogue, thanking you for sparing her. If you then reload the area, she will be gone, leaving behind both Daedicar's Woe and Zorayas' Letter. This is often considered the most "positive" outcome, as Rya chooses her own path. Regardless of the path you choose in her final moments, completing Rya's questline will always reward you with Daedicar's Woe. This unique talisman increases the damage you take, effectively serving as Elden Ring's "hard mode" or "Calamity Ring" from previous FromSoftware titles. If you choose to spare her (the "Do Nothing" option), you will also receive Zorayas' Letter, a poignant message where she expresses her desire to set out on her own journey and potentially continue her adoptive mother's work, but on her own terms.

Rya's story, intertwined with the sinister machinations of Volcano Manor, offers a profound look into the grotesque ambition of Lord Rykard and the conflicted loyalties of his followers. Rya's true identity as Zorayas, a humanoid serpent, is a chilling revelation. She initially believes she was "born by the grace of a glorious king" and cherished by Lady Tanith. However, the Serpent's Amnion exposes the truth: she was not born naturally but rather a product of a "hideous ritual," an "unwanted child" created through grotesque means. This implies a connection to Rykard's transformation into the God-Devouring Serpent, suggesting that the serpent-men of Volcano Manor, including Zorayas, are either direct offspring or experiments stemming from his blasphemous fusion. The Man-Serpents found throughout Mt. Gelmir and within the Manor's hidden depths are testaments to this dark lineage. They are bound to the volcano, unable to exist elsewhere, serving as Rykard's army. Zorayas, despite her inherent gentle nature, is one of them, a creature born of blasphemy, yet yearning for acceptance and understanding. Her existence highlights the tragic consequences of Rykard's ambition and the suffering it inflicts even upon those seemingly close to him. Lady Tanith's relationship with Rya is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, Tanith genuinely seems to care for Rya, referring to herself as Rya's "adoptive mother" and lamenting her daughter's suffering. She gives you the Tonic of Forgetfulness out of a desire to alleviate Rya's pain and preserve her innocence, or perhaps, to maintain Rya's loyalty to the Manor. However, Tanith also actively conceals the truth of Rya's origins, fostering a false narrative of noble birth. This deception, while possibly well-intentioned to protect Rya from the harsh reality, ultimately contributes to Rya's profound despair when the truth is revealed. Tanith's devotion is ultimately to Rykard and his blasphemous ambition, and Rya serves as a scout, a key component in bringing new Tarnished recruits to be "fed" to Rykard. This suggests a degree of manipulation, where Rya's innocence is exploited for the Manor's ends. The question remains: was Tanith's affection genuine, or was it simply a means to an end, albeit one tempered by a twisted form of love? The Daedicar's Woe talisman, the ultimate reward for Rya's quest, is more than just an item; it's a piece of profound lore. Its description speaks of "a woman whose skin was flayed," who "indulged in every form of adultery, and wicked pleasure imaginable, giving birth to a myriad of grotesque children." This directly links to the Daedicar, a figure whose depravity and monstrous progeny mirror the nature of the serpent-men and Rykard's own transformation. While the exact connection is open to interpretation, it strongly suggests that the creation of the serpent-men, and by extension Zorayas, is rooted in an ancient, abhorrent ritual involving this Daedicar figure. It underscores the Elden Ring's theme of inherited curses and the grotesque consequences of unbridled ambition and twisted desire. Wearing Daedicar's Woe, which amplifies damage taken, serves as a poignant reminder of Rya's suffering and the heavy burden of truth she carries. It's a symbolic "punishment" for seeking out the darkest secrets, a recurring motif in FromSoftware games. The "sparing" ending, where Rya leaves Zorayas' Letter, offers a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy. In her letter, she expresses a desire to "set out on a journey so that one day I can carry on Mother's work," but importantly, she refers to you, the Tarnished, as "uncompromising" for allowing her to choose her own fate. This suggests a nascent independence, a refusal to be defined by her monstrous birth or the dictates of others. The letter's implication that she might continue Tanith's "work" is ambiguous. Does she intend to pursue a more righteous version of rebellion, or will she, too, succumb to the allure of blasphemy in her quest for purpose? Some theories even suggest she might become a leader for a future "Blue Sentinels" type covenant, a force for good against the game's prevalent evils. Her future remains unwritten, a testament to the open-ended nature of Elden Ring's narrative, leaving players to ponder her journey beyond the confines of the game.

Rya's quest, while deeply rewarding, can be easily missed or mishandled. Here are some critical tips for a smooth experience: * Dialogue is Key: Exhaust all dialogue options with Rya and related NPCs (Blackguard Big Boggart, Lady Tanith) at every stage. New dialogue often triggers the next step. * Reload the Area: Many progression points, especially after Rya transforms or moves, require you to rest at a Site of Grace or fast-travel away and back to "reload" the area and trigger her next state or dialogue. * Mind Blackguard's Quest: If you intend to pursue Blackguard Big Boggart's questline (which leads to the access to Dung Eater's quest and his associated items), do not kill him for Rya's necklace. Pay the 1,000 Runes. * Volcano Manor Contracts: Progressing Rya's quest is intrinsically linked to completing Lady Tanith's assassination contracts. You generally need to complete the first two to advance Rya's storyline significantly. Be aware that completing all contracts and defeating Rykard too early can lock you out of Rya's optional objectives, including getting the Tonic of Forgetfulness. * Patience is a Virtue: Her quest is not rushed. Take your time, explore the manor's secrets, and return to Rya after key events. * The "Best" Ending is Subjective: There's no objectively "best" ending for Rya. Each outcome carries its own weight and provides unique insights into her character and the world. Choosing to spare her and receiving Zorayas' Letter is often seen as the most fulfilling for those who wish for her independence. * Check Her Location: Rya moves several times within Volcano Manor. If you can't find her, consult reliable guides or retrace your steps through the Manor. Her final hiding spot is quite secluded.

As a seasoned explorer of the Lands Between, my own journey through Rya's questline has always been a poignant experience. My first encounter with her in Liurnia was almost dismissive; another timid NPC in a world full of grandiose figures. Yet, her polite earnestness despite her hunched posture quickly drew me in. I remember distinctly the moment I realized the implications of her true form, Zorayas. It wasn't the shock of her serpentine appearance that struck me, but the sheer vulnerability she exuded. The way her voice changed, her quiet despair, it was heartbreaking. The decision at the end of her quest, whether to grant her wish of a merciful death, offer her manufactured oblivion, or simply leave her to grapple with her shattered reality, felt genuinely weighty. In a game where countless enemies are felled without a second thought, Rya's plea for death, or her subsequent struggle, humanizes the horrific consequences of the world's ancient blasphemies. It's a stark reminder that even in a realm steeped in brutality, there are fragile souls caught in the crossfire of demigod ambition and ancient curses. My initial instinct was to provide the tonic, to spare her the pain. But on subsequent playthroughs, allowing her to find her own path, even if it meant a life of uncertainty and struggle, felt like the greater kindness. It’s a subtle yet powerful lesson in empathy, often unexpected from a game known for its punishing combat. Rya's story serves as a vital emotional anchor within Elden Ring's vast narrative. She reminds us that even the most seemingly monstrous beings can harbor purity of heart, and that the greatest battles are not always fought with a sword, but within the soul. Her quest elevates Elden Ring beyond a mere action RPG, cementing its status as a rich, emotionally resonant narrative experience.

Rya, or Zorayas, stands as a testament to Elden Ring's masterful storytelling and character design. Her quest is a microcosm of the Lands Between itself: beautiful yet horrifying, filled with hidden truths, and demanding difficult choices. From her initial, almost comical, request in Liurnia to her heart-wrenching revelation in Volcano Manor, Rya's journey is a narrative thread that expertly weaves together themes of identity, acceptance, and the burden of truth. By carefully following her questline, Tarnished not only gain access to valuable lore and a unique talisman but also engage with a truly memorable character whose struggles resonate on a deeply human level. As Elden Ring continues to captivate players in 2025 and beyond, Rya's gentle spirit and tragic tale will undoubtedly remain one of its most enduring and beloved aspects, a reminder that even in a world consumed by madness, there are glimmers of innocence worth protecting, or at least, understanding. Her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the true monsters are not the ones with scales and fangs, but the blasphemous rituals that birthed them and the systems that perpetuate their suffering. ---