In this episode, I ventured into the formidable Castle Sol, a stronghold nestled in the Mountaintops of the Giants. The castle, shrouded in perpetual frost, presented a series of challenges, culminating in a fierce battle against Commander Niall.
Exploring Castle Sol :
Upon entering Castle Sol, I was immediately confronted by a Lion Guardian patrolling the main courtyard. This beast's swift and powerful attacks required precise dodging and countering to overcome. The castle's interior was inhabited by spectral enemies, including Banished Knights and Exile Soldiers, whose ethereal forms allowed them to phase in and out of combat, adding an unpredictable element to each encounter.
Navigating the castle's treacherous pathways, I discovered several valuable items:
1) Eclipse Shotel: A unique weapon found on an altar in a church-like room within the castle.
2) Cerulean Amber Medallion +1: An enhanced talisman that boosts FP, aiding in sustained spellcasting.
3) Haligtree Secret Medallion (Left): A crucial item located beyond Commander Niall's arena, essential for accessing the Consecrated Snowfield and, ultimately, Miquella's Haligtree.
The castle's lore is steeped in tragedy. It was the site of an attempted eclipse ritual intended to restore the soul of Miquella's comrade. However, the ritual failed, leading the castle's master to lose hope of ever reaching the Haligtree. Commander Niall, a veteran of Castle Sol, remained behind, commanding the spirits of his army to protect his long-passed master.
The Battle with Commander Niall :
At the pinnacle of Castle Sol, I confronted Commander Niall, a formidable boss known for his devastating frost and lightning attacks. The battle commenced with Niall summoning two spectral Banished Knights—one wielding dual greatswords and the other equipped with a sword and shield. Niall's attack patterns became more aggressive, incorporating powerful area-of-effect abilities infused with frost and lightning. Maintaining agility to dodge his attacks and seizing openings for counterattacks were key strategies. After two intense attempts, I successfully defeated Commander Niall, earning the Veteran's Prosthesis, a unique fist weapon, as a reward.
Securing the Haligtree Secret Medallion (Left) :
With Commander Niall defeated, I proceeded to the elevated platform behind his arena, where I found the Haligtree Secret Medallion (Left). This medallion half is vital for operating the Grand Lift of Rold, granting access to the hidden Consecrated Snowfield region and paving the way toward Miquella's Haligtree.
Reflection and Anticipation :
Conquering Castle Sol and overcoming Commander Niall marked significant milestones in my journey through the Lands Between. The challenges faced within the castle tested my combat prowess and strategic planning. With the Haligtree Secret Medallion (Left) now in my possession, I am poised to explore new, uncharted territories, bringing me closer to uncovering the deeper mysteries that lie ahead.