The fantasy universe of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is filled with intricate quests and compelling characters. Among them, Dryleaf Dane, a Martial Artist, stands out with a mystifying and intriguing questline. Embarking on his journey entails various steps, riddle-solving, duel matches, and more, offering players an enriching and challenging experience. Below is a comprehensive guide tailored to help you traverse this quest with finesse.

Step 1: Reaching Scadu Altus

Starting the Dryleaf Dane questline requires access to Scadu Altus. There are two primary methods to accomplish this:

Method 1: Defeating Rellana

One way to access Scadu Altus is by defeating Rellana at Castle Ensis. Engage in a fierce battle and ensure you’re prepared with suitable gear and tactics.

Method 2: Using the Spirit Spring

The alternative and often less daunting route involves utilizing a Spirit Spring. From the entrance of Castle Ensis, proceed southeast to the Elder’s Hovel. During this short journey, you'll come across a Spirit Spring hidden beneath a pile of rocks. Break the rocks to unlock the Spirit Spring, which enables you to launch upwards and access the Fort of Reprimand.

Once inside the Fort, navigate through and emerge on the other side, gaining unfettered access to Scadu Altus.

Step 2: Highroad Cross and Moorth Ruins

Your journey continues within Scadu Altus, specifically at the Highroad Cross Site of Grace. Here, you’ll find a crucial item known as the Monk’s Missive on the ground. Picking it up will also unlock an essential gesture called “May the Best Win”.

The Monk’s Missive cryptically states: “Seek me to the east if you wish to pursue the way of the warrior. When you find me, you will challenge me to a bout. There is no need for words.” This message is your key to interacting with Dryleaf Dane. Head to Miquella’s Cross within the Moorth Ruins, and use the “May the Best Win” gesture to challenge him.

Step 3: Dueling Dryleaf Dane

Once you’ve summoned Dryleaf Dane for your duel, it’s time to test your mettle. His combat style needs you to be wary of several major attacks:

Rapid Melee Attacks

Dryleaf Dane is incredibly adept with his swift melee strikes, capable of causing considerable damage. Ensure you dodge at the right moments and avoid getting staggered by his attacks.

Ring of Light Incantations

His ranged attacks, the Ring of Light Incantations, provide him with a versatile offensive capability. These attacks travel outwards and can return to strike you again, so maintain a cautious demeanor and avoid getting hit twice.

Palm Blast

This attack is the most devastating in his arsenal. It is a charged burst attack known as the Palm Blast within his Dryleaf Arts. The charged state grants him significant poise while performing the attack and causes a high amount of damage within a small radius in front of him. Maintain a safe distance when you see him charging this attack.

Employing a blend of agility and strategy, Dryleaf Dane can be overcome. His lack of heavy armor makes him vulnerable if you can avoid his rapid attacks.

Step 4: Dryleaf Arts, Dane's Armor, and Dane's Aid

Successfully emerging victorious from the duel rewards you with the Dryleaf Arts Weapon and a special hat. Additionally, you receive a note encouraging continual training and improvement. From this point forward, you can summon Dryleaf Dane for assistance in specific battles.

Locating Dane's Armor

Finding the remainder of his armor involves traveling to the Ruins of Unte. This requires traversing through a hidden path located within the Shadow Keep. This area becomes accessible after defeating the Golden Hippo. Continue forth to the Specimen Warehouse. Proceeding south from the Ruins of Unte along the river will lead you to a Site of Grace known as Recluses' River Downstream.

From this Site of Grace, use the hanging coffins affixed to the cliffside to ascend toward a third waterfall. Traveling north thereafter will bring you to the bottom of another waterfall, a spot likely frequented by Dryleaf Dane. Beneath this cascading water, you'll find the remaining pieces of Dane's armor set.

Step 5: One Last Test (Spoilers for the Final Legacy Dungeon)

The culminating step of Dryleaf Dane's questline occurs post defeating Romina, Saint of the Bud, and setting ablaze the Sealing Tree. These triumphs unlock the final legacy dungeon—Enir-Ilim.

The ascent of Enir-Ilim presents its own set of formidable challenges. At its zenith, engage in a battle against Needle Knight Leda and any remaining loyalists to Miquella. Among these loyalists stands Dryleaf Dane, who now employs the Dane’s Footwork and the Dryleaf Whirlwind Ash of War.

Seizing victory over Needle Knight Leda and her allies allows you to loot Dryleaf Dane's items. Specifically, you can collect the Dane’s Footwork from his location near the entrance of the room. For acquiring the Dryleaf Whirlwind Ash of War, venture back to the Ancient Ruins of Rauh.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dryleaf Dane's questline in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree offers a thrilling blend of riddle-solving, intense dueling, and strategic exploration. Engaging with his character and traversing through various landscapes not only adds depth to the lore but also brings exhilarating challenges to seasoned players. Dive deep into the Land of Shadows, team up with formidable allies, and unveil the mysteries that have been etched within the shadowy annals of the Erdtree.