In the dark and mysterious Lands of Shadow, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree introduces a handful of intriguing new characters-some of whom serve as rare allies in a world mostly filled with hostility. Among them is Thiollier, a soft-spoken poison specialist whose storyline slowly unfurls into one of the most tragic and surreal in the DLC. Whether you're chasing lore or want to see every quest through, Thiollier's path is one you won't want to miss.

Here's a step-by-step guide to completing Thiollier's questline.

Step 1: Meet Thiollier at Pillar Path Cross

Your journey with Thiollier begins at Pillar Path Cross, just southeast of the Castle Ensis front gate. He's a timid figure who offers poison-related wares, including the Deadly Poison Perfume Bottle. While his demeanor is unassuming, there's a haunting depth to his character-and, is Elden Ring items hint at his obsession with toxins.

After your initial interaction, visit Moore at Main Gate Cross. Moore will hand you a mysterious item: Black Syrup, intended for Thiollier. Give it to him, and he will craft Thiollier's Concoction-a lethal item that kills the user upon consumption.

While its function may seem purely grim, the concoction is key to optional content involving the Dragon Priestess. You can choose to give her the potion at the Grand Altar of Dragon Communion before fighting Bayle the Dread, unlocking different outcomes depending on your choice. This path rewards either the Ancient Dragon Florissax Spirit Ashes or the Priestess Heart and Flowerstone Gavel.

Step 2: Wait for the Shattering of Miquella's Rune

For Thiollier's storyline to progress, a key event must occur: the Shattering of Miquella's Rune. This takes place after progressing east beyond Bonny Village, past Moorth Ruins. Once this story beat is triggered, many characters-including Thiollier-begin to change their behaviors.

Speak with Thiollier again. He will appear disoriented and disturbed, eventually mentioning that he intends to move south. His next destination is tied to your actions in one of three ways:

Inform him of St. Trina's location.

Rest at a Site of Grace inside the Stone Coffin Fissure.

Burn the sealing tree within the Shadow Keep.

Any of these actions will prompt Thiollier to relocate to his next key location.

Step 3: Journey to the Cerulean Coast and The Fissure

Head to the Cerulean Coast, located at the southern edge of the map. From the coast's southernmost point, you'll plummet downward into The Fissure, a cavern system filled with dangerous foes like Lookout Stones and Gravebirds.

Use caution as you descend, and take out threats methodically. Past the lasers and ambushes, you'll reach the Fissure Depths Site of Grace. Leap off the giant statue's head to enter a boss arena where you can summon Thiollier for assistance.

Step 4: Defeat the Putrescent Knight

Inside the arena, you'll face the formidable Putrescent Knight. Summoning Thiollier is optional but helpful-his poison abilities are more potent than they appear at first glance.

After the battle, activate the nearby Grace and enter the room beyond to meet the mysterious St. Trina.

Step 5: Imbibe the Nectar and Speak to St. Trina

Speak with Thiollier in this chamber, then turn your attention to St. Trina. She will offer you her nectar-an ominous invitation that results in instant death. But this is no trap.

You'll need to imbibe her nectar six times, dying each time. After the third drink, St. Trina will begin speaking to you during your death. Continue until her dialogue is exhausted. Eventually, she will cryptically urge you to kill Miquella.

Step 6: Confront Thiollier and Complete the Quest

After learning St. Trina's message, attempt to share it with Thiollier. He won't respond well. After a couple of attempts, he will invade you in a fit of denial. Defeat him to receive St. Trina's Smile, a talisman that boosts attack power when near sleep-afflicted enemies.

Following the duel, Thiollier will lie on the ground, unresponsive. This marks the end of his journey.

Important Notes and Rewards

If you use Thiollier's Concoction yourself, you can buy another one for 30,000 Runes after resting.

Completing Thiollier's questline before burning the sealing tree is essential. Delaying could result in locking yourself out of rewards, including the talisman or his late-game summon.

If fully completed, Thiollier can assist you in a major late-game boss fight, as part of Miquella's Followers.

Final Thoughts

Thiollier's tale is one of obsession, tragedy, and blind devotion. His soft tone hides a heart twisted by his reverence for St. Trina. Through this questline, Shadow of the Erdtree continues FromSoftware's tradition of hiding deep, disturbing stories behind cryptic NPCs and seemingly minor characters.

If you're looking to stock up on Elden Ring items and Elden Ring runes to better prepare for areas like the Stone Coffin Fissure or the Putrescent Knight, Furnace Golems, and late-game dungeons, Hit legacy dungeons like Shadow Keep and Rauh Ancient Ruins with Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot buffs.