Overview
Meandering Hills is the hilly terrain surrounding Hernand Castle, forming the geographic heart of the Hernand region in Pywel. The area is a mix of urban and rural spaces: the tiered city district slopes downward from the castle walls, giving way to a busy shop district and market, while farms and ranches spread across the gentler plains further out. These agricultural operations supply Hernand with its provisions and everyday necessities.
Players first enter the Meandering Hills during the Prologue quest New Journey, following Sebastian across the bridge from Three Saints Falls. The area remains open for free exploration afterward and is revisited during several Chapter 2 quests, including Reunion and For Honor.
Location Details
Property | Details |
|---|---|
Region | |
Sub-Region | Surrounding Hernand Castle |
Type | Open Exploration Area |
Chapter | Prologue onward |
Connected To | Three Saints Falls (south bridge), Hernand Castle (north) |
Geography and Atmosphere
True to their name, the Meandering Hills roll gently across the landscape in wide, uneven waves. The terrain is not steep enough to feel mountainous, but the elevation changes create natural vantage points where players can survey the surrounding countryside. From the higher ridges, Hernand Castle dominates the skyline to the north, while the farmland stretches south and east toward the river.
The shop district closer to the castle is one of the busiest commercial areas in the Hernand region. Merchants, blacksmiths, and general vendors all operate here. Further from the city center, the landscape opens up into pastures, orchards, and fenced ranches where animals graze and fruit trees grow. Orchards produce apples, oranges, and raspberries that players can gather.
Ancient ruins dot the hills as well. One ruin site contains an Abyss Cresset puzzle, which is tied to the Reunion quest. A child named Bilwise waits near the puzzle and rewards Kliff with an inventory expansion after it is solved.
NPCs
NPC | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Greymane Companion | Leads Kliff through the hills during New Journey | |
Child NPC | Found near the Abyss Cresset ruins; gives an inventory expansion reward | |
Merchants | Vendor | General goods in the shop district |
Vendor | Weapon and armor services |
Enemies
Enemy | Type |
|---|---|
Hostile human enemies roaming the outer plains | |
Bandits | Generic hostile humans found near roads |
Items and Collectibles
Item | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
Key Item | Northwest of the City of Hernand, near stacked rocks visible while following Sebastian past the bridge from Three Saints Falls | |
Bekker Large Shield | Equipment | Found in the area |
Gatherables
Item | Category |
|---|---|
Apple | Fruit |
Orange | Fruit |
Raspberry | Fruit |
Abyss Cresset Puzzle
The Meandering Hills ruins contain an Abyss Cresset puzzle, which is part of the Reunion quest line. The puzzle involves three circular buttons that must be pressed in a specific order: Middle, Right, Left. Completing the puzzle grants access to a hidden chamber and triggers a reward from Bilwise, who gives Kliff a Standard Inventory Expansion Tool.
Related Quests
Quest | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Main Quest | Kliff follows Sebastian through the hills toward House Celeste | |
Main Quest | Includes the Abyss Cresset puzzle at the ruins in the hills | |
Main Quest | Takes place in the Meandering Hills area |
Tips
The Sealed Abyss Artifact near the stacked rocks is visible from the bridge. If you spot it during New Journey, you can detour to pick it up before continuing with Sebastian.
Orchards are a free source of recovery items early in the game. Grab apples and raspberries whenever you pass through.
The Abyss Cresset puzzle solution is Middle, Right, Left. There is no penalty for getting the order wrong; the buttons simply reset.