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Overview
The Northern Ruins are the first combat region players encounter after leaving Colhen. Located near the border separating human and Fomor territory, the area consists of ancient ruins reclaimed by nature and occupied by a splinter faction of Gnolls. The ruins were once human land, gradually absorbed as Fomor influence expanded.
The Gnolls here have broken away from the main Fomor forces and operate semi-independently, raiding nearby settlements and threatening Colhen's supply lines. Understanding their hierarchy and attack patterns is the first real combat test the game offers.
Enemies
Item | Description |
|---|---|
Gnoll Warrior | Standard melee enemies armed with crude weapons. They attack in groups and try to surround the player. |
Gnoll Ranger | Ranged enemies that fire projectiles from a distance. In mixed groups, prioritize these first. |
Pigyn | Small, low-threat creatures that are annoying in numbers but rarely dangerous alone. |
Gnoll Veteran Warrior | Elite variant with more health, damage, and aggression. They telegraph attacks less obviously than standard warriors. |
Named bosses
Four named sub-bosses patrol the Northern Ruins: Sharptooth, Shadowfang, Snowskin, and Wolftail. Each is a stronger Gnoll with unique attack patterns and higher stats. They serve as a step up in difficulty from regular enemies. Teaching specific combat skills (reading telegraphs, timing counters) before the faction boss fight.
Faction boss: Gnoll Chieftain Crimsongale
Crimsongale leads the Gnoll forces in the Northern Ruins and was widely considered the deadliest boss in the June 2025 alpha test. The fight takes place in the Gnoll Burrow area of the Red Ruins.
Crimsongale fights with a massive hammer and uses three primary attacks: a Whirlwind Smash (wide-radius slam, telegraphed by lifting his leg during the windup), an Overhead Smash (single-target slam that can inflict the Muscle Damage debuff, telegraphed by spreading his legs during the windup), and a Kick (used mainly after being stunned with a player directly in front. The only non-smash attack, which Fiona can block).
The majority of Crimsongale's combo strings can be countered twice in succession. Learning to land both counters consistently is the key to this fight. Yellow-flash Guard Break attacks must be dodged (roll forward and slightly to the side), and red-flash attacks require creating distance. See the combat system article for full details on precision actions.
Exploration
Campsites are scattered throughout the Northern Ruins, serving as safe rest points where players refill Flovian Flasks, manage followers, switch characters, and fast travel. The environment includes climbable surfaces, ziplines, switch-activated doors, and hidden chests containing Ability Points and crafting materials.