In the vast and treacherous world of Elden Ring, players encounter a myriad of intriguing characters, each with their own stories and quests. Among these NPCs is Thops, a melancholic sorcerer found early in the game. While he may not be the most powerful mage in the Lands Between, aiding Thops on his quest offers valuable rewards, including access to unique spells and items. This guide will walk you through Thops’ questline, detailing every step to ensure you acquire all the “spells” and items associated with him.
Meeting Thops at the Church of Irith
Your first encounter with Thops will likely be in the Church of Irith, located in the southern region of Liurnia of the Lakes. Liurnia is accessible after navigating through Stormveil Castle or bypassing it to the east. Upon entering the Church of Irith, you’ll find Thops sitting despondently against a wall. He resembles a weary scholar, clad in simple robes, quite unlike the imposing figures you often encounter in Elden Ring.
Speaking to Thops reveals his desire to return to Raya Lucaria Academy, the prestigious school of sorcery in Liurnia. He laments his expulsion and believes he can still contribute to the academy despite his perceived lack of talent. To help him, Thops requests a donation of runes and mentions needing a Glintstone Key to re-enter the academy.
Aiding Thops’ Return to Raya Lucaria Academy
Thops’ quest revolves around helping him return to Raya Lucaria Academy. This involves retrieving a Glintstone Key, a magical key required to bypass the academy’s magical barrier.
Obtaining the Glintstone Key
To find the first Glintstone Key, head to the western side of Raya Lucaria Academy. You’ll find a small island accessible by traversing through shallow water. Guarding the key is a formidable Glintstone Dragon. You can choose to fight the dragon or simply sneak past it to grab the key from a corpse near its resting place.
Delivering the Glintstone Key to Thops
Return to the Church of Irith and speak to Thops again. Giving him the Glintstone Key will fulfill his immediate request. As a token of gratitude, Thops teaches you the “Erudition” gesture. This gesture is crucial for solving puzzles later in the game, particularly at the Converted Towers. After giving him the key and learning the gesture, Thops will depart for Raya Lucaria Academy.
The Tragic Fate of Thops and His Legacy
After assisting Thops, your next encounter with him will be within Raya Lucaria Academy itself. Progress through the academy until you reach the Schoolhouse Classroom Site of Grace. From there, exit the classroom and turn back around the corner outside. You’ll find Thops slumped over a desk, lifeless.
Despite his hopes for a triumphant return, Thops tragically perishes within the very academy he longed to rejoin. Examining his body allows you to loot Thops’ Bell Bearing, Thops’ Staff, and the sorcery Thops’ Barrier.
Thops’ Bell Bearing, Staff, and Thops’ Barrier Sorcery
- Thops’ Bell Bearing: This item can be given to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold, allowing you to purchase sorceries that Thops previously sold at the Church of Irith.
- Thops’ Staff: A basic sorcerer’s staff, primarily useful for early-game sorcerers or as a collector’s item.
- Thops’ Barrier Sorcery: This unique sorcery creates a magical barrier that deflects magic spells, offering a defensive option for sorcerers.
Thops’ Barrier Ash of War
Returning to the Church of Irith after finding Thops’ body in Raya Lucaria will reveal one final reward. A Teardrop Scarab will have spawned near where Thops was initially sitting. Defeating this scarab grants you the Thops’ Barrier Ash of War. This Ash of War can be applied to shields, granting them the ability to use the Thops’ Barrier skill, making this defensive magic accessible to a wider range of builds, not just sorcerers.
Solving the Converted Tower Puzzles with Erudition
The “Erudition” gesture learned from Thops is key to unlocking secrets at the Converted Towers in Liurnia. There are two Converted Towers: the Converted Tower and the Converted Fringe Tower.
The Converted Tower and the Memory Stone
The Converted Tower is located in southern Liurnia. Approach the statue inside the tower and perform the “Erudition” gesture. This will trigger a magical mechanism, causing a ladder to appear behind the statue. Climb the ladder to find a chest containing a Memory Stone. Memory Stones increase your Memory Slots, allowing you to equip more sorceries and incantations.
The Converted Fringe Tower and Glintstone Crown Requirement
The Converted Fringe Tower is situated in eastern Liurnia. To solve this tower’s puzzle, you need to perform the “Erudition” gesture while wearing a Glintstone Crown. Glintstone Crowns are helms found within Raya Lucaria Academy that boost specific sorcery types. Examples include the Olivinus Glintstone Crown or the Twinsage Glintstone Crown. Wearing any Glintstone Crown and using the Erudition gesture in front of the statue will unlock the tower and grant access to two sorceries at the top.
Completing Thops’ questline and solving the Converted Tower puzzles provides valuable rewards for any Elden Ring player, especially those interested in sorceries. While Thops’ story is ultimately a sad one, his contributions to your journey in the Lands Between are significant. From the defensive Thops’ Barrier to increased Memory Slots and access to additional sorceries, assisting Thops ensures you learn all you can from this humble, albeit unfortunate, sorcerer.
