In Nightingale, Puck will soon tell you to delve into the Antiquarian Site of Power to acquire the Antiquarian Card. This will come with more adversity than is first apparent. You’d need to prepare and face the atrocities within.
Raising your Gear Score in Nightingale
Preparation is key if you wish to survive the enemies that lurk. The Site of Power simply won’t let you in if your Gear Score is not appropriate.
You first must achieve a Gear Score of 20. Your total Gear Score is calculated by averaging out the Gear Score of all of your worn gear as well as the item you’re holding. Thankfully, this can be achieved by crafting and donning a full set of Simple Gear and wielding a Simple Maul.
You will need to build both a Simple Sewing Bench, for the clothes, and a Simple Workbench, for the Simple Maul, as well as other important tools. The crafting recipes for such structures can be bought from the Essence Trader in your Abeyance Realm, each selling for 55 Essence each.
Essence can be gathered by extracting items straight from your inventory, or by completing Encounters throughout the world. You may also find some after slaughtering and skinning animals. I’d recommend harvesting as much plant fiber, sticks, and rocks as you can, as each can be extracted for one Essence each. This is a very quick and easy way to gain Essence for the Trader.
Seek out the Essence Trader, buy the needed Sewing Bench and Workbench, and build them in your base. While you’re there, make sure to also buy and build the Simple Tanning Station, as that allows you to refine Straps and Leather needed for the Gear.
Now gather the necessary materials for every set of Simple clothing and Simple Maul. Constructing all the other Simple Tools will be an asset, also.
For your Simple clothing set and the Simple Tools, both Leather and Straps can be crafted from Hide at the Simple Tanning Station. You will need to go out and hunt any creature you see to gather the necessary Hide for all the Straps and Leather.
Once the full Simple Clothing set has been made, as well as your Simple Maul, you will have a Gear Score of 20, provided you’re also holding the Simple Maul. Now will you be granted entry into the Antiquarian Site of Power. But there are other things you need to do to prepare, Realmwalker.
Related: How to open the Bastille of Intellect in Nightingale
Preparing for the Antiquarian Site of Power in Nightingale
You can take on the Antiquarian Site of Power in Nightingale as-is, but you will likely fall to the many horrors within. I would strongly suggest that meet the following requirements:
- Recruit a follower
- Prepare at least three Healing Salves
- Make a Simple Slingbow and a few sets of Rock Marbles
- Prepare some food
- Ensure you are well-rested
Recruiting a follower can be done by interacting with the NPC that should be lingering around the Essence Trader in your Abeyance Realm. You will need to fulfill a task first, such as constructing some survival necessities for them. Once done, you can easily Recruit them by speaking with them. You will have access to their inventory, but most importantly, they will revive you should you fall.
I would suggest equipping your recruit with a Simple Maul or Slingbow so they can better assist you in combat. Having a lifeline is incredibly valuable, not to mention the extra weapon.
You are now readily prepared, Realmwalker, and can take on the challenges that eagerly await.
Completing the Antiquarian Site of Power in Nightingale
With everything ready, walk up the Antiquarian Site of Power and open the red gate by walking into it. It should open, and you’re now free to explore the ancient structure. There will be many enemy encounters, and there will be chests with great loot tucked away into corners and behind staircases, so keep a sharp eye.
The Maul is a slow weapon, so make sure to keep blocking and swinging for your foes’ heads. You will also come up against new enemy types. One of which throws exploding projectiles, so make sure to take them out quickly, lest they harass you and your recruit with constant damage whilst dealing with the others.
Remember your Healing Salves, and try to use the environment’s narrow hallways to your advantage.
These encounters aren’t too challenging, as long as you make good use of your block action and move out of the way of enemy attacks. Don’t fret too much over your recruit, either, they’re rather sturdy!
Make your way down the Site of Power. You will be driven underground, where you will eventually stumble across your final challenge guarding the Antiquarian Card. The Fabled Automaton Knight.
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Defeating the Fabled Automaton Knight in Nightingale
The Fabled Automaton Knight in Nightingale is a tough cookie, but only for those who don’t handle it with the respect it deserves.
Upon walking into the final chamber, the blue lines and glyphs will don a bright red hue, which will activate the giant mechanical creature ready to defend the Antiquarian Card. This boss only has one attack, but should it strike you, it will deal heavy damage.
Before the attack strikes, the core of the automaton will turn red. When this happens, make sure to get out of the boss’ way. It will lunge forth and also send out a damaging arc of red energy. You are free to constantly attack the mechanical marvel, but as soon as it warns you, move aside or get behind a pillar.
There may be a moment, once enough damage has been delivered, that it performs consecutive strikes. Be wary and don’t let your panic override your senses. Allow it to strike, with you dodging each hit, then resume bashing it with your Maul.
In no time, the Fabled Automaton Knight will fall, and you’ll be free to accept the Antiquarian Card from the center of the room.
Very well done, Realmwalker.
Now that you have handled the first challenge in Nightingale and received the Antiquarian Card, why don’t you learn how to handle a Bastille of Intellect, a structure of lesser challenge?
