Elden Ring's Roundtable Hold Invasions Explained (Alberich & Ensha)

Most players have likely been invaded by either Mad Tongue Alberich or Ensha of the Royal Remains, if not both, without totally understanding why. Alberich is a sorcerer who first appears on the lower level of 's Roundtable Hold. This fight is practically inexplicable at first, requiring players to leap off of the balcony where Rogier settles in at the hub area. Mad Tongue Alberich has no dialogue and only drops assorted multiplayer items, but some other hints throughout the game can help contextualize his place in 's lore.

[Warning: Mild spoilers for the ending of Elden Ring.]

As for Ensha, he first appears outside the door to Gideon Ofnir's office. He's completely silent, and the first time players interact with him, he grants them the "" gesture. This allows players to imitate his signature pose, with one arm folded across the torso and the other raised to their chin in an inquisitive expression. Ensha may later become an NPC invader, too, for reasons that aren't totally clear. However, talking to the right NPCs and considering some major characters' hidden motivations may make the reasons for Ensha's invasion a little clearer. Here's everything to know about these two unusual invaders in.

The fight with Mad Tongue Alberich in Roundtable Hold is one of many NPC invasions in . He can be particularly tough for some, since players are able to get into Roundtable Hold at fairly low levels, and his combined Bleed and Frostbite effects can leave the player much worse for wear. As a result, Alberich is much more easily fought from a distance, where he can easily be baited into charging forward and beginning a melee combo while the player lines up their own powerful moves.

Alberich bows when the Tarnished first enters the arena. If the player waits until he's finished with his bow to attack, they'll gain the Reverential Bow gesture.

But even beating Mad Tongue Alberich and talking to others in the area won't shed any light on the situation. There's nothing to