Elden Ring: How to Complete War Counselor Iji's Quest

 In Elden Ring, War Counselor Iji, initially introduced as Smithing Master Iji, is a stoic and kind-hearted Troll blacksmith located in the misty expanse of northwest Liurnia of the Lakes. His involvement spans multiple critical storylines, particularly those connected to Ranni the Witch and Blaidd the Half-Wolf. Iji's quest may not seem expansive at first, but by following the correct steps, players uncover a tragic tale of loyalty, war, and quiet sorrow, alongside some rewarding Elden Ring Items and Elden Ring Runes.

 

First Encounter

 

Players first meet Iji at the Road to the Manor Site of Grace, just past the Kingsrealm Ruins in northwest Liurnia. Once the magical barrier hiding him is dispelled (by hitting the illusionary wall), you'll find Iji working diligently as a blacksmith. As Smithing Master Iji, he offers blacksmithing services, including the ability to upgrade your weapons using Elden Ring Runes and Smithing Stones, making him an essential NPC for players looking to strengthen their arsenal.

 

His services are invaluable throughout your journey. Players who frequently visit Iji will find him a source of upgrades, especially early to mid-game, when Elden Ring Items like upgraded weapons can determine survival against powerful bosses.

 

Joining Ranni's Service

 

Later, Iji's role expands significantly when you choose to serve Ranni the Witch. After gaining access to Ranni's Rise in northern Liurnia, you'll meet her and her inner circle. Among them are Seluvis, Blaidd, and the spectral form of Iji, now titled War Counselor Iji. This confirms his connection to Carian royalty and his critical role in Ranni's machinations.

 

During this phase, Iji doesn't move from his physical location near the Kingsrealm Ruins, but his importance to the narrative increases. He offers insights into Ranni's goals, Blaidd's condition, and the hidden tensions bubbling beneath their alliance. For lore-driven players, this is where Iji's character begins to unfold.

 

The Hidden Treasure of Nokron and Blaidd's Descent

 

As you progress through Ranni's questline and eventually gain access to Nokron, Eternal City, the story surrounding Blaidd grows darker. After defeating Radahn and triggering the fall of the star that opens the path to Nokron, Blaidd begins to descend into madness, a fate preordained by his creation as a loyal shadow bound to Ranni.

 

Iji expresses deep concern for Blaidd during this stage. Speaking with him reveals that he placed magical restraints on Blaidd to protect both him and others should he lose control. These dialogues are poignant, hinting at the inevitable tragedy to come. Iji's sorrowful tone also underlines the burden of those who serve the powers of the Lands Between.

 

Aftermath

 

Eventually, players who continue Ranni's quest will be forced to confront Blaidd outside Ranni's Rise after she disappears. The encounter is unavoidable, and defeating Blaidd leads to the conclusion of his tale.

 

Once Blaidd is slain, return to Iji and exhaust his new dialogue option, “Blaidd's Death.” In this brief but emotional exchange, Iji laments the death of his friend and implies that he, too, will soon meet his end. His words suggest a deep emotional bond with Blaidd, a mix of regret, responsibility, and helplessness in the face of destiny.

 

Leave the area and return shortly after. You will find Iji's body slumped near his anvil, surrounded by the scorched remains of three Black Knife Assassins. His forge is cold, and a dark flame has claimed him. On his anvil rest two final Elden Ring Items: Iji's Bell Bearing, which can be given to the Twin Maiden Husks to access his smithing wares, and Iji's Mirrorhelm, a unique piece of armor offering both lore and gameplay value.

 

This quiet, grim scene serves as a powerful conclusion to Iji's arc. It's a tale that unfolds slowly but delivers emotional depth for players who follow the path from Liurnia to Nokron and beyond.

 

Quest Rewards and What You'll Gain

 

While Iji's quest isn't packed with flashy cutscenes or grand-scale battles, it rewards players in other meaningful ways. His services as a blacksmith allow you to make significant upgrades in return for Elden Ring Runes, which are essential to any build. Additionally, completing his story unlocks the following unique Elden Ring Items:

 

    Iji's Mirrorhelm – A reflective helmet with strong magical resistance and lore significance.

    Iji's Bell Bearing – Lets you continue purchasing his smithing gear after his death.

    Access to Blaidd's full story, which ties into Ranni's ending.

    Rich dialogue and lore surrounding the Carian Royals, Shadows, and the Black Knives.

 

Conclusion

 

War Counselor Iji's story is one of loyalty, quiet strength, and sorrow, a reflection of the themes that run throughout Elden Ring. Though his quest doesn't span dozens of tasks, it weaves tightly with those of Ranni and Blaidd, forming a triangle of interconnected fates. Along the way, you'll gain useful Elden Ring Items, strengthen your weapons with your hard-earned Elden Ring Runes, and discover that even the most stoic figures in the game world carry hearts capable of breaking.

 

Keep an eye on Iji throughout your journey, you may find that his forge carries more than just heat and metal. It holds memories, burdens, and the weight of a kingdom lost.