As a seasoned Tarnished, I know that every advantage counts in the unforgiving Lands Between. Among the vast arsenal of tools at our disposal, Talismans are often the silent game-changers, subtly tipping the scales in our favor. With over 80 to discover, finding the right one can be as challenging as any boss fight. Today, I want to share my experience in securing one of the early-game powerhouses for aggressive builds: the Winged Sword Insignia. It's a talisman that rewards relentless offense, and I obtained it by venturing into the treacherous Stillwater Cave. The journey there, however, is half the battle. How do you even reach this hidden cavern in Liurnia of the Lakes? Let me walk you through the path I took, the dangers I faced, and the rewards I reaped.

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My first objective was to reach Liurnia itself. From my experience, there are two primary routes, each with its own merits. The most straightforward path, and the one I initially chose, was to prove my might at Stormveil Castle. After a grueling battle, I finally bested Godrick the Grafted, the demigod lord of the castle. Victorious, I marched north through the castle's rear exit. The sight that greeted me was breathtaking: the vast, shimmering expanse of Liurnia of the Lakes stretched out below. The very first Site of Grace I encountered on this new frontier was the Lake-Facing Cliffs. This became my staging ground.

But what if you're not ready to face Margit or Godrick? Is the path blocked? Not at all. On a subsequent playthrough, I discovered a clever detour. By heading east from the Stormhill Shack, you can find a narrow, winding path that skirts the entire southern edge of Stormveil Castle. This secret trail, nestled in the valley, allows you to completely bypass the castle's challenges and emerge directly at the Lake-Facing Cliffs Site of Grace. It's a perfect route for those who wish to explore Liurnia's riches and power up before tackling the legacy dungeon.

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With my feet firmly planted at the Lake-Facing Cliffs, the real search began. Stillwater Cave is cunningly concealed. I mounted my loyal steed, Torrent, and headed northwest, descending from the cliffs to the shoreline. My destination was the Liurnia Lake Shore Site of Grace. Once there, I consulted my map. I placed a beacon on a specific spot along the southern lakeshore—this visual marker is indispensable for navigation in the open, often disorienting landscape. Riding south toward the beacon, I kept my eyes peeled. The entrance isn't marked by grand architecture, but by something far more sinister: a pair of spectral, glowing jellyfish floating near a cluster of trees. Behind them, almost hidden in the rock face, was the gaping maw of Stillwater Cave.

Stepping inside, the air grew thick and damp. This was no simple hole in the ground; it was a miniature dungeon teeming with peril. The very ground was a hazard, with pools of poisonous water slowing my progress and sapping my health. Servants of Rot, those vile, insectoid creatures, skittered in the shadows, while giant poisonous flowers waited to unleash their toxic clouds. I had to move with deliberate caution, picking my fights and watching my step. This is not a place for the unprepared or the reckless.

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Pushing through the cave's challenges, I finally reached the boss fog. Taking a deep breath, I passed through the mist. The boss of Stillwater Cave is a Cleanrot Knight, a formidable warrior clad in golden armor, adept with spear and swift, punishing attacks. The arena itself was another enemy—the same poisonous water covered parts of the floor, meaning I couldn't afford a protracted, defensive battle. The strategy was clear: be aggressive, avoid the poison patches, and break its posture. After a tense duel, the knight fell, granting me a hearty sum of runes and, most importantly, my prize: the Winged Sword Insignia Talisman.

So, what makes this trinket so valuable? Let me break down its mechanics:

  • Effect: It increases your attack power with successive hits.

  • Activation: The buff triggers starting from your third consecutive hit on an enemy.

  • Maintenance: You must continue landing hits within 1.5 seconds of the previous one to maintain and build the effect. A moment's hesitation resets the counter.

  • Potency: The standard version grants a 5% increase to attack power. This effect can be enhanced with better versions found later in the game.

This talisman is a cornerstone for builds that favor relentless assault. It synergizes beautifully with:

  • Dual-wielding setups (like two straight swords or curved swords).

  • Fast-hitting weapons such as daggers, claws, or thrusting swords.

  • Ash of War spammers whose skills land multiple rapid hits.

In my time with the game, I've found it to be an incredible tool for melting through enemy health bars once my combo gets going. It teaches you to stay on the offensive, to press the advantage—a philosophy that serves you well throughout the entire journey. While the path to the Winged Sword Insignia is fraught with poison and a deadly knight, the power it grants to an aggressive playstyle is, in my opinion, well worth the trial. It's a early-game find that can carry you deep into the mid-game, especially once you discover its more powerful variants. Now, go forth, Tarnished. The cave awaits, and with it, a new edge for your blade.