Alright, fellow Tarnished, gather 'round! Let me take you back to that first, heart-stopping moment we all shared in 2026's version of the Lands Between. Remember the Chapel of Anticipation? That windswept cliffside complex where your journey began? You're just getting used to moving your character, maybe taking in the eerie atmosphere, and BAM – you're greeted by a horrific, multi-armed monstrosity known as the Grafted Scion. In true FromSoftware fashion, this tutorial boss serves as the game's brutal, humbling welcome committee. It's almost designed to wreck you on the first try, acting as a wake-up call that this world won't hold your hand. But here's the thing... if you're stubborn (or skilled) enough to take it down right there, you're in for some seriously cool, lore-packed rewards.

The Ornamental Straight Sword: A Dexterity User's Dream

So, you somehow managed to topple that nightmare in the tutorial. Your prize? The beautiful and deadly Ornamental Straight Sword that the Grafted Scion was swinging at you. This isn't just any early-game weapon, folks. It's a one-handed blade with a gilded hilt and crescent guards that just screams elegance and deadliness. It scales with both Strength and Dexterity, making it super flexible, but with a requirement of just 10 STR and 14 DEX, most starting builds can pick it up.

But the real magic is in its skill: Golden Tempering. Activate it, and your blade gets coated in this gorgeous golden aura, unlocking a whole new moveset of lightning-fast jabs. It's perfect for Dexterity builds looking for a stylish and effective early-game option that can carry them far.

Now, let's talk lore, because the item description hits deep:

"Slender straight sword patterned after an antique ornament. Superior swordsmen prefer to wield one in each hand. After falling from grace, the dregs of the golden lineage sought power and purpose in the past."

Oof. That "dregs of the golden lineage" line? That's talking about the Grafted Scions themselves. They were once part of a noble line connected to Queen Marika, but after the Shattering tore the world apart, they were cast aside. These ornamental weapons they wield aren't just for show; they're tragic symbols of a glorious past they desperately cling to, a past they can never reclaim. It adds a whole layer of sadness to that terrifying boss fight, doesn't it?

The Golden Beast Crest Shield: Your Trusty Golden Wall

Your victory doesn't stop with just the sword. You also snag the Golden Beast Crest Shield, the very same greatshield your multi-armed foe was hiding behind.

What's great about this shield is that it has no weapon skill. Wait, that's a good thing? Absolutely! It means you can keep it equipped and still use the awesome skill on your main weapon (like that Golden Tempering on your new sword) without having to two-hand it. It's a bit of a chonker, requiring 24 Strength to use properly, but for a strength-focused build, it's a fantastic early-game defensive tool.

Its description is another lore bomb:

"Shield of dull gold with a beast engraved as its crest. Lighter than most greatshields... The beast depicted is Serosh, aged counselor who guides the golden lineage."

Serosh! That's the giant lion-like creature you see draped over the shoulders of Godfrey, the First Elden Lord, in paintings and memories. This suggests Serosh was far more than just a fancy accessory; he was likely a sentient, talking architect of the Golden Order who guided Marika and Godfrey's children. The fact that his image is on a shield wielded by the fallen "dregs" of that lineage is... yeah, it's heavy. It speaks to a legacy utterly broken.

Wait, I Got Smashed! Can I Get a Rematch?

Of course you got smashed on your first try. We all did! That's the point, my dude. But don't you worry, FromSoft, in their infinite wisdom (and cruelty), gave us a path to redemption.

If you didn't beat the Grafted Scion at the start, you can absolutely go back and whoop its butt later. Here’s the 2026-approved guide:

1. Journey to the Four Belfries. This is a location in Liurnia of the Lakes, marked by four bell towers in a rough square, northwest of Raya Lucaria.

2. Grab the Key. At the top of the tallest belfry, you'll find a chest containing the precious Imbued Sword Key.

3. Find the Portal. Head southeast from the towers to find a portal labeled "Precipice of Anticipation."

4. Activate and Return. Use the Imbued Sword Key on the portal. It will whisk you right back to the Chapel of Anticipation.

5. Get Your Revenge. The Grafted Scion will be waiting. Now, with your leveled-up character and better gear, you can give it the proper smackdown it deserves and claim your long-overdue rewards: the Ornamental Straight Sword and the Golden Beast Crest Shield.

Why Bother? Lore, Power, and Closure

So, is it worth the effort, especially if you're coming back at a high level? 100%.

• Early Game Power Spike: If you manage to win early, these items give you a massive leg up. The sword is fantastic for dex builds, and the shield is a solid defensive option.

• Upgrade Potential: Both items can be upgraded with Somber Smithing Stones, meaning they can remain viable tools throughout your journey if you invest in them.

• Lore Unlocked: Holding these items makes the world feel more connected. You're not just carrying weapons; you're carrying fragments of a tragic history. Understanding the "dregs of the golden lineage" and Serosh's role adds so much depth to the story of Godrick, Godfrey, and the fallen state of the Lands Between.

• Personal Satisfaction: Come on, defeating the boss that ended your run in the first 60 seconds of the game? That's the ultimate flex. It's closure.

In the end, the Grafted Scion is more than just a skill check. It's your first real taste of Elden Ring's philosophy: overwhelming challenge, rich environmental storytelling, and rewards that are both mechanically useful and narratively meaningful. Whether you beat it in a blaze of glory on your first attempt or return later for a cathartic victory, engaging with this encounter is a core part of the Tarnished experience. Now, go forth, and claim your golden armaments! The journey to become Elden Lord is just beginning.

P.S. If you're still struggling... maybe try rolling? Just a thought.