In the sprawling, unforgiving expanse of the Lands Between, hidden gems and enigmatic figures are scattered like forgotten coins in a sun-bleached desert. One such gem is the Warmaster's Shack, a humble wooden structure tucked away in Limgrave, and its sole resident, the formidable Knight Bernahl. For the wandering Tarnished, stumbling upon this place is like finding a fully-stocked armory in the middle of a barren wasteland—a stroke of incredible luck that can dramatically shape one's journey, especially early on before the daunting walls of Stormveil Castle loom too large. This knight, more a merchant of mayhem than a simple shopkeeper, offers a unique selection of tools for crafting one's own legend, but his presence poses a classic FromSoftware conundrum: to befriend or to betray for immediate gain?
🗺️ The Path to the Warmaster's Retreat
Reaching Knight Bernahl's domain requires a keen eye and a willingness to stray from the main road. The journey begins at the Gatefront Ruins, that familiar early-game crucible. From there, one must head west, urging their spectral steed up the hill, past the lumbering Troll and the vigilant Godrick soldiers—a gauntlet that feels like trying to sneak a picnic past a pack of hungry, armor-clad wolves. Continuing upwards, the path curls northward until the Stormhill Shack comes into view. Here, the helpful Roderika can be found, an NPC whose own quest eventually allows her to empower the Tarnished's Spirit Ashes—a useful stop, but not the final destination.
From Stormhill Shack, the true off-road adventure begins. Head east/northeast, looking for a faint, game-trail-like path through the grass. A sure sign you're on the right track is an encounter with two Kaiden Sellswords patrolling near some ruins; these mounted marauders are as subtle as a thunderclap in a library. Defeat or bypass them, then head directly east. Among the trees ahead, the simple, inviting silhouette of the Warmaster's Shack will appear, with a Site of Grace glowing reassuringly beside it.
⚔️ Knight Bernahl: Merchant of Martial Arts
Upon resting at the grace and approaching the shack, you'll meet Knight Bernahl himself. He is a warrior of few words, treating this shack as a temporary home—a base of operations that feels as permanent as a sandcastle at high tide. For a significant portion of the early and mid-game, Bernahl will remain here, acting as a unique vendor. His specialty? Ashes of War. These are not your common, found-in-a-chest battle arts; Bernahl sells a curated selection that allows for deep customization of your combat style. Applying these Ashes to weapons and shields can transform a straightforward blade into a tool for staggering blows, sweeping slashes, or defensive counters. Acquiring them all (funds permitting) is highly recommended, as they offer flexibility that can feel as liberating as swapping costumes for a one-person play.
His inventory is a treasure trove for the tactically minded, including powerful options like:
| Ash of War | Effect | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Barbaric Roar | Enhances charged attacks, changes strong attacks. | Strength-based warriors. |
| Barricade Shield | Temporarily massively boosts shield guard boost. | Defensive sword-and-board styles. |
| Storm Stomp | Creates a whirlwind that staggers nearby foes. | Crowd control and creating openings. |
| War Cry | Boosts attack power and changes strong attacks. | Aggressive, in-your-face combat. |
However, Bernahl's tenure at the shack is not eternal. After the Tarnished encounters Lady Tanith at Volcano Manor and pledges their service, Bernahl will relocate there, becoming part of a different, more sinister network. This move marks a turning point in his storyline.
⚖️ The Moral (and Practical) Calculus: To Slay or Not to Slay?
This is where the Tarnished faces a choice as sharp as any of Bernahl's blades. He is involved in a small questline tied to Volcano Manor later in the game. Completing it involves cooperation and yields its own rewards, including the sleek Raging Wolf Armor set. But the path of the murderhobo is always an option, and in this case, a temptingly lucrative one.
Choosing to kill Knight Bernahl at his shack is a decision that ripples through the game like a stone thrown into a still pond—the initial splash is satisfying, but the waves change everything. The immediate loot is substantial:
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Bernahl's Bell Bearing: This key item, when given to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold, allows you to purchase his entire inventory of Ashes of War from the comfort of your hub. It's the ultimate convenience, turning his life's work into a mere shopping list. -
The Beast Champion Set: A full suit of heavy armor (Helm, Altered Armor, Gauntlets, Greaves) that boasts excellent stats for its weight. Donning it makes you look like a fortress that learned to walk. -
Devourer's Scepter: The crown jewel. This is one of Elden Ring's Legendary Armaments, a great hammer that steals health from foes with its skill. Acquiring it this early is a power spike as dramatic as a tadpole discovering it's actually a dragon.
🤔 The Verdict for the Modern Tarnished (2026 Edition)
So, what's a Tarnished to do? The meta-advice in 2026 still hinges on playstyle and long-term goals:
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For the Completionist/Pacifist Run: Keep him alive. Experience his full questline, earn the Raging Wolf set through Volcano Manor contracts, and face him later in a dramatic, scripted encounter. This path offers more narrative content and a different set of rewards.
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For the Power-Gamer/Early Dominance Run: Killing him early is brutally efficient. The Devourer's Scepter and Beast Champion Armor are phenomenal for storming through Limgrave, Stormveil, and beyond. Getting his Bell Bearing early also means never worrying about missing his Ashes of War.
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For the Role-Player: Let your character's morality decide. Is your Tarnished a pragmatic scavenger who sees an opportunity? Or a honorable warrior who respects a fellow knight's temporary truce?
Ultimately, Knight Bernahl is more than a merchant; he is a litmus test for the player's approach to the Lands Between. His Warmaster's Shack stands as a quiet crossroads where the paths of commerce, companionship, and cold-blooded opportunism violently intersect. Whether he ends up as a supplier, a quest-giver, or a pile of loot, his impact on a Tarnished's journey is undeniable—a testament to the rich, player-driven storytelling that makes this world so endlessly compelling.