Elden Ring: Mad Tongue Alberich (Invasion)

In Elden Ring, invasions can occur unexpectedly, and one such encounter is with Mad Tongue Alberich. This spectral invader roams the Roundtable Hold, turning a familiar safe space into a dangerous battleground. Understanding his moves and tactics is essential if you want to survive his onslaught and claim the rewards he drops. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about facing Mad Tongue Alberich-from his attack patterns and recommended weapon levels to detailed strategies for dodging his deadly abilities.

Location and Setup

Location:

Mad Tongue Alberich invades the Roundtable Hold. To trigger his appearance, jump over the railing near Sorcerer Rogier. Once you've cleared the obstacle, Alberich will soon appear, initiating the invasion.

Recommended Weapon Levels:

Regular Weapons: +6 or higher

Somber Weapons: +3 or higher

Due to the invader's high burst potential, your equipment must be sufficiently upgraded to match his damage output. Keep in mind that unlike other boss encounters, you cannot summon Spirits to assist you during this invasion-this fight is entirely a one-on-one affair.

Rewards:

Defeating Mad Tongue Alberich grants valuable loot, including:

Taunter's Tongue: An item useful for specific builds or upgrades.

Furlcalling Finger Remedy: A consumable that may help in reversing status effects or managing invasions.

Additionally, when Alberich bows before the fight, he unlocks the Reverential Bow gesture, which you can later use as a nod of respect to fellow invaders or allies.

Understanding Mad Tongue Alberich's Attacks

Alberich is a hybrid invader who combines the swift strikes of a scythe wielder with potent frost magic. His moveset is designed to keep you on edge, as he can rapidly switch from melee assaults to magical barrages.

Frost Bolt

Attack Type: Ranged magic

Description: Alberich fires a frozen glintstone bolt from his wand, inflicting direct damage and inflicting the frostbite status on you. Frostbite not only reduces your maximum health but also gradually saps your defenses.

Tactic: Keep your distance when you see him charging this move. Time your dodge carefully; a forward roll might help you close the gap if necessary, but staying back is often wiser.

Frost Mist

Attack Type: Area-of-effect magic

Description: This move creates a cloud of frost mist that, on its own, doesn't deal damage. However, the mist accumulates the frostbite affliction with prolonged exposure.

Tactic: Avoid stepping into the mist at all costs. Once you see the mist start to form, reposition yourself to clear the area or wait until it dissipates. Your aim should be to fight from a distance until the mist passes.

Briars of Sin

Attack Type: Summoned melee attack

Description: Alberich summons thorns around himself. These briars deal damage on contact and build up the bleed effect on you.

Tactic: Maintain awareness of your surroundings when he uses this move. Being caught in the thorns can quickly lead to a dangerous bleed buildup. Sidestep or roll away to avoid the spreading thorns.

Jump Attack

Attack Type: Melee

Description: Alberich leaps into the air and slashes downward in a single, powerful strike.

Tactic: Time your dodge to coincide with his descent. A well-timed roll to the side can help you evade the downward force of this attack.

Spinning Slash

Attack Type: Melee combo

Description: In this attack, Alberich executes a spinning slash around himself, covering a wide area with his scythe. This move is repeated twice in succession.

Tactic: Position yourself behind or to the side of Alberich. Dodging in a circular motion may help you avoid the second hit of the combo, so be prepared for multiple strikes.

Battle Strategy

Facing Mad Tongue Alberich requires a blend of patience, precise movement, and awareness of his mixed damage types. Here's how to approach the fight step by step:

1. Maintain a Safe Distance Initially

When Alberich appears, it's best to maintain a moderate distance. His Frost Bolt and Frost Mist can quickly build up frostbite, so starting the fight at range helps minimize the chance of being caught in these afflictions early on.

2. Dodge and Counter His Scythe Attacks

Alberich's melee moves, like the Jump Attack and Spinning Slash, are designed to punish overaggression. Wait for him to commit to these moves and then dodge at the right moment. Timing is key-dodging too early or too late could result in you getting hit by a multi-hit combo, leading to dangerous hemorrhage buildup.

3. Manage Status Effects Proactively

Since Alberich deals high burst damage with effects like frostbite and hemorrhage, keeping your health full is critical. Do not let your guard down to heal unless you're sure you're out of his immediate range. Each time you take a hit, the status effects stack up, significantly increasing your risk of a one-shot if you become too vulnerable.

4. Use the Environment to Your Advantage

The Roundtable Hold provides ample room to maneuver. Use the space to sidestep or circle Alberich when he channels Frost Mist or initiates a Briars of Sin attack. Avoid areas where the mist gathers, and try to lead him into open spaces where you have more room to dodge and reposition.

5. Exploit Openings After His Attacks

After Alberich completes a sequence-especially following his Frost Bolt or a melee combo-use the brief pause in his attack rhythm to land quick counterattacks. A rapid response can help chip away at his health while keeping you on the offensive. However, remain cautious, as his recovery moves can quickly reverse the momentum of the battle.

Final Considerations

Mad Tongue Alberich's invasion is a test of both your reflexes and your ability to manage status effects under pressure. His mix of frost magic and physical attacks made him a formidable foe in the confined space of the Roundtable Hold. Remember:

Prioritize Movement: Stay agile, and never let your guard down when facing his mixed damage types.

Keep Full Health: Ensure you're always at or near maximum health to reduce the risk of fatal status effects.

Study His Patterns: Every move he makes has a tell. Watch for cues before he unleashes his Frost Mist or jumps into a melee attack.

Be Patient: Rushing in can lead to a quick defeat. Instead, wait for the right openings to counterattack and gradually wear him down.

By mastering these strategies and keeping your composure during the invasion, you can overcome Mad Tongue Alberich's relentless assault. Surviving this encounter not only rewards you with valuable Elden Ring items like the Taunter's Tongue and Furlcalling Finger Remedy but also adds another victory to your journey through Elden Ring. If you're considering obtaining Elden Ring runes and rare Elden Ring items more quickly, you might also explore trusted marketplaces for in-game currency and gear. Just be mindful of your account's security! Stay sharp, and may your invader battles be swift and victorious!