Southern Ridge Circle location and dawn dial alignment
The Southern Ridge Circle represents the first megalithic puzzle encountered in Vale Sangora, situated atop the limestone cliffs directly southeast of the starting hunting outpost. Ascend the goat trails behind the abandoned windmill to reach the stone ring overlooking the central river valley.
To activate the puzzle mechanism, interact with the central plinth during the golden hour of dawn when the morning sun aligns with the stone monoliths. If you arrive at night, make camp at the nearby ridge fire to advance the hour to sunrise.
Rotate the outermost dial clockwise until the carved Falcon constellation points toward the eastern horizon. Next, turn the inner lunar dial two increments counter-clockwise until the silver crescent snaps into the central relief. Confirming this alignment unseals the stone reliquary, awarding Training Manual: Iron Stance.
Weeping Marsh Circle location and nocturnal serpent puzzle
Located within the flooded reed beds of northern Vale Sangora, the Weeping Marsh Circle sits partially submerged beneath misty swamp waters. Unlike the southern circle, this ancient mechanism awakens exclusively under the cover of dense night mist.
Before manipulating the central dials, extinguish the two profane torches burning on the perimeter pillars by striking them with water flasks or basic arrows. Once the flames subside, the ancient mechanism unlocks.
Align the outer ring so that the Twin Serpents glyph aligns with the North Star constellation visible above the marsh canopy. Next, adjust the inner wheel three notches clockwise to match the serpentine river flow. The central crypt unseals, granting Training Manual: Blood Surge.
Bleakpeak Crags Circle location and solar reflection mirrors
Perched high within the alpine pass of Bleakpeak Crags behind the frozen monastery ruins, the third circle challenges players with an intricate solar reflection alignment. Reaching this site requires navigating mountain paths guarded by ice-touched predatory gargoyles.
This puzzle requires direct midday sunlight. At high noon, inspect the three bronze reflector mirrors mounted around the perimeter of the stone platform. Clear ice accumulation from the mirror surfaces using torch fire or flame charms.
Rotate the northern mirror forty-five degrees to deflect the sunbeam toward the eastern prism, then align the southern mirror to direct the concentrated beam into the central crystal. Once illuminated, the pedestal grants Training Manual: Hex Mastery.
Stat bonuses and mastery progression unlocked by manuals
Unlike common consumable stat potions that offer temporary combat bonuses, Training Manuals discovered at Ancient Circles bestow permanent masteries that persist throughout the entire campaign.
Training Manual: Iron Stance permanently reduces Coen's stagger buildup from incoming heavy strikes by twenty percent, providing crucial stability when parrying elite two-handed knights.
Training Manual: Blood Surge permanently cuts the blood gauge cost of nighttime mist dashes by twenty-five percent, allowing extended supernatural mobility during nocturnal skirmishes.
Training Manual: Hex Mastery adds an extra spell catalyst slot to Coen's inventory, expanding alchemical tactical versatility in late-game boss encounters.