Ancient Circles Guide: Dial Solutions and Training Manuals

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 at [Grid B-4]. 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 (06:00) 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 at [Grid D-2], 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 midnight mist (00:00).

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 at [Grid F-5], 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 (12:00). 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.

Flooded Belfry, Mudflats, and Subterranean Circles

The remaining five Ancient Circles span unique terrain challenges: Flooded Belfry at [Grid D-3] requires twilight shadow casting at 18:00, while Blackford Mudflats at [Grid B-2] must be tackled at 05:30 low tide before water submerges the three pressure pads.

Deep underground in the Whispering Caverns at [Grid C-3], navigate the dark abyss at 02:00 midnight using a Phosphor torch to project the Bat Wing dial shadow onto the ceiling stalactite for Manual: Night Vision.

At Bleeding Oak Grove [Grid C-4], offer 1 Sanguine Vial during the blood sunset (19:00) to gain Manual: Vital Surge (+100 permanent max HP), while Western Spine Ridge [Grid A-5] rewards high-noon sunbeam alignment with Manual: Heavy Cleave.

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 and into New Game+.

Training Manual: Iron Stance permanently reduces Coen's stagger buildup from incoming heavy strikes by 20%, providing crucial stability when parrying elite two-handed knights.

Training Manual: Blood Surge permanently cuts the blood gauge cost of nighttime mist dashes by 25%, 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.