If you’ve delved into the intriguing mysteries of Dawnshore in Avowed, you’re probably familiar with the challenging totem quests. Each major area in the game has seven totem fragments scattered across distinct landmarks, and discovering them requires some thorough exploration.
In the Emerald Stairs area, the quest is titled "Totem of Defiance." This quest can provide you with a variety of perks, such as improved damage against skeletons and boosts to your Constitution and Dexterity. However, to reap these benefits, you must first gather all the necessary pieces.
Emerald Stairs Totem Fragment Clue Location
To efficiently locate the totem fragments without aimlessly wandering the map, consider visiting a particular trader who can provide clues for each fragment. Instead of simply marking general areas on your map like some other quests, these clues present themselves in riddle form, hinting at the specific locations of the fragments.
To retrieve the clues for the Emerald Stairs totem, head to the Farmer’s Market, located southeast of Fior Mes Iverno. You’ll encounter this area during the Elder Offerings quest as well. If you’ve completed the main storyline for the Emerald Stairs, you might instead find the trader at Coastal Farms.
Emerald Stairs Totem Core Location
The first collectible for each totem in Avowed is its core, where you will place all the other pieces. These cores are typically found within Shrine areas, and for the Emerald Stairs, you’ll need to find the Shrine of Skaen. You can locate it on the western side of the map, near "The Delemgan Glade."
Once you arrive at the shrine, a tower awaits your exploration. Climb the platforms on its side, and after navigating some parkour, you can enter the shrine and ascend a few more steps to discover the core directly in front of you.
Sacrificial Dagger Location
To find the second item, travel north of Fior Mes Iverno until you reach the Abandoned Farms area. This location might also come up during the conclusion of the Emerald Stairs main story.
When you approach this area, you’ll notice some large buildings marked in yellow on your map. The dagger is located behind the top left building, attached to a piece of paper. It can be a bit tricky to pick it up without interacting with the note instead.
Idol of Covert Plots Location
For the third fragment, known as the Idol of Covert Plots, head to the northwestern edge of Emerald Stairs. There, you will find the Grim Wetlands. On the map, look for a small shack located just above the area labeled “Grim.”
Once you arrive, defeat any skeletons guarding the area. Then, check the left side of the shack for a not-so-hidden entrance. To open this entrance, look for a switch on the lantern held by a statue nearby. Upon entering, the fragment is situated on the left side near another statue.
Idol of Secret Hatred Location
The riddle for this fragment can be somewhat misleading, with mentions of decay that might lead you to various graves you’ve previously explored. However, the true location is in the southwestern part of the map, close to the Overgrown Homestead area, where you’ll find the Ancient Grotto cave.
Entering this cave might initially seem simple, but it hides numerous secrets alongside a bounty battle. Here’s what you need to do once inside:
- Keep moving forward until you reach an open area, then take the path on the bottom left before the area expands.
- Cross into another open portion and jump across to the upper left side.
- Continue through the cave until you encounter a fork in the path; here, turn left, and you’ll find a small passage on the bottom right.
- Go through this opening, and you’ll discover the remains of the previous owner of Fior Mes Iverno, holding the fragment in his hands.
Idol of Violent Rebellion Location
The clue for the Idol of Violent Rebellion is straightforward; it hints that the fragment is located at a high elevation. To access this high point, check out the Ranger Headquarters on the eastern edge of Emerald Stairs. You’ll need to scale the building to retrieve the fragment.
Begin your climb at the southern base of the building by jumping onto a small roof that leads to a ladder. From there, navigate up along the side of the structure until you reach the top.
Obsidian Prayer Beads Location
The Obsidian Prayer Beads can be one of the most challenging fragments to track down as the clue points to a vast area. You can find ruins surrounded by a Verdant Glade in Emerald Stairs, but the necessary ruins are at the western edge, where you retrieve the Adragan Heart during the main story.
To reach the fragment, teleport to the beacon at the entrance of the isolated area in The Delemgan Glade. Cross the broken bridge and head straight along the right path until you enter an open space. Stay on the right as you continue and look for a narrow pathway ahead.
Here, you will spot a low tree that can be climbed from the opposite side. Climb onto the tree, jump to the platform connected to it, and then find another jump point on your left. Utilize this spot to leap, and you will ultimately discover the Prayer Beads at the top.
Effigy Necklace Location
The Effigy Necklace is the only totem fragment locked behind a main story quest because you’ll need to accompany Giatta to access the secret entrance inside Naku Tedek. After you unlock this entrance and descend the first flight of stairs, a door will lead you further inside.
Once you proceed through this door, you’ll come across a locked door on your left with an electric generator on the wall. Use Giatta’s unique ability or an electric weapon to activate the generator and enter the hidden chamber. Inside, utilize the ice fruit on the wall to leap across the water and onto the tree to your right.
Upon reaching the upper section, you’ll find the Necklace resting on a table to your right.
