Skeletal Militiaman Ashes How To Use

Hey Tarnished! Heard you snagged yourself some Skeletal Militiaman Ashes, huh? Excellent choice! These little bonemen (and women, presumably… skeletal rights, y'know?) are surprisingly useful. Think of them as your early-game, undead punching bags... with swords!

So, you're probably wondering, "Okay, great, I have bone buddies. Now what?" Well, buckle up, because I'm about to give you the lowdown on how to unleash these calcium-rich combatants and send your enemies running... or, you know, crumbling.

Summoning 101: It's Easier Than You Think (Probably)

First things first: You can't just summon these guys anywhere. You need to be in an area where summoning is allowed. Look for the little purple gravestone icon on the left side of your screen. If it's there, you're golden (or, in this case, bony).

Secondly, you'll need enough FP (Focus Points). Skeletal Militiamen are pretty cheap to summon, so unless you've dumped all your points into Vigor (which, hey, no judgement! Staying alive is cool!), you should be good to go. Check the ashes in your inventory; it’ll tell you the FP cost.

Thirdly, you NEED the Spirit Calling Bell. If you don't have it, head back to the Church of Elleh after getting Torrent (your spectral steed) and talk to Renna. She's not always there, so try visiting at night. She's kinda shy, that one.

Once you’ve got all that sorted, equip the ashes to your quick items bar. Then, when you're in a summonable area, just use the item! Poof! Instant skeletal backup. Now, go forth and conquer... or at least mildly inconvenience some goblins.

Why These Guys? What Makes Them Special? (Besides Being Undead, Obviously)

Okay, so they're not exactly the strongest summons in the Lands Between. But don't underestimate the power of a good distraction! These guys are great for a few key reasons:

• They're Cheap: As mentioned earlier, the FP cost is low. This means you can summon them early and often, even with a low Mind stat. Think of them as disposable, yet surprisingly durable, distractions.
• They're Persistent... Sort Of: When defeated, they can reassemble themselves. This doesn’t always happen, but when it does, it's a pleasant surprise. They're like those inflatable punching bags that keep popping back up... only with more bones and less air.
• They're a Distraction: This is the big one. Toss these guys into the fray and watch as enemies focus on them, giving you a chance to land some powerful attacks or chug a flask of Crimson Tears in peace. You're basically using them as highly flammable (yet fireproof? Undead logic!) bait.

Strategies & Tactics: Unleashing the Bony Horde

Alright, here’s where we get tactical (sort of). Here are a few tips for making the most of your skeletal squad:

• Summon Them Early: Don't wait until you're surrounded by enemies. Get them out there before the fight starts to draw aggro.
• Focus Fire: While they're busy distracting enemies, focus your attacks on one target at a time. Think of it as a well-coordinated (if slightly shambling) assault.
• Use Cover: Let them take the brunt of the attacks while you stay behind cover and pepper enemies with ranged attacks or spells. You're the brains of the operation; they're the... calcium.
• Don't Get Attached: They will die. A lot. It's their purpose. Treat them with respect, but don't name them. Trust me on this one. The heartbreak is real.

Upgrading Your Bony Buddies

You can upgrade your Skeletal Militiamen (and all spirit ashes) by talking to Roderika at the Roundtable Hold, after completing her questline in Stormhill. You'll need Grave Glovewort to strengthen them. This will increase their health, damage, and overall survivability. Think of it as giving them a good dose of... uh... bone fertilizer?

Upgrading is important! A fully upgraded set of Skeletal Militiamen can hold their own surprisingly well, even against tougher enemies. They're like those old clunker cars that somehow manage to keep running, even when they should be in a junkyard.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Bone Zone

The Skeletal Militiaman Ashes might not be the flashiest summons in Elden Ring, but they're reliable, affordable, and surprisingly effective, especially in the early game. They’re your first step into the wonderful world of spirit ashes, so enjoy them!

So, go forth, brave Tarnished, and unleash your bony horde upon the Lands Between! Remember, even in a world of gods and monsters, a little bit of skeletal distraction can go a long way. Happy summoning!