Where to find skill books and how to use them
A skill book makes a technique or upgrade available to learn. You still need the skill points, time and any prerequisite skills required by that rank. Using a manual and purchasing a rank are separate steps. After learning an ability, check that it is equipped in your active loadout.
For Swordmastery, look for manuals among soldiers’ and bandits’ belongings or the wares of fencers. For Witchcraft, the official Skills & Power bulletin points to ancient ruins, haunted places and other magic practitioners. Vampirism follows a different progression path, with Corruption and blood-related unlocks: check the individual ability or passive skill for its requirements.
If a skill remains locked, check the next rank’s requirements as well as your available points. A book for a later upgrade does not remove the need to learn an earlier skill in the prerequisite path. The skill calculator can include those earlier skills in your point budget.
Skill points are shared across all three trees. Points earned during the day can be spent on vampire skills. The form in which you earned XP does not create a separate pool of points.
Random manual drops become more likely after a miss
When the game checks an eligible random manual drop, the base chance is 5%. Each check that does not award a manual increases the next chance by 5 percentage points. This is the random-drop system; it does not change merchant stock or turn every chest into a manual source.
The random manual pool takes your skill tree progress and tier into account when selecting a manual.
For a specific book, use the teacher and shop list or search the manuals and map locations below.
Some skills need a manual only at higher ranks
Check the rank you are working toward before searching for a book. Charge has a manual requirement from rank 1, while Forager, Pack Mule and the ability-slot skills introduce it later.
| Skill | Ranks requiring manual access | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Master Fencer | 2 and 3 | Three, then four Swordmastery ability slots. Rank 1 lists two slots and has no manual requirement. Its prerequisite is Sustained Focus. |
| Forbidden Sigils | 2 and 3 | Three, then four Witchcraft ability slots. Its prerequisite is Unnatural Resilience. |
| Forager | 2 | Double Harvest rises from a 50% chance at rank 1 to 100% at rank 2. The second rank costs one skill point and one time segment. |
| Pack Mule | 3 | The final rank lists +100 maximum Carry Weight and allows running while Encumbered. Earlier ranks list +30 and +60; those bonuses are replaced, not added together. |
The slot counts above are capacities, not extra slots to add to the previous rank. When comparing a combat build, keep ability slots separate from Activation Charge capacity. For a gathering build, connect Forager with the ingredients you need in the crafting guide.
Find a teacher and open their shop
Ursul, Constantin and Catalin’s Tutor become useful book sources after their encounters. Other shops depend on a quest or the time of day. Check the access condition first, then use the book list to narrow down your next purchase.
| Teacher or vendor | Access and location | Book selection |
|---|---|---|
| Ursulcamp after Lucky Crossing | Rescue the prisoners in Ambrus’s Prisoners: Lucky Crossing, accept Ursul’s invitation to his camp and win his duel to open his teaching offers. | Show 8 manuals |
| Constantinsouthwest Rockfalls camp | Defeat Constantin at the camp in southwest Rockfalls, then spare him and accept his offer to teach. Killing him closes that opportunity. | Show 6 manuals |
| Catalin’s Tutorwoods northwest of Lunar Manor | Protect the man at the pillory during Bakir’s Pillories: Old Hand. Follow the tutor’s subsequent objective to his camp northwest of Lunar Manor and win the teaching duel. | Show 5 manuals |
| OchaSvartrau tavern | Finish The Heart Wants What It Wants and return to Ocha. Her teaching offers are a later part of that story, so finding her in the tavern alone is not enough. | Show 14 manuals |
| VeraMaragir Wealds hut | Visit during the day: Vera stands in the yard of her woodland home between Briar Sloughs and Maragir Wealds. At night she sleeps inside the locked house. | Show 9 manuals |
| Matriarchhidden Uriash village | The route through A Friend Like This and Song of the Mountain leads to the hidden village. Peaceful dealings with the village elder preserve access to her Witchcraft shop. | Show 17 manuals |
| Maragir armourerMaragir, during the day | Visit the armourer in Maragir during the day. The shop’s skill-book selection includes Pack Mule and Second Skin I; check current stock before buying. | Show 2 manuals |
Available titles and quantities vary with shop selection and story progress. Bewitching Influence rank 3 opens additional special offers at some merchants.
Tower chests are another source of manuals. Check the title of the book you find, then look up its skill and rank requirements below.
Find a manual by skill, effect, seller or place
Browse 49 manuals and the ranks that require manual access. Costs below apply to each listed rank on its own; earlier ranks and prerequisite skills have their own costs. Open a skill for its full effects and prerequisite path.
Map links lead to named manual locations on the Vale Sangora map. Possible sellers link to the merchant’s page; story progress and the shop’s current selection can affect availability and quantities. For example, Life Lock Manual is associated with Mevasser’s story-dependent offer. Check the merchant’s conditions before making a trip.
For a camp manual, check the chest inside the named camp. At an Ancient Circle or Haunted site, the manual follows completing the activity. The places below are individual sources to try; some books have additional sources, and shop stock can vary.
Showing 49 of 49 manuals
Swordmastery
Adrenaline Rush Manual
Increases Attack Damage after using Active Abilities. This Ability works passively once equipped in Active Ability panel.
Maragir Wealds — southeast of Eerie KnollSearch the chest in the southern bandit camp, southeast of Eerie Knoll shrine.PC Gamer: Swordmastery manual locations
Ursul — camp after Lucky CrossingA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Constantin — southwest Rockfalls campA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Ocha — Svartrau tavernA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 43 SP · 2 time segments
Witchcraft
Aether Flow Manual
Reduces Witchcraft Ability Cooldown.
Matriarch — cooldown manual in shop selectionsThe Matriarch’s changing manual selection can include Aether Flow. Open her shop through A Friend Like This and Song of the Mountain by choosing peaceful dialogue and following the elder. This manual supports Witchcraft cooldown upgrades; all three Aether Flow ranks require manual access.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
Witchcraft
Amalgam Manual
Multiple Buffs from Consumables with time segments set as the duration, can be applied simultaneously.
Matriarch — hidden Uriash villageA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
Swordmastery
Artery Strike Manual
Critical Attack with a chance of Decapitating the target.
Catalin’s Tutor — protect him, then duelAt the pillory in front of Lunar Manor, protect the man during Old Hand. Track Catalin’s Tutor to his camp northwest of the manor, ask him to teach and win the duel. He sells Artery Strike Manual; Ocha is another seller after her quest.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
St. Tyna’s Grove — north of Ambrus’s fortCheck the soldier camp chest on the road north of Ambrus’s fort.PC Gamer: Swordmastery manual locations
Catalin’s Tutor — woods northwest of Lunar ManorA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Ocha — Svartrau tavernA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 43 SP · 2 time segments
Witchcraft
Blasphemous Echo Manual
Increases Witchcraft Abilities Damage for each enemy currently affected by Witchcraft Abilities.
The Highland Grave — inner-chamber chestGet Scholar’s Key from the landslide north of Rockfalls Pasture Shrine and follow the Scholar’s Map to the tomb. Beyond the entrance’s right-hand inner doors, the chest contains Blasphemous Echo Manual together with Ancient Hero’s Talisman and Ring of Quick Strikes. Loot the chest itself.IGN: The Highland Grave
Matriarch — hidden Uriash villageA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 22 SP · 1 time segment
Swordmastery
Broad Swing Manual
Weapon Area Attack.
Laslea — Outlaw’s GorgeClimb east from Laslea to the bandit camp near Outlaw’s Gorge shrine and check its chest.PC Gamer: Swordmastery manual locations
Constantin — southwest Rockfalls campA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Catalin’s Tutor — woods northwest of Lunar ManorA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Ocha — Svartrau tavernA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 43 SP · 2 time segments
Witchcraft
Burning Blood Manual
Deals Damage over time to a target.
Maragir Wealds — between Eerie Knoll and Stuga BridgeComplete the Ancient Circle southwest of Eerie Knoll shrine and north of Stuga Bridge shrine.PC Gamer: Witchcraft manual locations
Matriarch — hidden Uriash villageA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 43 SP · 2 time segments
Swordmastery
Charge Manual
Charge dealing Damage and Stunning a target and everyone on your way.
Boar’s Back — east of ParlitaLook in the chest at the soldier camp east of Parlita.PC Gamer: Swordmastery manual locations
Ocha — Svartrau tavernA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 43 SP · 2 time segments
Swordmastery
Counterattack Manual
Attack after Perfect Block deals more Damage.
Soldier camp south of Laslea GlenSearch the tent in the soldier camp just south of Laslea Glen for Counterattack Manual. Ursul and Ocha are later shop options. The skill raises the damage of an attack after a Perfect Block, and all three ranks require manual access.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Ursul — camp after Lucky CrossingA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Ocha — Svartrau tavernA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
Witchcraft
Cycle of Ruin Manual
Extends Duration of currently active Witchcraft Abilities with each landed Attack, Block and Perfect Block. This Ability works passively once equipped in the Active Abilities panel.
Howling Keep — lantern-opened side roomsDuring The Cycle of Love, search the side rooms opened using lanterns inside Howling Keep. Cycle of Ruin Manual is another reward to collect there. The Matriarch also sells it. Equip the learned ability in the Active Abilities panel for attacks and blocks to extend active Witchcraft effects.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Briar Sloughs — Cursed ChasmComplete the Ancient Circle at the western end of Cursed Chasm. A path northwest of Coward’s Path shrine leads down into the ravine.PC Gamer: Witchcraft manual locations
Matriarch — hidden Uriash villageA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 43 SP · 2 time segments
Swordmastery
Dirty Trick Manual
Stuns and Damages a target and makes them vulnerable to Active Abilities.
Ocha — later Dirty Trick ranksReturn to Ocha after The Heart Wants What It Wants to open her teaching offers. Dirty Trick starts without a manual requirement at rank 1; its manuals are for ranks 2–4. Spend on the upgrade you need after learning the opening stun.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
St. Tyna’s Grove — northeast bandit campLook in the bandit camp chest across the river, in the woods east of Ambrus’s fort.PC Gamer: Swordmastery manual locations
Ocha — Svartrau tavernA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 43 SP · 2 time segments
Swordmastery
Endless Effort Manual
Increases Stamina.
Northwest Svartrau general store — more StaminaBuy Endless Effort Manual from the general store in the northwest corner of Svartrau. This skill increases Stamina capacity. Ranks 1 and 2 have no manual requirement; ranks 3 and 4 need access from a manual.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 31 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 42 SP · 1 time segment
Witchcraft
Evil Eye Manual
Chance for Critical Witchcraft Ability cast.
Kobold nest north of Maragir Wealds WatchtowerCheck the chest at the kobold nest north of Maragir Wealds Watchtower Shrine. Vera and the Matriarch provide shop alternatives. Evil Eye is the Witchcraft critical-cast skill; both ranks require manual access.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Vera — Maragir Wealds hutA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Matriarch — hidden Uriash villageA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 22 SP · 1 time segment
Swordmastery
Fate's Favour Manual
Chance for Weapon Critical Hit.
Ocha — Svartrau tavernA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 31 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 42 SP · 1 time segment
Swordmastery
Fleet of Foot Manual
Dodging cost less Stamina.
Northwest Svartrau general store — cheaper dodgesThe general store in the northwest corner of Svartrau sells Fleet of Foot Manual. The skill lowers the Stamina cost of dodging; ranks 3 and 4 require manual access. The same shop sells Endless Effort for Stamina capacity and Vigour for Health.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 31 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 42 SP · 1 time segment
Witchcraft
Forager Manual
Double Harvest chance when gathering plants.
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
Witchcraft
Forbidden Sigils Manual
Increases Witchcraft Ability Slots number.
Matriarch — hidden Uriash villageA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
Witchcraft
Frugal Witchcraft Manual
Defeating an enemy with a Witchcraft Ability restores Health based on the amount spent to cast it.
Will-o-the-Wisps — west of Sloughside Mill shrineThis manual is reported as an activity reward here. Complete the encounter and check the reward before planning the next rank.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
Swordmastery
Growing Momentum Manual
Increases Weapon Damage with each Attack. Buff resets after receiving Damage.
Constantin or Catalin’s TutorSpare Constantin after defeating him in southwest Rockfalls and accept his teaching offer, or protect Catalin’s Tutor at Lunar Manor and win his later camp duel. Both sell Growing Momentum Manual. Its damage benefit builds through attacks and resets when you take damage.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Constantin — southwest Rockfalls campA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Catalin’s Tutor — woods northwest of Lunar ManorA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 22 SP · 1 time segment
Witchcraft
Herbal Remedies I Manual
Consumables with duration measured in time segments last longer.
Vera — Maragir Wealds hutA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Matriarch — hidden Uriash villageA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
Witchcraft
Herbal Remedies II Manual
Additional instant Heal from all Consumables.
Kobold nest southeast of Laslea Gate ShrineSearch the chest at the kobold nest southeast of Laslea Gate Shrine for Herbal Remedies II Manual. Vera and the Matriarch also sell it. Herbal Remedies II adds instant healing when using consumables, and its three ranks each require manual access.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Vera — Maragir Wealds hutA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Matriarch — hidden Uriash villageA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 22 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
Witchcraft
Lasting Malediction Manual
Witchcraft Abilities last longer.
Vera — longer Witchcraft effectsVera sells Lasting Malediction Manual at her woodland house during the day. It opens upgrades that extend Witchcraft ability duration, with manual access required at all four ranks. Choose this duration skill when planning sustained effects rather than a raw damage increase.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Vera — Maragir Wealds hutA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 42 SP · 1 time segment
Witchcraft
Life Lock Manual
Blocks Damage and Reflects it back to the enemy.
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 43 SP · 2 time segments
Swordmastery
Master Fencer Manual
Increases Swordmastery Ability Slots number.
Ocha — Svartrau tavernA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
Witchcraft
Medicus I Manual
Increases the limit of Consumables in a Quickslot.
Vera — Maragir Wealds hutA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Matriarch — hidden Uriash villageA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
Witchcraft
Medicus II Manual
Craft more Items in a single batch.
Vera — Maragir Wealds hutA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Matriarch — hidden Uriash villageA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 22 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
Witchcraft
Mercurial Fervour Manual
Gain Haste in exploration by briefly slowing down the world around you. This Ability doesn't take up a common slot in the Active Abilities panel.
St. Tyna’s Convent — libraryCheck the top floor of the library when you have access during Echoes of Silenced Bells.PC Gamer: Witchcraft manual locations
Matriarch — hidden Uriash villageA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 21 SP · 0 time segments
- Rank 31 SP · 0 time segments
- Rank 41 SP · 0 time segments
Swordmastery
Omniblock Manual
Omniblock costs less Stamina.
Ursul — higher-rank Omniblock upgradesAfter rescuing Ursul at Lucky Crossing, meet him at his camp and win the teaching duel. He sells Omniblock Manual. Ranks 1 and 2 have no manual requirement; use the manual for the later rank 3 and 4 upgrades that reduce Omniblock’s Stamina cost.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Ursul — camp after Lucky CrossingA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 31 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 42 SP · 1 time segment
Swordmastery
Pack Mule Manual
Increases Carry Weight.
Maragir armourer — Maragir, during the dayA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
Swordmastery
Perfect Block Manual
Perfect Block restores more Stamina and Activation Charge.
Ursul or Ocha — ranks 3 and 4Ursul sells this manual after his camp duel; Ocha sells it after The Heart Wants What It Wants. Perfect Block’s first two ranks have no manual requirement. The later ranks need the book and improve recovery from successful Perfect Blocks.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Ursul — camp after Lucky CrossingA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Ocha — Svartrau tavernA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 31 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 42 SP · 1 time segment
Swordmastery
Perfect Riposte Manual
Attack in Critical Direction after Perfect Block to deal Critical Damage.
Ursul — later critical-riposte ranksRescue Ursul during Lucky Crossing, accept his invitation to the camp and win his duel to open his shop. Perfect Riposte requires manual access at ranks 3 and 4. Its critical-direction follow-up after a Perfect Block is distinct from simply buying more Perfect Block stamina recovery.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Ursul — camp after Lucky CrossingA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 31 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 42 SP · 1 time segment
Witchcraft
Potent Blood Manual
Chance for Witchcraft Abilities to not cost Health.
Vera or Matriarch — Health-cost chanceVera and the Matriarch both sell Potent Blood Manual. Visit Vera’s yard by day, or open the Matriarch’s village shop peacefully through Song of the Mountain. The skill gives Witchcraft a chance to cost no Health; both ranks require manual access.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Vera — Maragir Wealds hutA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Matriarch — hidden Uriash villageA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 22 SP · 1 time segment
Swordmastery
Precision Manual
Deal more Damage with Directional Attacks when directions don't repeat.
Ursul — alternating attack directionsRescue Ursul in Lucky Crossing and win the duel at his camp to buy Precision Manual. Precision rewards directional attacks when you change direction between attacks; all three ranks require manual access. Repeating one direction does not meet that alternating-direction condition.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Ursul — camp after Lucky CrossingA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
Witchcraft
Ravenous Flock Manual
Area Attack and Stun on target. Attacking the target triggers additional Area Attacks.
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 43 SP · 2 time segments
Ravenous Flock effects & prerequisitesMap location 1Map location 2Map location 3Map location 4
Swordmastery
Renewed Focus Manual
Increases Activation Charge Restoration.
Catalin’s Tutor — woods northwest of Lunar ManorA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Ocha — Svartrau tavernA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
Swordmastery
Restless Blade Manual
Reduces Cooldowns of Swordmastery Abilities.
Constantin — Swordmastery cooldownsDefeat Constantin in southwest Rockfalls, spare him and accept his offer to teach. His shop sells Restless Blade Manual. The skill shortens Swordmastery ability cooldowns; all three ranks require manual access. Aether Flow is the separate Witchcraft cooldown skill.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Constantin — southwest Rockfalls campA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 22 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
Swordmastery
Second Skin I Manual
Decreases Medium Armour penalties.
Maragir or Svartrau marketplace — medium armourVisit the Maragir armourer during the day, or climb the stairs inside the house in the middle of Svartrau’s marketplace to reach its daytime armourer. Both sell Second Skin I Manual. This medium-armour skill needs a book at rank 3; ranks 1 and 2 have no manual requirement.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Maragir armourer — Maragir, during the dayA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
Swordmastery
Second Skin II Manual
Decreases Heavy Armour penalties.
Svartrau armourers — heavy armourCheck the armourer in southwest Svartrau or the daytime armourer upstairs in the house at the centre of the marketplace. Both sell Second Skin II Manual; the Tantari armourer also sells it by day. All three ranks of this heavy-armour skill need manual access.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Tantari — armourerThe armourer in Tantari, southeast of Svartrau, is a reported seller. Check the shop’s current selection before buying.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Silts Tower — lower chestThis manual is reported in a chest on the first floor above the basement. If you enter through the cave below the tower, climb to that floor and check the chest’s contents.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Ocha — Svartrau tavernA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
Swordmastery
Sharp Eye Manual
Chance to Weaken enemy on Perfect Block. Weak enemy deals less and receives more Damage.
Constantin — weaken enemies after Perfect BlocksSpare Constantin after the southwest Rockfalls camp fight and agree to his teaching offer to buy Sharp Eye Manual. Sharp Eye gives Perfect Blocks a chance to weaken the attacker, reducing their damage and increasing the damage they receive. All three ranks require manual access.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Constantin — southwest Rockfalls campA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 22 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
Witchcraft
Soul Reaping Manual
Lifesteals target over time and keep him away.
Vera — daytime purchase routeVisit Vera outside her woodland house during the day, between Briar Sloughs and Maragir Wealds. She sells Soul Reaping Manual, as does the Matriarch after peaceful access to her village shop. Soul Reaping requires manual access from its first rank.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Maragir Wealds — east of MaragirComplete the Ancient Circle in the forest directly east of Maragir.PC Gamer: Witchcraft manual locations
Vera — Maragir Wealds hutA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Matriarch — hidden Uriash villageA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 43 SP · 2 time segments
Witchcraft
Soul Stigma Manual
Higher Critical Chance and Critical Damage on target.
St. Tyna’s Grove — northeast of the tower shrineComplete the Ancient Circle a short distance northeast of St. Tyna’s Grove Tower shrine.PC Gamer: Witchcraft manual locations
Vera — Maragir Wealds hutA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Matriarch — hidden Uriash villageA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 43 SP · 2 time segments
Swordmastery
Stinging Blade Manual
Increases Weapon Damage.
Ursul or Ocha — later weapon-damage ranksUrsul sells Stinging Blade Manual after his camp duel; Ocha sells it after her quest. The skill increases weapon damage. Its rank 1 and 2 upgrades have no manual requirement, while ranks 3 and 4 need manual access.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Ursul — camp after Lucky CrossingA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Ocha — Svartrau tavernA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 31 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 41 SP · 1 time segment
Swordmastery
Swiftness Manual
Boosts Attack Speed after Perfect Block. This Ability works passively once equipped in the Active Abilities panel.
Constantin — spare him after the duelDefeat Constantin at the soldier camp in southwest Rockfalls, then spare him and accept his teaching offer. His manuals include Swiftness. The learned ability works passively while equipped in an Active Abilities slot, increasing attack speed after a Perfect Block.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Briar Sloughs — northwest of Stoneward PostThe bandit camp in the forest northwest of Stoneward Post has a chest containing this manual.PC Gamer: Swordmastery manual locations
Constantin — southwest Rockfalls campA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Ocha — Svartrau tavernA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 43 SP · 2 time segments
Witchcraft
Unholy Fervour Manual
Chance for a refund of an Activation Charge after Witchcraft Ability use.
Matriarch — charge-refund upgradeThe Matriarch sells this manual after you reach the Uriash village and open her shop peacefully. Unholy Fervour grants a chance to refund an Activation Charge after casting Witchcraft; both ranks require manual access. This is the charge-refund choice, while Potent Blood concerns the Health cost.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Matriarch — hidden Uriash villageA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 22 SP · 1 time segment
Witchcraft
Unholy Vitality Manual
Regenerates Health after using Active Abilities. This Ability works passively once equipped in the Active Abilities panel.
Matriarch — healing after ability useReach the Uriash village through A Friend Like This and Song of the Mountain, choose peaceful dialogue and follow the elder to her shop. After learning Unholy Vitality, equip it in the Active Abilities panel: its passive healing effect works from an equipped slot.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Maragir Wealds — Site of CrucifixionComplete the Haunted: Site of Crucifixion south of St. Clement’s Monastery and Eerie Knoll shrine.PC Gamer: Witchcraft manual locations
Matriarch — hidden Uriash villageA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 43 SP · 2 time segments
Witchcraft
Unnatural Resilience Manual
Grants Armour when any Witchcraft Ability is active.
Matriarch — only rank 2 needs the manualUnnatural Resilience Manual can appear in the Matriarch’s changing book selection after you open her shop in the Uriash village. Rank 1 does not require a manual; rank 2 does. Its armour bonus applies while a Witchcraft ability is active.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
Swordmastery
Vigour Manual
Increases All Health Types.
Northwest Svartrau general store — more HealthThe general store in northwest Svartrau sells Vigour Manual. Vigour increases Health, with manual access required for ranks 3 and 4. Endless Effort, sold at the same shop, is the Stamina-capacity skill.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 31 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 42 SP · 1 time segment
Swordmastery
Walking Fortress Manual
Perfect Block restores portion of Activation Charge. This Ability works passively once equipped in the Active Abilities panel.
Tantari armourer — daytime alternativeThe armourer in Tantari sells Walking Fortress Manual during the day. Ursul, Catalin’s Tutor and Ocha offer other routes through their teaching quests. Once learned, Walking Fortress must occupy an Active Abilities slot for Perfect Blocks to restore part of an Activation Charge.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
St. Tyna’s Grove — south of Stuga MarshesFollow the road to the soldier camp south of Stuga Marshes shrine and search its chest.PC Gamer: Swordmastery manual locations
Ursul — camp after Lucky CrossingA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Catalin’s Tutor — woods northwest of Lunar ManorA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Ocha — Svartrau tavernA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 11 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 21 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 32 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 43 SP · 2 time segments
Witchcraft
Witchcraft Mastery Manual
Witchcraft Abilities deal more Damage.
Matriarch — ranks 3 and 4Buy from the Matriarch after peaceful dealings in the Uriash village. Witchcraft Mastery’s first two ranks have no manual requirement; the book is needed for access to ranks 3 and 4. Start the earlier damage upgrades with their listed skill-point and time costs.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
Matriarch — hidden Uriash villageA possible shop offer. Check the teacher and vendor section for access conditions, then inspect the current selection.The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam
- Rank 31 SP · 1 time segment
- Rank 42 SP · 1 time segment
A manual entry may cover several ranks. Match it with the next locked rank in your skill tree before buying another copy; the ranks listed here are not a shopping quantity.
Record the unlock separately from your learned rank
In the build planner or skill calculator, choose a numbered target rank first. No rank selected means you have not chosen a goal for that skill. Expand “Learned ranks, unlocks & effects” to record your current progress.
- Target rank: the rank you want the finished build to reach.
- Already learned: the rank your character owns now. It is excluded from the cost of new purchases.
- Unlock available: the rank through which you have obtained the required manual or other external unlock. This records access, without treating an unpurchased rank as already learned.
- Equip in active panel: whether the ability belongs in your planned loadout. Ability slots, form and charge capacity are checked separately.
Life Lock shows why that distinction matters. Its story reward associated with Who Pulls the Strings can both unlock the ability and grant rank 1. If you received that reward, record rank 1 as already learned before planning further upgrades. Mevasser’s manual offer is a separate, story-dependent source.
For a new Charge plan, select rank 1 and confirm the matching manual unlock when you have it. Rank 1 lists one skill point and one time segment. Then check the Swordmastery slot capacity and Activation Charges in your loadout before adding more abilities.
Sources
Skill effects, manual relationships, rank costs and random-drop rules reflect The Blood of Dawnwalker Steam build 25129649. Sources on this page were reviewed September 23, 2026.
- Official Community Bulletin Board #11 — Skills & Power: manual sources, skill points, time costs and shared progression.
- The Blood of Dawnwalker on Steam · Skill reference · Ability reference.