Light Citadel/Act‑2 spoilers. This guide covers the exact Sacred Cylinder location in Whispering Vaults and how to learn Vaultkeeper’s Melody from Cardinius with the Needolin.
Summary
- Quest role: One of the three songs (with Architect’s and Conductor’s) used at the Threefold melody gate.
- Where: Whispering Vaults in the Citadel interiors.
- Key item: Sacred Cylinder (different from “Psalm Cylinders” used for a separate request).
- Fast route: From Underworks top‑right exit into Vaults bottom‑right, then down to the altar room.
Requirements & Prep
- Access to Citadel interiors (routes via Underworks or Cogwork Core).
- Movement: Clawline helps, but reaching Vaults from Underworks is feasible without heavy upgrades.
- Needolin: You’ll play the cylinder on your instrument to learn the melody.
Route to the Sacred Cylinder (Fast Line)
- Reach Whispering Vaults via the top‑right exit from Underworks. This commonly lands you in the bottom‑right Vaults junction.
- Traverse the lower Vaults rooms. Flip a nearby switch/gate to open the path to a dais/altar room.
- Collect the Sacred Cylinder from the altar.
Optional conveniences while you’re here
- Open shortcuts and toggles for future loops; Vaults is packed with door links back to benches.
- If you plan broader Citadel routing, consider the connection known as “The Stage.” Some routes mention a Trobbio encounter there; this is helpful for travel but not required to learn the melody.
Learn the Vaultkeeper’s Melody
- Find Vaultkeeper Cardinius in Whispering Vaults and speak with him.
- Present the Sacred Cylinder, then use your Needolin at his station to play it.
- Upon playing, Hornet learns Vaultkeeper’s Melody. This counts as 1 of 3 songs needed for the Threefold gate. When you’ve learned all three, return to the ornate elevator gate and perform the melody to progress.
Recommended Order & Pairings
- Many routes do Vaultkeeper’s first (straightforward), then collect Architect’s in Cogwork Core and Conductor’s in High Halls. See related guides below.
Troubleshooting & Common Confusions
- Cardinius won’t teach the song: Ensure you have the Sacred Cylinder (main melody item). Psalm Cylinders belong to a separate side request.
- Is Trobbio required? Community notes tie Trobbio to a travel connection, not to learning the melody. Treat it as optional for routing.
- Lost in Vaults: Buy the area map from Shakra when available and open door toggles to build a quick return path.
FAQ
Q: Do I need Clawline to reach the cylinder? A: It helps with speed and safety, but the Underworks → Vaults route is reachable with modest mobility.
Q: What do I do after learning this melody? A: Learn the other two (Architect’s and Conductor’s), then return to the ornate elevator gate and play the Threefold music to advance.
Q: Where exactly is the cylinder room? A: In the lower Vaults, behind a short switch/gate interaction that leads to a small altar room.
Related Guides
- Whispering Vaults — Area Guide
- Underworks — Area Guide
- Architect’s Melody — Cogwork Core Puzzle
- Conductor’s Melody — High Halls Gauntlet
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