Should You Let Boc Call You Lord in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you should let Boc the Seamster call you “My Lord” in Elden Ring is a matter of personal preference, but gameplay-wise, the answer is a resounding YES! Allowing him to address you as such significantly boosts his confidence, and opens the path for unique dialogue and the best ending for his questline, where he survives. Refusing or neglecting his desire leads to a more tragic outcome. The perceived awkwardness is well worth avoiding his demise and ensuring the happiest ending possible for this lovable character.
Boc’s Questline: A Deep Dive
Boc’s questline is deceptively simple at first glance, but it branches into choices that heavily impact his fate. You first encounter Boc as a talking bush (literally), a victim of Demi-Human cruelty. Freeing him starts you on a journey of restoring his self-worth and helping him achieve his dreams of becoming a renowned seamster. The crux of the decision regarding the “My Lord” title arises after you’ve helped him retrieve his Sewing Needle and have given him the Gold Sewing Needle, allowing him to alter boss armor.
The “My Lord” title is not merely cosmetic. Accepting it is crucial for enabling a later, more crucial dialogue option. After altering some armor for you, Boc begins to express insecurity and doubts about his appearance and suitability for the job. This is the critical point.
If you allowed him to call you “My Lord,” you’ll have the option to use a Prattling Pate that says “You’re Beautiful”. Using this on Boc is the key to securing his survival. It reinforces his confidence and prevents him from succumbing to the desire for rebirth, a process that invariably leads to his death.
If you instead opt to give him a Larval Tear out of misguided compassion, believing it will help him, you’ll inadvertently doom him. He’ll seek rebirth through Rennala, but as the lore heavily implies, Rennala’s rebirth process is flawed, leaving her subjects as mere husks before ultimately failing them. Boc will transform into a human, but he’ll be unresponsive, and he will die after reloading the area.
Therefore, accepting the “My Lord” title is the first crucial step in guiding Boc towards a positive outcome. It’s a seemingly small decision with significant ramifications.
The Significance of the “You’re Beautiful” Prattling Pate
The “You’re Beautiful” Prattling Pate is arguably the most important item in Boc’s questline. Without it, you cannot achieve the best ending. This item is found in the Hermit Village in Altus Plateau. Make sure to acquire it before progressing too far into Boc’s quest, as you’ll need it when he starts questioning his appearance.
Using the Prattling Pate reinforces Boc’s self-esteem, telling him that he’s perfect just the way he is, removing his desire to alter himself to fit the standard that he has in his mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Boc the Seamster
1. What happens if I give Boc the Larval Tear?
If you give Boc the Larval Tear, he will be reborn as a human by Rennala, but the process is flawed, and he will die shortly afterward. He won’t respond and you will find him dead after reloading the area.
2. Where does Boc go after rebirth?
After rebirth, Boc appears as a human in the Grand Library of Raya Lucaria Academy, near Rennala. However, he’s unresponsive and will die after reloading the area.
3. Can I reverse the decision to give Boc the Larval Tear?
No, once you give Boc the Larval Tear, the decision is irreversible. His fate is sealed.
4. Why can’t I give Boc the Gold Sewing Needle?
The dialogue option to give Boc the Gold Sewing Needle won’t appear unless you own at least one alterable piece of boss armor. This armour must be purchased from Finger Reader Enia at the Roundtable Hold.
5. What is the reward for completing Boc’s questline?
If Boc survives, he will continue to offer his tailoring services free of charge throughout the game. Having a permanent, happy NPC tailor is a significant advantage.
6. What happens if I say “You’re Beautiful” to Boc?
If you use the “You’re Beautiful” Prattling Pate with Boc when he expresses his insecurities, he will remain confident and continue to offer free tailoring services. This is the best outcome for his quest.
7. Why was Boc a tree when I first found him?
Boc was transformed into a tree by the Demi-Humans who stole his belongings. It was a cruel prank.
8. Can I farm Larval Tears?
No, Larval Tears are a limited resource in Elden Ring. They cannot be farmed infinitely.
9. Are Larval Tears important?
Yes, Larval Tears are crucial for respecing your character, allowing you to reallocate your stat points. Save your Larval Tears for character optimization, don’t give them to Boc!
10. What animal is Boc?
Boc is a Demi-Human, specifically a goat-like creature.
11. What garments can Boc alter in Elden Ring?
Boc can alter various armor sets, including the Banished Knight Armor, Black Knife Armor, and Fingerprint Armor. He also has the option of altering Banished Knight Helm to remove or add the cloth on the mask.
12. How do I get the “You’re Beautiful” Prattling Pate?
The “You’re Beautiful” Prattling Pate is found in the Hermit Village in Altus Plateau.
13. Does altering armor affect stats?
No, altering armor with Boc only affects the appearance, not the stats.
14. Is Boc’s questline missable?
While Boc’s initial encounter can be missed if you progress too far without exploring the area, the core questline remains available until you reach the point of making the critical decisions regarding the Larval Tear or the “You’re Beautiful” Prattling Pate.
15. What is the significance of Boc calling me “My Lord?”
Allowing Boc to call you “My Lord” boosts his confidence and allows you to choose the path leading to the best ending for his questline, where he survives and remains a valuable ally. It might sound odd, but it’s the key to his happiness.
Ethical Considerations in Elden Ring
Beyond the gameplay mechanics, Boc’s questline raises interesting ethical questions. Is it right to interfere with someone’s desire for self-improvement, even if you believe it will lead to their detriment? Is it better to let them make their own choices, regardless of the outcome? The game doesn’t offer easy answers, forcing players to grapple with these complexities.
The quest also explores themes of self-worth and acceptance. Boc’s initial insecurity stems from his perceived ugliness, a feeling exacerbated by the cruelty of others. By choosing to support his confidence and tell him he is beautiful, you reinforce the idea that true worth comes from within, not from external appearances.
Embracing Player Agency: The Importance of Choice
Elden Ring, like many modern games, emphasizes player agency. The decisions you make have tangible consequences, shaping the world and the fates of the characters within it. Boc’s questline is a prime example of this. Your choices determine whether he thrives or perishes, highlighting the weight of your actions in this intricate world.
For more insight into the educational aspects of video games and how they influence player decisions, consider visiting the website of the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society promotes research and understanding of how games can foster learning and development.
Conclusion: A Seamster’s Plea for Acceptance
In conclusion, letting Boc the Seamster call you “My Lord” in Elden Ring is not just a matter of role-playing; it’s a pivotal decision that determines his fate. Embrace the opportunity to support his self-worth, use the “You’re Beautiful” Prattling Pate, and secure the best possible outcome for this lovable character. You won’t regret it. After all, who wouldn’t want a dedicated tailor always ready and available at your beck and call?