Unraveling the Mystery: Boc’s Cave in Elden Ring
The cave Boc the Seamster refers to in Elden Ring is the Coastal Cave, an optional dungeon located on the western shore of Limgrave. This cave plays a pivotal role in Boc’s questline, serving as the location where players first truly begin to interact with the helpful NPC, and it is the site where you retrieve his stolen Sewing Needle and Tailoring Tools. This guide will delve into everything you need to know about the Coastal Cave and its significance in Boc’s story within the Lands Between.
The Coastal Cave: Your Starting Point with Boc
Locating the Cave
The Coastal Cave is situated directly west from where the player first enters the open world. This makes it relatively easy to find early in the game. It’s accessible by heading west from the initial starting location, following the shoreline along the western edge of Limgrave. On your map, look for the cave entrance marked along the coast – usually signified by a darker area amongst the light tones.
Boc’s Initial Encounter
Before reaching the Coastal Cave, players will first encounter Boc as a talking tree, a result of an unfortunate curse placed upon him. After striking the tree, Boc will revert to his original form and thank you, rewarding you with a few Mushrooms for your trouble and then mentioning the theft of his belongings. He states that his possessions are within a nearby cave, which is the Coastal Cave. This sets the stage for your next encounter.
The Quest Begins
When you arrive at the Coastal Cave, you’ll find Boc lying injured near the entrance, by the Site of Grace. He’ll warn you of the danger inside and implore you to leave. This is where your main objective within this cave is born: to retrieve his Sewing Needle and Tailoring Tools from the Demi-Human Chiefs within.
Inside the Coastal Cave
Venturing into the Coastal Cave, players will encounter various Demi-Human enemies. The cave’s layout is fairly linear, making it straightforward to navigate. Ultimately, you’ll face two Demi-Human Chiefs in a boss battle at the end of the cave. Defeating them will reward you with Boc’s Sewing Needle and Tailoring Tools. This is a crucial step for advancing Boc’s questline.
Returning to Boc
After acquiring the needle and tools, return to Boc at the cave entrance and hand over the Sewing Needle. This act triggers a new dialogue with Boc, where he asks if it is alright for him to call you “My Lord”. If you agree, you will gain the “My Lord” gesture. From this point onwards, he will offer his services at several locations in the Lands Between, provided you meet the necessary requirements.
FAQs About Boc’s Cave and Questline
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Boc’s questline and the Coastal Cave to further illuminate this fascinating aspect of Elden Ring.
1. What happens if I kill Boc in the Coastal Cave?
If you kill Boc, he will not respawn, even using Celestial Dew. While you can still alter clothes using his Tailoring Tools from your inventory, you will miss out on his NPC interactions and free service.
2. Why is Boc a tree initially?
When you first meet Boc, he explains that his species attacked him, stole his belongings, and occupied his dungeon. It’s implied that these bandits hexed him and turned him into a tree as a cruel joke.
3. Can I give Boc the Gold Sewing Needle right away?
No, the dialogue option to give Boc the Gold Sewing Needle only appears if you are wearing a piece of unaltered boss armor.
4. What is the reward for rescuing Boc from the tree?
Rescuing Boc from his tree form rewards you with ten Mushrooms.
5. Where does Boc go after the Coastal Cave?
After receiving his Sewing Needle, Boc will move to the Lake-Facing Cliffs Site of Grace in Liurnia of the Lakes.
6. What happens if I give Boc a Larval Tear?
Giving Boc a Larval Tear makes him travel to Rennala to be reborn into a human, but it also leads to his death shortly after the rebirth. You will no longer be able to use his services.
7. What are the Demi-Human Chiefs in the Coastal Cave?
The Demi-Human Chiefs are the bosses you need to defeat within the Coastal Cave to retrieve Boc’s Sewing Needle and Tailoring Tools. They’re large, more powerful Demi-Humans.
8. Is it necessary to complete the Coastal Cave to progress Boc’s questline?
Yes, completing the Coastal Cave and retrieving his items is a necessary step to progress Boc’s questline. Without these items, he cannot offer his services.
9. Should I let Boc call me Lord?
Yes, it is recommended to let Boc call you “My Lord,” as it rewards you with the “My Lord” gesture, one of the best in the game.
10. How do I get the Gold Sewing Needle?
The Gold Sewing Needle is acquired through a separate questline involving Millicent and Gowry. You do not find it in Coastal Cave.
11. Why does Boc die if he is reborn by Rennala?
Rennala’s rebirth is flawed, causing those reborn to become weaker and often die. This is explained in various in-game descriptions.
12. What is the alternative ending to Boc’s questline?
To ensure Boc’s survival, you must use the “You’re Beautiful!” Prattling Pate when he begins questioning his worthiness at the end of his questline. This triggers a different outcome.
13. What is the purpose of Boc’s Tailoring Tools?
Boc’s Tailoring Tools allow you to alter the appearance of certain armor pieces at Sites of Grace without changing their stats. This is useful for fashion purposes.
14. What happens if I don’t give Boc his Sewing Needle?
If you do not return his Sewing Needle, Boc will remain injured at the Coastal Cave entrance, unable to progress his questline or offer his services.
15. Can I still alter armor if I kill Boc or if he dies in his quest?
Yes, if you have obtained his Tailoring Tools, you can still alter armor at any Site of Grace, regardless of Boc’s status. The Tailoring Tools stay in your inventory even if he is no longer alive.
By exploring the Coastal Cave and helping Boc, players unlock a valuable NPC who offers a unique service, enhancing both the gameplay and immersion of Elden Ring. The depth and emotional resonance of Boc’s questline make it one of the most memorable encounters in the game.