What Do You Get for Killing the Baleful Shadow in Elden Ring?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Killing the Baleful Shadow in Elden Ring is a critical step in progressing one of the game’s most intriguing questlines and unlocking significant rewards. Directly, upon defeating this formidable foe, you will obtain the Discarded Palace Key. This key is essential to access the treasure chest located within the Raya Lucaria Grand Library, which contains the Dark Moon Ring. This ring, in turn, is fundamental to advancing Ranni the Witch’s questline and achieving the coveted Age of the Stars ending. Beyond these tangible items, defeating the Baleful Shadow is a necessary hurdle to unlock further areas of the game, specifically the Lake of Rot, which is crucial for reaching Ranni’s final location.
The Importance of the Baleful Shadow Encounter
The Baleful Shadow is not just another optional boss; it’s an integral part of Ranni the Witch’s quest. This encounter is specifically triggered after you speak to the Miniature Ranni doll at the Ainsel River Main Site of Grace. Once you’ve had the necessary conversations, Ranni, speaking through the doll, will task you with eliminating this wolf-like assassin. Understanding the significance of this encounter will help players understand how it relates to the greater Elden Ring narrative. This fight is not only about the reward; it’s a pivotal moment in one of the most complex and popular quest lines in the game.
The Baleful Shadow’s True Identity
It’s also important to note that the Baleful Shadow takes the form of Blaidd, Ranni’s loyal half-wolf companion. However, it is not actually Blaidd himself. The Baleful Shadow is an assassin sent by the Two Fingers, the organization that seeks to control Ranni’s fate. This false Blaidd wields a large greatsword, making the fight challenging. The lore surrounding the Baleful Shadow and its connection to Blaidd, who serves as Ranni’s foster brother and is cursed by The Two Fingers, adds an emotional layer to the conflict.
The Direct Rewards of Victory
The immediate rewards for defeating the Baleful Shadow are the Discarded Palace Key and the progression of Ranni’s questline. However, the items themselves are gateways to much more:
- Discarded Palace Key: This key unlocks the treasure chest in the Raya Lucaria Grand Library.
- Dark Moon Ring: This ring is found inside the aforementioned treasure chest and is vital for Ranni’s quest. The Dark Moon Ring is a key item necessary to dispel a seal after defeating Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, and further allows you to marry Ranni in the Cathedral of Manus Celes, triggering the Age of Stars ending.
Unlocking Further Areas
Following the defeat of the Baleful Shadow, players can progress to the Lake of Rot. This area is accessed by taking a lift located near the site of the battle. Progressing through the Lake of Rot is crucial for reaching Ranni’s final location in the Cathedral of Manus Celes, which opens up once Astel, Naturalborn of the Void has been defeated.
Ranni’s Questline and Its Significance
Completing Ranni’s questline is crucial for unlocking one of Elden Ring’s multiple endings, specifically the Age of the Stars ending. This ending is regarded by many players as the “good ending,” where the player, as the Tarnished, aids Ranni in her plan to replace Queen Marika and reshape the Lands Between. This involves the player becoming Ranni’s Elden Lord and consort, solidifying the impact of their actions throughout the game. The Age of Stars ending not only offers a unique cutscene but it also alters the world state, as Ranni takes control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Baleful Shadow the real Blaidd?
No, the Baleful Shadow is not the real Blaidd. It is an assassin sent by the Two Fingers to eliminate Ranni, disguised as Blaidd. The real Blaidd is Ranni’s loyal companion and foster brother.
2. How do I trigger the Baleful Shadow fight?
To trigger the Baleful Shadow encounter, you must first obtain the Miniature Ranni doll and speak to it multiple times at the Ainsel River Main Site of Grace. After several conversations, Ranni will request you defeat the Baleful Shadow.
3. What is the Dark Moon Ring used for?
The Dark Moon Ring dispels the seal after Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, which leads to the Moonlight Altar of Liurnia. It also allows the player to marry Ranni in the Cathedral of Manus Celes, unlocking her summon sign after the final boss which triggers the Age of the Stars ending.
4. What happens if I don’t kill the Baleful Shadow?
If you don’t kill the Baleful Shadow, you cannot progress Ranni’s questline. This means you cannot obtain the Dark Moon Ring, access the Lake of Rot, or ultimately unlock the Age of the Stars ending.
5. Where is Ranni after defeating Astel?
Ranni’s final location is deep down in the Cathedral of Manus Celes in Moonlight Altar. This area is available after defeating Astel, Naturalborn of the Void.
6. Can you complete Ranni’s quest after beating the game?
Yes, you can complete Ranni’s quest even after defeating the final boss. Look for her summon sign after the final boss battle to trigger the Age of Stars ending.
7. Is Ranni good or evil?
Ranni is a morally grey character. Her goal is to usher in a new age where the influence of the Golden Order is diminished. While her methods are radical, her ultimate intent is to bring about what she believes is a better future. Many consider her ending the “best possible outcome” for the game’s world.
8. What other rewards does Ranni’s questline offer?
Beyond the Dark Moon Ring and the Age of Stars ending, Ranni’s questline rewards you with the Dark Moon Greatsword, one of the most powerful legendary weapons in the game, and also unlocks access to areas such as the Lake of Rot and the Moonlight Altar.
9. Does Ranni love the Tarnished?
In the Age of the Stars ending, Ranni refers to the Tarnished as her “lord” and “dear consort,” suggesting a deep bond and acknowledging the player as her spouse.
10. What is the significance of the Miniature Ranni doll?
The Miniature Ranni doll serves as a vessel for Ranni’s spirit. It is through this doll that she initially communicates with the player to enlist their help in her quest.
11. What happens if I kill Blaidd in his original location before the Baleful Shadow appears?
Killing Blaidd in his original location early will halt his side questline. However it doesn’t prevent the Baleful Shadow encounter. The Shadow is a separate entity, a construct created by the Two Fingers to fulfill their will, and it will always appear during Ranni’s quest, irrespective of Blaidd’s fate.
12. Who is the Two Fingers?
The Two Fingers are an organization that serves the Greater Will, which has been the main power of influence in the Elden Ring universe. They are the ones who want to maintain the Golden Order.
13. Is the Age of Stars ending the only “good” ending?
The Age of Stars ending is often considered the “good” ending, as it aims to bring the Lands Between into a new era. However, the perception of “good” is subjective, and other endings can be seen as equally valid based on player preference.
14. How do I get the miniature Ranni doll to speak?
You must speak to the Miniature Ranni doll multiple times at the Ainsel River Main Site of Grace. It will respond after talking to it three times.
15. Does Ranni’s quest affect any other quest lines?
Yes, completing Ranni’s questline is necessary to progress Fia’s questline, which unlocks yet another unique ending.