Unveiling Gostoc: A Comprehensive Guide to the Gatekeeper of Stormveil Castle in Elden Ring
Gostoc, the gatekeeper of Stormveil Castle in Elden Ring, is a complex and morally ambiguous character. Initially, what he “gives” you is not exactly pleasant. He steals 30% of your runes every time you die within the castle, even if you enter through the main gate, and locks you in rooms with tough enemies. However, as you progress, Gostoc’s role evolves. After obtaining the Rusty Key, he becomes a merchant and offers essential items for sale. After defeating Godrick the Grafted, Gostoc will sell the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone, a precious resource for weapon upgrades. Also, he will give you a Grace Mimic the first time you speak to him at one of his trigger locations within Stormveil. This guide will dive deep into everything Gostoc offers (and takes), his questline, and the ultimate decision of whether to spare or slay him.
Gostoc’s Shifting Allegiances: From Thief to Merchant
Gostoc’s initial role is undeniably adversarial. He’s the creepy guy that locks you in rooms, mocks your deaths, and, most significantly, pilfers a substantial portion of your hard-earned runes. However, this is only the beginning. His character arc is a testament to Elden Ring’s nuanced storytelling.
The Runes He Steals
The most immediate “gift” Gostoc offers is frustration. The 30% rune theft is a significant penalty, especially early in the game when every rune counts towards leveling up. This theft continues until you defeat Godrick, or if you skip his trigger to steal runes in the first place.
The Store He Opens
After obtaining the Rusty Key located in Stormveil Castle, Gostoc transforms into a merchant, offering the following items:
- Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot: Increases item discovery rate.
- Ruin Fragment: A small rune item.
- Furlcalling Finger Remedy: Allows you to see summon signs for cooperative play.
While these items are not groundbreaking, they provide a convenient source for essentials within Stormveil Castle.
The Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone
The most significant offering from Gostoc comes after defeating Godrick the Grafted. He will move back to Godrick’s site of grace. Exhausting his dialogue opens his shop once more, now containing the coveted Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone, a rare material used to upgrade weapons to their maximum level. This makes Gostoc a valuable ally in the late game. The Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone sells for 20,000 runes.
Grace Mimic
The first time you speak to Gostoc after he appears in certain locations throughout the castle, he will give you a Grace Mimic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gatekeeper Gostoc
1. Does Gostoc ever stop stealing runes?
Yes, Gostoc will stop stealing your runes after you defeat Godrick the Grafted, or if you skip him stealing your runes in the first place.
2. Is Gatekeeper Gostoc important?
Initially, Gostoc seems like a nuisance. However, the availability of the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone post-Godrick makes him an extremely important NPC. His involvement in Nepheli Loux’s quest also adds to his significance.
3. Is it worth killing Gostoc?
Prior to patches adding the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone to his inventory, killing Gostoc was a reasonable option to reclaim stolen runes and prevent future thefts. Now, killing Gostoc is generally not recommended unless you are absolutely certain you do not need the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone.
4. What happens if I kill Gostoc?
If you kill Gostoc, he will drop your missing runes. You will also obtain Gostoc’s Bell Bearing, which can be given to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold. However, even when providing the bell bearing to the Twin Maiden Husks, you cannot buy the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone. The items that Gostoc sold while he was alive will then be available for purchase from them. Killing Gostoc will not lock you out of Nepheli Loux and Kenneth Haight’s quest as it can still be completed without him.
5. Where do I find the Rusty Key?
The Rusty Key is found in a small room within Stormveil Castle, guarded by a Banished Knight.
6. What does Gatekeeper Gostoc sell?
Before defeating Godrick, Gostoc sells:
- Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot
- Ruin Fragment
- Furlcalling Finger Remedy
After defeating Godrick, he also sells the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone.
7. How do I get the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone from Gostoc?
After defeating Godrick, return to the room where you fought him. Gostoc will be there. Exhaust his dialogue, and his shop will reopen, offering the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone for 20,000 runes. Gostoc must still be alive and Nepheli Loux’s quest must be completed for this to work.
8. Is Gostoc a trustworthy character?
Gostoc is generally considered untrustworthy due to his rune theft and deceptive actions. However, his role as a merchant and his involvement in Nepheli Loux’s quest add layers to his character.
9. What is Gatekeeping?
In a general sense, gatekeeping refers to controlling access to resources, power, or opportunities. In the context of gaming communities, it often refers to attempts to define who is a “true” fan or member, often with exclusionary or elitist undertones. Algorithms used to identify wrongful acts or information are relatively new and a work in process. Gatekeeping and censorship can often restrict the wrong individuals due to algorithm biases, diminishing the diversity of content and voices. This is something that the Games Learning Society strives to combat by promoting inclusivity and accessibility within gaming and education.
10. What happens if I skip Stormveil Castle?
Skipping Stormveil Castle bypasses much of Gostoc’s initial interactions, including the rune theft. However, you would miss out on key items and encounters within the castle, and possibly complicate Nepheli Loux’s questline.
11. Where is Gostoc located in Stormveil Castle?
Gostoc’s locations vary as you progress through Stormveil. He is initially found near the main gate, then in various locations behind locked doors, and finally, in Godrick’s boss arena after the fight.
12. How does Gostoc relate to Nepheli Loux?
Gostoc is involved in Nepheli Loux’s questline. Completing her quest is also required in order for Gostoc to sell the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone.
13. What does the Ulcerated Tree Spirit in Stormveil Castle drop?
The Ulcerated Tree Spirit located in the depths of Stormveil Castle drops a Golden Seed.
14. Can I get my stolen runes back from Gostoc without killing him?
No, the only way to reclaim the runes Gostoc steals is by killing him. He is programmed to take the runes.
15. Is there a secret boss in Stormveil Castle?
Yes, the Ulcerated Tree Spirit in the depths of Stormveil Castle can be considered a secret boss.
Conclusion: Weighing the Costs and Benefits of Gostoc
Gostoc’s role in Elden Ring is a complex one. He begins as a frustrating thief, but evolves into a valuable merchant offering a crucial late-game upgrade material. The decision to kill or spare him ultimately rests on your individual needs and moral compass. If you prioritize immediate revenge and reclaiming stolen runes, killing him is an option. However, the long-term benefits of having access to the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone make sparing Gostoc the more strategically sound choice. To further delve into the educational aspects of gaming and how they can be used for good, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.