What Does the Ladder Miniature Do in Dark Souls 2? A Comprehensive Guide
The Ladder Miniature in Dark Souls 2 is a seemingly innocuous item, but it plays a crucial role in a specific questline. Its sole purpose is to serve as proof when Royal Sorcerer Navlaan in Aldia’s Keep asks the player to kill Laddersmith Gilligan. Navlaan requests this miniature ladder as tangible evidence of Gilligan’s demise. It is not used to build, climb, or interact with the world in any other way. This specific use makes it a very niche but necessary item for completing Navlaan’s quest.
Acquiring the Ladder Miniature
The Ladder Miniature isn’t obtained through combat or exploration. It’s acquired by purchase from the very person Navlaan wants you to eliminate: Laddersmith Gilligan. Gilligan, known for his various ladder services, sells this peculiar miniature for 6,339 souls. This hefty price tag adds a layer of intrigue and a touch of irony, as you are essentially buying a piece of evidence to prove his potential death to another NPC.
The Moral Dilemma
The acquisition and purpose of the Ladder Miniature present a moral choice to the player. Gilligan is a non-hostile NPC, generally regarded as harmless, whose role is to provide a valuable service by placing ladders in challenging areas throughout the game. Choosing to kill him for the sake of Navlaan’s quest is a decision that many players debate, highlighting the complex ethical scenarios often embedded in Dark Souls games. Whether one chooses to prioritize a questline over the existence of a helpful character is entirely up to the player.
Navlaan’s Quest and Consequences
Completing Navlaan’s quest line, which requires the Ladder Miniature, has ramifications on other aspects of the game. Navlaan’s quest involves a series of morally questionable requests. If the player complies and gives him the Ladder Miniature, it is one step further in assisting Navlaan, which ultimately alters the game’s ending based on choices made.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Ladder Miniature
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Ladder Miniature, providing additional context and information for players:
1. How much does the Ladder Miniature cost?
The Ladder Miniature costs 6,339 souls and must be purchased directly from Laddersmith Gilligan.
2. Can I use the Ladder Miniature to build ladders?
No, the Ladder Miniature cannot be used to build ladders or interact with the environment in any practical way. Its sole purpose is as proof for Navlaan’s quest.
3. Where can I find Laddersmith Gilligan?
Laddersmith Gilligan first appears in the Earthen Peak, near the windmill. He can be relocated to Majula after speaking with him there.
4. Is it necessary to kill Gilligan for the Ladder Miniature?
Yes, to complete Navlaan’s questline, you must kill Gilligan after purchasing the Ladder Miniature from him, and then present the item to Navlaan.
5. Does killing Gilligan affect the game in other ways?
Killing Gilligan removes a ladder vendor from the game, therefore, his ladder-placing services are no longer accessible. This has an impact if you have more areas of the game you wanted ladders placed in.
6. What happens if I refuse to kill Gilligan?
If you refuse to kill Gilligan, you will not be able to complete the specific part of Navlaan’s questline that requires the Ladder Miniature, and miss out on whatever rewards Navlaan offers.
7. Can I get the Ladder Miniature without killing Gilligan?
No, the Ladder Miniature is only obtainable by purchasing it from Gilligan, and it’s needed as proof of his death to Navlaan. The game forces the player to acquire the Miniature from Gilligan as evidence of his demise.
8. Are there other miniature items in Dark Souls 2?
While there are other items that could be considered small or miniature, the Ladder Miniature is unique in that it is tied to a specific quest and doesn’t have any practical purpose outside of that.
9. What are the rewards for completing Navlaan’s questline?
Navlaan offers unique sorceries and items as rewards for completing his quests, depending on the choices made by the player. These range from powerful spells to valuable armor.
10. Is Navlaan’s questline worth completing?
Navlaan’s questline is worth considering if you are interested in unique sorceries, items, and challenging the ethical aspects of your decisions. The choices can impact the ending of the game, providing another incentive.
11. What is the significance of the soul cost for the Ladder Miniature?
The high soul cost of 6,339 souls for the Ladder Miniature is a deliberate design choice, adding to the moral complexity of the quest. It makes you consider the value of the item versus the life you must take to obtain it.
12. Are there other NPCs in Dark Souls 2 tied to morally ambiguous choices?
Yes, several NPCs in Dark Souls 2 are tied to morally ambiguous choices. From killing friendly NPCs to engaging in questionable activities for rewards, the game often asks you to question your own values.
13. Can I skip Navlaan’s questline entirely?
Yes, Navlaan’s questline is optional, allowing you to bypass it entirely if you prefer not to engage with the questionable choices or the rewards offered.
14. Is the Ladder Miniature a rare item?
The Ladder Miniature is not a rare item; it’s guaranteed to be available for purchase from Gilligan, however, it’s a unique item that serves a very specific, albeit morally ambiguous, purpose.
15. Does the Ladder Miniature have any hidden secrets?
No, the Ladder Miniature does not have any hidden secrets or additional functionalities beyond its use in Navlaan’s questline. It is purely a quest item for proof.
Conclusion
The Ladder Miniature, while seemingly a small, insignificant item, plays a significant role in Dark Souls 2, especially within Royal Sorcerer Navlaan’s questline. Its purpose as proof of Laddersmith Gilligan’s death forces players to make difficult choices that reflect the complex nature of the game. The quest also poses an ethical dilemma: is it worth sacrificing a helpful NPC for the sake of completing a quest? This aspect of the game emphasizes the challenging and often morally ambiguous world of Dark Souls 2, where every decision can have significant consequences. Knowing this key piece of information makes this small ladder a memorable item in the game.