Gowry’s Demise in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide to the Consequences

The enigmatic Sage Gowry, a pivotal figure in Millicent’s questline in Elden Ring, presents a morally ambiguous choice to the player. What happens if you choose to end his existence? The consequences vary depending on when and how you deliver the killing blow. Initially, attempting to kill Gowry reveals his surprising ability to inhabit other forms. However, permanently killing him, especially after aiding or betraying Millicent, yields specific rewards and alters the course of the quest. This article delves into the intricate details of Gowry’s death, providing a comprehensive understanding of its implications for your Elden Ring journey.

Early Attempts and the Kindred of Rot

Gowry’s Resilience

The first time you try to kill Gowry at his shack, a curious transformation occurs. His body dissolves, revealing a Kindred of Rot, one of the grotesque creatures associated with the Scarlet Rot. This signifies that the body you encounter is merely a vessel. Upon reloading the area, Gowry will have returned to his shack, resuming his normal dialogue. This suggests that Gowry’s true form is elsewhere, and he can inhabit these vessels.

The First Encounter

It’s crucial to understand that killing him early in this manner doesn’t grant any significant rewards. It’s simply a demonstration of his unique ability to avoid true death, at least temporarily. This emphasizes the mystique surrounding Gowry and his connection to the Scarlet Rot.

The Point of No Return: After Millicent’s Quest

A Permanent End

The game changes significantly depending on how you handle Millicent’s questline. If you either aid her and witness her final moments after removing the Unalloyed Gold Needle, or if you choose to betray her and kill her yourself, a different outcome awaits Gowry. In either case, returning to his shack after these pivotal moments reveals that Gowry is no longer able to respawn. This is your chance to permanently eliminate him and reap the rewards.

Rewards for Eliminating Gowry

Killing Gowry permanently grants you two key items: the Flock’s Canvas Talisman and Gowry’s Bell Bearing.

• Flock’s Canvas Talisman: This talisman significantly boosts the potency of your incantations, making it a valuable asset for faith-based builds.

• Gowry’s Bell Bearing: This allows you to purchase sorceries and other items directly from the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold, providing a convenient way to access his unique inventory without having to return to his shack.

Why Kill Gowry? Ethical Considerations and Gameplay Benefits

Morality vs. Utility

The decision to kill Gowry isn’t purely utilitarian. It’s intertwined with the moral choices you make during Millicent’s questline. If you feel betrayed by his manipulation or simply desire the Flock’s Canvas Talisman, killing him might seem justified. However, some players may hesitate, feeling a sense of gratitude for his guidance in unraveling the mysteries of the Scarlet Rot.

Optimizing your Build

From a gameplay perspective, the Flock’s Canvas Talisman is a compelling reason to consider killing Gowry. It’s particularly useful for faith-based builds that rely heavily on incantations for damage and support. The boost to incantation potency can significantly enhance your effectiveness in combat.

Completing the Quest

In a specific scenario, killing Millicent and obtaining the talisman from Gowry’s corpse closes the quest line. Some players might choose this path to control Millicent’s fate and obtain the talisman without experiencing the tragic end of her story by removing the Unalloyed Gold Needle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gowry’s Death

1. Can I revive Gowry after killing him?

No, once Gowry is permanently killed (usually after completing or significantly altering Millicent’s questline), he cannot be revived. He will not respawn at his shack.

2. Does killing Gowry lock me out of anything important?

Killing Gowry will prevent you from purchasing any sorceries from him directly in the shack. However, obtaining Gowry’s Bell Bearing allows you to purchase these items from the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold.

3. What happens if I kill Gowry before giving him the Unalloyed Gold Needle?

If you kill Gowry before giving him the Unalloyed Gold Needle, you will not be able to advance Millicent’s questline. It’s crucial to complete this step before considering his demise.

4. Is Gowry Millicent’s father?

Gowry isn’t Millicent’s biological father. He “adopted” her, believing she had the greatest potential to “bloom” and become a vessel for Malenia’s influence.

5. What does Gowry want from Millicent?

Gowry seeks to guide Millicent towards fulfilling her destiny as a potential successor to Malenia, believing that she can become a “scarlet valkyrie.”

6. Why does Gowry transform into a Kindred of Rot when attacked initially?

This transformation suggests that Gowry’s physical form is merely a vessel, and his true essence resides elsewhere. It hints at his deep connection to the Scarlet Rot and his ability to manipulate the environment to his advantage.

7. Where is Gowry located?

Gowry is located at Gowry’s Shack, which is situated between the Sellia Gateway and Sellia, Town of Sorcery in Caelid.

8. Should I give the Unalloyed Gold Needle to Gowry?

Yes, giving the Unalloyed Gold Needle to Gowry is a necessary step in advancing Millicent’s questline. He will repair it and return it to you, allowing you to continue her journey.

9. What happens if I refuse to give Gowry the Unalloyed Gold Needle?

Refusing to give Gowry the Unalloyed Gold Needle will halt Millicent’s questline, preventing you from progressing her story and obtaining the rewards associated with it.

10. What is the Flock’s Canvas Talisman, and why is it important?

The Flock’s Canvas Talisman significantly increases the potency of incantations, making it highly valuable for faith-based builds. It’s a key reward for killing Gowry after completing Millicent’s questline.

11. What is Gowry’s Bell Bearing, and what does it do?

Gowry’s Bell Bearing allows you to purchase sorceries and other items previously sold by Gowry directly from the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold.

12. Is there a “best” time to kill Gowry?

The best time to kill Gowry is after you have either aided Millicent in her decision to remove the Unalloyed Gold Needle, or after you have defeated her. This ensures you have obtained all the relevant quest items and can then acquire the Flock’s Canvas Talisman and Gowry’s Bell Bearing.

13. Does Gowry’s death affect the ending of Elden Ring?

Gowry’s death does not directly affect the ending of Elden Ring. However, completing Millicent’s questline, which is tied to Gowry, can influence certain ending variations.

14. Is Millicent a daughter of Malenia?

Millicent and her sisters are similar to buds that are essentially offshoots of a greater plant, which in this case is the Scarlet Aeonia, i.e. Malenia. In turn, Millicent is essentially both a daughter and extension of Malenia.

15. Where can I find more information on the lore and gameplay mechanics of Elden Ring?

For deeper insights into Elden Ring’s intricate lore and gameplay mechanics, consider visiting the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

In conclusion, killing Gowry is a consequential decision in Elden Ring, with ramifications that extend beyond a simple act of aggression. Understanding the nuances of his questline, his true nature, and the rewards associated with his death will allow you to make an informed choice that aligns with your desired gameplay experience and moral compass. Ultimately, the fate of Gowry rests in your hands, Tarnished.