What Happens When You Show Deathroot 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.
Showing Deathroot in Elden Ring directly progresses a specific questline, primarily that of Gurranq, Beast Clergyman, located within the Bestial Sanctum in Caelid. Each Deathroot you provide to Gurranq yields rewards, including incantations, weapons, and eventually, a crucial plot development. He’ll initially reward you generously, but his temperament will deteriorate as you feed him more Deathroot, culminating in him attacking you until you reduce his health to a certain point.
Understanding Deathroot and its Significance
Deathroot is a unique item in Elden Ring, described as fragments of the Prince of Death’s Rune. This rune is associated with Godwyn the Golden, a demigod whose death played a pivotal role in the events leading up to the game’s narrative. Obtaining Deathroot is typically tied to defeating specific bosses or exploring particular areas associated with undeath and the “Those Who Live in Death” faction. Its primary purpose is to be delivered to Gurranq, making him a key figure in unraveling this aspect of the game’s lore.
Where to Find Deathroot
Deathroot isn’t a common drop. You’ll primarily find it after defeating specific bosses found in dungeons and catacombs scattered across the Lands Between. Here are some reliable sources:
- Tibia Mariner Bosses: Located in various regions, including Summonwater Village and Liurnia of the Lakes.
- Black Knife Assassin (Deathtouched Catacombs): Found in Liurnia.
- Stray Mimic Tear (Hidden Path to the Haligtree): Although in a later game area, this is a reliable source.
- Other Minor Catacombs: Explore catacombs thoroughly; some bosses will yield Deathroot upon defeat.
Gurranq, the Beast Clergyman: Your Deathroot Destination
Gurranq resides in the Bestial Sanctum in the northernmost part of Caelid. This area is immediately accessible at the beginning of the game if you use the Sending Gate found north-east of Limgrave’s Third Church of Marika. This teleporter will instantly transport you close to the Bestial Sanctum, bypassing the majority of Caelid’s dangers (at least initially).
The Rewards for Giving Deathroot to Gurranq
Each time you provide Gurranq with Deathroot, he will reward you. The rewards typically include:
- First Deathroot: Beast Eye, Clawmark Seal
- Second Deathroot: Bestial Sling
- Third Deathroot: Bestial Vitality
- Fourth Deathroot: Ash of War: Bestial Roar
- Fifth Deathroot: Stone of Gurranq
- Sixth Deathroot: Gurranq’s Beast Claw
- Seventh Deathroot: Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone
- Eighth Deathroot: Beast’s Black Blade
These rewards include powerful incantations and weapons that scale with Strength and Faith, making them viable for various builds. Notably, the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone is a valuable resource used to upgrade unique armaments to their maximum level.
Gurranq’s Deteriorating Temperament
As you give Gurranq more Deathroot, he becomes increasingly agitated and unstable. After providing him with a certain number of Deathroot (usually around the fourth or fifth), he will suddenly become hostile and attack you. He is a formidable foe, so be prepared for a challenging fight. Don’t worry, though; you don’t need to defeat him. Simply reduce his health to a certain threshold, and he will calm down and return to his usual state.
The Consequences of Not Showing Deathroot
Failing to interact with Gurranq and the Deathroot questline will lock you out of the rewards he offers. While not essential for completing the main story, the incantations and weapons he provides can be incredibly useful for certain builds. Moreover, exploring this questline offers valuable insights into the lore surrounding Godwyn the Golden and the origins of the undead in the Lands Between.
FAQs about Deathroot and Gurranq
Here are some frequently asked questions about Deathroot and the Gurranq questline:
1. Can I miss the opportunity to give Deathroot to Gurranq?
No, Gurranq will remain in the Bestial Sanctum until you decide to interact with him. You can always return later to continue the questline.
2. What happens if I kill Gurranq?
Killing Gurranq will prevent you from obtaining any further rewards from him. It’s generally not recommended, as the final reward is a valuable Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone.
3. Is Gurranq’s questline required to beat the game?
No, Gurranq’s questline is optional and not directly required to complete Elden Ring’s main story.
4. How do I calm Gurranq down when he attacks me?
Simply reduce his health to about half. He will then calm down and return to normal.
5. Can I give Gurranq Deathroot in any order?
Yes, the order in which you find and deliver Deathroot does not matter.
6. Do I need to defeat all the Tibia Mariners to complete the questline?
No, you only need to acquire eight Deathroot in total. You don’t need to clear all the dungeons and catacombs with Tibia Mariners.
7. Is there any consequence to Gurranq attacking me?
No, there are no lasting consequences besides having to fight him temporarily. After he calms down, he will continue to offer rewards as usual.
8. What stats are best for using the rewards from Gurranq?
The rewards, including the Clawmark Seal, Beast incantations, and Beast weapons, scale primarily with Strength and Faith. Therefore, a build focusing on these stats will benefit the most.
9. Can I get the Beast Eye more than once?
No, you only receive the Beast Eye once.
10. What does the Beast Eye do?
The Beast Eye is a key item that alerts you when you are near a Tibia Mariner or other location containing Deathroot. The eye will open and pulsate when you’re in the vicinity.
11. Is the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone the best reward from Gurranq?
It depends on your needs. For players looking to fully upgrade unique weapons, the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone is arguably the most valuable reward. However, the incantations and other weapons can be powerful depending on your build.
12. Is it possible to accidentally skip a Deathroot reward?
No, Gurranq will only offer the next reward in sequence after you give him another Deathroot.
13. What level should I be before attempting the Gurranq questline?
While the Bestial Sanctum is accessible early, the enemies outside can be quite challenging. A level of 40-60 is recommended for comfortably exploring Caelid and defeating the Tibia Mariners.
14. Is the Sending Gate to the Bestial Sanctum the only way to get there?
No, you can also travel there on foot or by horseback. However, the Sending Gate provides a much faster and safer route, especially early in the game.
15. How does Deathroot connect to the lore of Godwyn the Golden?
Deathroot is described as fragments of the Prince of Death’s Rune, which is directly tied to the death of Godwyn the Golden. The existence of Deathroot indicates the corrupting influence of his death on the Lands Between and the rise of “Those Who Live in Death.” The Beast Clergyman Gurranq is also somehow related to this dark power, and feeding him deathroot helps him satiate, but also become unstable due to it.