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What Happens If You Let Blaidd Out? A Comprehensive Guide

The question of “What happens if you let Blaidd out?” refers to a pivotal moment in Ranni the Witch’s questline in Elden Ring. If you choose to release Blaidd the Half-Wolf from the Forlorn Hound Evergaol, he will later appear in Ranni’s questline. The implications of freeing him extend to his eventual fate and the continuation of your own journey through the Lands Between. He becomes a key ally, and his freedom allows you to progress further in Ranni’s story, unlocking new areas and boss fights. Failing to free him, however, does not completely halt the questline, but significantly alters the available dialogue and encounters.

Blaidd’s Significance in Ranni’s Quest

Blaidd is intrinsically tied to Ranni the Witch and her destiny. Created by the Greater Will to be her shadow and enforcer, Blaidd’s existence is predicated on ensuring Ranni fulfills her predetermined path. However, Ranni’s defiance of the Greater Will and her intention to forge her own destiny clash with Blaidd’s inherent programming. This conflict is central to understanding Blaidd’s behavior and the tragic events that unfold throughout the game.

The Choice at Forlorn Hound Evergaol

At the Forlorn Hound Evergaol in Limgrave, you encounter Bloodhound Knight Darriwil. After defeating him with Blaidd’s help, Blaidd appears as a spectral figure, thanking you for your assistance and expressing concern about Darriwil’s madness. He then mentions that he is seeking information about someone, hinting towards Ranni.

You have the option to simply leave, or you can choose to free him. Letting Blaidd out solidifies him as an ally and allows his storyline to progress alongside Ranni’s. Leaving him locked up alters the way you encounter him later in the quest.

Consequences of Freedom

Choosing to release Blaidd has several important consequences:

Enhanced Dialogue: He offers more comprehensive dialogue options, providing valuable lore and hints about Ranni’s quest.
Progression through Ranni’s Quest: Releasing Blaidd is necessary to unlock specific stages of Ranni’s questline. He will direct you towards the next steps, specifically towards finding the location of Nokron, Eternal City.
Key Boss Fight: Eventually, Blaidd succumbs to his inherent programming and turns hostile. By freeing him, you ensure a specific and tragic boss fight later in the game, which is necessary to obtain a crucial item for the quest.

Consequences of Keeping Him Imprisoned

Keeping him imprisoned does not completely stop the questline but limits the interactions and changes the flow of events:

Reduced Dialogue: The questline can continue, but with less information and direct guidance from Blaidd.
Altered Encounters: Some encounters or item acquisitions may be different or require you to find alternative methods to proceed in Ranni’s quest.
Missed Lore Opportunities: The emotional weight of Blaidd’s internal conflict and loyalty is diminished if he is not freed.

Blaidd’s Eventual Fate

Regardless of your initial choice, Blaidd’s fate is ultimately tragic. As Ranni progresses along her chosen path, defying the Greater Will, Blaidd’s ingrained loyalty and programming come into conflict with her intentions. This conflict pushes him to the brink of madness. Eventually, Blaidd, driven by his inner turmoil, turns hostile. He can be found outside Ranni’s Rise after giving her the Dark Moon Ring. He then attacks the player.

Defeating Blaidd at this point is necessary to claim the Blaidd’s Armor Set, an armor set specifically designed for those who wish to embrace a more aggressive, wolf-like fighting style. His death marks the end of his role in Ranni’s quest and highlights the tragic consequences of his divided loyalty. This encounter serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of defying fate in the world of Elden Ring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Blaidd and his role in Elden Ring:

1. Where can I find Blaidd initially?

You will first encounter Blaidd through Kale, the merchant at the Church of Elleh. By asking him about the howling in the Mistwood, Kale will instruct you to snap to signal Blaidd. He is located in the Mistwood Ruins.

2. Is Blaidd a mandatory character to complete Elden Ring?

No, Blaidd is not mandatory to complete the main storyline of Elden Ring. However, he is crucial for progressing Ranni’s questline, which leads to a unique ending.

3. What happens if I kill Blaidd before completing Ranni’s quest?

Killing Blaidd early will prevent you from fully completing Ranni’s questline, and you will miss out on his armor set and other associated rewards. It is always recommended to follow his questline to its natural conclusion.

4. Does Blaidd’s quest influence other character quests?

While not directly influencing other major quests, Blaidd’s quest intersects with other minor characters associated with Ranni, such as Iji and Seluvis.

5. Can I summon Blaidd for boss fights?

Yes, Blaidd can be summoned for certain boss fights, particularly during Ranni’s questline. His summon sign will appear in specific locations before these encounters.

6. What is Blaidd’s weapon of choice?

Blaidd wields the Royal Greatsword, a powerful weapon associated with his relationship with Ranni. It deals both physical and magic damage and scales with Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence.

7. Is Blaidd loyal to Ranni, or is he forced to be?

Blaidd’s loyalty is a complex issue. While he was created to be Ranni’s shadow, he genuinely cares for her. However, his programming by the Greater Will conflicts with Ranni’s rebellious nature, ultimately driving him mad.

8. Does Blaidd’s armor set offer any special bonuses?

Blaidd’s armor set does not offer any specific stat bonuses. However, it is a relatively lightweight set that provides decent physical and magical defense. Its primary appeal is its unique appearance, which reflects Blaidd’s wolf-like nature.

9. What is the significance of the Forlorn Hound Evergaol?

The Forlorn Hound Evergaol is where Bloodhound Knight Darriwil is imprisoned. Defeating Darriwil with Blaidd’s help initiates Blaidd’s involvement in Ranni’s questline.

10. Can I reverse Blaidd’s madness or save him from his fate?

Unfortunately, Blaidd’s descent into madness is unavoidable. There is no way to alter his fate or prevent his eventual hostility. His tragic end is an integral part of Ranni’s quest.

11. What are the rewards for completing Blaidd’s questline?

The rewards for completing Blaidd’s questline include:

Access to Ranni’s unique ending.
Blaidd’s Armor Set
The Royal Greatsword (acquired through other means, but associated with him)
Valuable lore and insights into the world of Elden Ring.

12. Does Blaidd speak with other characters?

Blaidd primarily interacts with the player and other characters directly involved in Ranni’s quest, such as Iji and Seluvis. He generally keeps to himself and focuses on his mission.

13. What is the lore behind Blaidd being a “Half-Wolf”?

The term “Half-Wolf” refers to Blaidd’s creation as a shadow figure for Ranni. He embodies the ferocity and loyalty of a wolf, but also possesses a humanoid form. This duality reflects his internal struggle between his programmed loyalty and his genuine affection for Ranni.

14. Is there a “good” or “bad” ending regarding Blaidd’s fate?

There isn’t a “good” ending for Blaidd. His fate is tragic regardless of your actions. His eventual madness and death are predetermined, highlighting the themes of destiny and free will in Elden Ring.

15. What happens if I attack Blaidd without provocation?

Attacking Blaidd without provocation early in the game will likely result in your swift demise. He is a powerful foe, and it is not recommended to engage him in combat unless you are prepared for a difficult fight and are ready to forgo the opportunity to progress his questline.

In conclusion, the decision to let Blaidd out of the Forlorn Hound Evergaol is an important one that significantly impacts your experience with Ranni’s questline. While Blaidd’s fate is ultimately tragic, his freedom allows you to unlock new areas, engage in crucial boss fights, and gain valuable insights into the complex lore of Elden Ring. Understanding the consequences of your choices regarding Blaidd is essential for navigating the intricate narrative of the game and achieving your desired ending.