Where is Blaidd After You Free Him in Elden Ring?
After you free Blaidd, the Half-Wolf, from the Forlorn Hound Evergaol in Elden Ring, his location depends heavily on where you are in Ranni the Witch’s questline. In most scenarios, and assuming you haven’t progressed too far past this point, Blaidd can be found at Ranni’s Rise.
He is, however, in a decidedly troubled state, consumed by the Greater Will’s influence and teetering on the brink of madness. His dialogue will reflect this conflict, and he will ultimately become hostile. Defeating him is necessary to progress Ranni’s quest and obtain his armor set, which is a valuable addition for many builds. His ultimate fate is tragic, demonstrating the struggle against preordained destinies within the Lands Between.
The Tragic Fate of Blaidd the Half-Wolf
Blaidd’s story is interwoven with Ranni’s quest, and his loyalty to her is both his greatest strength and his ultimate downfall. He was created by the Two Fingers to be Ranni’s shadow, bound to protect her and assist her in fulfilling her destiny. However, Ranni’s ambition to defy the Greater Will and forge her own path clashes with Blaidd’s preordained purpose, causing a conflict within him.
When Ranni defies the Greater Will, the Two Fingers attempt to control Blaidd, driving him mad. This is a stark reminder of the control the Greater Will attempts to exert over the inhabitants of the Lands Between, even those created to serve a specific purpose. Blaidd’s eventual descent into madness and subsequent hostility are a direct consequence of this forced conflict, forcing the player to confront and ultimately end his suffering at Ranni’s Rise.
Stages of Blaidd’s Journey
Understanding Blaidd’s journey after being freed from the Forlorn Hound Evergaol is crucial to comprehending his role in Ranni’s questline. His location and behavior will change based on your progression.
Initial Freedom and Ranni’s Rise
As mentioned, after his initial release from the Forlorn Hound Evergaol, Blaidd returns to Ranni’s Rise. However, this return is marked by a significant change. He is no longer the composed and loyal companion you previously encountered. The influence of the Two Fingers is beginning to take hold, and he expresses confusion and anger. Speaking to him at this stage will reveal his internal conflict.
Confrontation and Battle
Ultimately, this inner turmoil culminates in a full-blown mental breakdown. You will find him hostile and aggressive outside Ranni’s Rise. This confrontation is unavoidable and necessary to progress Ranni’s questline. Be prepared for a challenging fight, as Blaidd is a formidable opponent, wielding his greatsword with deadly proficiency.
Aftermath and the Blaidd’s Armor Set
After defeating him, Blaidd’s armor set becomes available at the location of the fight. This is a bittersweet reward, as obtaining the armor signifies the end of his journey and the tragic fulfillment of his predetermined fate. The armor set is particularly useful for strength-based builds and serves as a lasting reminder of the Half-Wolf’s loyalty and sacrifice.
Can You Prevent Blaidd’s Fate?
Unfortunately, no. Blaidd’s fate is predetermined as part of Ranni’s questline. There are no dialogue options or actions you can take to prevent his descent into madness or his eventual confrontation outside Ranni’s Rise. This highlights a key theme in Elden Ring: the struggle against predetermined destinies and the difficulty of escaping the influence of powerful forces.
Alternative Scenarios and Considerations
While the above describes the most common scenario, some deviations are possible depending on the order in which you complete different sections of the game. For instance:
- Completing Nokron, Eternal City: If you progress significantly in Ranni’s questline by exploring Nokron, Eternal City, and retrieving the Fingerslayer Blade, before freeing Blaidd from the Forlorn Hound Evergaol, you might encounter him already hostile outside Ranni’s Rise.
- Early Access to Ranni’s Rise: If you gain access to Ranni’s Rise before triggering the event at the Mistwood Ruins where you first meet Blaidd, his initial appearance might be delayed or altered.
These variations are uncommon but highlight the importance of following Ranni’s questline to fully understand Blaidd’s journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Blaidd’s location and fate after being freed from the Forlorn Hound Evergaol:
1. Where is the Forlorn Hound Evergaol?
The Forlorn Hound Evergaol is located in the southern region of Limgrave, specifically in the Weeping Peninsula. It’s a circular arena sealed by a magical barrier.
2. How do I free Blaidd from the Forlorn Hound Evergaol?
You need to interact with the Evergaol and defeat the boss inside, the Bloodhound Knight Darriwil. Once Darriwil is defeated, Blaidd will appear and speak with you, effectively freeing him.
3. What happens if I don’t free Blaidd from the Forlorn Hound Evergaol?
If you skip the Forlorn Hound Evergaol, Blaidd will still appear later in Ranni’s questline. Freeing him early simply allows you to interact with him sooner and learn more about his background and loyalty to Ranni.
4. Can I summon Blaidd for boss fights?
Yes, Blaidd can be summoned for some boss fights, particularly during Ranni’s questline. His summon sign will appear in specific locations near boss arenas, offering valuable assistance.
5. What is Blaidd’s role in Ranni’s questline?
Blaidd is Ranni’s shadow, tasked with protecting her and helping her fulfill her destiny. He plays a significant role in the questline, providing guidance and assistance to the player.
6. Why does Blaidd turn hostile?
Blaidd turns hostile due to the influence of the Two Fingers, who attempt to control him and prevent Ranni from defying the Greater Will. This forced conflict drives him mad.
7. Is it possible to avoid fighting Blaidd?
No, it is not possible to avoid fighting Blaidd at the end of his questline. The confrontation outside Ranni’s Rise is a required part of the quest.
8. What is the reward for defeating Blaidd?
The primary reward for defeating Blaidd is access to his armor set, known as the Blaidd’s Set, which becomes available at the location where you fought him.
9. Is Blaidd’s armor set any good?
Blaidd’s armor set is considered quite good, particularly for strength-based builds. It offers decent protection and a stylish appearance.
10. Does Blaidd drop any other items besides his armor set?
Besides his armor, Blaidd does not drop any unique weapons or items upon defeat.
11. What level should I be to fight Blaidd?
You should be at least level 70 or higher before attempting to fight Blaidd. He is a challenging opponent, and a higher level will provide a significant advantage.
12. Can I respec my character after getting Blaidd’s armor?
Yes, you can respec your character with Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, after defeating Rennala. This allows you to optimize your stats to better utilize Blaidd’s armor.
13. Does Blaidd have any hidden lore or secrets?
Yes, Blaidd’s lore is deeply intertwined with Ranni’s. Exploring the game and paying attention to dialogue will reveal more about his origins, his connection to Ranni, and the conflict he faces.
14. Is Blaidd’s fate truly unavoidable?
Yes, despite his tragic end, Blaidd’s fate is unavoidable given Ranni’s predetermined path to defy the Greater Will.
15. Where can I learn more about Ranni’s questline?
You can learn more about Ranni’s questline by speaking with her and her allies, exploring relevant locations such as Nokron, Eternal City, and consulting online resources and community guides dedicated to Elden Ring.