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Who is Stealing My Runes in Elden Ring? A Tarnished Guide to Rune Recovery

So, you’re exploring the treacherous Lands Between, venturing into the heart of Stormveil Castle, and you notice something unsettling: your hard-earned runes are vanishing upon death! Who is this phantom thief, and how do you stop them? The culprit, my fellow Tarnished, is none other than Gatekeeper Gostoc, a seemingly helpful, yet decidedly sneaky NPC residing within the castle walls. Gostoc has a penchant for pilfering a percentage of your lost runes whenever you fall within his domain, adding insult to injury after a grueling defeat. Understanding Gostoc’s role, his motives, and how to manage him is crucial for a successful playthrough.

Understanding Gatekeeper Gostoc’s Rune Thievery

Gostoc is a tall, gaunt character you encounter early in Stormveil Castle. Initially, he presents himself as a guide, offering to open a side entrance to bypass the main gate. He seems helpful, but his demeanor is undeniably shifty. Unbeknownst to many, Gostoc has a secret: whenever you die within certain areas of Stormveil Castle, he will steal 30% of your dropped runes. This can be particularly frustrating, especially when attempting difficult areas or boss fights, as it significantly hampers your progress.

This thievery occurs specifically when you die after entering the castle by way of the alternate entrance that Gostoc opens up for you. This means if you enter through the main gate, then Gostoc will not steal any runes upon death.

How to Stop Gostoc’s Rune Theft

Fortunately, there’s a way to put an end to Gostoc’s sticky fingers. The key is to progress through his questline, which involves interacting with him at specific locations within Stormveil Castle. Here’s the breakdown:

First Encounter: Meet Gostoc at the main gate of Stormveil Castle. He will warn you of the dangers and offer to open a side passage.
Side Passage Surveillance: After taking the side passage, Gostoc will lock the main gate behind you, trapping you within the castle. He can be seen peering down at you from above.
Observation: When you venture deep into the castle, you can encounter Gostoc again. He will be crushing Godrick soldiers against the wall.
Godrick’s Throne Room: After defeating Godrick the Grafted, return to the throne room. Gostoc will be seen stomping on Godrick’s corpse.

After witnessing him stomping on Godrick’s corpse, return to the gatehouse where you first met him. Talk to him again and the thievery will stop. He will no longer steal runes.

Recovering Stolen Runes from Gostoc

If you’re feeling particularly vengeful, or if you need those runes back immediately, there’s a more drastic solution: kill Gostoc before defeating Godrick the Grafted. This will ensure he can no longer steal your runes and you’ll recover the runes he pilfered. However, be warned, killing him will cut off the rest of his questline and an opportunity later in the game.

After killing Godrick, Gostoc will become a merchant and later in the game, will sell you an Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone for 20,000 runes, which is a rare item to fully upgrade weapons. So, killing him too soon will keep you from getting this item.

Gostoc’s Redemption Arc: Becoming a Merchant

The most rewarding outcome involves allowing Gostoc to live and progress through his questline. After defeating Godrick, Gostoc will return to the castle and sell you items as a merchant. You may have to reload the area multiple times for him to show up.

Later in the game, Nepheli Loux can be found in the village of the Albinaurics, a village in the southwest corner of the Liurnia of the Lakes. In the village, the player can find a Perfumer named Gideon. He’ll task you with finding Nepheli Loux. Then, you can find Nepheli in the courtyard just outside the Roundtable Hold. Then, in the wine cellar, you can talk to Seluvis, who tells you to give Nepheli a potion and turn her into a puppet.

You can refuse Seluvis’ request and instead give the potion to Gideon. Then, you can speak with Nepheli’s father, who will give you a key to the Stormhawk King, a spirit ash.

You can speak to Gostoc and Nepheli in Godrick’s throne room. Gostoc will be made Nepheli’s ward. At this point, Gostoc will start selling you an Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone.

The Moral of the Story: Trust, Betrayal, and Second Chances

Gostoc’s story is a microcosm of the larger themes present in Elden Ring. It explores trust, betrayal, and the potential for redemption. His initial actions are undeniably reprehensible, but his later interactions with the player, particularly his loyalty to Nepheli Loux, paint a more complex picture. Deciding whether to kill him, forgive him, or utilize him for his services as a merchant becomes a weighty decision, showcasing the morally grey world FromSoftware has crafted.

For those interested in exploring the deeper themes and educational potential of games like Elden Ring, I highly recommend checking out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. They delve into the cognitive, social, and emotional aspects of gaming, and offer valuable insights into how games can be used for learning and development.

Games, such as Elden Ring, offer a multitude of possibilities for players to learn.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rune Theft in Elden Ring

Here are some frequently asked questions about rune theft and managing Gostoc in Elden Ring, to further help you traverse the Lands Between:

Besides Gostoc, are there any other NPCs who steal runes?

No, Gatekeeper Gostoc is the only known NPC in Elden Ring who actively steals runes from the player upon death. Other enemies can, of course, defeat you and cause you to drop your runes, but no other NPC has this specific mechanic.
Does Gostoc only steal runes in Stormveil Castle?

Yes, Gostoc’s rune theft is limited to the areas within Stormveil Castle, specifically after taking the side passage he opens for you. Once you leave the castle, you are safe from his thievery.
How much of my runes does Gostoc steal?

Gostoc steals 30% of the runes you drop upon death within Stormveil Castle.
What happens if I die while trying to retrieve my runes after Gostoc has stolen them?

If you die again before retrieving your runes, the runes are lost forever. Remember to be cautious when returning to retrieve your lost runes, especially in dangerous areas.
If I kill Gostoc before he steals my runes, will I still get the runes back?

No, killing Gostoc before dying will prevent him from stealing runes in the first place. You only need to kill him to get them back if he’s already stolen them.
Is it worth killing Gostoc just to get the runes back?

This depends on your current rune level and your desire to progress his questline. If you’re early in the game and the lost runes are significant, it might be worth it. However, remember you will lose access to the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone later in the game.
Does wearing a Sacrificial Twig prevent Gostoc from stealing runes?

Yes, using a Sacrificial Twig will prevent Gostoc from stealing your runes. The Sacrificial Twig is a consumable Talisman in Elden Ring that can allow the player to keep Runes upon death. You will lose the talisman instead.
Can I still buy the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone if I kill Gostoc after he becomes a merchant?

No, if you kill Gostoc at any point, you will no longer be able to purchase the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone from him.
What are the benefits of completing Gostoc’s questline?

Completing Gostoc’s questline allows him to become a merchant, providing access to items and the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone. He also becomes a ward to Nepheli Loux.
Does the Rune of Death have anything to do with rune loss?

No, the Rune of Death and the lore surrounding it are unrelated to Gostoc’s rune theft. The Rune of Death plays a significant role in the game’s overall narrative, but it doesn’t directly impact rune acquisition or loss mechanics, except for those that are storyline-based.
If I enter Stormveil Castle through the main gate, will Gostoc still steal my runes?

No, Gostoc only steals your runes if you enter through the side passage he opens for you. If you enter through the main gate, you’re safe from his thievery.
Can I reverse my decision if I kill Gostoc and later regret it?

Unfortunately, no. Once an NPC is killed in Elden Ring, they are permanently dead for that playthrough.
Does using a Great Rune affect whether Gostoc steals runes?

No, using a Great Rune or its associated buff from a Rune Arc has no bearing on Gostoc’s thievery.
Are there any other ways to prevent rune loss in Elden Ring besides Sacrificial Twigs?

Yes, there are other ways to prevent rune loss. The Erdtree’s Favor talisman increases maximum HP, stamina, and equip load, making it easier to survive encounters. Certain spells and incantations can also provide defensive buffs.
What is the significance of the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone that Gostoc sells?

Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones are rare items used to fully upgrade standard weapons to their maximum level (+25). They are essential for maximizing your character’s damage output.

Navigating the intricacies of Elden Ring requires cunning, strategy, and a healthy dose of caution. Understanding the nuances of NPC interactions, like those with Gatekeeper Gostoc, can significantly impact your journey. So, venture forth, Tarnished, and may your runes remain safely in your possession!

Who is stealing my runes?