Patches, the conniving merchant and trickster, has a long history in FromSoftware's games, and his questline in Elden Ring is no exception. His journey is one of self-preservation, opportunism, and a surprising, albeit reluctant, capacity for growth.
Initial Encounters with Patches
Patches can first be encountered in Murkwater Cave in Limgrave, a cave you'll likely stumble upon while exploring the region. He will attempt to trick you into a pit, but if you survive, he will become a merchant.
Patches's Merchant Services and Quest Progression
Patches operates as a merchant, selling various useful items. His questline is tied to his opportunistic nature and his encounters with other characters.
- Murkwater Cave (Limgrave): Your first meeting. He offers items and a chance to fight him. If you spare him, he becomes a merchant.
- Volcano Manor: Patches eventually relocates to Volcano Manor, where he continues his merchant services and participates in the manor's activities. He will offer you a task to assassinate an NPC.
- Shaded Castle: If you accept Patches's assassination request, he will send you to the Shaded Castle.
- Encountering Tanith: After completing his task, you can speak with Patches again at Volcano Manor.
Key Steps and Choices
Patches's questline is relatively straightforward but involves a key decision:
- Meet Patches in Murkwater Cave: Engage with him, and decide whether to fight him or spare him. Sparing him is necessary for his questline to progress.
- Find him at Volcano Manor: He will offer you a job to assassinate an NPC.
- Complete the Assassination: Travel to the Shaded Castle and defeat the target.
- Return to Patches: Report back to him at Volcano Manor.
Rewards and Outcomes
The primary reward for engaging with Patches's questline is:
- Magma Shot: A unique throwing pot that deals fire damage and can inflict the 'Magma' status effect.
- Trusty Patches' Bell Bearing: This allows you to purchase his wares from the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold even after he has moved on.
- Iron Ball: A unique weapon he sells.
Patches's questline is more about his character and his role as a recurring trickster in the Soulsborne universe. While not offering the most epic rewards, his interactions provide a touch of dark humor and a glimpse into the more morally ambiguous characters of the Lands Between.
Following Patches's journey is a fun diversion that offers practical rewards and a chance to interact with one of FromSoftware's most iconic characters.