Blaidd: The Half-Wolf's Questline Walkthrough
Blaidd, the Half-Wolf, is a pivotal NPC in Elden Ring, deeply entwined with the fate of Ranni the Witch and the broader narrative of the Lands Between. His questline is one of the most substantial and rewarding, offering unique lore, powerful items, and a tragic conclusion. This guide will detail every step of Blaidd's journey, from your first encounter to his final moments.
I. The Mistwood's Call
Your initial meeting with Blaidd occurs in the Mistwood region of Limgrave. He can be found near the Mistwood Ruins, often pacing or observing the area. He is searching for Ranni the Witch and mentions a hidden palace.
- Location: Mistwood, Limgrave (near the Mistwood Ruins).
- Trigger: Approach Blaidd in the Mistwood.
- Dialogue: He will speak of his duty to Ranni and his search for her. He may ask if you've seen her or know of a hidden palace.
II. The Warmaster's Aid (Optional but Recommended)
While not strictly a step in Blaidd's quest, this interaction provides a valuable early-game summon that can be helpful. After speaking with Blaidd in the Mistwood, you can visit Knight Bernahl.
- Location: Warmaster's Shack, Limgrave.
- Trigger: Speak to Knight Bernahl after your first encounter with Blaidd.
- Dialogue: Bernahl may comment on hearing a wolf howl. If you mention Blaidd or his quest, he might offer you the Wolf Ashes summon.
- Reward: Wolf Ashes (Summon).
III. Caria Manor and the Path to Liurnia
Blaidd's next significant appearance is in northwestern Liurnia of the Lakes, specifically at Caria Manor. You will need to progress through this dungeon and defeat its boss.
- Location: Outside Caria Manor, northwestern Liurnia of the Lakes.
- Trigger: Defeat Royal Knight Loretta within Caria Manor.
- Dialogue: Blaidd will be waiting outside the manor. He will acknowledge your progress and mention Ranni's location at Ranni's Rise.
IV. Ranni's Rise and the Three Retainers
Blaidd directs you towards Ranni the Witch, who resides at Ranni's Rise, a tower located in the western part of the Three Sisters area, adjacent to Caria Manor.
- Location: Ranni's Rise, Three Sisters, northwestern Liurnia of the Lakes.
- Trigger: Speak with Blaidd after defeating Royal Knight Loretta.
- Dialogue: Ranni will introduce herself and explain that she has three loyal retainers. She will ask you to speak with them: Blaidd, Iji, and Seluvis.
V. Iji, the Giant Blacksmith
Iji is a crucial ally and blacksmith who plays a role in Ranni's quest. He is not located near the Ruin-Strewn Precipice but in a more accessible area.
- Location: Near the Glintstone Icerick Site of Grace, on the road leading to the Four Belfries, northwestern Liurnia of the Lakes.
- Trigger: Speak with Iji after Ranni tasks you with speaking to her retainers.
- Dialogue: Iji will offer insights into Ranni's plans and the significance of her quest. He is also your primary vendor for smithing stones and upgrades.
VI. The Festival at Redmane Castle and the Prelude to Nokron
Ranni will task Blaidd with finding the entrance to Nokron, Eternal City. Blaidd will inform you about a festival being held at Redmane Castle in Caelid, which he believes is connected to the falling star that will reveal the path.
- Location: Redmane Castle, southeastern Caelid.
- Trigger: Progress Ranni's questline to the point where she tasks Blaidd with finding Nokron. Blaidd will mention the festival.
- Event: If you arrive at Redmane Castle before defeating Starscourage Radahn, the castle will be hosting a festival. Blaidd, Iron Fist Alexander, and other notable figures will be present. You can speak with them. The main event of the festival is the boss fight against Starscourage Radahn.
- Note: The festival only occurs if you have progressed Ranni's quest to this point or if you have reached the Altus Plateau. If you have already defeated Radahn, the castle will be empty except for a lone NPC.
VII. The Starfall and the Entrance to Nokron
After defeating Starscourage Radahn in Redmane Castle, a celestial event occurs: a star falls from the sky, creating a massive crater in the earth. This crater is the entrance to Nokron, Eternal City.
- Location: The crater created by the falling star, located south of Mistwood, Limgrave.
- Trigger: Defeat Starscourage Radahn.
- Dialogue: Blaidd will be waiting near the entrance to the crater, ready to descend into Nokron with you. He will offer encouragement and guidance.
VIII. Nokron, Eternal City: The Mimic Tear
Within Nokron, you will encounter Blaidd again, this time fighting alongside other Tarnished against the formidable Mimic Tear boss.
- Location: Near the Ancestral Woods Site of Grace, Nokron, Eternal City.
- Trigger: Progress through Nokron until you reach the Ancestral Woods area.
- Event: Blaidd, along with other NPCs like Iron Fist Alexander and Sorcerer Rogier (if his questline is sufficiently advanced), will be present. They will engage in combat with the Mimic Tear boss. You must defeat the Mimic Tear to proceed.
IX. The Wolf's Rest and Blaidd's Tragic End
Blaidd's questline reaches its poignant conclusion in the Wolf's Rest ruins, located in the northern part of the Consecrated Snowfield.
- Location: Wolf's Rest ruins, Consecrated Snowfield.
- Trigger: After completing Ranni's questline and obtaining the Dark Moon Greatsword, return to the Wolf's Rest ruins.
- Event: You will find Blaidd in a state of despair and madness, overwhelmed by the influence of the Two Fingers. He will mistake you for an enemy and attack. This is a mandatory boss fight to conclude his storyline.
- Strategy: Blaidd is a challenging opponent. He wields his signature greatsword and can perform powerful combos. Focus on dodging his attacks and finding openings to strike. Be mindful of his charged attacks and AoE abilities. Using Spirit Ashes can help draw his aggro.
- Reward: Upon defeating Blaidd, you will receive his full armor set and his weapon.
X. Blaidd's Set and Weapon
Defeating Blaidd in his final encounter yields his distinctive equipment.
- Blaidd's Armor Set: Includes Blaidd's Helm, Blaidd's Armor, Blaidd's Gauntlets, and Blaidd's Greaves. This set offers excellent physical defense and poise, making it a top-tier choice for many builds.
- Wolf's Greatsword: Blaidd's signature weapon. A powerful Colossal Sword with a unique moveset.
Blaidd's questline is a cornerstone of Elden Ring's narrative, offering a deep connection to Ranni's ambitions and the fate of the Lands Between. His loyalty, strength, and tragic end make him one of the game's most memorable characters.