Elden Ring’s world is filled with memorable characters, dangerous foes, and intriguing quests, but few minor NPCs are as curious and layered as the Blackguard, also known as Blackguard Big Boggart. This ragged character, encountered early in the Lands Between, has become a point of interest for many players due to his unexpected role in multiple questlines, his unique items, and his surprising personality. Far from being just another random fight, the Blackguard adds humanity, lore depth, and even humor to Elden Ring’s sprawling narrative landscape. Understanding who he is, where to find him, and why players remember him offers valuable insight into how Elden Ring combines exploration, storytelling, and player choice into one cohesive experience.
Who Is the Blackguard?
The Blackguard is an NPC in Elden Ring who players first encounter in the swampy region of Liurnia of the Lakes. Although initially appearing as a thief and minor obstacle, he gradually reveals himself to be more than just a typical NPC. Blackguard Big Boggart is an ex-convict who has been called to the Lands Between much like the Tarnished player character. His rough exterior hides a character with quirks, memorable dialogue, and ties to deeper quests. Despite his intimidating name and appearance, some players find his interactions and story arc to be surprisingly engaging within the larger context of the game’s narrative.
First Encounter and Early Role
Players typically meet Blackguard at the Boilprawn Shack, a small location in Liurnia of the Lakes. Here, he is found with Rya’s stolen necklace, which begins his involvement with the Rya questline. The player is given a choice return the necklace to Rya, buy it back, or kill Blackguard and loot it. The decisions players make here can impact how the Blackguard’s story unfolds later. He does not automatically attack the player unless provoked, but killing him early ends his involvement and removes his potential contributions later in the game.
Questline Involvement
What makes the Blackguard genuinely interesting is how his role intersects with other NPC quests and events. After the initial meeting, if players choose not to kill him, they can interact with him further, purchase items like boiled prawn, and eventually make him an NPC summon for certain boss encounters. In addition, his path intersects with the Dung Eater questline a major and darker quest which adds layers of complexity and potential consequences depending on player choices. These overlapping storylines encourage players to think twice about early encounters and the long-term implications of their decisions.
Shopping and NPC Summon
Once befriended, Blackguard can sell consumable items like boiled prawn and later boiled crab. These food items are not just flavor text; they provide temporary physical resistance buffs that can aid players in difficult battles. Additionally, when his storyline reaches a certain point, he becomes available as an NPC summon for the Magma Wyrm Makar boss fight, offering a bit of extra help in tough combat scenarios.
Blackguard’s Items and Loot
Defeating the Blackguard if players choose that path yields several unique items that are tied directly to his character. These items not only offer gameplay benefits but also deepen the narrative connection between the player and this minor NPC.
- Iron Ball (Weapon)A heavy melee weapon that hits hard but can be slow to wield. It reflects Blackguard’s brute strength and fighting style in combat.
- Blackguard’s Iron MaskA distinct helmet piece described as an iron mask forced on convicted prisoners and worn by the Blackguard himself. While the mask offers modest stats, its lore speaks to the character’s past and empty facade.
- Blackguard’s Bell BearingThis key item unlocks specific shop inventory at the Roundtable Hold when offered to the Twin Maiden Husks. It is dropped upon his death and allows access to items connected with his quest.
Lore and Personality
Despite his rough beginnings and criminal past, players often remember the Blackguard as more than just a thug. His dialogue reveals a character who has survived harsh conditions and reflects on his encounters with other unsavory figures, such as the horrifying Dung Eater. While his story does not reach the mythic scale of the game’s major NPCs, his presence adds color and depth to the world of Elden Ring. His candid, sometimes humorous lines especially about cooking crab or prawns make him a standout among the many NPCs the Tarnished can encounter.
Player Choices and Moral Complexity
The Blackguard embodies one of Elden Ring’s storytelling strengths the moral ambiguity of player choice. Killing him early may yield useful items right away, but it severs his ability to participate in quests, summon for bosses, and offer one-of-a-kind dialogue. Allowing him to live and befriending him opens alternate narrative pathways but can also lead to moments where his story takes darker turns, especially in connection with Dung Eater’s influence. This dynamic makes the Blackguard not just a background character but a meaningful participant in the player’s journey.
Consequences of Choices
Choices in Elden Ring often carry consequences that players don’t see until much later. Blackguard’s questline is no exception early mercy or cruelty can determine whether he remains a living NPC selling items or becomes an undead corpse whose bell bearing unlocks certain features at the Roundtable Hold. These consequences encourage exploration, careful dialogue choices, and multiple playthroughs to experience each narrative branch.
Why Blackguard Matters
While not a central figure like Ranni or Radahn, Blackguard Big Boggart contributes significantly to the immersive world-building and player-driven narrative that define Elden Ring. His inclusion highlights the depth of NPC development, even for characters who begin as seemingly minor or adversarial. Players who engage with his story can find philosophy, humor, and emotional weight in moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. The Blackguard reminds players that every corner of the Lands Between holds stories worth uncovering and choices worth pondering.
Tips for Interacting With Blackguard
- Approach him with caution at the Boilprawn Shack, as his initial encounter offers choices with long-term impacts.
- If you wish to progress his questline, avoid killing him immediately; instead, return Rya’s necklace or buy it to see how his dialogue evolves.
- Purchase boiled prawn and crab items for useful buffs in combat, especially in early to mid-game stages.
- Consider summoning him for the Magma Wyrm Makar fight if you are struggling and need an ally.
- If you choose the darker path, use his dropped items like the Iron Ball and bell bearing to expand your options elsewhere.
The Blackguard is a memorable part of Elden Ring’s tapestry of characters. While small in scale compared to the game’s primary villains and lore-rich figures, his presence adds texture to the world. Through flexible questlines, unique items, and narrative choices that carry meaningful consequences, the Blackguard exemplifies how even lesser-known NPCs can enrich the player’s experience. Whether players remember him for his crab-cooking banter, his role in intertwining quests, or the items he drops, Blackguard Big Boggart stands as a testament to Elden Ring’s intricate storytelling and world design.