In Elden Ring, Gurranq, the Beast Clergyman, plays a critical role in one of the game’s many questlines. He is a towering and intimidating figure who offers players unique beast-related incantations in exchange for Deathroot. However, many players have encountered an unexpected situation Gurranq suddenly becomes aggressive and hostile. This behavior can catch players off guard, especially after several peaceful exchanges. Understanding why Gurranq becomes aggro is important for players who want to progress smoothly through his questline without accidentally triggering a fight that could halt progress or result in his death.
Who Is Gurranq, Beast Clergyman?
Gurranq is a mysterious NPC found in the Bestial Sanctum, located in northeastern Caelid. Players can reach this area early in the game by using a portal behind D, Hunter of the Dead, after delivering a Deathroot. Gurranq accepts these items in exchange for powerful beast-based spells and items, such as Bestial Sling, Beast Claw, and Beast Roar. His dialogue and appearance suggest he is ancient and deeply affected by the power of Deathroot.
What sets Gurranq apart from other NPCs is his transformation behavior. Unlike many other characters in Elden Ring, Gurranq does not remain passive and friendly throughout. Instead, his reaction to your offerings becomes more violent and unpredictable as the questline progresses.
Why Does Gurranq Become Aggro?
The Trigger: Deathroot Corruption
Gurranq becomes aggressive specifically after you offer him the fourth Deathroot. Up until that point, he remains calm, though clearly disturbed by the power he consumes. After the fourth Deathroot is handed over, his demeanor changes dramatically, and he attacks the player on sight.
This sudden aggression is not a bug or mistake it is an intentional part of his character arc. Gurranq, as it turns out, is being corrupted by the very Deathroot he demands. These items are remnants of Those Who Live in Death, tainted by undeath and cursed energy. As he consumes more, Gurranq loses control of his mind and instincts, causing him to lash out violently.
FromSoftware designed this behavior as part of a larger theme in Elden Ring: the cost of power. Many NPCs lose themselves to obsession, madness, or corruption as they pursue strength. Gurranq is no exception. His aggression is a direct reflection of the internal battle he is losing against the growing influence of the Deathroot.
What To Do When Gurranq Becomes Aggressive
Survive the Encounter
When Gurranq becomes hostile, players must fight back at least to a certain point. He is very powerful, capable of dealing massive damage with his claws and spells. However, the goal is not to kill him. Instead, you need to reduce his health to a certain threshold, after which he will stop fighting and regain his composure.
If you accidentally kill him during the battle, his questline ends permanently, and you lose access to future rewards tied to Deathroot. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid overkilling him. Use careful damage control or a weak weapon if you’re worried about dealing too much damage too quickly.
Wait and Return Later
If you don’t want to risk killing Gurranq, you can simply flee the area and come back later. After some time has passed or after resting at a Site of Grace he will return to his senses and stop attacking you. His dialogue will reflect his struggle, often expressing regret or confusion about his loss of control. You can then continue giving him Deathroot to progress the questline further.
Can Gurranq Be Prevented From Becoming Aggro?
There is no way to prevent Gurranq’s aggression after the fourth Deathroot it is a scripted part of the questline. However, by understanding the trigger and preparing accordingly, you can mitigate the risks. Always be ready for the confrontation when handing over that fourth Deathroot. Stock up on healing flasks, consider summoning a Spirit Ash to distract him, and avoid using excessive force.
In fact, Gurranq’s aggression adds depth to his character and to the game’s overall narrative. His moment of rage serves as a reminder of the dangerous nature of the powers at play in Elden Ring. Power, especially when tied to undeath, often comes at the cost of one’s humanity or beastly control, in this case.
What Happens After Gurranq Regains Control?
Once Gurranq stops being hostile, he resumes his role as a vendor of bestial incantations. He acknowledges the outburst and offers more insight into the nature of Deathroot and his inner turmoil. His dialogue becomes increasingly dark and filled with regret. He starts to realize how deeply the Deathroot has affected him, but still insists on consuming more, driven by obsession and purpose.
You can continue offering Deathroot to him up to a total of nine times. Each time, you’ll receive new rewards, including some of the strongest beast spells in the game. By the end of the questline, he comes to terms with his fate, but the path is not without struggle. His transformation from helpful cleric to mindless beast and back adds narrative weight to an otherwise simple exchange mechanic.
Gurranq’s Lore and Background
For lore enthusiasts, Gurranq is not just a random NPC. There are theories and in-game hints that suggest he is actually the same character as Maliketh, the Black Blade a key figure in Elden Ring’s lore. Maliketh was the shadow of Queen Marika and the guardian of Destined Death, the forbidden power that was sealed away to prevent true death from affecting the Lands Between.
If this theory is true, Gurranq’s obsession with Deathroot is more than corruption it is a tragic return to the forbidden power he once protected. The beast form, the use of bestial incantations, and his aggressive reaction to Deathroot all point toward a deeper connection. His dual identity would explain both his immense strength and the internal conflict he experiences.
Gurranq becomes aggressive in Elden Ring as a result of his corruption from consuming too much Deathroot. This transformation is scripted and unavoidable, triggered specifically after the fourth Deathroot offering. The behavior reflects the themes of power and corruption found throughout the game and adds depth to Gurranq’s character. While alarming, the aggression is temporary and can be resolved by either defeating him non-lethally or returning later. Understanding this mechanic is essential for players looking to complete his questline and obtain all beast incantations. Ultimately, Gurranq’s aggression serves both gameplay and narrative purposes, enriching the player’s journey through the complex and haunting world of Elden Ring.