The Heartbreaking Journey of Moore: Navigating Choices in Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree Questline

In the mesmerizing world of Elden Ring, players are continually presented with various quests that not only challenge their skills but also enrich the game’s lore. One such quest revolves around an NPC named Moore, introduced in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Moore is not just any ordinary merchant; he carries a questline full of emotional depth, choices, and consequences that can drastically affect the game's landscape. This guide will walk you through Moore's questline, detailing every step and decision, ensuring you are well-prepared for the journey that awaits.

Meeting Moore for the First Time

Your adventure begins upon reaching the Site of Grace known as 'Main Gate Cross' located in the Gravesite Plain. Just before entering Belurat, Tower Settlement, you’ll encounter Moore, who initially appears to be a simple merchant. He offers various items crucial for your exploration and survival in this treacherous domain. After making your first purchase, a dialogue option emerges, allowing you to delve deeper into Moore’s character.

Throughout your conversation, Moore reveals his dedication to aiding his fellow followers of Miquella, highlighting a special bond with two other characters: Needle Knight Leda and the Forager Brood. As you engage in dialogue, another NPC named Ansbach provides insight into Moore's item acquisition methods, emphasizing the importance of respecting the Forager Brood, who are not foes but rather complex characters within the story's fabric.

The Path Forward

Following your initial meeting, your journey continues to progress. Upon encountering another NPC, Thiollier, at the 'Pillar Path Cross' Site of Grace near Castle Ensis, you have the opportunity to return to Moore. Engaging him again prompts a new interaction where he entrusts you with a bottle of Black Syrup intended for Thiollier. Curiously, this item doesn’t directly tie into either character's narrative arcs but becomes pivotal if you choose to align with the Dragon Communion Priestess's storyline.

After delivering the Black Syrup back to Thiollier, you may wish to continue through Scadu Altus and the ominous Shadow Keep, but not before considering the treasures hidden along your path.

The Enigmatic Forager Brood

It is essential to understand the Forager Brood’s significance, even though following their side story isn't mandatory for Moore's questline. If your ambition leans toward completing the collection of Forager Brood’s Cookbooks scattered throughout the DLC, now is the opportune moment. A total of seven cookbooks await your discovery, with the final one being solely attainable from Moore himself. Be cautious, as failure to secure this before progressing can limit your options later.

A warning exists: if you inadvertently defeat two members of the Forager Brood prematurely, Moore will confront you in a hostile manner, resulting in a fight that you must win to progress. This encounter could significantly alter the unfolding narrative of Moore’s questline.

Unveiling Doubts

Once the cryptic message, "Somewhere a great rune has broken…" resonates through your journey, it signals a turning point in Moore’s storyline. Approaching the imposing Shadow Keep triggers this moment, compelling you to revisit all the NPCs, including Moore, as they all bear news that reflects the changes in their world.

During this interaction, Moore expresses a profound loss—an emptiness where Miquella’s light once resided. He articulates feelings of abandonment and despair, asking you a pivotal question, "What should we do? Must we be sad forever?" Your response here will shape his character's fate and the conclusion of his journey.

Choice 1: Move On

If you choose to encourage Moore by suggesting he move past his sorrow, he will experience a renewed sense of hope. This dialogue option allows the questline to continue smoothly, emphasizing Miquella's overarching love as a transformative force. Ensure you've exhausted all dialogue options with Moore before resting at a Site of Grace, as he will relocate from the Main Gate Cross and won’t return until the questline's end.

Choice 2: Embrace Sadness

Alternatively, suggesting he wallow in his grief will send Moore into a cycle of sorrow, repeating despondent phrases endlessly. His role as a merchant will cease, and he will eventually become just a tragic figure found north of the Church of the Crusade in Scadu Altus, where his fate concludes alongside a Forager Brood’s remains.

Choice 3: Indecision

Choosing the indecisive response acknowledges Moore’s confusion without advancing him forward. This choice allows players to revisit prior options but stalls his questline in a state of limbo. Moore remains at Main Gate Cross for the duration, denying you access to the valuable spoils from his eventual and tragic end.

The Final Confrontation

Should you opt for the positive path, you will encounter Moore once more in Enir-Ilim during the climactic battle against Needle Knight Leda. This encounter culminates in a showdown where defeating Moore is unavoidable. It is crucial to remember that by vanquishing him here, the Forager Brood vanish from the game entirely, affecting your ability to collect any remaining cookbooks.

Upon his defeat, the rewards remain the same regardless of when you choose to conclude his questline, so weigh your options accordingly. Ending the questline with Moore's enduring sadness may seem somber, but it can make the ultimate battle against Leda marginally less difficult, highlighting the intricate decisions that characterize Elden Ring.

Conclusion

As you continue your quest through Elden Ring’s expansive and complex world, Moore's tale serves as a poignant reminder of the interplay between choice and consequence. Within this adventure, players are not merely forging paths through landscapes but also sculpting the destinies of those they encounter. Whether you guide Moore towards hope or let him languish in sorrow, your decisions reflect the rich narrative tapestry that defines the Elden Ring experience. Seek out every opportunity to enhance your prowess and prepare for the encounters that lie ahead—there is much more to discover in the world of Shadow of the Eritrea.