Boji in is the permanent Companion of the player character Stray Blade. Boji is an important part of the adventurer's journey, serving as their guide through the Valley of Acrea, sharing his expertise in craftsmanship as well as providing combat support with his own set of Skills and method of progression. At the beginning of the game, Boji forms a bond with the adventurer which must be nurtured in order to improve his capabilities and efficiency in all three of his roles. This page covers information on Boji's roles, gameplay mechanics, progression, and other relevant information.
Boji Companion Guide for Stray Blade
Boji is a Xhinnon Wolf — a strange humanoid/animal hybrid creature of diminutive stature, who walks on two legs, has the head of a wolf, partly obscured by his signature bandana and speaks like a dwarf.
The Adventurer has a fateful encounter with Boji early on in their journey, as they step foot into the Valley of Acrea and inadverently destroy the barrier shielding it from the rest of the world. As a powerful explosion shatters the barrier, it sends fragments from the land itself hurtling towards the Adventurer's chest, piercing thier heart and killing them instantly.
Boji watches from a safe distance as the Adventurer perishes and decides on a whim to cast a spell on them, bringing them back to the land of the living. Realizing they are cursed and bound to the Valley, the Adventurer sets off to find answers hidden within the ruins of the ancient Elessine civilization with Boji in tow. Thus a bond is formed and an adventure begins.
Boji is a constant presence throughout your adventure, from simple bantering with the Adventurer, providing commentary on his astute observations of the surroundings and his knowledge of Elessine and Acrean history, to offering his crafting service and tutelage and finally as your indispensable combat companion.
The Acrean Tour Guide
Boji's scholarly prowess and growing knowledge of Acrea will prove invaluable in your journey as he guides you through the deep overgrown ruins, towering temples, winding cave systems and frozen mountains of the Valley.
Acrea is full of mysteries, with remnants of the Elessine's architecture and technology still protecting the Valley from invaders. You will explore the Valley's various regions and with Boji's aid, learn to work the many mechanisms and solve puzzles blocking your path towards your goals.
The Master Craftsman
Boji is a craftsman by trade and will offer his insights into this skill once the Adventurer acquires some equipment Blueprints around the Valley. Boji serves a key role in this capacity, sharing his knowledge with the Adventurer, allowing them to craft the most exquisite pieces of gear to bolster their offense and defense.
Boji himself can also craft Runes — Special items that can be socketed into your weapons to imbue them with additional properties such as improved stats and the ability to deal elemental damage.
See the Crafting page for details on this mechanic.
The Combat Mage
Boji will serve a supportive role in combat to varying degrees. He is an autonomous companion and will decide for himself how and when he will aid the Adventurer. The frequency and quality of help he offers will improve as your bond with him grows and as you progress through of his very own Skill Tree.
He is well-versed in Acrean Magic and will start off with a few basic spells to distract and disorient your opponents, allowing you to gain the upper hand. As he gains more Elessine knowledge throughout your adventure, he will learn more advanced spells that can downright destroy your enemies or severely debilitate them, allowing you to go for the finish. While he is a scholar in the magical arts, Boji is not afraid to get physical and will periodically jump in straight into the action, pouncing on enemies, wrapping himself around their faces, disorienting them long enough for you to sneak behind and perform a powerful backstab.
The Guardian Spirit
Boji's deep knowledge of Acrean Magic allows him to resurrect the Adventurer anytime they fall in combat.
Early on, this is limited to a standard revival at various checkpoints throughout the game which would cause time to pass anytime you die. However, the further you develop your bond with him and the more Elessine knowledge he acquires, Boji will eventually master different ways to protect you, including bringing you back to life right in the midst of combat to get another chance at overcoming your challenges.
More details of Boji's many mechanics and additional features will be covered as information becomes available.