Lookout Stones

When we come across an evergaol, there are always particular enemies flocking to it, day or night. From the name lookout stones, it is obvious that they are there for surveillance, hence most stand at attention with “searchlights” fixated on the jail. This makes the enemy a sort of prison warden, monitoring the magic seal’s […]

Bloodhound Knights

Dispersed across the Lands Between lurk the Bloodhound Knights. Despite the name, they prove human, not hound. Close inspection of the warriors reveals hands with long, sharp nails but no fur, as well as feet standing on tiptoe in boots far too long for them regardless. Their weaponry adds to this impression, wielding a curved […]

Vulgar Militia

Just as there are giants, there are also dwarves in the Lands Between. These men of small stature, only reaching up to a human’s chest, find it hard to subsist in this world of the tall. Being so short, there is little that they can do that the larger races can’t also, and it is […]

Runebears

For all the wildlife populating the Lands Between, none leave as much of an impression as the runebear. The size of ten brown bears, this hulking mass of muscle and teeth knocks over trees in its rampage, sprinting after prey at ferocious speeds. Its claws smash through the earth, and its literal bear hug crushes […]

Prince of Death

Preface I have seen far too much attention placed on Godwyn. While it is a shame when a major character is dead before we are able to meet, we don’t need any more of this one. As is, the character has an invasive presence felt throughout the game. If you know where to look, you […]

Rykard

Preface Whether or not it is deliberate, Rykard twists the moral of many a fairy tale. Hansel and Gretel best captures the life lesson: beware of greedily indulging in motherly affection, lest you end up devoured. Sound advocacy for moderation from the best-intentioned mother hens, but what if you flip it on its head? Let […]

Night of the Black Knives

Seeking the origin of the world’s current plights, Rogier studies the Night of the Black Knives. The event which ended the peace and prosperity of Radagon’s reign occurred under a cold fog, a Bandai Namco Entertainment article claiming that it was actually the middle of winter. Rather amusing, since the mastermind behind this grand conspiracy […]

Liurnian Civil War

Preface While all the focus is rightfully placed on the demigods, Elden Ring has a rich history which began only after their epic had more or less concluded. Liurnia is unique in how it brings that part of the tale to the forefront, which goes a long way to justify the sheer scale of the […]

Caria

Preface FromSoftware is no stranger to magic kingdoms, or queendoms for that matter. However, these countries tend to have a simple, relatively bloodless history. “Simple” might still describe the Carian regime, with its one queen. Yet the tale of an organized Liurnian state is fraught with intrigue and power politics, the sorcery aspect almost superfluous. […]

Fringefolk Rebellion

Preface I make no secret that I am a huge fan of the Banished Knights. Since the moment I first explored Stormveil, their shining armor battered by incessant winds and dark retinue wrapped in faded reds fascinated me. As I delved deeper into their story, their past absolutely enchanted me. They are the underdogs of […]