Confessors

When some of the Tarnished who left with Godfrey established churches dedicated to the Two Fingers, they obviously were spreading their religion in preparation for when Marika summoned them back as promised. After untold generations of building up support and resources, the church’s prophesy was finally fulfilled, and its clerics contributed their own to the […]

The Shattering

Preface I am no fan of the Shattering. For a war, it is remarkably straightforward, with fewer epic battles born of the twists and turns of competing egos than you would expect. As grand as the narrative makes it sound, laying out this all-encompassing civil war all out leaves me with a bit of letdown. […]

Long March

Preface Although perhaps the most simplistic larger setting since Demon’s Souls, the wider world in Elden Ring is nonetheless coherent. In some respects, its generic quality helps contrast with the more fantastical experience of the Lands Between. And what sets it apart from our familiar earth is the seminal Long March led by Godfrey. Director […]

Godrick

Preface Of all the demigods, Godrick is easily my favorite. Although I hold no particular love for incompetent villains, the Grafted oozes so much personality worthy of his most memorable design. It is a certain awfulness that I don’t think I will ever tire of. You almost want to cheer for this underdog, single-mindedly fighting […]

Altus Unification War

Preface Thanks to the sheer scope of Elden Ring, it has become easier than ever for FromSoftware to hide its history in plain sight. So many crucial events go unmentioned, and none are as consequential as those establishing Marika and Godfrey as queen and king. But while the written narrative might have little to say […]

Radahn

Preface We all love our heroes, but there is something inherently macabre about that dynamic. In a certain sense, heroism leeches off others’ suffering, profiting from their need to be saved. What does that mean then for those who aspire to become heroes, to seek fame for showing strength and valor? Elden Ring‘s director Hidetaka […]