Unraveling the Cursemark of Death: Fia, the Deathbed Companion, and Her Dark Quest in Elden Ring

The Cursemark of Death is a pivotal artifact in Elden Ring’s lore, deeply entwined with the game’s central narrative and the fate of several key characters. Within the context of Fia, the Deathbed Companion, the Cursemark of Death represents a fragmented piece of the original Death Rune, a potent force that once governed the cycle of life and death. The cursemark manifests as two half-wheels, a result of two demigods, Ranni and the Prince of Death (Godwyn), perishing simultaneously. Ranni’s flesh died, while Godwyn’s soul was killed, shattering the rune and its associated mark. The Cursemark of Death is a crucial item required for Fia’s questline and is essential to unlocking her unique ending.

The significance of the Cursemark stems from its association with Those Who Live in Death, beings existing outside the natural order. Fia seeks to use the fragmented rune to become a mother to these beings and facilitate a new order. It’s a quest that delves into the very fabric of life, death, and the established rules of the Lands Between. The Cursemark, therefore, isn’t just an item but a symbol of rebellion and a catalyst for change, making it a critical element for understanding Fia’s motivations and the consequences of her actions.

The Significance of the Cursemark for Fia

Fia’s questline is intricately linked to her obtaining the Cursemark of Death. After meeting her in the Roundtable Hold and exhausting her dialogue, the player learns of her desire to “conceive” a child with Godwyn, using the power of the Death Rune. She needs the Cursemark because it is an essential piece of this process. The Tarnished must progress through Ranni’s quest to access Nokron, the Eternal City, where the cursemark is located.

After acquiring the Cursemark, the Tarnished can offer it to Fia by embracing her again. This act allows access to the Deathbed Dream, a hidden area where the Lichdragon Fortissax resides, the final boss of her questline. This shows how the cursemark is a key to unlock her true goals.

The Cursemark’s Power and Implications

The Cursemark’s power stems directly from the Death Rune, a force that was once controlled by the Elden Ring itself. The shattering of this rune resulted in the creation of Those Who Live in Death, a manifestation of death outside the intended cycle. By using the cursemark, Fia seeks to reshape this cycle and provide a place for these beings.

Her quest challenges the established order of the Golden Order, making her a figure of controversy. She sees the present cycle of life and death as flawed. Fia is not inherently evil, but rather a character striving for what she believes is a more compassionate and balanced existence, even if it means defying tradition.

Consequences and Choices: Shaping Fia’s Destiny

The player’s choices directly impact Fia’s quest and her ultimate fate. Handing over the Twinned Armor to D’s brother will eventually lead to Fia’s execution, despite giving the cursemark to her. However, this happens only after the Mending Rune of the Death-Prince is collected, allowing the player to complete her ending. Thus, choosing whether or not to give the armor is primarily a matter of personal preference, rather than affecting the completion of her unique ending.

The most significant consequence of Fia’s actions using the cursemark is the potential for the Duskborn Ending. This ending fundamentally alters the rules of the Lands Between, allowing for Those Who Live in Death to exist alongside the living. It is through giving her the cursemark and defeating Fortissax that the player can acquire the Mending Rune of the Death-Prince and shape the very future of the Lands Between.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What exactly is the Cursemark of Death?

The Cursemark of Death is a fragmented piece of the original Death Rune, broken into two half-wheels when Ranni and the Prince of Death (Godwyn) died simultaneously. It represents the power of death outside the Elden Ring’s intended cycle.

2. How do I obtain the Cursemark of Death?

You must progress in Ranni’s questline to unlock access to Nokron, the Eternal City. Within Nokron, you will find the Cursemark.

3. Why does Fia need the Cursemark of Death?

Fia needs the Cursemark of Death to fulfill her goal of becoming a “mother” to Those Who Live in Death. She plans to use its power to create a new order.

4. What happens when I give Fia the Cursemark of Death?

Giving Fia the cursemark allows you to access her Deathbed Dream, a secret area that is vital to continue her quest. The Lichdragon Fortissax resides there as the final boss of her questline.

5. Does Fia’s quest interfere with Ranni’s quest?

No, while the two quests are not directly related, you must advance far enough into Ranni’s questline to find Nokron, which is necessary to find the Cursemark.

6. What is the significance of the two half-wheel shapes of the Cursemark?

The two half-wheels represent the dual death of Ranni (physical death) and Godwyn (spiritual death), which split the original Death Rune.

7. What is the Baldachin’s Blessing and how is it related to Fia?

Baldachin’s Blessing is an item given by Fia that increases poise and physical damage while temporarily decreasing maximum health. The health debuff goes away after the blessing is used.

8. What is Fia’s debuff, and how do I get rid of it?

Hugging Fia gives you a 5% max health debuff. To remove the debuff, use Baldachin’s Blessing. The health reduction will disappear once its effect wears off.

9. Who is Lichdragon Fortissax and how do I fight him?

Lichdragon Fortissax is the final boss of Fia’s questline. You fight him by interacting with Fia’s sleeping body in her Deathbed Dream. You gain access to the dream after giving her the cursemark.

10. Is it possible to fight Fortissax if I killed Fia?

No. If you kill Fia before accessing her dream, you will not be able to fight Lichdragon Fortissax.

11. What are Those Who Live in Death?

Those Who Live in Death are beings outside the normal cycle of life and death. They are a product of Deathroot spreading after the Night of Black Knives, which led to the death of Godwyn the Golden.

12. What happens if I give D’s brother the Twinned Armor?

Giving D’s brother the armor will result in him killing Fia later in the game after she gives you the Mending Rune of the Death-Prince. This does not impact your ability to complete her ending or retrieve the rune.

13. Can I stop D’s brother from killing Fia?

No, you cannot directly prevent him from killing her. However, this event is scripted to occur after her quest is essentially completed, giving you the Mending Rune.

14. Does killing Fia affect the ending?

Killing Fia before giving her the Cursemark will stop you from accessing her ending. However, her death after retrieving the mending rune, either by you or D’s brother, does not impact getting her ending.

15. What is the Mending Rune of the Death-Prince, and what does it do?

The Mending Rune of the Death-Prince is an item acquired after defeating Lichdragon Fortissax and speaking to the dead Fia. Using it unlocks the Duskborn Ending, which alters the rules of the Lands Between, allowing Those Who Live in Death to exist freely.