Who Are the People Walking Around Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide
The world of Elden Ring, known as the Lands Between, is populated by a diverse and often bewildering array of figures. Far from being a simple fantasy world of heroes and villains, the game presents a complex tapestry of beings, each with their own motivations, histories, and roles to play. So, who exactly are the “people” you encounter as you traverse this vast landscape? The answer isn’t straightforward, as it encompasses a spectrum of life, undeath, and spectral existence. Broadly, the “people” of Elden Ring fall into the following categories: Wandering Nobles, Spectral Figures, Shadows, Tarnished, Undead (Those Who Live in Death), and, ultimately, other Players. Let’s delve deeper into each of these groups.
The Denizens of the Lands Between
Wandering Nobles
These are among the most common humanoids you’ll encounter. Often seen in groups, they roam the roads, work in camps, and occupy ruins across the Lands Between. While not particularly strong individually, their numbers can pose a threat, and they represent the everyday people still trying to survive in a world torn by conflict and divine interference. They are the remnants of the once-great civilizations, now reduced to scavenging and laboring in the remnants of their former glory.
Spectral Figures: The Ghostly Witnesses
These are the translucent, white, ghostly figures you sometimes see running around. They are not NPCs, but rather other players. These ‘phantoms’ are echoes of others’ past journeys, providing glimpses into what they were doing at that particular spot. They might be exploring, engaging in combat, or falling to their demise, serving as a guide, a warning, or sometimes, just a reminder of your own struggles. They’re not interactive but provide a sense of shared experience in this desolate world.
Shadows: Enforcers of the Divine Will
The shadow people are beings that serve a specific and important purpose within the narrative. They act as enforcers for the Two Fingers, a powerful entity that seeks to maintain order in the Lands Between. They are tasked with ensuring that those who are meant to be rulers (Empyreans) follow the will of the Two Fingers and eliminating them should they become enemies or deviate from their intended path. They are not common encounters but represent a significant force in the game’s power structure. Blaidd, the loyal shadow of Ranni the Witch, is a prime example of a shadow’s complex role.
The Tarnished: Players and the Undead
You, the player, are one of the Tarnished. These individuals were once banished from the Lands Between after losing the grace of the Erdtree due to their perceived failings. Now, they are summoned back by the guidance of grace, tasked with a difficult mission: to repair the Elden Ring, claim the title of Elden Lord, and bring order back to the world or, alternatively, remake it as they see fit. Many Tarnished are undead and carry the curse of immortality, driven by their purpose and sometimes consumed by it. They are central to the narrative, making the choices that shape the fate of the Lands Between.
Those Who Live in Death: The Unquiet Undead
The Lands Between is riddled with undead, from skeletal figures to specters, all of them falling under the banner of “Those Who Live in Death.” This group is seen as an abomination by the Golden Order and faces persecution. They are often characterized by their ability to resurrect themselves after being initially slain. However, this resurrection can be prevented by using holy damage or by attacking their bones before they fully rise again. They are not simply mindless enemies, they are a reflection of the instability and suffering brought about by the shattering of the Elden Ring.
Other Players: The Shared Journey
While not all technically NPCs, the game is also populated by real players alongside you. This shared aspect of the game is significant, not just because of the spectral figures that you see but also because of cooperative and adversarial multiplayer experiences. Other players can be summoned to assist in combat or invade your world to challenge you, forging connections and rivalries in this vast, dangerous world. The interplay of different players contributes significantly to the dynamic and unpredictable nature of Elden Ring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the significance of glowing eyes on enemies?
Enemies with glowing eyes are a random variant, but very valuable. They grant five times the normal experience upon defeat, making them a highly sought-after encounter. The glowing eyes make them instantly identifiable.
2. What are the glowing footprints I see on the beach?
The glowing footprints are a result of bioluminescence likely caused by the presence of single-celled organisms called Noctiluca, often referred to as “sea sparkle.” This phenomenon is seen on shores and in the wakes of boats.
3. Why do Tarnished need maidens?
Finger Maidens act as intermediaries of the Greater Will. Grace, a spiritual power, guides the Tarnished. Finger Maidens help turn rune fragments into strength, which is essential for the Tarnished’s growth and power. The Tarnished are reliant on a maiden to guide them along their path.
4. How did the Tarnished lose their grace?
During the wars in the Lands Between, many inhabitants were deemed to have strayed from the path ordained by the Erdtree and the Greater Will. As punishment, these individuals were stripped of their grace and banished from the Lands Between, becoming the Tarnished.
5. Who is the real villain in Elden Ring?
While the game is filled with morally ambiguous characters, it’s often argued that the Tarnished, the player character, might be the real villain. Their actions, choices, and pursuit of power, regardless of the consequences, can be perceived as destructive, especially with the multiple ending choices that allow them to corrupt or destroy the world.
6. Why can’t anyone die in Elden Ring?
The Elden Ring is made up of laws in runes, that dictated the natural order of life. The rune of death was stolen, and this has disrupted the natural life cycle. Now, the people in the Lands Between struggle with the consequences of an endless existence.
7. Are the Tarnished immortal?
Yes, the Tarnished are cursed to immortality, driven by their singular goal to repair the Elden Ring. They are bound to this mission, and they must navigate their trials to achieve a solution, or a new destiny, for the Lands Between.
8. Who is the saddest NPC in Elden Ring?
While many NPCs have tragic stories, Blaidd’s fate is often cited as the saddest. As Ranni’s loyal shadow, his destiny is entwined with hers, and his tragic end is a powerful narrative moment in the game.
9. Who is the red apparition of Dung Eater?
The red apparition is indeed Dung Eater, a character who has a particularly disturbing quest line tied to Seedbed Curses. He is a deeply flawed and unsettling character, reflecting the darker aspects of the game.
10. Why do some players hide in Elden Ring?
Some players exploit game mechanics, finding ways to reach areas that are hard for invaders to access, to effectively “farm” experience off of these invaders.
11. What is Deathroot?
Deathroot is a key item that is used to advance the questline of the beast clergyman Gurranq. Trading Deathroot with Gurranq provides powerful rewards in return.
12. Who stole death from Elden Ring?
The fragment of the Rune of Death was stolen from Maliketh by Ranni the Witch during the Night of Black Knives. Ranni used the fragment to forge the Black Knives, the weapons that ended the life of Godwyn the Golden.
13. Are the phantoms in Elden Ring real-time?
Yes, those ghostly figures are indeed real players playing the game at that time, appearing as a delayed reflection of their actions.
14. What are the most powerful “ghosts” in Elden Ring?
The Spirit Ashes summons, which are sometimes referred to as ghosts, vary in power and utility. Some of the most powerful include Mimic Tear, Lhutel the Headless, Black Knife Tiche, and Omenkiller Rollo.
15. Why is Tarnished jewelry silver changing colors?
The tarnishing of silver jewelry is a chemical process and not necessarily indicative of the Tarnished being weaker. The reaction occurs as the metal is exposed to certain elements, which causes it to change in tone. The jewelry will require polishing to restore the luster.
In conclusion, the “people” walking around Elden Ring are a diverse group of beings, each with their own stories and significance. Understanding their roles and motivations is crucial to fully appreciating the rich and complex world of the Lands Between. They are not just enemies or allies, but pieces of a grand narrative that invites exploration, questioning, and ultimately, reflection on the nature of power, destiny, and mortality.