Why is D Dead in the Roundtable Hold? Unraveling the Tragedy of the Hunter of the Dead
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
D, the Hunter of the Dead, meets a tragic end in the seemingly safe haven of the Roundtable Hold. His death is a direct consequence of a complex interplay of events and the machinations of Fia, the Deathbed Companion. The core reason behind D’s demise is his unwitting involvement in Fia’s quest to establish a new order centered around Those Who Live in Death, culminating in him being murdered by Fia after he accepts a Weathered Dagger from the Tarnished and intends to return it to its “rightful owner.”
D’s narrative is inextricably linked to Fia’s. She asks the Tarnished to find the “rightful owner” of the Weathered Dagger after receiving her blessing. Unbeknownst to D, Fia intends to use him as a means to advance her objectives. The dagger, a symbolic object representing the intertwining of death and life, serves as the catalyst for the grim events to follow. When the Tarnished gives D the dagger, he, being an honorable and dedicated servant of the Golden Order, expresses his intent to return it to its “rightful owner”. This action is the crucial trigger that places him in Fia’s path, where she swiftly ends his life.
Fia’s motive is not malice towards D specifically. Instead, he becomes collateral damage in her grander vision. She wishes to create a world where Those Who Live in Death, individuals cursed with undeath, are not persecuted but rather embraced as part of the natural cycle. D’s zealous commitment to the Golden Order and his role as a Hunter of the Dead make him a direct obstacle to her vision. His demise serves as a necessary step in Fia’s plans. This highlights the themes of ideological conflict, prejudice, and the inability to move past established orders that permeate Elden Ring.
Ultimately, D’s death in the Roundtable Hold underscores the precarious nature of this apparent sanctuary. It serves as a stark reminder that even in the seemingly safest of places, the threat of violence and betrayal lurks. D’s end is a pivotal point, impacting Fia’s questline and influencing the potential endings of the game. He is not just another NPC casualty, but a key piece in a complex narrative that explores the delicate balance between life and death within the Lands Between.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to D’s death and his story, designed to provide a deeper understanding of the events surrounding him:
Who is D, Hunter of the Dead?
D, also known as the Hunter of the Dead, is an NPC encountered early in Elden Ring, specifically in Stormhill, near Summonwater Village. He is a dedicated member of the Golden Order, known for his commitment to eradicating Those Who Live in Death. He is also linked to the beast clergyman, Gurranq, who he introduces the player to, and to whom he helps to bring Deathroot for.
Where do you first encounter D?
The first encounter with D is in Limgrave, specifically in the area of Stormhill, northwest of where the player first enters the game world. He waits near Summonwater Village, which sits north of Mistwood.
How does D come to be in the Roundtable Hold?
After the player speaks with D for the first time he informs the player that he is a member of the Golden Order and has learned that the player is also Tarnished. He requests that they meet in Roundtable Hold to speak further and then he can be found at the Roundtable Hold.
What is the significance of the Weathered Dagger in D’s storyline?
The Weathered Dagger is a critical item in Fia’s questline. She tasks the Tarnished with finding its “rightful owner,” and giving it to D is a major turning point. Unbeknownst to D, the dagger is a tool that ultimately leads to his death. It is described as a gold and silver intertwining symbol, akin to his armor.
Why does Fia want to kill D?
Fia doesn’t necessarily want to kill D. His death is a means to an end for her. D is a representative of the Golden Order, an ideology that opposes Fia’s goals of protecting Those Who Live in Death. His dedication as a Hunter of the Dead makes him an obstacle. He gets in the way of Fia’s goals and must be removed.
What happens after you give D the Weathered Dagger?
After giving D the dagger and the player next returns to the Roundtable Hold, a new room will be opened. In this room D will be found murdered by Fia. This marks a significant shift in the narrative and propels the story forward, changing the players options with Fia’s questline.
Where can you find D after giving him the dagger?
D’s body is found in a previously closed off room in the Roundtable Hold, in the room just past Smith Master Hewg.
Is there any way to prevent D’s death?
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent D’s death if you wish to progress with Fia’s questline. It is a pre-determined event in the game.
Does D have any connections to other characters?
Yes, D has a connection to Gurranq, the beast clergyman. He introduces Gurranq to the Tarnished and helps to collect death root for him. His interactions with Gurranq link him to the broader lore of Destined Death. D also has a close relationship with his brother, who seeks revenge for his death by confronting the player later in the game.
What is the significance of D’s armor?
D’s armor is notable for its gold and silver design, which is a visual parallel to the Weathered Dagger. This connection reinforces the symbolism of their intertwined fates and the narrative links between them.
What are Those Who Live in Death?
Those Who Live in Death are individuals afflicted with undeath. They are often persecuted in the Lands Between, and are at the center of Fia’s ideology.
Does Fia consider herself evil?
Fia, unlike many power-hungry characters in the game, believes her actions are for the greater good. She is not motivated by malice but by a desire to protect Those Who Live in Death and establish a new order.
How does D’s death impact the game’s endings?
D’s death is a crucial point in Fia’s questline. Completing her questline and retrieving the Mending Rune of the Death Prince from her allows players to achieve the Age of Duskborn ending.
Does D’s twin brother have a role in the story?
Yes, D’s twin brother, who is also a Hunter of the Dead, eventually seeks revenge for his death. This encounter is a result of the player’s actions in Fia’s storyline, further demonstrating how interwoven storylines are in Elden Ring.
What are some of the main themes highlighted by D’s death?
D’s death underscores several key themes in Elden Ring, such as ideological conflict, the danger of prejudice, the breakdown of established orders, and the delicate balance between life and death. It’s a poignant example of how even noble intentions can lead to tragic outcomes within the game’s complex narrative.