#caelid wastes

[aylameridiandrawsstuff]

It is complete! My Caelid poster!!

You can buy prints of all FIVE of my Elden Ring travel posters here!

#elden ring #elden ring fanart #fanart #fan art #illustration #art deco #art deco poster #travel poster #art deco travel poster #caelid #caelid wilds #caelid wastes #red #helmet #swamp of aeonia #castle redmane #art for sale #buy my art #seriously i need money please buy my art

[reliquarian]

wasting away in margaritaville (caelid)

#c:borvo #scribbles

[huntinghornenjoyer]

RAAAAH MY BOYS PART 2

Picking up right where we left off,

DS3: Genguchi, the Paladin- Like many champions of Ash, Genguchi originally meant to link the fire, but failed. When the link of flame was threatened, and the lords abandoned their thrones, the fire brought him forth, a humble cleric from an age where the Gods were still revered by many.

The world he woke in was strange, and horrid. Kingdoms were rotting, undead littered the lands, and to make matters worse, strange folk told horrid tales of a terrible darkness beyond even the Abyss. Disgusted by this change, Genguchi soon swore himself to the Blue Sentinels, for they reminded him of the Legendary Blades of the Darkmoon.

Taking in Irina as his teacher, Genguchi soon discovered that Faith alone would not grant him the power necessary to traverse the amalgamated domains of the Old Lords, and so learned a bit of swordplay from the various phantoms he had met.

His journey remained unremarkable, save for his meeting with Sirris, who taught him a rather strange bow.

It was only after defeating the Pontiff Sullyvahn that Genguchi finally came face to face with what the link of Fire was doing to the world. He met Yorshka, and swore to become the last Darkmoon Knight, before proceeding into the Cathedral to confront the Maneater.

What he did not expect was to meet one of the Gods, a true and powerful god, within the wicket jaws (?) of Aldrich. Fury unmatched consumed Genguchi, and he half-beat the foul saint into the stone of the Cathedral, raining down miracle after miracle onto the mass until it finally stopped existing.

Shaken yet unbroken, he proceeded to destroy the remaining lords, and finally, upon finding the eyes of the Firekeeper, allowed her to put the flame to rest. Then, and only then, did he know peace.

ER: Argus, the Knight- Few Tarnished remember the campaign against the giants that resulted in the loss of their grace. Fewer still remember life before that dreaded event. Argus, for better or for worse, remembered both with immense clarity.

He was a knight of little to no renown in his time. Better off than the general rabble of soldiers, sure, but not remarkable enough to be blessed with proper servitude to any one lord, and especially not a demigod. Despite this, he associated himself strongly with the Redmanes, admiring Radahn's prowess and ingenuity in warfare.

When he was finally called back to the Lands Between, Argus found a world devastated by war, with noble souls few and far between. He fought, with little purpose, until he met the witch calling herself 'Renna'. How odd it was, he thought, that someone gave him such an artifact. How odd it was that the former mater of Torrent left something for the one who would take that steed as their own.

And so with somewhat renewed purpose, he sought the Demigod who he surely thought could give him direction: The honorable General Radahn.

What he found confused and terrified him. Caelid, a fetid waste ruled by horrid perversions of life. The redmanes, bereft of their heraldry, fighting desperately against the spread of the decay which seemed to permeate the very land they stood on. And, eventually, General Radahn, mindless and half-dead.

Upon hearing the Castellan's word to the Champions gathered for the festival, Argus resolved to strike the General down with honor, fighting alongside a half-wolf he had met once or twice, and a comical Jar who offered rousing words.

After defeating Radahn, Argus went to investigate the Carian Royal manor, wherein he met 'Renna' once again, who this time called herself Ranni, despite bearing no resemblance to the Carian princess.

Having sought true purpose, Argus agreed to serve her despite his reservations, learning that the honorable half-wolf and giant blacksmith were also in her service. Descending into the Crater left by the great falling star, he handily retrieved the fingerslayer.

Yet he could not leave Ranni to her dark path alone. Against his better judgement, he followed her, and upon dispatching the Baleful shadow, went his own way. For a time.

After finding the ring in the chest she gave him the key to, Argus left to continue pursuing her, braving the Lake of Rot and Malformed Star known as Astel to finally find Ranni, almost lifeless, sitting atop her slain fingers.

Upon receiving the Darkmoon Greatsword, and learning of her plan, Argus dedicated himself fully to defeating Radagon, and making Ranni's dream come true.

And he succeeded. Finally at peace with himself and assured of his actions being for the good of the world, he retired to the stars with his queen.

At least until NG+ lmao.

#dark souls #dark souls 3 #dark souls 1 #dark souls 2 #darksouls2 #elden ring #pvp #ds2

[necrophcge]

@miserycorde

Hunting in Caelid is always a rare opportunity. Those tarnished that survive long enough to reach the Roundtable Hold are often taught by their elders to avoid the wastes, lest they fall prey to the terrors born of Aeonia's bloom or become swallowed whole by the kiss of her Scarlet Rot. Few of those grace-given souls brave the region as a result, and thus his service to the Volcano Manor far more often sees him in pursuit of targets trekking through the crystal-cold of Liurnia's waters or wandering the bright-gold fields of the Atlus Plateau.

But when those tarnished unfortunate enough to garner the eyes of Gelmir dare to walk where the mightiest demigods of the Shattering warred down to their very last... Tanith knows who to send.

Even now He Who Meddles navigates the ruined landscape with an unsettling ease, with only the faintest rustle of chitin against stone and the crunch of ruined earth beneath his claws as proof of his passing. Clambering over the smoldering walls with nary a burn, passing beneath the notice of the stricken dead wandering the roads and camouflaging himself at the telltale pawing or flapping of those greater beasts... though the years since his parting with this place have been many, Caelid remained home, and hunting through these parts once again brings him a sort of comfort he hasn't realized he's missed.

Coming to a stop at a barren outcropping, He Who Meddles leered down onto the weathered road of stone that still wound itself through Caelid. Perhaps half a mile ahead lay his quarry, little the wiser to their pursuer as they tended to their horse. A knight-errant of some sort by their look and bearing, though the shabbiness of their armor and the unsteadiness of their gait as tromped about spoke little of their skill. No doubt this would be over without much struggle or difficulty, and He Who Meddles allowed himself a low whirr of displeasure at the thought of the hunt ending so soon.

At least until the scent of something pungent and sweet tainted the air. His mandibles clicked together quietly in contemplation, confusion blooming somewhere within his abdomen. What was this, this scent of fouled-blood that pooled upon his maw? Pitch black eyes quickly scan his surroundings, and they spot the source of the strange scent in time to the sound of crumbling stone under a heel. Another hunter? Here?

#miserycorde #v. with malice and envy; we covet our mother’s blessing (elden ring.) #// can't believe someone's crashing meddles' vacation smh #// sorry for the delay my friend ^^

[ladyswillmart]

Sethys braved a LOT of nonsense just to get through the Raya Lucaria graveyard and pick up this armor set, but as it turns out it's still not quite as good as the Exile stuff. 🤔 It looks pretty good on him though (and I at least got a foothold into Raya Lucaria) so I can't say the venture was a complete waste of time...

Also I gotta wonder how many poor souls playing this game for the first time had this be their introduction to Caelid—it is so close to Summonwater Village and very accessible, but it's also a bit of a trap isn't it?

Anastasia gave Sethys a pretty ragged run for his money and he's RL 51!

#elden ring #disclaimer though i suck left nuts at this game so #uhh yeah i just take the portal thingy at laskyar ruins to raya lucaria if you have the key you can just walk right in #i didn't know there was like a 'front way' into the academy until way after i cleared the place on my last playthrough lol

[bracketsoffear]

Malenia propaganda: not much more I can say about Malenia herself that's not in her description, so let's learn about the Scarlet Rot!

A festering plague that consumes anything it touches, the Rot is capable of killing even the unkillable; dragons, demigods, and the Tarnished are not immune. The Scarlet Rot consumes both the lands itself and even taints the sky above, making the air burn a sickly red. The only thing known to beat it back is judicious application of fire.

The Scarlet Rot is more than a mere disease. An ancient legend tells of a blue fairy that bestowed upon a blind swordsman a flowing sword. Using this blade, the hero sealed away an ancient god — one that was Rot itself. There is truth to the legend, for hidden in the warren of tunnels that snake under the Lands Between lies the Lake of Rot — a festering pocket of disease and rot that corrupts anything that sets foot in it. The outer god of Scarlet Rot, or possibly its proxy or champion, still lurks within it. The deity is associated with disease, decay, flowers, transformation, and rebirth.

Being infected by Scarlet Rot means, at best, a slow wasting death that reduces you to a haggard shell of your former self and eats your mind until you are at a borderline feral state, with not even demigods being immune. At worst, it means becoming a bulbous, grotesque mass of fungus-like flesh growing into the blighted countryside while still conscious, or even being twisted and "reborn" into something else entirely—a creature devoted to Rot whose only purpose is to spread more Rot.

Pockets of corruption are slowly leaking from its prison to manifest as diseased swamps and mires in the Lands Between. For example, here is the lovely Lake of Rot:

More pressingly, in the battle against her stepsibling Radahn, Malenia embraced the power of Rot inside of her and "bloomed", unleashing the power of Scarlet Rot against Radahn and his armies. Infecting and devastating her brother, Malenia's rot has spread from Radahn to blight the rest of Caelid, turning the region into a twisted, grotesque landscape of crimson:

Malenia is worshipped by the Kindred of Rot, twisted creatures born of the disease who fight Radahn's forces for control of Caelid; Malenia's offspring, including Millicent, are likewise worshipped, due to being born with their mother's infection. The Order of Rot sees the infection as bringing beautiful rebirth, and wants to spread it all across the Lands Between.

So what are those touched by the Rot like?

First, there's the Cleanrot Knights. As mentioned, they're Malenia's loyal soldiers who willingly fought alongside her knowing they were doomed to become Rotted. A close look at them makes it clear how badly they've changed under the armor--

Then there's the Kindred of Rot: "Rot for the scarlet goddess. O scarlet blossoms, flourish in distant lands, and return to us, the unwanted children."

Next, the Servants of Rot: "Those who dwell within poison know rot all too well. The death that begets life, that comes to all equally. That is to say: it is the cycle of rebirth put into practice." Their heads have been overgrown by large colonies of fungi, and their skin has begun to melt off their body due to the poisons they surround themselves in.

Then there's the Rotten Strays--"Though it is only a small creature, it is as violent as it is nimble, and its fangs fester with poisonous rot."

Finally, there's the Putrid Crystallians, who aren't very disgusting, but are disturbing because they are infected with Scarlet Rot despite being made of crystal and explicitly inorganic.

There's also some unique characters associated with the Rot. NPC invader Marais Maleigh is described as such: "The sons of House Marais are all sickly born. Little wonder that Maleigh Marais would be so beguiled by the beautiful and fierce goddess who was born into rot." He wields the Rot-inflicting Antspur Rapier: "Scarlet rot is an old legend, of which Maleigh Marais of the Shaded Castle was a private believer. And indeed, he eventually found his own personal goddess."

There's also Decaying Ekzykes:

TLDR; Scarlet Rot is narsty and scary as hell, and basically the Lands Between's version of the Corruption--it supposedly remakes you into something beautiful but is actually invariably toxic and corrupting to literally everything from animals to people to inorganic matter, and the "mother" of the Kindred of Rot wants nothing to do with them. Malenia is the Scarlet Rot's chosen vessel, and therefore The Corruption's Favoritest Kid.

,

#character propaganda #asks #corruption poll #body horror #long post

[bloodrosebriars]

[fellomenking][retrospect] "... I am proud of you."

from tell my muse what they need to hear [accepting!!]

It means the world to hear coming from Morgott — after all they’ve been through, together and apart — and it’s enough to cause a burning behind his eye that he knows isn’t just from the Mother’s wrath. Still, he can’t help but feel like…

He’s lying…

Mohg folds his long arms, looking off into the distance — off towards the swamps of Caelid, beneath which once stood his home. “No part of who I am is worth being proud of,” he says, hopeless. “Waste not thine energy. Thou hast more important things to worry about.”

#[ic] #verse [retrospect] #answers #krakenguard

[warlock-enthusiast]

I posted 2,027 times in 2022

265 posts created (13%)

1,762 posts reblogged (87%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@heywizards

@serenbach86

@curiousstrawberry

@drhu0806

@magnetklaue

I tagged 1,879 of my posts in 2022

Only 7% of my posts had no tags

#critical role - 261 posts

#elden ring - 240 posts

#art - 130 posts

#yes - 125 posts

#personal - 123 posts

#dragon age - 115 posts

#cats - 90 posts

#mass effect - 64 posts

#spoilers - 56 posts

#long post - 52 posts

Longest Tag: 117 characters

#also talked to him about why silencing the one female character? and he answered that she will not be mute in the end

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

I commissioned the absolutely talented @echollama to draw my Tiefling girl Dahlia and she turned out so stunning <3

Some background on her:

Formerly called Love she was raised as a pleasure servant and didn't go outside much. She was content with life for a good few years, made some friends, lived in relative comfort. Love was sold after a few years and before she reached the coast of her new home, her ship was swallowed by the ocean. Before dying, a devil named Razal rescued her and made her his Warlock, promises of power and magic and freedom included. She is now adventuring through Tal'Dorei with a Triton bard at her side and trying to fit in and learn the customs outside of her own experience.

She's bubbly and friendly and a bit naive, because this whole doing what you want thing is new to her.

69 notes - Posted March 26, 2022

#4

Strahd impressions from today. Player got me a little Strahd

71 notes - Posted July 10, 2022

#3

Unless of course, thou shouldst take the crown?

Fandom: Elden Ring (there will be some story spoilers)

Characters: Blaidd x female Tarnished

Rating: Explicit (it is shameless smut)

The Tarnished and Blaidd meet in Caelid.

AO3 link

Part one

-------

You’ve taken refuge in an old hut. Hidden beneath cliffs and the endless red wastes of Caelid, you’re sighing a breath of relief. The path to Redmane castle is dangerous and filled with nightmares, which will haunt your dreams. You’ve seen people claimed by the scarlet rot, slowly losing their mind and life, and all you can offer is a quick end to their suffering.

And yet, there is Milicent and you're hopefully able to save her. A small act of kindness in all of this.

You’ve washed off the dirt and grime of your path and close your eyes for a brief moment.

Finally some rest. Your shoulders are stiff and your feet hurt and every piece of your equipment carries traces of the rot. It has not been your best day.

Soft, golden hues of reclaimed grace shine through a window that has been barred with planks. It’s a point of safety and your wounds are closed and your immortal soul stronger after a day of fighting.

And you’re not alone, which is so out of the ordinary that your stomach is in knots.

He’s too broad for the chair and hunched awkwardly on the creaking wood. His hulking sword leans against the wall and his cloak covers most of a once comfortable bed. It’s strange to see him without his armor and just in some linen shirt, almost casual and relaxed.

Blaidd watches your movements and the air between you is thick and filled with unspoken things. You rub your neck and try to understand what is going on between you. You haven’t seen each other since Siofra with your paths leading you into different parts of the land.

You’ve become much stronger, but not when he is near you and you can’t control the thoughts running through your mind. All of them seem so depraved.

You look for anything to talk about, anything to quieten your mind. “How long until we reach the castle.”

“Hard to tell. I’m sure the Festival won’t start without us though. We’re the main attraction.” There is a dry humor in his voice, which helps to quench some of your own doubts about the goal of your journey and all the unknowns. But you hope that one day it might be easier to read the expressions on his face and the subtle nuances in his tone.

“I still fear what is expected of us.”

“Using teeth and claws to win against a demi-god that has gone mad with the rot?”

You rub the bridge of your nose. “Hmmm, nothing out of the ordinary then? I vividly remember Godrick and Rennala and that hasn’t been much fun.”

Blaidd shrugs. “Not for us, yes. But who else is trying to put the Lands Between back together again? We have to start somewhere.”

To be fair, some weeks you are not sure what and why you are fighting for. They have banished your kind so long ago and you need to carve out for a place for yourself again. You follow your own train of thoughts as you feel the mood shift slightly. It’s in the way he watches your every movement, how his eyes never leave your body, and how he tries to find a comfortable position in the chair.

This time, there is no immediate danger. You’re clean and well rested and hunger stirs in your body. Maybe it’s longing for a quick escape of your dreary day and of the death that awaits you every waking hour. The need to feel more, someone warm and as eager as yourself. Your last encounter only left you with longing and a desire that shines too bright in your own darkness.

You slip out of your clothing, feeling a draft coming from the thin walls. Blaidd’s eyes match your hunger, but there is a feral note in his gaze. For a brief moment you wonder how it’d be to give in to this and ask him to not control himself. All he’s ever been is friendly, open, loyal to a fault. The thought of him letting his beast take over and just use you for his pleasure is frightening and exciting at the same time.

Maybe he guesses your thoughts or catches a hint of it, because it seems to get warmer in this little hut.

“Tarnished…” A low growl erupts from his throat and you notice the outline of his cock pressing against his breeches.

It’s an invitation.

You touch him once, twice, through the fabric and he closes his eyes and arches his neck. But you’re not patient enough to play a game of teasing and flirting and open his breeches. Blaidd helps with pulling them down his knees and his cock is freed.

See the full post

94 notes - Posted March 16, 2022

#2

Around 4 am husband woke up, produced small annoyed noises and then proceeded to roll into my arms, because he wanted to be held ... now my arms are dead, but it was so adorable.

109 notes - Posted April 10, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

I woke up and looked at this

1,444 notes - Posted August 20, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

#tumblr2022 #year in review #my 2022 tumblr year in review #your tumblr year in review

[arikos-of-caelid]

Fic: The Ballad of the Stormlord

(feat. the lad of and headcanon workshopped with one @vaeltan-louxser!) It was a long trek across the dunes indeed, a prelude to the Radahn festival and its attendees that did as much to heighten the drama and tension as it was one to induce sleep and boredom. But, fortunately not succumbing to tiredness or sloth, as the party set up camp just far away enough from the distant howls of the General to keep themselves safe until the Festival properly started.

And aside from that the silence was deafening. Until one of the combatants, one Tarnished Arikos, piped up with a suggestion. "…A song, you say? Well, don't be shy about it, young chum." Jerren encouraged.

"Well…" Arikos started, then paused as the other members who made camp had their eyes now trained on him. "I figured…since this is the last feat of the dear General…I ought to sing a ballad that he would've wanted to hear at a time like this." "Yes, go on," the Castellarn nodded.

The ex-confessor then held up a finger. "And I can think of nothing more fitting, than the ballad of the Stormlord…his legendary idol's swan song."

"Storm…?" Vaeltan quietly muttered. Arikos glanced at him a moment, raising one eyebrow quizzically before then focusing on the rest of the camp again; various nods and mumurs of approval held by the gathered group of champions.

And Arikos cleared his throat, and began to sing. *** Gather round, serfs, merchants, warriors and lords alike Under the boughs of the Erdtree's light Bring remembrance once more, of tales gone by Of the final feat of Lord Godfrey's golden eyes Many foes past felled before the First Lord's axeblade Yet one from youth imposed in his wizened vision From a distant land, a terrible Lord of the Storm Kindred, with a trial one day met with sure vigor Not with an army did Lord Godfrey approach that realm A great tempest-blown waste, cent'ring a rugged throne For this was his score, his score to settle alone So the Stormlord demanded even Serosh abscond And so the Regent of Beasts for a time bowed away But then surged forth the bloodlust kept at bay As the Lord of the Battlefield let out a thundering cry That shook the earth, and the border of the sky And so with strides and leaps that felled Giants 'Twas only a moment lifted to that Stormlord's dominion Yet all was needed, to seize that wind in his hands And take his adversary to the ground, with a howl of triumph And so that siezed whirlwind, gifted to a keep of his line The bulwark of Limgrave between, Stormveil sublime With the trial fulfilled, Queen Marika bid him adieu To war in distant lands with strength eternally proved

***

And with the song completed, however shakily sung, Arikos took a bow. And eventually, one peal of applause was joined with another, and another, and another. The ex-confessor, once and still of Caelid, couldn't help but smile. Once it was all said and done, before they rested for the night, his dear friend of the Badlands then pulled him aside. "That song…it was something else. Do…do you know…what happened after that?" Vaeltan asked, leaning in closer.

"Well…I can't say. That's all the legends write. Of course, there are many who HOPE he'll one day return from that battle…but I do not know." Arikos clarified, chuckling somewhat awkwardly.

"Oh, alright. Well, it was really cool," he murmured

Arikos nodded. "And with any luck…we'll have a tale tomorrow to rival it."

#[Confessor's Personal Files] #[Mun's Writing] #[Headcanons Ahoy] #Long Live the Boys #I'm sure my english teachers would be proud #Attempting to write epic poetry for a fanfic #and as such it's very much liable to exaggeration and flourish #had no exact tune in mind but we can figure something out later #Oh the dramatic irony :3 #Happy Godfrey Thursday

[vixlenxe]

I mean, look at what happened to Caelid, which is where in the Lands Between Ysabell is from. During the War of the Demi-gods after Queen Marika just went proof one day, Malenia went infected the place with Scarlet Rot just because she got bested in battle, now the whole place is just a red festering waste pit of rot that even killed off her family.

That happened because the Queen is just ‘missing’(aka locked in the Erdtree) & there is no Elden Lord to lead in her stead.

Someone gotta clean up that fucking disaster.

#[Lore and Ideas] Musings #[I see you talking Shit] Dash Commentary

[edensiiln]

Drew some comparisons between the River (Locked Tomb series) and Caelid/Lake of Rot (Elden Ring). The're both filled with shitty bloodwater, damned souls, and horrifying creatures. So it's decided that Miquella is a necromancer of the 7th house (trying to harness a wasting, terminal illness) and Malenia (blade of Miquella, who has never know defeat) is his cavalier. might do fanfiction with this premise idk

#own post

[mothheart]

traveled to the isolated merchant's shack in caelid to blow some runes so they didn't go to waste in case i died in a dungeon and i forgor about the bell bearing hunter and it was night and had a heart attack when he spawned in

#fuck that guy for real #miles rambles

[feartheoldblog]

Soulsborne asks!

15 19 20 (⁠｡⁠・⁠/⁠/⁠ε⁠/⁠/⁠・⁠｡⁠)

15. Do you have any unpopular opinions about any of the games?

Not so much an opinion but I never really realised that ‘always’ playing co op is generally frowned upon within the community (until I jumped on Souls Reddit looking for some memes). I just always assumed it was the more fun way to play if you had friends to adventure with. Sure, I’ve done a solo run or two but streaming it to my friends just wasn’t as entertaining.

I actually got put off the Souls games for a good couple months after someone (did not ask for his opinion whatsoever) scolded me for playing co op. Apparently it wasn’t the ‘correct way to experience the games’ and I was freeloading on my friends. This person was an over competitive dick in most games though so I did hit them with a ‘fuck off, you’re just pissed you have no friends to play with’. Still ruined the games for me. I ended up playing a bit solo, realising how much I missed the shenanigans and got back into them with a vengeance as a sort of ‘fuck you’ to that dude. We don’t talk to him any more for other reasons though, so my ER experience was spared the same fate.

19. Do you play PvP? 

I’ll sort of combine this and question 20. Yes, but for the most part of my Souls shenanigans, reluctantly. It’s part of the co op side which I’m super fond of. I do co op for the social aspect more than anything so being distracted from a classy discussion about how Freddo’s are the best measure for financial inflation because of ‘Scorched Soul has invaded your world’ (the name got us in both BB and DS3… a bloodthirsty edgelord that hunted us across games). I am quite fond of participating in some wee duels with my friends on occasion. Mostly in DS3 where I quickly learned that my friend was a strength weapon god (Smough’s hammer goes BONK, never seen anyone as good with a strength build as him). For ER I practice PvP with my bf (more on that in 20) and hopefully my strength build friend once he returns from abroad.

20. What are your thoughts on PvP?

As a co op player, DS3 and Bloodborne? Annoying. Interruption from the limited time we have for co op (our work schedules barely synced so it was like 2 hours at most), resetting areas (on top of us being dumbasses and baiting enemies bc it’s funny and inevitably dying), wasting precious embers and madman’s knowledge, me not standing a chance because I’m stupid and don’t put my stats in correct… I was not a big fan.

Skip to ER though, and I’ve began to enjoy it. More so for satisfaction. For the start of the game I was still as pissed off about the invasions, all the glass cannon, wacky builds, until I had a turning point… I CAN USE THOSE AS WELL. I’ve now got a strength/faith bleed build and zero losses to invaders in about 40 invasions so far (my controller is dying so not done it for weeks </3) We typically try and do duels (3v1 with skilled players extremely doesn’t feel fair in ER) with invaders to make things a bit fairer because it makes it more fun, gives us a break from stabbing snack men and a chance to practice our skills in a more challenging setting. Sometimes we do gank if we’re low on time but it feels kinda dirty on ER. DS3 and BB it was probably a 3:1 win to the invaders so it was pretty much hit or miss, mostly miss no matter what we did.

Plus, there’s a sick satisfaction in game clipping invasions where I absolutely destroy an invader or they die in a silly way. My personal favourite is the Blasphemous Blade L2. I thought someone running down a thin corridor towards me and getting one shot by it would be a sweet one off incident. It happened again. Someone trying to hide behind the tree avatar in the Haligtree got hit when I was killing the thing (didn’t know they were sneaking around), another person ran straight for me as I was killing the one in Caelid… met the same fate. I don’t know what it is about invasions and tree avatars.

I’m just… bored of seeing the same invasion builds over and over again (especially if it’s the same area). I think the most unique thing I’ve seen so far was a poison build in Morne Castle (unfortunately not very viable for them but I applaud their creativity). A gravity build in the Haligtree to try and pull us off the edge was also pretty fun to deal with. Magic blast cannon that does 1200 damage and can travel through walls? Gets pretty tiring. I just wanna see more creativity, learn how to deal with different issues. I’ve seen way too many bleed builds and hosts/phantoms just know how to deal with them by now: better bleed builds (half-joke). Or following them around as a mimic veil object (sometimes right behind) until they finally notice us.

#ask meme #i am currently in my bed rn sick so this is probably a shit response #i apologise #i was going to include more invasion stories #but i shut up for now #tldr not a fan in other games #ER I feel guilty saying it but I get a sick satisfaction #we actually get excited when we see the pop up now #thank you for the ask :) #huggingtentacles

[dustward]

I suppose I should start part 2 with a description of my playstyle. Dex build, as always with my blind runs of FromSoft games, at least since my second of them. 90+% melee only (curved greatswords preferred), with shields only coming out to test who can be parried (rarely utilizing for boss attempts), and a bow for enemies too far to reach with my blade. On that note, my played order is Dark Souls 1 -> 2 -> Demon’s Souls (PS3) -> Dark Souls 3 -> Elden Ring. There’s no doubt I’ll play Bloodborne someday, even if I have to go the PS4 route. Sekiro I’m waiting on... because of its publisher. Don’t care how long I have to wait for That Guy to be ousted, but that’s the choice I made there. ANYWAYS, back to gushing about Elden Ring.

Before I forget, my main weapon was the Bloodhound’s Fang, which I used in 2H fashion after finding it in the Limgrave area I believe..? Didn’t experiment with a second weapon till after finishing the Capital area and using its boss’s.

While it felt a bit spoilery to have a bunch of loading screens show important locations, it made for a nice treat when you finally found a particular sight, or a particular character. Similarly, it felt so rewarding, at least to me personally, to analyze an area and be able to spot offbeat paths leading to catacombs, mines, and the like. This is a kinda mindset I’ve held for a while, and the last game to really reward me for such an approach was Noita. It was nice to see a 3D game capture this feeling despite the limitations of no climbing. A jump button added so much, and yet it felt balanced. I was able to use Torrent to climb up walls I shouldn’t have, but at best it led to amusing predicaments where I couldn’t get high enough to sequence break something, but was high enough to have the ground now be far, far below me.

Despite the constant assurances, I kept doubting! I kept thinking “oh there’s no WAY they’ll let me get over there” and then I found myself over there with enemies or an item to grab. Hardly an ounce of ground, of world, felt wasted. And the parts that were, honestly weren’t wasted at all in the greater scheme of things.

By the time I was ready to explore the Altus Plateau I had another moment of underestimating the game’s scope. The Volcano area hid its size very well. To think there was such verticality in this game. I really appreciated how late into the area the map was, it really baited me into a much longer session than I’d intended the evening I decided to tackle it. The windmill village afterward was another reminder that this game had no shortage of surprises in store that weren’t simply the next dungeon or mini-dungeon. First impressions on some of these fights do feel important, and I’m glad I fought Elemer before finding a single bell-bearing hunter. Godefroy should be a disappointing rehash of Godrick, but it was too funny for it to be one.

After this whole region (except for the Volcano Manor which I didn’t notice the secret wall for at first haha....), was Caelid and Dragonbarrow right after that. Was too late for Radahn to be a fun fight at this point sadly, even when soloed, but it felt like just the right time to comb through Dragonbarrow (which is to say I felt slightly underleveled still).

It’s surprising to me how much variety the catacombs offered, in a slowly incrementing fashion. Perhaps some might have found them a bit samey and at times unnecessary, but I enjoyed combing each and every one of them for their secrets. Mines were a good aesthetic and having an idea of the expected reward in smithing stones to purchase made finding them doubly a treat. Graves.. those damn chariots..... thankfully those were rare.

Nearly every character felt like they carried weight, same as always, but special shoutouts go to Gideon for their monologues, Blaidd for their demeanor, Ranni for... well, I love witches alright? AND THE TURTLE POPE. Rya..! I could go on but you get the point.

The Radahn festival is a cool idea that works as a twist this one time, instead of a major dungeon. The realization of a minor dungeon located within this area’s divine tower felt like a nice bonus and a way of making up for that in turn, though I kinda wished that one was a bit bigger. It’s at this point I cite my displeasure for the artist painting that takes you to the underside of Dragonbarrow. Also, in general, the dragons of this game felt rather weak compared to previous Souls’ dragon fights (not all of them, mind you, just most).

And to counter that displeasure was finding a catacombs in the area you fight Radahn. So many pros outweighing the cons, hah... And then there was the exploration of the Beast Clergyman’s cliffside area. So much tucked away. It’s easy to imagine most missed many of these side paths as well, given they’re not tied to achievements. Special treats of experiences to share in with a condensed group of players. Off to Leyndell..

#dusty text #long post #dustward played elden ring #elden ring spoilers

[nerice]

#elden rings spoilers /

my bf, getting to starscourge radahn: :^)

me, receiving free malenia lore & that she was in fact the person who caused the scarlet rot (i called it!!!!) >:^DDDDDDDD

bf, setting foot onto the caelid wastes taking in the scenery, getting immediately oneshot blasted by radahns million mile range arrow: :^(

#elia txts #THIS WAS SO FUCKING FUNNY #scarlet rot is so sexy. go queen #wherefore the fuckst are thou tho #we saw her skewer a player character in one of the trailers. she has a full name. WE WILL SEE HER BUT WHEN AND AT WHAT COST #istg if it turns out she caused the shattering etc etc i will be SO DELIGHTED ik chances are slim but. #i just think thats what it should be. as a treat for me <3 #elden ring blogging

[cranetreegang]

Called Upon - FemTarnished x Merchant Kalé - Part 2

A/N: hello my fellow Elden Simps. I come to throw another Kalé fic at ya. I think the pacing is... a bit fast imo lmaooo, but overall I like where this is going. I like to think they don't have time to do a full courting process cause this world is basically the apocalypse. That's my story and im sticking to it. I believe there will be one more part to this. when that will come about, i have no idea. anyways, if you enjoy this or have any feedback, please feel free to comment! I love hearing from y'all!

Summary: Kalé calls upon her, and she is thrown for a loop on how to proceed.

Word Count: ~3,000

Warnings: Mentions of sex... i can't think of what else, but don't be less than 18 reading this

Read Part 1 Here

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She stares at the glowing amulet pulsing in her palm. The image is burned into her eyes and she sees the amulet’s outline every time she blinks. So perplexing that merchant is, she thinks with a wry smile. Perhaps it’s not as strange as she’s making it seem. She did say to call upon her. And now he has. She lets the amulet fall until she’s able to swing it in front of her like a pendulum.

A part of herself didn’t think he would. Their one night together would have been enough to sate both of their needs. She hums as she wonders what he would want with her, chewing her bottom lip as she does so. She muses at herself for being more worried about this simple gesture than when she’s fighting a dragon. She shoves the amulet into her pocket with a scoff. Why waste any more time speculating, when she could ask the man herself. 

She moves in front of the shimmering grace with a huff. Her hand hovers just over the golden light until the warmth touches her palm in a silent greeting. She closes her eyes and lets her mind drift over the land until the image of the church he resides in comes to the forefront. She engulfs her hand in the grace, focusing on the ruined church. Her body shivers at the familiar warmth consuming her as the air shifts around her. 

She smells the wet, charged breeze, catching hints of smoke, and she knows she’s at the church before she opens her eyes. She rises to her feet and looks over to Kalé, whose gaze is focused on the fire in front of him. She spares a fleeting glance at the grace before walking towards him. 

“May I join you?” She smiles when he looks up at her with warm eyes. If he’s surprised by her sudden appearance, he does well in not showing it. 

“You’re always welcomed at my fire.” He motions for her to sit next to him. A smile is obvious in his soft voice. 

The crackling of the fire and the occasional huff from Kalé’s mount fills the void as they sit next to one another. She’s unsure of how to speak to him. As a friend? A customer? A lover? The uncertainty of it all makes her inwardly groan at her diffidence. 

“You came. I didn’t think you would.” He says, which makes her let out a breath she’s been holding since first arriving.

“Did you not want me to?” She wonders.

“No.” He replies with no hesitation. His eyes crinkle and seem to glow like a bright light. “I’m glad you’re here.” 

A weight, which had been pressing down on her since she first saw the amulet come alive with light, lifts from her. 

“As am I.” She shifts closer to him until she’s able to lay her head on his shoulder. His hand grabs hers and rests his head on hers. She closes her eyes, letting the smell of burning wood lull her further on him. 

“Tell me. Where has your journey taken you?” He asks. 

She smiles, “To the Weeping Peninsula. Then to the Caelid Wilds.” 

“Caelid?” His hand squeezes hers and she finds his worry endearing. “Only the brave, or the foolish, venture there.” 

“I must be both then.” She teases with a light giggle. “I was thankful to leave that rotting place. Going to Liurnia will be a welcomed change.” 

“What beckons you to the Lakes, I wonder?” 

She pulls out the medallion halves from her pack and he looks it over with wide eyes. 

“Is this what I think it is?” He places the two halves together to create the emblem of a knight, wielding a grand shield and axe, across from a robed priest holding a ceremonial staff. They both stand in front of the Erdtree as silent protectors. The amber crystal locks the halves together and Kalé’s mouth parts in awe. “I thought this was lost in the Shattering.” He looks down at her with warm eyes as he hands the medallion back to her. “Seems you have a knack for finding lost things.” 

“Seems so.” She tucks the medallions back in her pack. “I head to the capitol now. Where the throne awaits.” 

His fingers brush along her cheek. She stiffens for a moment at the soft gesture before leaning into his gentle touch.

“Have I kept you from your purpose? I don’t wish to distract you.”

She laughs and urges his hand closer to her, “This land has been in turmoil for years. It can wait a little longer while I spend a few pleasant moments with you.” 

His eyes crinkle with amusement as he brushes her hair behind her ear, “You are a dangerous one.” 

“Indeed I am. But I think you like it. The danger I bring.” She smirks. 

“Perhaps you possess the type of danger I like.” He whispers while he holds her gaze. He shifts away, turning to look back at the fire and rubbing his hands together, before speaking again, “Have you ever been to the Badlands? Most Tarnished hail from there. I assume the same is said for you.” 

She blinks a few times before being able to reply. 

“Why do you ask?” She wonders, not bothering to hide her curiosity at his unprompted question.

Kalé looks back at her, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief, but also an underlying doubt, “The people of the Badlands are rather direct, brutish to some. I’ve always admired them though. Being able to speak what’s on their minds and never dancing around what they want.” He straightens himself as he continues, “There’s an old tradition in the Badlands. One which has never been mentioned in these lands. You lay with another. Letting yourselves both be bare as you speak your truths. ‘Let not the barriers of the world separate thee, for without them, only the truth shall remain.’ Poetic, considering the nature of the people.”

“That sounds intimate.” She says with a smile playing on her lips.

He nods, “The Badlands is an unforgiving place. To let them hold your life in their hands as you lay yourself bare to them, in all senses of the word. It’s said to be the most intimate act you can do with another.” He chuckles to himself for a moment, “I’ve never understood why someone would do such a thing. But, now I see why.” Kalé stands with his hand held out towards her, “Lay with me.” 

His request is quiet and filled with worry. She looks between his outstretched hand then back to his awaiting gaze. 

“You wish to do this with me? Why?” She questions. 

“I would like to bare myself to you. All of myself. It’s something I’ve been thinking about since you left. It’s what spurred me to summon you.” He pauses, “I understand if this is more than what our arrangement entails. I won’t hold any ill-will against you if you refuse.” Kalé lets out a shaky breath and quietly adds, “But, I would like to share this experience with you.” 

A warm coil wraps around her chest, squeezing the air from her lungs and twisting her stomach into knots. She takes his hand, “I would like to do this with you as well.” 

She can see his smile reflected in his eyes as he helps her to her feet. This act of undressing is foreign to her, as their touches aren’t heated in eagerness and passion, but in reverence to the other. Like unwrapping a delicate gift, she takes the intricate cloths of his bright red attire off. Her touches are brief across his skin, but each one elicits a slight shiver from him. He does the same to her with his nimble fingers easily undoing her armor’s straps. 

Once the barriers of their armor and clothes are removed, he takes her hand towards a laid out blanket; the pattern long since faded from years of use. They lay across from one another, joining hands and crossing them over the other to form an X-shape. She’s never felt more exposed, but she’s also never felt so secure at the same time. He squeezes her hands with a gentle smile, which she admires for a moment.

“How does one begin this?” She asks. 

He chuckles for a moment, “I’m actually not entirely sure.” She laughs with him as he hums in thought. “I think we should start by asking each other questions.” 

“Ask away then.” She smiles as he looks away with red cheeks. 

“How did you come to be in the Lands Between?” 

She closes her eyes, trying to recollect how exactly she arrived, “I’m… not sure. It’s strange. My life before this is not clear anymore. I think it used to be, but now, when I try to remember anything before waking up in that graveyard, it’s like looking into a murky lake. I can’t see the bottom, yet I know something is there. I see glimpses of my life before, but they never make sense. They’re like a far away dream. Slipping from my grasp anytime I try to hold on to them.” She frowns, “I’m sorry. That’s not a very good answer.” 

“But, it’s an honest one.” He rubs the tops of her hands with his thumb. “Venturing between the lands is something my people mastered. Taking our wares and services far and wide. For you to return, I imagine the Greater Will took the price of your memories as its toll.” 

“If it’s my memories as the price to be here, then it was worth it. I doubt anything before now was worth remembering anyways.” She grins, “Where all have you been?” 

He has a faint smile as he recalls his journeys, “Nowhere near as exciting as you. The Badlands was the furthest I’ve ventured before coming back here.” 

“What were the Badlands like?” She asks, finding herself easing into their conversation and him doing the same.

“Harsh. The wind always carried dirt and sand, so I had to cover my face otherwise I’d taste dirt for days. The people were even harsher. Tough. You had to be to survive there. Which left them little time to worry about social niceties. If something bothered them, they would do something about it. I always knew where I stood with them. Something I greatly appreciated.” He has a faraway grin as he recounts his tale.

“Why did you come back? This land is in turmoil and from the other merchants I’ve come across, there aren’t many seeking your wares. At least the Badlands had customers.”

His brows pinch together and his hold on her hands tighten, “How many of my people have you come across?” 

His tone is desperate and she finds his sudden shift jarring. She moves closer to him until her legs tangle with his, but he still feels faraway. 

“Several. All across the land. Some are doing fairly well for themselves and others are…,” She grimaces as she watches his features darken, “I try to help them as much as I can.” 

“It’s good to hear there are still some of my kin out there.” He forces a smile, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. 

“Kalé, what is it? What troubles you?” She whispers. 

He avoids her gaze and instead stares at their joined hands, “You asked what brought me back here. You’re right. The land is tainted by madness. There’s no true trade to be made here. But, I did not come here for that.” 

She waits for him to continue as he takes slow deep breaths. 

“We weren’t always so isolated, and so distant from one another. We used to all be together as one large group. It was known as the Great Caravan, where fellow merchants from all over would band together. Trading our vast array of wares across the land, rather than what pitiful state we’re in now.”

“What happened to the Caravan?” 

“When my people were spurned from grace, I was away in the Badlands at the time. I had only found out once I returned, and my people scattered across the land. The Great Caravan seemingly disassembled. But, something felt wrong about it.” He says with a tight frown.

“Wrong? You think something happened to the Caravan?” She pieces together. “It’s why you’re still here. You’re looking for them.” 

He lets out a sharp laugh which sounds bitter to her ears, “You’re a sharp one. I suppose it’s why you’ve made it so far.” His fingers trace along her hands and she lets go of him to cup his cheek. She strokes along his defined cheek bone as he tightly holds her other hand. 

“I don’t know what happened to them. I’ve heard whispers and rumors, but they’re just that. Nothing of substance. And with the loss of grace, my people have been… cursed.” He closes his eyes with a heavy sigh. “Madness. I’ve seen a few of my kin overcomed with it. Wild flames, shooting from their eyes. Their cries unnatural.” His features contort in pain as he thinks of them. Their faces forever ingrained in his mind and haunting his dreams.

“The Frenzied Flame.” She murmurs. “I’ve seen it in some villages.” Her chest tightens and she longs to comfort him, but she isn’t sure how.  

“I want to find them.” He whispers. “I want to know what happened. Where they all went. There used to be hundreds of us, now we’re all but extinct. And I fear one day this madness will take me before I can find the answer I’ve been desperately searching for.” His voice breaks and he’s rendered silent with a shuddering gasp.  

Her heart hurts for him as he keeps his emotions at bay. She moves closer to him until she’s able to rest her forehead against his. She moves his tangled, white hair away from his face while a resolve comes over her.

“I’ll find them.” 

His eyes widen and he takes in a sharp inhale, “You’ll help me?” 

She nods, “Yes. You said so yourself. I’m good at finding lost things. I’ll help you find your people, Kalé. I promise.” 

A smile comes over him as his eyes reflect with glistening tears, “I believe you. Out of everyone I’ve ever encountered, I know in my heart you will. You are truly a unique soul. I don’t know what I did to cross paths with you, but I’m thankful for it.” 

She brushes away the stray tears slipping down his cheeks with a soft smile, “As am I.”

He brushes his nose against hers before meeting her lips. He’s warm. He’s so very warm compared to her, she realizes.  He smells of smoke and spices, like a fire come to life. His touch is like embers as he moves across her body. She whimpers as he pulls her against him and she’s consumed by his blaze. He pulls away enough to smile at her, his yellow eyes holding hers while his fingers graze down her cheek. 

“Is this also a part of this Badlands tradition?” She teases with a confident smirk even though she sounds breathless and wanting.

“No. This can be our own tradition.” He whispers before capturing her lips with his once more. She hums in agreement and moves to be on top of him. 

“I very much like our tradition then.” She smiles as she lowers herself back over him. 

His heart quickens as she claims his mouth as hers. He lets himself be prey to her as she takes what is hers. He can’t find himself to mind though. Being possessed by her makes him shiver and groan, his mind unable to think of anything else but her. They both can’t seem to get enough of the other. Even when they’re both spent, they’re tangled together as if the other will be blown away by the breeze unless they hold on tight to each other. He peppers her face with short kisses. The affection is unusual to her, but not unpleasant. 

She finds herself enjoying this afterglow with him more than the act itself. His warmth makes her wonder how she’s managed so long without it, or how she’ll be able to part from him once again. She traces over his face, trying to memorize every piece of him.  

“What are you staring at?” He teases with a bright smile. 

“You. All of yourself before me.” 

He mimics her touch as he does the same to her, “And what do you see?” 

A smile plays on her lips as she says, “Someone I would like to share many more nights with. And, perhaps, share more than just a bedroll as well.” 

He smiles as well, “I certainly wouldn’t complain.” 

“Good. I would’ve hated for my first decree as Elden Lord to be you chained at my side.” 

He chuckles as he kisses her, “Mhm, yes. I would hate to displease the Elden Lord.” He holds her as he stares into her eyes, “You truly believe you’ll become Lord then?” 

She opens her mouth to speak, but no words come out. She frowns before shifting into a bitter smile, “I have no other choice. This purpose is the only one my kind has. To become Elden Lord. Or to perish on the path there.”

“Is that what you desire? To rule over these broken lands?” He asks. 

“It doesn’t matter what I want, Kalé.” 

He shakes his head, “I would like to know.” 

She lets out a slight laugh and rubs the tip of her nose against his, “What I desire, is to never leave your side.” 

He lets out a gasp, “Truly?” 

“Are we not still baring ourselves to the other? Yes, It’s truly what I desire.” She frowns, “But, you and I both know I can’t stay.” 

He wants to argue with her, to say her path is what she wants to make of it. He doesn’t though. Instead he brings himself closer to her and whispers, “I’ll miss you while you’re gone. But, one day, when you’re Lord, we won’t need to part from the other again.” 

“Truly?” She whispers just as quietly back with a growing smile. 

He smiles, his eyes holding a bittersweetness as he embraces her. She lays against him, ensuring his warmth is imprinted into her as she drifts to sleep.  

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Read Part 3 Here

A/N: sooooo in the data mined quest, Kalé was said to go with you to the Capitol in search of his peeps. And then after he finds out what happens to the peeps.... he goes crazy and dies. I'm wondering... if this should take... a similar route. >:) if there any objections, speak them now, or forever die in the angst of part 3.

#elden ring #elden ring fanfic #merchant kale #merchant kalé #merchant kale x tarnished #fanfiction #smut #fluff #creative writing #fanfic #merchant Kalé x tarnished