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Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction, and all rights for characters, plots and settings belong to G.R.R. Martin and FromSoftware. I have no ownership.
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Incantations:
Bestial Incantations - revolve around primal and feral abilities mostly taught by Gurranq, the Beast Clergyman, to deal physical damage.
Black Flame Incantations - are utilized by the Godskin Apostle, Godskin Noble, and Blackflame Monk enemies who once served the Gloam-Eyed Queen and revolve around drawing power from the god-slaying black flame to deal damage.
Blood Oath Incantations - are practiced by followers of the Lord of Blood and his dynasty, they revolve around the use of fiery blood as a weapon or enhancement to deal damage.
Dragon Communion Incantations - revolve around using draconic powers and breath attacks to deal damage. Dragon Communion is seen as a dangerous practice.
Dragon Cult Incantations - are used by adherents to the ancient dragon cult and revolve around mostly Lightning-based attacks gifted from the Ancient Dragons to deal damage.
Erdtree Incantations - revolve around buffing and healing, but also have some offensive Incantations to deal damage. They draw from the power of the Erdtree.
Frenzied Flame Incantations - originate from the maddening Three Fingers, and revolve around creating chaos and inflicting madness to deal damage. The yellow flame of frenzy is dangerous to both the user and enemies.
Giants' Flame Incantations - revolve around drawing power from the teachings of Fire Giants, Fire Monks, and prophets that were deemed heretical and use pyromancy in connection to the flame of ruin to deal damage.
Golden Order Incantations - revolve around divine power and contemplative ideology of Golden Order Fundamentalism to provide defensive capabilities and deal holy damage.
Messmer's Flame Incantations - revolve around drawing power from Messmer and his fire knights' teachings and his manipulation of flame to deal damage.
Miquellan Incantations - were created by the Empyrean Miquella the Kind who weaponized light to cause vast amounts of holy damage.
Servants of Rot Incantations - are used by dangerous opponents such as the Kindred of Rot and other Servants of Rot that use deadly afflictions such as poison and scarlet rot to deal damage.
Spiral Tower Incantations - are used by the Candle Inquisitors and other enemies found in the Land of Shadow that revolve around the teachings of the hornsent and their divine invocation as well as the worship of the ancient Crucible to deal damage.
Two Fingers Incantations - are gifts to the tarnished from the Two Fingers who serve the Greater Will and revolve around healing, stealth, and protection spells to assist them along their journey.
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Liurnia
973 year AS (After Shattering of the Elden Ring)
Aerion
He'd known for a good few kilometers that something was wrong, especially since Torrent was growing increasingly anxious with every step he took.
It wasn't hard for him to guess what was causing it, as the mark on his chest emanated a searing pain, making his skin feel as if it were on fire.
Only once before in the Lands Between had he felt something similar, in a village on the Weeping Peninsula, inhabited by frenzied inhabitants.
Then, however, the feeling had been much weaker, which could, of course, suggest several things, the most likely being that the Frezny Flame's presence in the area ahead was much stronger. So much so that his mark responded.
Normally, he would be reluctant to go to such a place, but he knew that if he wanted any answers and a solution to this problem, he had to seek the source.
Miriel's words, however, were warning enough for him to remain cautious. The knowledge he possessed of this particular Outer God was limited.
But Turtle Sage was certain of one thing: if Aerion were to offer himself to the service or rule of the Frenzy Flame, the small spark of hope that smoldered for these lands would be extinguished forever.
So he knew he had to be careful, but before he could proceed, a slightly different challenge awaited him. Looking ahead, he saw a massive tree towering above him, tiny compared to Erdree, yet still larger than anything he had seen in Westeros.
Minor Erdree, as the inhabitants of the Lands Between called it. Reaching this particular one was no simple feat, as the area was swarming with Ancestral Followers, horned tribesmen who worshipped the spirits of their ancestors, and their damned archers might have been the best he had ever seen.
Despite everything, once he had killed the first of them, their useful abilities began to aid him. Now, over a hundred of those he had resurrected with the help of a fragment of the Elden Ring were taking control of these lands.
He could, of course, bring their souls back to life in much greater numbers, as he had managed to kill several times that number in the last day, but he had to maintain strict control over his runes; after all, he himself needed to grow stronger.
He turned toward the eight tribesmen following him, one of whom was the leader of one of the tribes himself.
"Tollus, deploy on the rise to the left and eliminate all your maddened brethren," he ordered, pointing a finger at the location he had in mind.
The man's horned head bowed low in respect. "By my ancestors, we will do as you command, Radiant One. Our arrows shall be swift and merciless."
He simply nodded in satisfaction, hopping off Torrent, who vanished into thin air. He then moved towards the massive tree towering above him, or rather, the specific entity standing beside him.
The Erdtree Avatar, though tiny compared to the tree behind him, towered significantly over Aerion, towering four or even five times his size.
As massive as the trunk of a small tree the creature held in its hand, it could easily crush most opponents. The creature itself resembled a massive headless tree stump, but Aerion could not determine what it actually was or how it had come to be.
Dozens of Ancestral Followers filling the plain around Minor Erdtree immediately rushed towards him, but before they could get close enough for him to react, they began to fall like flies, struck by the arrows of their revived and purified brethren.
In his right hand appeared the Carian Glintblade Staff, which he had obtained before meeting Miriel and which enhanced Glintblade Sorceries, while the fingers of his left hand tightened around the Academy Glintblade Staff.
Aerion had been testing and learning to master the new sorcery since leaving the Church of Vows, realizing how versatile and fast such a fighting style was, especially in multi-opponent encounters.
He flicked his right staff slightly, and five gleaming blue blades appeared above his head, levitating in a semicircle, their tips pointing in the direction he was facing.
It was the Glintblade Phalanx, a remarkably useful spell that automatically sought out nearby enemies, guided by his will. Anyone he perceived as an enemy automatically became a target.
Then he surged forward, covering the thirty meters separating him from the nearest living Ancestral Follower in perhaps two seconds, swinging the staff in his left hand, a meter-long ethereal blue blade appearing around its upper edge.
The blade cleaved his opponent from neck to hips, while the glintblades hovering above Aerion's head surged toward nearby opponents, impaling them and and throwing them back through the air for many meters.
In a few strides, he was already at a group of four enemies, one of whom, at that moment, a long arrow struck directly in the left eye, killing him instantly.
His kinsmen, however, didn't survive much longer; the Carian Glintblade Staff in his right hand transformed into a massive, five-meter-long sapphire blade. He swung it diagonally upwards, decapitating three Ancestral Followers with exceptional ease.
The magical blade seemed to encounter no resistance, vanishing as quickly as it had appeared. Although Aerion had used the Carian Greatsword many times before, he still stared at its effects, impressed, especially since it could be cast repeatedly, striking terror into the ranks of his enemies.
Suddenly, he sensed a shiver in the air and looked slightly to his right, where Erdtree Avatar was, dozens of golden bolts of light flying towards him from his direction.
He recognized this attack as the same one his "kin" in Weeping Peninsula also used. It was incredibly annoying to avoid, as those golden projectiles followed you until they hit something.
A Dragon Communion Seal appeared in his left hand, and he immediately cast the incantation "Flame of the Fell God." A small ball of fire slowly flew from his hand, swelling rapidly to a size that surpassed even the size of the Erdtree Avatar.
The incoming swarm of golden projectiles struck the miniature sun, which began to destabilize under their influence, only to explode a moment later.
The explosion, though significantly smaller than the last time he used the incantation, still sent flames two, even three, hundred meters away, engulfing most of the Ancestral Followers in the area.
Aerion, with his complete immunity to fire, felt only intense heat and nothing else.
Some of the flames also reached Erdtree Avatar, but a golden barrier appeared in front of the creature, blocking them. Before his opponent could unleash another series of holy projectiles, Aerion charged at him without hesitation.
Black-and-white flames appeared in his left hand, which he hurled toward the massive tree creature when he was only a few dozen meters away.
One, two, and then a third fireball struck the Erdtree Avatar's torso, clinging to its treelike body and consuming it ravenously.
If the beast had a head and a mouth, a terrible roar of pain would likely have erupted from it as it threw itself to the side and tried to roll to extinguish the flames. But it was to no avail, and Aerion was already upon it.
The staff in his right hand sparkled once more, forming into a gleaming sapphire-blue massive blade that slammed into the torso of the Erdtree Avatar, severing not only the arm holding the staff but also a large portion of the rest of her body.
One slash was followed by another, and another, cleaving the creature to pieces.
ENEMY FELLED
You received 32 600
You received Holy-Shrouding Cracked Tear
You received Lightning-Shrouding Cracked Tear
You received Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear
He received another Tears similar to the previous ones, only with apparently different effects. Well, when he had a moment, he should examine them and see what potion he could create from them.
Now, before he continued north to the place where the Frenzy Flame had penetrated, which, even in the midst of battle, had been nagging him, trying to invade his mind, he had one more thing to do.
His left eye glowed with golden light, illuminating the area, and a moment later, golden runes emerged from it, forming the massive figure of the Erdtree Avatar, which obediently awaited his commands.
The Ancestral Followers he had resurrected were also approaching him from behind. Aerion gestured toward them and said to the large tree creature in front of him.
"Help them guard these grounds and obey the commands of the man in the center with the backward-curling horns. His name is Tollus. Do you understand?"
The headless, mouthless creature couldn't respond, but it struck the ground once with its massive staff in agreement.
Aerion sighed in relief, then turned his thoughts to the hills to the north. Time to confront the servants of the Flame of Frenzy.
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Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum
973 year AS (After Shattering of the Elden Ring)
Mogh, Lord of Blood
"Dear Miquella. Thy sister has awakened. And she searches desperately for thou." His voice filled the ancient walls of the mausoleum, while he tenderly stroked the hand protruding from its cocoon.
Only silence answered him. As usual over the past centuries, this, however, did not waver for a moment in his devotion and love.
"My dear Miquella. What should I do? Thy sister's will is inexorable. It may take her a long time, but she will find this place. What should I do?"
But still, no answer came. Mogh fell into silence. The last thing they wanted was for his decision to affect the plans of his dearest Kind Miquella.
"My dearest. Should I find her and stop her? Or leave her alone? What should I do?"
As silence fell again, and he resigned himself to the fact that he still wouldn't get an answer, a voice soft as a whisper reached him, seemingly coming from everywhere.
"So my dear sister has awakened prematurely... Mogh. Malenia can't find me... She won't understand... She'll consider it a betrayal of everything we've built together. You must stop her... but try not to hurt her."
The voice trailed off, and just as he wondered if he'd heard wrong, it began again. "You can't handle her alone... Find help. Perhaps Serpent will be willing? Find a way."
Mogh seemed downright stunned. His dearest Miquella had spoken to him. He hadn't forgotten him, just as Mogh hadn't. But he must do as dearest Miquella commanded. So that their dynasty would be eternal.
He felt a new fervor surge through his limbs, and his heart and mind grew lighter.
He leaped to his feet and grabbed his mighty trident, which was leaning against a column. He had to go to that damned Serpent. Although he was reluctant, it was his dearest Miquell's will.
The beautiful dream of their glorious dynasty was finally drawing closer.
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Liurnia, Ranni's Rise
973 year AS (After Shattering of the Elden Ring)
Lunar Princess Ranni
Everything became complicated.
When this new Tarnished appeared, Torrent recognized him as her new master. She was certain he was the right one, the one who would help her achieve her goal.
Of course, the Great Rune of Life embedded in his eye socket and the significant presence of Greater Will around him made it clear that it wouldn't be easy, but on the other hand, it only confirmed her hope that this might be the Tarnished she and the Dark Moon needed.
Initially, everything went even better than she could have imagined. He had left his mark on Limgrave, defeating opponents, collecting runes, and growing stronger. Even defeating Godrick was impressive, as it came more easily than she could have expected.
Of course, she would have preferred if that meddling whore Melina hadn't been involved, but she could work with this.
However, when Blaidd brought her news circulating in Limgrave about Aerion taking control of the entire continent and the resurrection of his defeated foes, she knew something was terribly wrong.
Furthermore, it turned out that he had united the Tarnished under his leadership, both with and without the Guidance of Grace.
The fact that Gideon Ofnir had reconciled himself with him could mean two things: either the old Tarnished was plotting something or he truly believed in him. Both meant that Aerion was more dangerous than she had suspected. And that wasn't all.
The final nail in the coffin of her plans came from information from her spy in the Roundtable Hold itself, which she not only initially refused to believe but also found absurd.
However, she was ultimately forced to accept the bitter truth when she confirmed it herself. Tarnished no longer sought the throne of the Elden Lord to become Marika's consort, but the Greater Will had chosen him as a replacement for the former Queen.
The chance that Tarnished would help her in her plans to replace Marika and usher in the Dark Moon reign was slim to none. After all, who would give up their godhood for anyone?
From a potential asset, Tarnished had become her most dangerous enemy, one who, moreover, was constantly growing in power, and she had few other options.
In truth, she had three people she completely trusted: Blaidd, Iji, and Azula, none of whom could kill Aerion at that moment.
A thousand years of plans seemed to crumble between her fingers. She clenched her artificial fists in frustration, the one she hated as much as Greater Will and the Golden Order.
She knew she couldn't afford to make any mistakes, especially now. Every move had to be carefully balanced, but again, she couldn't wait, as the enemy would only become harder to stop.
What if Greater Will turned his chosen "blade" against her? She couldn't wait much longer. Especially since the rotten wrench had also awakened and was heading south.
As if Ranni didn't have enough problems already. It turned out she would have to seek the women's help once again, something she never planned to do again.
She didn't know if she could ever quell her remorse again. Once, she could convince herself that everything she'd done back then had been for the betterment of the Lands Between. But looking at their current state, she doubted she could lie to herself any longer.
"Tarnished... you're forcing me to do this. You've chosen the wrong side," she muttered irritably.
Then she called out louder, "Blaidd!"
Her faithful shadow appeared before her within a matter of seconds, emerging from the entrance at the top of the tower.
"Mistress Ranni, what do you need from me?" he said, dropping to one knee, as she smiled with joy, grateful for his devotion.
Though she knew that to achieve her goal, both Blaidd and Iji would have to die. And though it was painful, it was a sacrifice she was willing to make.
A small signet ring with a large sapphire appeared in her hand, which he held out to Half-Wolf.
"Take this signet ring. You will go to Ringleader's Evergaol and free the woman imprisoned there. Then you will give her this ring and tell her to appear before me when she is ready... Do you understand?"
She saw the doubt that blossomed on his muzzle. He must know who was imprisoned there. However, a second later, she received the answer she had been waiting for.
Reaching for the ring, he replied without a trace of hesitation, though with a hint of sadness, "As you command, so it shall be. I will go there immediately."
As he rose and turned to leave, she stopped him. "Blaidd, I am very pleased with you."
He merely nodded, his tail wagging merrily in obvious pleasure at her praise, and then left.
"Yes," she muttered to herself. "It truly is a pity that such a fate must befall you, dear Blaidd."
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Leyndell
973 year AS (After Shattering of the Elden Ring)
Morgott, the Last of All Kings
He might have managed to get Malenia south, but he doubted she believed him about Mogh's connection to this new Tarnished, but at least she had left his kingdom.
Not that he feared her, for he was certain that, if not alone, with the help of his loyal servants in the capital, he would be able to kill her. But what about the Scarlet Rot locked within her? Would she die with her, or would she transform his magnificent Leyndell into a second Caelid?
No, it was better that she had gone south. If he were lucky, she and this Tarnished would kill each other.
Speaking of him, the latest reports suggested that he was currently wreaking havoc in Liurnia, while his amassed forces had practically taken over most of Limgrave and the Weeping Peninsula.
And despite himself, Morgott had to admit that he was truly impressed, not having initially expected there to be anything special about this particular Tarnished. It turned out, however, that he was a worthy pawn for Greater Will.
But for Morgott, this only created problems. Both his personal power, his armies, and the influence of this whole Aerion were growing too quickly. Any moment now, it would become clear that this fool would control both Limgrave and Liurnia.
And this was something Morgott couldn't allow. Not if he didn't want to find himself in a truly difficult situation.
He had a plan in mind, one he'd been wrestling with for days. The risk was great, but in this situation, perhaps it would be the best solution so he wouldn't have to leave the capital.
He knew his avatars were too weak to defeat Tarnished, and he himself had to remain in Leyndell, for that damned blasphemous snake was only leering from its mountaintop, waiting for an opportunity to strike at the capital.
Most of his armies might be gone, but who knows how powerful this fool had become by making this pact with that Serpent. No. He had to stay here and protect Erdtree at all costs.
Well, all that was left was for his avatar to go to Redmane Castle and deal with this problem. He was certain he could use Malenia's appearance to awaken the general's deep-seated anger, buried beneath the onslaught of madness.