Oh good

over the past year, portland, OR has (repeatedly) failed my friends. first they suffered a break-in and were burgled of their valuables. then (coincidentally? i think NOT) they were forcibly evicted out by their landlord due to "unpaid rent" despite consistent payments (in cash, no less) in-person. cops showed up within mere hours of notice, traumatising not just my friends but their two cats. they wound up living in a hotel, which is of course when p@ypal decided to make things worse by locking them out of their emergency funds.

MOST recently, on the planned date of their move across the northern border last week, the US bureaucratic process fucked up by putting the wrong country on one of my friends' passport, resulting in their getting flagged and becoming ineligible to travel (for the time being).

over the past year, portland, OR has (repeatedly) failed my friends. first they suffered a break-in and were burgled of their valuables. then (coincidentally? i think NOT) they were forcibly evicted out by their landlord due to "unpaid rent" despite consistent payments (in cash, no less) in-person. cops showed up within mere hours of notice, traumatising not just my friends but their two cats. they wound up living in a hotel, which is of course when p@ypal decided to make things worse by locking them out of their emergency funds.

MOST recently, on the planned date of their move across the northern border last week, the US bureaucratic process fucked up by putting the wrong country on one of my friends' passport, resulting in their getting flagged and becoming ineligible to travel (for the time being).

Elden Ring Official TRPG - Varré

[B009 - Rose Church]

There was an island nestled in the lake, and atop it stood a church adorned with blooming roses. In this desolate place, the vivid red of the roses left a lasting impression.

<EVENT: Varré ①>

There was a church known as the Rose Church. As the name suggests, the vicinity of the church was adorned with deep red roses, as if they had absorbed the very essence of blood.

"Oh, Tarnished, are we? Come to the Lands Between for the Elden Ring? Of course you have. No shame in it. However, there is one shining ray of hope even for the maidenless like you. Me. Varré."

The man wore a white mask and stood near the church wall, before approaching the PC. Varré spoke.

"And it seems you trotted to the Roundtable Hold... My sincerest congratulations. But, how did you find the Roundtable? Oh, you don't have to say it. Before, the Roundtable was chock full of venerated warriors, but now, it's home to puff-chests and has-beens. I fear you've been terribly disappointed. I don't blame you. But still, the Roundtable has its perks. Why not earn a seat? Fly straight and true, so to speak."

He spoke in a provocative manner.

However, despite his degradation of the Round Table members, there was an air of confidence in his words.

"No, that was a foolish question. You have already defeated the Grafted King and claimed a Great Rune. And also, you had your audience with the Two Fingers at the Roundtable Hold. They are the purported masters of the grace that guides your kind, the Tarnished. That's why you should pay them a visit and see for yourself."

Since he was wearing a mask, it was impossible to know his facial expression while he spoke, yet he was remarkably talkative.

"So, I'd like to ask you. You saw the Two Fingers. What was your impression? Were they magnificent? Or did you feel something is not right?"

Varré went around and around, but it seems that this is what he really wanted to ask.

What response will the PC give? Depending on their answer, it may determine the path the PC will take from here on. They should carefully consider their response. Will they affirm the Two Fingers or deny them?

(→ "They were magnificent.")

If the PC answers like this, Varré, with an obviously displeased voice, says, "I see. Well, what a relief that must be. You may go, then. My work here is done. May the wisdom of the two fingers guide you." And went away, disappointed. ((Event Ends))

(→ "They didn't seem right")

"Ah-ha, your intuition serves you well."

Upon hearing those words from the PC, Varré came closer with a delighted expression.

"Actually, I feel the same way. The words of the Two Fingers cannot be trusted. Truly, naught but rambling, senile delusions."

The man with the white mask passionately speaks, criticizing the Two Fingers.

"I believe that, when the Elden Ring was shattered, the Two Fingers were corrupted, their guidance; skewed. Even worse, the Fingers harbor no love for our kind. That's the part that irks the most."

Varré expresses his thoughts with somewhat dramatic gestures. After speaking for a while, Varré spins and turns towards the PC, handing them something.

"Oh, I have a gift for you, something fit for only the wise."

It was a creepy, blood-stained finger. As the PC tries to shake it off, Varré gently encloses the PC's palm with both hands.

[Obtained : Festering Bloody Finger]

"This is a means for circumventing the draw of the Two Fingers. Give it a try, won't you? Oh, and I suggest starting by venturing into the Forest Path (A011), where the guidance begins. That is a place where other Tarnished like you will appear. And if it pleases you, may we meet again. I've high hopes for you. My lambkin."

With those final words, Varré sees the PC off.

—

[A011 - Forest Path(The first sight of grace), Limgrave]

<EVENT: Varré ②>

Even though it was just a short while ago that PC arrived at the Lands Between, it felt more like they had been here for ages.

Varré said they should come here, but …

As the PC looks around, they sense an ominous aura coming from their inventory. They hastily take out that finger. As expected, the "Festering Bloody Finger", given to them by Varré, starts oozing red.

Upon closer inspection, the finger is darkly congested, bearing marks as if it had been cut off. While not entirely certain, the PC starts to feel that if they keep holding onto this finger, they will somehow invade the world of its owner.

What will the PC do?

If they immediately throw away the finger, perhaps everything will be fine. But, if PC has an impulse to KILL someone, the red glow actually feels somewhat pleasant.

Depending on their choice, it may determine the path the PC will take from now on. They should carefully consider their actions.

(→Throw away the fingers)

The PC hurriedly throws away the Festering Bloody Finger. As a result, the impulse gradually subsides into calm. They can no longer bear touching the festering finger[a], and decide to leave the scene. ((Event Ends))

(→Follow the urge)

The crimson impulse grows stronger and starts spreading from the finger and into the PC's palm, permeating the entire body. They then fall into a momentary blackout. When they regain consciousness, they find themselves in a recognizable place, identical to before the event.

They realize that a thirst for violence is coursing through their entire body. In the embodiment of that urge, the PC takes on the form of a red spiritual entity. Their sole purpose is to kill the owner of this finger and rob them of their grace.

There is a person stepping back, watching the PC reveling in the surging desire to kill. It is likely the Tarnished who arrived in this land not long ago—like how the PC was before.

Now, let's take out that weapon and slate your thirst for violence in that newcomer. Take everything he’s got.

〔Simple Battle: The Stout Tarnished〕

After successfully defeating the newcomer Tarnished, continue reading.

Upon killing the newcomer Tarnished, the PC found themselves back in their original world, nearly unaware of their own return.

"Oh, lambkin, so pleased to see you're enjoying the gift. Ah, I knew from the very start. You have a taste for noble blood."

White Mask Varré was there, approaching while clapping his hands, visibly happy.

"I wish to anoint you a proper inductee. A knight to serve Luminary Mohg, the Lord of Blood, and establish a new dynasty. Luminary Mohg has strength, vision, and of course, love. So, what do you say, my lambkin?"

The blood-soaked PC, who had already killed the newcomer, would not reject such a suggestion. They pledge to become a knight, to Varré.

"Huhuhuhu, yes, indeed. Now, take this."

Varré said, handing the PC a length of beautiful, pure white cloth.

[Obtained : Lord of Blood's Favor]

"This is your final trial. Soak the cloth with a maiden's blood. Normally, this ritual would involve killing one's own maiden, and recanting the wisdom of the Two Fingers. ...But since you are maidenless, the blood of anyone's maiden will do."

The PC recalls the memory of the finger maidens. Was there someone like that close by?

They have to search for her. It is the trial to become the knight of the Lord of Blood.

"By the way... I remember that there was a woman with the potential to be a maiden, on a hill facing the lake(B012). If you don't know any other maidens, she would suffice, don't you think?"

As Varré spoke, he went away. 'When you are ready, please come back to the Rose Church again.' And left those words.

—

[B012 - Lake-Facing Cliffs]

<EVENT: Varré ③>

As Varré had suggested, the PC hurried to the cliff facing the lake. There, they found a girl they had seen somewhere before.

"Hello? Is someone there? My name is Hyetta, and I'm journeying in search of the distant light. If I might be so bold as to ask... would you donate any Shabriri grapes in your possession to me? My eyesight has been weak since birth, you see. But when I eat one of those grapes, I can feel a distant light in the back of my eyes. It will lead me, to my true duty, as a Finger Maiden."

(Offers grapes, tells her it's a human eye, blah blah)

"Haa... haa... Sorry, I'm alright now. I apologize. You told me for my own sake. I'll be fine. Think no more of it."

Saying that, Hyetta stood up, appearing lost in thought. Then, as if she realized something, she looked startled and spoke to the PC.

"Ah, are you there? I have gleaned something very important indeed, thanks to you. The reason why it was eyes I had to eat. The distant light is far and frail. So faint it can't be seen by the naked eye. But with everyone's eyes together, it appears. Finally, it all makes sense. I am certain now, I will become a finger maiden."

Her face, after saying those words, seemed very happy. Indeed, this blind girl is proclaiming herself to be the "finger maiden".

If that's the case, as Varré said, it seems appropriate to offer her as a blood sacrifice and dye the oath cloth with her blood.

Then let's kill her. Let's kill her, while she is smiling innocently. The PC's heart flutters, and their breath becomes heavy with anticipation for what is about to happen.

"What's the matter?"

Perhaps sensing the PC's untoward gaze, Hyetta smiled with a gentle expression. The state of her smile, unaware of her upcoming death. The PC felt a delightful sense of guilt coursing through their entire body. It was an incredibly pleasant feeling.

"Hello?"

These were the last words of Hyetta, the girl who ate Shabriri grapes in want of becoming a finger maiden.

The PC raised their weapon and struck her head. Again. And again. The splattering of blood and the metallic stench tickled the depths of their nostrils.

It was such a sweet fragrance.

She became motionless, a lifeless thing, the bloodied corpse that was once her. And into the overflowing crimson liquid, the PC soaked the oath cloth. In an instant, the cloth turned its color to a vivid red.

Now, the preparations to become a knight are complete. Let's hurry to the Rose Church where Varré awaits.

—

[B009 - Rose Church]

<EVENT: Varré ④>

Leaning against the church wall, Varré seemed to be humming some tune. The PC could see that he was in a very good mood.

"Ahh, my lambkin. You've completed your final trial. Uhuhu… The oath cloth has been dyed a beautiful red!"

Taking the crimson cloth from the PC and laying his eyes upon it, the white mask radiated joy, as if he was a young girl in love. (*cute girl, virgin girl)

"And with this, you are a formal inductee. A knight who will assist Luminary Mohg, the Lord of Blood, in the establishment of a new dynasty. Now, give me your finger. This noble blood will be an immutable badge of honor, once it settles. Inside of you!"

As instructed, the PC gave their hand. They remove the armor that covered their hand, exposing it completely.

"Uhuhu… it's a beautiful hand. Here we go."

Saying that,Varré takes the PC's hand and sinks a needle-like tool into their finger.

Intense pain strikes the PC. They try to shake it off, but Varré wouldn't release.

"Oh, good heavens. Clench your teeth, or something. Uhuhuhu… Now now, it's over already. You have the sweetest scream, my lambkin."

When they are finally released, the finger is stained red with blood.

"Never forget that feeling of agony. For it is what binds you to Luminary Mohg, to all of us. Uhuhuhu"

Varré was so happy for having completed the ritual, it was quite baffling.

"Oh, another thing. You should have this."

Varré says, moving with a feather’s grace while handing a medal to the PC.

[Obtained : Pureblood Knight's Medal]

"This is a medal granted by the new Mohgwyn dynasty. With the power to grant an audience with Luminary Mohg. I've gone out of my way to provide one to you. But you mustn't use it just yet. The meeting must wait until the Mohgwyn dynasty commences."

And taking the medal from PC, Varré happily attaches it to PC's cloak. The act made as if he was a newly married wife. (*new bride, newly married woman)

"For now, Luminary Mohg yet slumbers beside the Divinity. We must endure a little longer. Ahh, it is trying, but we must be patient. One day, you will be elevated, deservedly, basking in love. Right, my lambkin? Uhuhuhu."

As Varré says this, he leaned his head on the PC's shoulder.

—

[After Lyndell, this event can happen at any time.]

<EVENT: Varré ⑤>

The PC recalls the words gleefully whispered by white mask Varré.

"This is a medal granted by the new Mohgwyn dynasty. With the power to grant an audience with Luminary Mohg. I've gone out of my way to provide one to you. But you mustn't use it just yet. The meeting must wait until the Mohgwyn dynasty commences."

If they take Varré's words literally, it would mean that the PC has already become a knight serving the so-called Mohgwyn dynasty. And by using this medal, they would be guided into that dynasty.

When the PC raises the medal, they are instantly transported to an unfamiliar underground world. The place reeked of blood. Indeed, it seems they have been guided.

They could continue forward from here, but there is too little information about this Mohgwyn dynasty. So, they decide to return to the Round Table and seek answers from Gideon. He had promised to provide information and offer treasure in return, so it would be killing two birds with one stone.

Returning to the Round Table, they visit Gideon's room.

"Oh, Mohgwyn dynasty, is it? Hmm, so that's where the so-called Lord of Blood was hiding himself, eh. A fitting little squat for that deluded maniac to bleat about the revival of his precious dynasty, while he turns our fellow Tarnished into Bloody Fingers. Let him stay there. That way, his delusions will remain as they are - distant and unattainable. But perhaps it's worth looking into... If what I've heard is right, then maybe..."

Sir Gideon appears quite excited by the newly acquired knowledge.

"Ah, my apologies. Lost myself, for a moment there. The information you've shared is of great value. As promised, your reward:"

[Obtained : Throwing Weapons Crafting Manual (S039), Perfume Bottle Crafting Manual (S040), Potion Crafting Manual (S038)]

"You are a true fellow. All I ask is that you remain constant."

Gideon said, and the PC left the Round Table.

They once again arrive at the underground rocky area that claims to be the Mohgwyn dynasty. Based on Gideon's and Varré's words, it appears that this dynasty is not yet complete and is currently in a preparation phase. And they dream of restoring the dynasty. Maybe that's why Varré is obsessed with blood.

Thinking about that, the PC begins to feel a twinge of anger. Had they become too carried away, because of Varré?

And regarding the word 'revival of the dynasty', that Lord-something of this dynasty could be connected to a Demigod.

If the PC's speculation is correct, the ruler of the Morgwyn dynasty might possess a Great Rune. As evidence, grace is here, as always, transforming into a radiant arc that guides them deeper underground.

The PC's mind is made up. They will proceed further, defeat the lord of the dynasty, and seize the Great Rune.

Until now, they have taken the lives of various Tarnisheds and maidens, but it was all in pursuit of obtaining the Great Rune and becoming the King of Elden. It was a necessary sacrifice, that's how the PC thinks of it.

—

[ED07 - Mohgwyn Dynasty]

<EVENT: Varré ⑥>

In the corridor of the Dynasty Mausoleum, a red sign is floating. As the PC approached, they realized it was from the white mask Varré. If they touched it, they would enter Varré's world and be able to kill him. The PC thinks about what it means.

Who wrote this sign? They don't know, but it is clear that touching it would transform them into a red spirit to kill Varré.

It might be a convenient situation. After all, the PC's goal was to defeat the Lord of the Mohgwyn Dynasty and claim the Great Rune. It'd be best if they can eliminate Varré, who is scurrying around, before that. Suppressing a burst of laughter, the PC touched the sign.

In a similar place, at a similar time, Varré was there. He seemed surprised to see the PC's red form for a moment but then shook his head.

"I've made a grave error. You seek violence, heedless of my warning, though you have been raised to a knight of the dynasty?"

Varré seems to understand PC's intentions and held something resembling a bouquet in his hand.

"I'll ensure you regret this, my lambkin. Enjoy your miserable death."

Hysterically shouting, Varré lunged forward.

〔Normal Battle: "White Mask Varré"〕

Upon successfully defeating him, obtain <Varré's Bouquet>, <White Mask>, <War Surgeon's Gown>, and <Random Chest E070>. Then, continue reading.

After killing Varré, the PC returned to their original world. There, on the floor where the sign had been, lies Varré, dying.

"Why must I be... disgraced by this lowborn..."

Varré's murmured words were filled with anger. As his consciousness faded, Varré reached out into the void and cried out.

"O... Luminary... Mohg... Please grant... the strength... you promised! Varré has given... everything... Please... my lord..."

However, no one responded to Varré.

"Please, answer me... Luminary... Mohg. ...Aah…Aahh... ...Bless the Mohgwyn Dynasty, with love! Urghhh..."

Spilling a large amount of blood, Varré turned into light and disappeared.

[notes]