Since the release of Elden Ring, the gaming world has been abuzz with anticipation for its upcoming DLC expansion, "Shadow of the Erdtree." With just a title and a tantalizing piece of promotional art to go on, fans have been tirelessly speculating about the possible directions the game's story might take. While nothing is certain until the DLC is in our hands, we can analyze the available information to make educated guesses about the narrative possibilities that might unfold in "Shadow of the Erdtree."
Filling the Lore Gaps
Elden Ring's base game, despite its epic scope and intricate lore, left some gaps in its narrative that fans have been eager to see filled. "Shadow of the Erdtree" is expected to address these gaps, providing not only gameplay enhancements but also a deeper exploration of the game's lore.
The Role of Demigod Miquella
One prevailing theory among fans is that the Demigod Miquella will play a central role in the DLC's story. The figure on the promotional poster, often assumed to be Miquella, along with the presence of spirit objects and references to her imagery, suggest her importance. Currently trapped in Mohg’s palace in the base game, "Shadow of the Erdtree" might pick up the St. Trina questline and delve into a parallel world of dreams, possibly an idealized version of the Lands Between tainted by darkness.
Godwyn's Dark Influence
The most likely source of this darkness is Godwyn, whose corpse lies beneath the Erdtree. As the first Demigod to truly die, Godwyn's entombment beneath the Erdtree inadvertently allowed Those Who Live In Death to leech off its power, causing the spread of Godwyn's eyes and Deathroots. The eerie, blackened tree in the promotional art suggests that Godwyn will be a major antagonist in the DLC, regardless of its setting.
An Eclipse Alters Reality
Examining the background of the poster, we notice the Erdtree eclipsed, which could hold crucial clues. The Erdtree is not just a sun but also a symbol of the Greater Will's control over reality in the Lands Between. If an eclipse were to occur, as indicated, it might disrupt the very fabric of reality. This disruption could lead to lands filled with dreams, spirits, and the enigmatic Those Who Live In Death, particularly associated with dusk and eclipses. The DLC might focus on these elements, providing a more comprehensive exploration of the game's death-related concepts and factions.
A Glimpse into the Past
Lastly, FromSoftware's previous Soulslike expansions often incorporated time travel or a blend of different time periods. The mysterious ruins in the promotional artwork hint at a similar possibility in "Shadow of the Erdtree." Time travel could unlock numerous opportunities to delve into plot threads and interact with NPCs that the main game could not explore fully. Encounters with historical figures like Marika might appear as tangents in the overarching narrative, yet they could shed light on more of Elden Ring's intricacies.
In conclusion, while "Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree" remains shrouded in mystery, there are several compelling directions the DLC's story could take. Whether it's the role of Demigod Miquella, the looming threat of Godwyn, the disruptive eclipse, or a glimpse into the past through time travel, players are in for an exciting journey into the depths of Elden Ring's lore. As we eagerly await its release, it's clear that "Shadow of the Erdtree" has the potential to enrich and expand upon the already captivating world of Elden Ring.
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