#LandsBetween

[subconsciousrealms]

The art print and the series that started it all! Lordran was one of the first pieces I ever did for my layered landscape artworks. I love the aspect of an interlocked fantasy world and connected landscapes that the Soulsborne games excels at.

[wanderer-among-undead]

Cannonball Mythos

He had returned to the Roundtable Hold as Rosalind had instructed, the frost having barely dethawed upon his cloak when he embraced his wife. Her warmth was all the reinvigoration he needed, before informing Alina of what had happened. It was now or never; they HAD to catch up to August. 

“Th’ trek’ll be treacherous. Th’ Giant’s ‘re no more, but th’ cold’ll bite y’ as hard as any o’ th’ wolves out there,” he had warned the Fingermaiden. However, he was her champion and not even the chill of the mountains would claim her if he was nearby. Even still, despite his distaste for the freezing temperature, Jarrod was hardly bothered by its icy sting. The fight ahead was no longer about saving Alina or saving the Erdtree--he had accepted the fact it must burn. His mind was preoccupied as they traveled, focused on replaying August’s motions again and again in his mind. It was the only way he and August ever understood the other. They were warriors, and champions of their ideals: Life and Destruction. 

He barely even registered the ever familiar surroundings, or even the frozen over Giants--the remnants of that useless war. Why did the gods thrust such trials upon them, when they had such power at their fingertips? What was the purpose of all their suffering? Power? And even still, Queen Marika had exiled Godfrey’s own and sent them afar to the Badlands, where they would wage war, grow in strength without the grace of gold, and then die. Suffering for these gods. From the tilled fields of Caelid to the bloody battlefields of the Badlands, he had his fill of it. It was here that he understood August, and agreed with him. The world was broken.But the slate did not need to be wiped clean, but learned from. He had faith that one day, the Age of Love would come to pass. 

Jarrod walked between Rosalind and Alina, gripping their hand in each of his as they crossed the snowcrusted ancient chains crossing a chasm, the wind blowing against their faces. And as they approached the hill, Jarrod could see a lone figure in the distance, running across the top of it, a tattered cape fluttering behind them as they evaded and ignored the much larger figure behind him. 

Thump.

Jarrod’s heart stopped as he processed the scene before him. Fiery red hair and a hulking form. A massive plate in hand shoveled an avalanche of snow and Ice towards August, before sending tremors into the ground in frustration. His heart pounded in his chest, as the giant’s far-seeing gaze turned to their direction. 

“Jarrod, Rosalind, remember this. There is no justice in war. No heroes. Only a clash of ideals above our own.” Akaki had said those words to them, in a very similar scene unfolding. “But our comrades and friends… we can protect them with our swords.” 

*                              *                               *

They had charged forward atop their horses, the old ronin letting his arrows fly at a speed the pair had never seen before. Each one thunked against the massive eyelid, but not sinking deep enough as it opened

“Break!” Akaki barked as Jarrod’s spells broke against the thick skin of the giant. 

Jarrod tried to stay close to Rosalind as they split, the eye of the Giant slowly opening.  

“Rose…!” he had called out over the howling wind. 

*                              *                               *

The Giant was crawling around, its leg having been severed… did August manage that? As they approached, the massive mouth on its chest opened up and heaved. Explosions from its belly ejected balls of fire and lava and sent them crashing down all around them, melting the snow and burning the soil underneath. 

Jarrod pulled Alina with him to a rock, placing a hand on her head as the air around them became like fire, when the ejecta smashed into the ground with hisses of steam. He looked at his wife, feeling fear clench at his heart for not himself, but for her. For Alina, who did not know how to fight.

@tinyredrose

[phonemantra-blog]

The critically acclaimed open-world RPG Elden Ring captivated gamers worldwide with its sprawling landscapes, challenging combat, and lore steeped in the brilliance of George R.R. Martin. As players prepare to delve into the upcoming "Shadow of the Erdtree" expansion, a question lingers: what lies beyond the Lands Between? This article explores FromSoftware's stance on Elden Ring's future, delving into the possibility of a sequel, the potential for expanded media, and the creative considerations that might influence these decisions. Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree – The Final Chapter for Elden Ring's Base Game? FromSoftware has confirmed that "Shadow of the Erdtree," arriving June 21st, 2024, will be the sole expansion for Elden Ring. In a recent interview, studio head Hidetaka Miyazaki stated that while there won't be further expansions for the base game, this doesn't necessarily signify the end of the Elden Ring franchise. This approach aligns with FromSoftware's development philosophy. The studio is known for crafting meticulously detailed worlds and narratives within each game, often opting for new experiences rather than direct sequels. Elden Ring as a Springboard: A Universe with Potential? Elden Ring's publisher, Bandai Namco, has hinted at a broader vision for the franchise. They've described Elden Ring as the "beginning of a new intellectual property" with the potential to extend beyond video games. This opens doors for exciting possibilities, including: A Multimedia Universe: Elden Ring's rich world and lore could be explored through graphic novels, novels, or even film adaptations. This would allow fans to delve deeper into the Lands Between's history, characters, and unseen corners. Spin-off Games: FromSoftware could develop smaller, focused experiences within the Elden Ring universe. These titles could explore specific storylines, characters, or mechanics from the base game in greater detail. However, these are all hypothetical scenarios at this point. No official announcements have been made regarding Elden Ring's expansion into other media. Creative Considerations: Building Upon a Grand Foundation Developing a sequel to Elden Ring presents unique challenges. The game's world and lore were meticulously crafted, and simply adding more content might not do justice to the existing narrative. Here are some factors FromSoftware might consider: Maintaining Narrative Cohesiveness: Building upon the intricate story established in Elden Ring would require careful planning and execution. A sequel would need to organically expand upon the existing lore without contradicting it. World-Building Challenges: The Lands Between already offer players a vast and diverse world to explore. Creating a new game within this universe would require developers to strike a balance between familiarity and novelty, ensuring the setting remains exciting. Fresh Experiences vs. Familiarity: Fans might desire a continuation of the core gameplay mechanics that made Elden Ring a success. However, FromSoftware also strives to deliver new and innovative experiences with each title. Finding the right balance between these factors will be crucial if FromSoftware decides to pursue a sequel or a significantly expanded experience within the Elden Ring universe. The Verdict: Elden Ring's Future Remains Open While FromSoftware has closed the door on further expansions for the base game, Elden Ring's future remains intriguingly open. The potential for a sequel, spin-offs, or even transmedia ventures exists. However, the studio is likely taking its time to carefully consider how best to build upon the monumental success of the first game. Ultimately, fans will have to wait and see what path FromSoftware chooses. One thing remains certain – the rich world and lore of Elden Ring have captured the imagination of gamers worldwide, and the potential for further exploration in the Lands Between remains vast. FAQs Q: Will there be an Elden Ring 2? A: FromSoftware has not confirmed or denied the possibility of an Elden Ring sequel. However, they have stated that "Shadow of the Erdtree" will be the only expansion for the base game. Q: Will there be Elden Ring content outside of video games? A: Bandai Namco has hinted at the potential for Elden Ring to expand beyond video games, but no concrete plans have been announced. Q: Why might FromSoftware not develop an Elden Ring sequel? A: FromSoftware often focuses on creating new experiences with each game. Developing a sequel that organically expands upon Elden Ring's complex world and narrative could be a significant challenge.

[remarkablepasserbys]

The target’s blade was heavy and blessed, he’d say, by the Order itself. The Greater Will guided his hand, did it?

August’s manic grin was hidden behind his helmet as he ducked beneath the swing, what amounted to holy singe marks upon his cloak and armor decorating him this late evening.  This Tarnished didn’t exactly make himself difficult to find, did he? Strange armor, and always cropping up where Those Who Lived In Death lurked, minding their own.

Sullying their creed.

The knight tried to run his own silver sword up through the armpit area, keeping the dagger in his offhand poised to try and catch any errant swings. D, Hunter of Dead, would not be slipping away if the recusant from the Manor had anything to say about it.

@twinblade

[radagon-in-eldentale]

God of Order

commissioned art by amazing @yenyenyen19 (artist's homepage on X) 🔗

It's a part of Landsbetween history book in the distant future.

The last. The first. The end and beginning.

words can't describe how much I love this master piece! Thank you so much for bringing us this treasure and your warm support for my art😭🥺💞I LOVE YOU!!!

[psychoroll]

Current WIP. #sketch #ink #pen #2dart #illustration #art #digital #digitalpainting #digitalart #painting #artistsoninstagram #artistoninstagram #artistsontumblr #artistontumblr #conceptart #fantasyart #fantasyartist #fantasy #psychofire #rannithewitch #eldenring #samusaran #metroid #landsbetween #samus https://www.instagram.com/p/ChQNxV5PJtB/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[evs-eme]

Road to the Lands Between Ya esta con nosotros Elden Ring y aquí un pequeño fanart que hice ayer en la noches, pintado con Gouache Holbein. Eme #eldenring #eldenringfanart #landsbetween #fanart #gouache #gouachepainting https://www.instagram.com/p/Cafr7_zvDri/?utm_medium=tumblr

[lilgreenfox]

Cosmos Slaughter, self-proclaimed prophet of the Maddening Three Fingers. Having once been a charismatic cult leader, he's now risen to the challenge of becoming the next Elden Lord. Who knows where fate will take him on that journey? #eldenring #eldenringoc ===

website // twitter // insta // fb // patreon // ko-fi // redbubble

[subconsciousrealms]

It’s hard to believe it’s already been 11 years since lighting by first bonfire! Incidentally my Lordran piece was one of the first fanart pieces I ever did. I look forward to testing my skills as a gamer and as an artist with future fromsoft titles! . . . #darksouls #darksoulsanniversary #lordran #drangleic #lothric #landsbetween #soulsborne #videogameart #gamingart #videogamelandscapes #layeredart #bonfire #firelinkshrine #anorlondo #soulsart #fantasyart #sekiroart #landscapepainting https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci3gV6crZ6Z/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[wanderer-among-undead]

The Heralds

Ash created a layer of gray upon his hood as Sue trotted along the road to Northern Liurnia. The air smelled faintly of flame, and the western horizon was dominated by the source--the Erdtree burned and has burned for the past several months. It was the sin he was complicit in, and one that nearly cost the world everything. But this came with a price: the Erdtree was wounded.

The Roundtable had been sundered, and the Sites of Grace had become unreliable. What was once a simple hop to Castle Bellows had become dangerous--just warping to Leyendell had him suddenly dropped from a height.

But despite the distance, this was a journey he had to make--a personal one.

"What d'y' think'll happen, Cass?" Jarrod asked as they trotted along. "Failed t' bring 'im back, an' now I'mma appear 'bout half a year later tellin' the Bellows that August's gotta be alive somewhere--an' s'all based on a hunch 'cause he had a shard o' th' Elden Ring that never appeared."

Once, the thought of the Frenzy Flame having warped the shard and consumed it crossed his mind. But this was August, and if there was a man who could cheat death, it was him.

@castella-the-tarnished

[wanderer-among-undead]

Spiral and Descent

The Shunning Grounds were everything Rosalind had told him, and seeing the way the Omens were treated down here would be enough to shake the faith of even the most devout. The greater the light cast by the Erdtree, the deeper its shadow. The hostility and fear he felt from the few Omens who saw him was palpable. He recalled Mohg’s words of his own past, and he could not imagine a mere child being forced to live in this filth. Even the life he lived, under an uncaring lord, paled in comparison.

To fight against one’s station in life was to go against The Greater Will, but to be abandoned by it and the Erdtree was a far greater sin in the eyes of the world. 

Water flowed around his ankles and the filth sloshed as he hurried down the maze-like passages of the pipes, following them and taking any path that would take him closer to his destination--down. In the midst of this maze, his eyes strained to see in the darkness. He flipped his glintstone blade, swiping it along the edge of his sword, casting a blue light down the tunnel, just as a dark figure emerged from the intersecting pipe.

He recognized the silhouette of his armor, and the tattered cape. But more than that, he recognized that pull. It was the same one he felt upon the rampart--a Greater Rune. August’s previous rune was a handsome shard, pulling Jarrod to it like the earth pulled the stars. And now, that tug was even stronger, and he could tell: August had another great Rune.

Morgott, the Last King of Leyndell.

Jarrod’s own Rune offered him no real power, but August’s... 

“Where y’ goin’, buddy?” Jarrod asked, raising his sword like a torch to see the face of his foe, the light also illuminating his own determined expression.

@remarkablepasserbys

[wanderer-among-undead]

"Do not think for a moment," she began, hand on her hip and the other brushing her messy curls away from her freckled cheek, "that I have not noticed your reticence. Come. Let us spar. That will get your blood going in a more... productive manner than I usually employ." - wife

Jarrod opened his eyes, and mirrored her posture, shaking his head. The question was not how could she notice, but if he was obvious to anyone else? Then again, perhaps even Alina would have noticed how quiet the wanderer had become following his return from the crumbling, floating ruins of Farum Azula. Rosalind was able to stoke a flame of life within him, but then at night he would find himself staring out the window towards the Erdtree glowing with red flames, in the distance.

"When was th' las' time we played like this?" he asked, moving towards his blades, which were sheathed and resting against the wall. The Carian Knight's sword felt foreign in his hand as he drew it. Eyes closed, he breathed deep, tasting the smell of fire and ash in the air.

@tinyredrose

[wanderer-among-undead]

A Memory of Grace

He had lost track of how long he sat in that sandy coffin. Sleep was comfortable, whenever he could get the chance to chat with Rogier. It kept him sane as the wind howled and that voice tried to speak to him, showing him glimpses of an age before the Erdtree. An age of dragons.

But through these conversations, Jarrod eventually learned something he had not known--he had never died since waking up--that if one focused hard enough they could visualize a site of grace they had visited in recent memory. It sparkled so distantly, like sunlight reflecting off the ceiling of the underwater realm. 

Regression was what converged Time and Space into one, here in the Heart of the Storm.

Causality was what connected him still to the world beyond. A single link in the chain, which guided him. Every time he slumbered, he felt himself getting closer, only to wake up once more.

The swelling around his eye had decreased, and his wounds were beginning to heal. How much time was he losing?

Then, one day... he broke the surface. Never in his life was Jarrod so relieved to feel the icy bite of the Mountaintop of Giants. That small sprite of grace gave him the feeling of warmth, massaging his wounds. He focused his mind, searching for the Roundtable Hold’s Grace, only to find it gone, like a flame that had been snuffed out. At first he was confused, until he looked up and saw the distant red glow of the Erdtree in flames.

The Roundtable’s mirror was gone.

“To Castle Bellow’s then...”

Castle Bellows appeared just as he left it, but he could feel a difference in the air. The Wanderer was certainly a sight for sore eyes, his ponytail and red ribbon had fallen off somewhere, during his battle and his hair hung over his weary face. His armor was scorched and damaged, his cloak torn in some places. His skin was yellowed, where bruises were beginning to heal. After all, it had not been so long ago that he and August had...

His arrival was quiet, and he stood in the throne room, waiting for the royal sisters to come greet him.

@kingdomofbellows

[wanderer-among-undead]

Homecoming

No one went to Caelid, because they wanted to. There were stories of a treasure chest, somewhere in Limgrave, which would transport unwitting Tarnished to a cave somewhere in this rot-infested region. No one went to Caelid to stand under it’s scarlet-stained sky, or to ride between the forests of overgrown fungi, clinging to all that once lived here. No one went to Caelid for any other reason than they had to be here. Gideon’s notes had mentioned of an old implement used to suppress the spread of Scarlet Rot--an affliction theorized to be tied to the presence of an Outer God--just as Frenzy was. Jarrod and Rosalind sought a needle of unalloyed gold.

 The stench of the Swamp of Aeonia was so strong that Jarrod pulled the red muffler around his neck over his mouth and nose. He looked upon the swamp with a nostalgic sorrow, spying ruins of old villages still in the swamp. Caelid was not just a desolate land for either. It was once home. And for Jarrod, the ruined gates of a town around the edge of the swap was even more of a home: Sellia, town of sorcery.  

“We always said we’d come back here, after the war,” he muttered. “Jus’... really hittin’ me how long it’s been since…”

However, Sellia was more like a town of the dead, as its former inhabitants attacked the pair at every turn, impeding any progress through the city. The old library was sealed by a solid wall of glowing glintstone, marked by an emblem. It was only upon meeting the red-robed man named Gowry they had learned much of what happened here, and of the Needle they sought.

“The only needle I know of... is gone, I am afraid. Taken by my dear daughter--afflicted with the Scarlet Rot. But why do you seek such a thing?” 

And so they explained their goal.

“I...am afraid to say that such a needle will not withstand such a flame. But if you follow my daughter’s path, you may find what you seek.” The old man smiled knowingly. “In the lands far to the north beyond the Erdtree, where Malenia vanished so long ago...”

Darkness encroached upon the crimson sky, when they departed from the old man’s shack. Jarrod sighed.

“So, we’re back to where we started...”

@tinyredrose

[wanderer-among-undead]

The night was quiet, and Jarrod found himself disliking that peace lately. When his wife was not awake with him he was in the company of himself. An ephemeral thing, smoldering in the glow of that yellow flame. His heart raced with panic as the realization dawned on him more and more. 

“Rose,” he whispered over to her. “Y’ awake? I...”

He tensed his jaw as he closed his eyes. 

“What do y’ remember o’... our daughter? ‘R us from back then?” 

@tinyredrose

[wanderer-among-undead]

There was a flash of bright golden light that afternoon. A light drizzle fell, but even this rain could not quell the shouldering leaves which fell from the Erdtree, casting a haunting scene over the Lands Between. The once blue skies of the Lands Between were choked gray with a thick cloud of smoke coming from the ethereal tree, glowing with flame. The air no longer smelled as fresh, carrying the faintest hints of soot and ash. The disorientation that came with any form of teleportation magic was only a mild inconvenience as Jarrod got his bearings. The hill ahead lead towards a dilapidated church. 

“If you go through those doors…  They should take you to her…if not near her at the very least.”

A whole year just gone. The time he spent apart from her was agonizing, when she had joined the Dynasty. But when he imagined spending an entire year apart, not even knowing if he was alive or dead--no, she said it herself:  “We will meet again; nothing will keep us apart forever. Remember this.” 

She would have waited for him all this time, surely also keeping Alina’s hopes up as well. If anything, Alina might give him an earful about his recklessness again. That thought made him unable to suppress an excited chuckle. 

It was not good form to keep any woman waiting.

As he crossed under the threshold into the church, the rain began to let up.

@tinyredrose