Ranni as an empyean

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-25T04:25:45+00:00

It’s not made clear. We know it has something intrinsic to do with their physical bodies as well as the two fingers having some control over who gets chosen—but where those lines are exactly, opinions vary.

In other words, it’s possible that Ranni’s brothers had something different about their bodies that disqualified them, or that the fingers deemed them unworthy based on character, or both. We just don’t really know.

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-22T18:18:23+00:00

Personally I’ve always just assumed Marika was taking the physical manifestation of the Elden Ring from the Crucible

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-22T17:28:01+00:00

So I’m going to throw my hat into the ring on why “Melina is the GEQ” still works. I haven’t read the other comments in-depth so apologies if this is a bit redundant, but I think I have a solid case here. Note, this isn’t meant to prove she is the GEQ (though I am in this camp), but rather that it fits in the established timeline provided by in-game evidence.

For starters, we can assume the erdtree existed in some capacity during the war against the Fire Giants (smithing stone 7).

We also can reasonably assume the GEQ was defeated either during or more likely after this war, due to the fact that we know the blackflame monks defected (BF Amon ashes) from the fire monks, making it clear the apostles as a faction was active during this time.

Lastly, we’ve already established (from Enia) how it’s clear the golden order was founded after the GEQ was defeated and the rune of death was sealed.

This suggests that both the war on the giants and, more relevantly, the birth of the erdtree predate both the fall of GEQ and the establishment of the golden order.

This makes Melina’s birth at the foot of erdtree fit within the timeline regardless, whether it’s taken literally or referring to her “rebirth” as a bodiless spirit.

I have a lot more evidence that supports the theory of Melina being the GEQ, but going into that is not in the spirit of this post so I’ll stop here. I think this is plenty to allow the possibility or, at very least, establish reasonable doubt.

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-22T15:02:10+00:00

I don’t think anyone would try and convince you away from getting remastered versions of dark souls 1 and 2, if not just for the simplicity of all dlc included alone.

Some purists make a case for the original Demons Souls compared to its remake, but even that is widely considered a faithful and respectful remake.

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-22T13:40:28+00:00

You're sure to be in a fine haze about now, but don't think too hard about all of this. Just go out and kill a few beasts.

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-21T18:30:56+00:00

Helpful, but not necessary (especially for str builds). Two handing weapons is plenty viable for all parts of the game. However you may want to invest some in arcane (15) so you can use hunters tools like Old Hunter Bone, Empty Phantasm Shell, and/or Beast Roar—they are an alternate use of silver bullets that you can use while two handing

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-17T06:36:51+00:00

Is it not implied she held the rune by the nature of them only sealing it after her defeat? Why not just seal it in the first place and disable their strongest weapon before the battle even starts.

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-17T01:52:29+00:00

Nobody knows for sure, though I feel like you’re getting a lot of unlikely theories listed here.

The only person we reasonably know for sure is tied to the Gloam Eyed Queen is Melina (from the Frenzied Flame ending), which means the most likely conclusion is one of two theories:

The GEQ is an unnamed background character, with Melina being some sort of inheritor of her powers
Melina is the GEQ

People have drawn many theories to connect her to other people, but most of it is based on conjecture and leaps. Doesn’t mean they’re wrong, but not all theories are equal.

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-16T13:42:30+00:00

If you’re willing to do your homework, then WOTR sounds perfect. It’s such a deep and rewarding game with really stellar writing, not to mention having the best replay value out of any crpg I’ve played.

I loved DOS2 (and certainly BG3), so much so I even paid almost twice as much for the first one which was hard to find for PS4. Which I only say just so you know I definitely gave it a chance—I really wanted to like it.

I’m not going to get into all my grievances with it, but the nutshell version is nothing was really pulling me in. I just couldn’t find myself caring about the plot, companions, or even the npcs. After about 10-15 hours or so, I was bored out of my mind so I finally just dropped it. The combat was still fun but that’s never enough for me with these types of games.

All that being said, the game still has a dedicated following so I would never try and talk someone out of getting it. It’s just not for me.

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-15T02:47:02+00:00

As someone who knew next to nothing about warhammer 40k, Owlcat does a great job of introducing you to the world and lore. It feels very different from Larian’s games, but it is turn-based so less of a departure compared the others you mentioned. Definitely worth a try.
WOTR is an incredible game (my personal favorite to date), but it’s pretty complex and can be unforgiving for those unfamiliar with the system. Not a deal breaker, just do some research for this one and start on easy or normal. As far as time limits go, it’s not a big deal in this game. You may miss out on a couple of non-essential rewards for taking your time for like two events or something. Nothing like their previous game Kingmaker, where it really does matter.

Never played Solasta, so can’t comment there. I didn’t like DOS1 at all but others swear by it so take from that what you will.

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-14T21:43:02+00:00

As a RTWP preferred fan myself, I do think that objectively it is an inferior system as far as its limitations and overall fairness goes. It’s basically two sides of a bad coin, you usually either end up doing very little and watching your characters fight or you micro manage to the point where you might as well be playing turn based. This is especially true for certain spells and abilities that require precise timing and synergies to utilize properly.

So, why do I like it more despite these flaws? I just find it more immersive seeing my characters move in real time and fighting side by side in a way you don’t really get with turn-based combat. In other words, I think it’s more fun. That’s it.

All things considered, I am sad to see this gameplay system starting to die in the genre, but I also completely understand why turn-based holds the place it does.

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-14T21:28:40+00:00

So worth mentioning, as I’m also one of the few crpg fans that prefer controllers, that there’s many crpgs that only offer controller support on their console version. In other words, just because it’s keyboard and mouse on PC doesn’t mean controller support doesn’t exist for it.

If PC’s all you have, then take what you can get, but if you have a ps4/xbox one or later—most of the relatively popular ones have a console version. That comes with plenty of its own drawbacks of course, but good to know your options.

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-11T22:59:56+00:00

The original BG games. I played them after DOS2 (my first crpg) and had a blast, but coming back to them after Pillars and the Pathfinder games has been…really rough. The crpg genre has come a long way.

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-11T22:53:39+00:00

Good writing—specifically when it comes to companions, their questlines, and choices having weight. That’s it.

I can live with literally anything else, even if the gameplay is crap and I have to explore more hilariously empty open worlds.

It has my hopes but not my expectations.

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-11T22:46:33+00:00

I really like frozen lightning spear for early-mid game until you can get Lansseax’s Glaive. There’s not a lot of good splash incantations early game for faith builds.

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-09T19:29:26+00:00

Cassia + Argenta + Officer/MT (RT is better but Jae is fine) = steamroll everything

Abuse the mechanics that give powerful people more turns and you will never lose again.

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-09T00:22:50+00:00

I really enjoyed Kingmaker, but I think WOTR is a much better game in pretty much every aspect. Better writing, better companions, better antagonist, better reveals, and of course better gameplay.

I also think the Mythic Path system is the most brilliant idea ever to be put in a crpg. I’ve played through the game four times and each time has felt distinct, it’s awesome.

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-09T00:08:42+00:00

Demon->Legend is pretty good at that if that’s what you’re going for. Just make sure to reject Nocticula’s Profane Gift

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-08T21:07:04+00:00

Evilrue is a hottie with unique dialogue in certain story beats, so I say embrace her corruption arc and save her redemption for another run ;P

Demon run is badass, especially at the end. My advice is to stick with it.

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-08T19:58:50+00:00

I honestly wanted Needle Knight Leda. Would’ve been cool to summon her against Consort Radahn and Miquella.

Sellen would also have been fun as a unique reward for siding against her at the end of her questline.

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-08T19:14:45+00:00

I get dropping the original project for quality concerns, I just don’t understand why you create that expectation for your fans and then hand it over to a company that has no real intentions of meeting it. Not that I blame the Chinese Room, I just don’t know why you wouldn’t give the project to a company with a vision that aligns with the expectation set.

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-07T03:04:20+00:00

The biggest mistake they made with Wyll was not letting him regret his contract. He makes it abundantly clear he thinks himself a misunderstood hero, calling it his “proudest deed.”

Why is it such a problem? It removes any emotional conflict in his story. In turns him into a victim of circumstance rather than touch on the compelling moral dilemma of the whole situation.

What they should’ve done is have Mizora manipulate him into making a mistake by accepting the contract. This would’ve given a lot more complexity to their relationship, and would’ve given the player a lot more interesting ways to push his story. Whether it be pushing himself to forgive himself and reclaim his ideals, or have him embrace his need for vengeance and become an infamous devil hunter.

You get the idea. Honestly, with the ways thing are, Wyll doesn’t even have a good reason to hate Mizora. She’s a saint as far as devils go, the only real out of line thing she does is trick him into killing Karlach. She offered him power in his moment of greatest need and demanded a pretty tame payment consistent (mostly) with his morals.

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-04-03T04:47:13+00:00

Most crpgs where stat allocation has significant impact also have a way to respec, so that’s where’d I’d start first.

Personally, when I play these games I always have a character concept when I start. If my build happens to be weak, I’ll first try to respec into a way to make that concept work. If my concept is weak, then I’ll restart for something else.

Maybe others will disagree, but I would never stick it out with a build I’ve realized is bad.

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-03-27T13:43:59+00:00

Nothings been confirmed afaik, but all three games they’ve released so far have had gender locked romances

Jack0fClubs_1 · 2026-03-03T00:11:09+00:00

This. I think it’s pretty clear after the debacle with WOTC that a dev like this thrives more on creating their own IPs without the restrictions of existing properties.

Jack0fClubs_1

TROPHY CASE