Early elden ring Players were shocked when an NPC in the closed network test referred to their character as a “bitplayer” who should “die in a ditch somewhere”. His blunt and direct hostility has been seen by some as the embodiment of souls-like genres of brutal difficulty, but I’m here to report that the rough edges of this notorious jerk have been sanded down willy-nilly in the final release, due out on February 25th.
Unless you deviate from the obvious path at the beginning elden ring‘s Open World, the very first person you will meet is a man named Varré. He seems lovable enough at first, wearing a smiling white mask and standing near one of the game’s ubiquitous checkpoints. But in the early preview hosted by Bandai Namco last year, Varré could barely hide his disdain. Every line, even the one intended to explain or complete the game’s backstory, oozed contempt.
Here’s a quick taste of what I’m talking about:
And some transcripts in case you can’t watch the video:
First conversation (closed network test)
Oh, yes… Clouded, isn’t it?
Come to the Lands Between for the Elden Ring, hmm?
Of course you have. No shame in that.
But I’m afraid you’re unlucky.
you are virgin A small player, completely detached from the power of the runes.
Feel free to go off and die in a ditch somewhere.
Second call (closed network test)
Oh, can’t you believe your predicament?
It’s no surprise. You poor have-nots are a stubborn bunch.
Fine then.
If you have to try, virginal as you are, you need an education.
On the paths of the enlightened afflicted.
Do you know grace? The golden rays that breathe life into you are dimmed.
You can also see its golden dust sometimes pointing in a certain direction.
That is the guidance of grace. The path a tainted one must walk.
It’s nothing short of a miracle. That grace’s guidance can lead you, virginal as you are, to the perfect place to die in the dark.
While elden ringThe predecessors of were certainly one or two enemy NPCs, that felt different. The first person who spoke to you on your journeys through the Lands Between, basically telling you to fuck off, set the mood for the entire adventure. It was almost as if the developers were completely open with the kind of game they created, daring you to ignore his warnings and move on. souls
However, varré in the actual game is much more relaxed than in the closed network test. He’s far from the nicest of people, but his explanations in the final release feel patronizing rather than nasty. Varré treats you like a simpleton in dire need of guidance, in a voice that almost says, “Oh you poor little fool, you’re going to totally die out there, but it won’t be my fault.” And folks, I have to say it’s almost more frustrating as if he was just scolding you, although overall it felt like a more relaxed interaction.
Here is some of the text again from Varré’s updated dialogue:
First Talk (Final Release)
Oh, yes… Clouded, isn’t it?
Come to the Lands Between for the Elden Ring, hmm?
Of course you have. No shame in that.
Unfortunately, however, you are a virgin.
Without guidance, without the power of the runes, and without an invitation to the Roundtable Hold…
It seems you are destined to die in the dark.
Second Conversation (Final Release)
Fortunately for you, however, there is a shining glimmer of hope even for the Virgos.
To me. Varre. Be sure to listen.
Do you know grace? The golden light that breathes life into you.
You can also see its golden rays pointing in a certain direction at times.
That is the guidance of grace. The path a tainted one must walk.
Mmm, indeed. Grace’s guide contains the answers.
It will lead you on the path to follow.
Even if it leads you to your grave.
All in all, I’m not convinced that Varré doesn’t have a sinister agenda in the pipeline. Maybe it’s because of mistrust I was seeded in me by FromSoftware’s previous games, but that doesn’t mean I won’t watch my back for the rest of my life elden ring play through Whoever is under that mask, Varré still seems far too invested in my character’s dying to lose my vigilance on his concerns.
But hey, at least he’s not calling me a “virgin midget” anymore.
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