Destined Death and the Rune of Death

LOG · Elden Ring · Tome I · Destined Death and the Rune of Death

◇ CONCEPT / FORCE

True Death · The Order's Hidden Secret

Destined Death is true permanent death, the complete extinction of soul and body, with no possibility of rebirth at Sites of Grace. It was deliberately removed from the Golden Order by Marika and sealed within Maliketh's flesh, allowing the Order to function on a perpetual rebirth cycle without true death. The Rune of Death is the Elden Ring fragment controlling this concept. Ranni stole a fragment of it from Maliketh for the Black Knives. Black Flame (Black Flame incantations) is linked to Destined Death, these incantations inflict damage that continues after impact, simulating progressive and irremediable death. The Gloam-Eyed Queen (theorized to be an ancient Empyrean, possibly Melina) wielded the Rune of Death and was defeated by Maliketh, who sealed the concept at Marika's behest. Releasing Destined Death (after Maliketh's defeat) is both necessary for game progression and potentially catastrophic for the Order, it reintroduces true death into the Lands Between. The Godslayer's Greatsword and Godskin weapons (used by Godskin Apostles and Nobles) channel Black Flame, vestiges of an era when warriors fought gods with Destined Death. The inscription "Felled by the black blade" recurs in several item descriptions, referencing both Maliketh's weapon and this pre-existing concept.

◆ Sources

Boss Lore

Remembrance of the Black Blade

Maliketh was a shadowbound beast given to his Empyrean. Marika's sole need of her shadow was a vessel to lock away Destined Death. Even then, she betrayed him.

Weapon

Black Blade

This can be followed up with one additional attack. This blade was once imbued with Destined Death. In addition to dealing damage, it reduces foes' maximum HP and continues to sap their current HP for a very short time.

NPC Dialogue

Finger Reader Enia (Dialogue)

The burning of the Erdtree is the first cardinal sin. And you say you seek the power of the Rune of Death, too? The Rune of Death goes by two names; the other is Destined Death. The forbidden shadow, plucked from the Golden Order upon its creation… Unleashing the rune now would be unthinkable... The Fingers would never permit it. Of one who envisions the flame. And can lead you to the Rune of Death. You've done it, I see. What use do you have for me, now? But I would not acquiesce to the Two Fingers. I stole the Rune of Death, slew mine own Empyrean flesh, casting it away. I would not be controlled by that thing. The Two Fingers and I have been cursing each other ever since... Indeed, I am the witch Ranni. I stole a fragment of the Rune of Death, and used it to forge the godslaying black knives through fearsome rite. I did it all. But sadly for thee, the cursemark thou seekest is not to be found here.

NPC DialogueThe Noble Goldmask (Dialogue)

I must consume more... Thou, who approacheth Destined Death. I will not have it stolen from me again. Tarnished. Tis no matter. I hereby vow, that Destined Death shall not be stolen again. I shall not part with it again. Stay away from Destined Death. Cower. Before Maliketh, the Black Blade. Witless Tarnished... Why covet Destined Death? To kill what? To destroy what?

NPC Dialogue

Dung Eater (Dialogue)

It happened during the Golden Age of the Erdtree, long before the shattering of the Elden Ring. Someone stole a fragment of the Rune of Death from Maliketh, the Black Blade. And on a bitter night, murdered Godwyn the Golden. That was the first recorded Death of a demigod in all history. A group entirely of women, arrayed in armour of silver under cloaks which fooled the eye. The knives they wielded though, were imparted with the power of the Rune of Death through sinister rite. Please, I beg of you, lend me the knifeprint for a time. I'd love nothing more than to tease out its secrets. Though only a fragment, a very specific ritual had to be performed to impart the power of the Rune of Death. Traces of the one who performed the rite are sure to remain in the imprint... Half my body has been suffused with Death. But, if I might be so bold, I would also like to ask something more of you. If Ranni truly is the one who plotted that fateful night, then she should bear the cursemark of Destined Death somewhere upon her flesh. I would like you to procure it for me. And then all will be laid bare. But I suspect she might have returned to the manor in which she was born... If Lunar Princess Ranni truly is the one who plotted that fateful night, then she should bear the cursemark of Destined Death somewhere upon her flesh. Would you be willing to procure it for me? She may have returned to the manor that is her home.

Weapon

Blade of Death

Unique Skill: Blade of Death Unleash the power of the Rune of Death to fire off a blade-like projectile. In addition to dealing immediate damage, the blade reduces the enemy's maximum HP and continues to wear down HP for a while.

Weapon

Destined Death

Unique Skill: Destined Death Set free the remnants of Destined Death, plunging the greatsword into the ground to summon a myriad of blades. In addition to dealing immediate damage, this attack reduces the enemy's maximum HP and continues to wear down HP for a short time.

Weapon

Blasphemous Claw

A slab of rock engraved with traces of the Rune of Death. Can deflect the power of the Black Blade. On the night of the dire plot, Ranni rewarded Praetor Rykard with these traces. Should the coming trespass one day transpire, they would serve as a last-resort foil, allowing Rykard to challenge Maliketh the Black Blade, the black beast of Destined Death.

Armor

Godskin Apostle Hood

Worn by the Godskin Apostles. The apostles, once said to serve Destined Death, are wielders of the god-slaying black flame. But after their defeat by Maliketh, the Black Blade, the source of their power was sealed away.

Armor

Godskin Apostle Robe

Destined Death and the Rune of Death

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