The Forbidden Lands are a long, dark gorge that runs north from the Capital Outskirts to the Grand Lift of Rold, the lift that climbs to the Mountaintops of the Giants. The gorge is forbidden because Marika sealed it long ago: it leads to the Forge of the Giants, the only fire that could one day burn the Erdtree, and she did not want any traveller to find it without her sanction. Black Blade Kindred, demonic riders mounted on great wolves, patrol the route at her command.

The Tarnished reaches the Forbidden Lands only after defeating Maliketh, when the seal is broken. Beyond the lift lies the snow of the Mountaintops; behind the lift, the gorge holds little but burial pits, the coffins of unworthy nobles, and the ghostly memory of the warriors who tried to climb to the Forge before the Tarnished was born. A Wandering Mausoleum sits halfway along the gorge, eternally circling, never knowing it has run out of demigods to inter.

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WeaponMaliketh's Black Blade

Maliketh's black blade which once harbored the power of the Rune of Death. A sad shadow of its former glory. After a fragment of Death was stolen on that fateful night, Maliketh bound the blade within his own flesh, such that none might ever rob Death again.

Item / MiscRold Medallion

Conjoined split medallion depicting the Flame Peak. Brandishing the medallion activates the Grand Lift of Rold, connecting Leyndell to the Mountaintops of the Giants. The forge of the flame of ruin is said to be found upon their peaks, and it is here Melina wishes to travel in resuming your journey together.