◈ CHARACTERMaliketh, the Black Blade
Shadowbound Beast · Keeper of Destined Death
Maliketh, the Black Blade
"O, Death. O Destined Death... become my blade, once more. Ahh, art thou come to be born anew? Be not afraid, there is no pain..."
Bearer of Death
Maliketh is Marika's Shadowbound Beast, her appointed bestial vassal, half-human half-beast, created specifically for her as Empyrean according to Greater Will tradition (each Empyrean receives a shadow-vassal). The Remembrance of the Black Blade defines him unambiguously: "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 would betray him."
His singular function and sacrifice: to be the living vessel for the Rune of Death (Destined Death), sealed within his own flesh. This sacrifice allows the Golden Order to function without permanent death, Tarnished and grace-blessed subjects can be reborn at Sites of Grace because true death is locked inside him. The Black Blade sorcery inflicts Destined Death: reduces maximum HP AND drains current HP progressively, simulating the effects of the Rune of Death he contained. His dual identity with Gurranq (the Beast Clergyman in Caelid who consumes Deathroots to satisfy a perpetual hunger) is revealed during the fight at Crumbling Farum Azula: Gurranq transforms into Maliketh mid-combat. "Forgive me, Marika... The Golden Order cannot be restored." This line reveals he knows the mission is over and accepts his defeat as a form of release. The betrayal by Marika against him remains unexplained in the game, a detail deliberately left in shadow. His Deathroot hunger is simultaneously his duty and his personal sin.
◆ Sources
Remembrance of the Black BladeRemembrance of Maliketh, the Black Blade, hewn into the Erdtree. The power of its namesake can be unlocked by the Finger Reader. Alternatively, it can be used to gain a great bounty of runes. 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.
Black BladePower gleaned from the remembrance of Maliketh. Caster creates an illusory black blade, then leaps forward to deliver a spinning slash that emits a wave of light. 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.
Sleep tight, bound tight by Mother's amber. Sleep tight, find life, in Mother's umbra. Gurranq, Beast Clergyman ... ... I smell it... Death... Cower. Before Maliketh, the Black Blade. Before Maliketh, Marika's Black Blade. Witless Tarnished... Why covet Destined Death?
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.
Blasphemous ClawA 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.
Black KnifeprintOn the Night of the Black Knives, someone stole a fragment of Death from Maliketh, the Black Blade, and imbued its power into the assassins' daggers. This mark is evidence of the ritual, and hides the truth of the conspiracy.
Godskin Apostle HoodThe 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.
Godskin Apostle RobeThe 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.
Godskin Apostle BraceletsThe 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.
