Blaidd, Seluvis, Iji EXPLAINED | Elden Ring Lore

two good boys. and Seluvis is there too.
0:00 Intro
0:26 Blaidd's Backstory
2:26 Iji's Backstory
4:33 Seluvis' Backstory
9:03 Where does Blaidd go?
12:30 Who is the Baleful Shadow?
14:56 Seluvis' Scheme
17:37 Blaidd's Fate
19:48 Iji's Fate
12:22 Black Knife Assassins
24:11 Red and Blackflame
28:17 Who is Pidia?
30:05 Seluvis' True Identiy
34:13 Outro
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Script, editing and game footage by me (except for the clips credited below)
- Seluvis potion questline by Games From Mars: • Elden Ring - Seluvis P...
- Seluvis’ Puppet room by Games From Mars: • Elden Ring - Seluvis's...
- Seluvis’ Scheme by Games From Mars: • Elden Ring - Seluvis S...

[@miss_chalice]

I didn't add any background music this time. Do you prefer it this way? I also recorded mostly my own game footage too! Was really fun to do a new playthrough. Hope you enjoy guys :)

[@remyromero2285]

I like the background music with your smooth voice over it honestly it’s incredibly calming.

[@Ithurtssobad]

Background music can add a lot and I think it's worth the extra effort. I didn't even notice the lack of music until you mentioned it! I must've been too immersed in your story telling.

[@Embxr]

I personally like the background music but am thankful for the content regardless. Thank you lore mommy for all you do!

[@jaxsongawesome2947]

honestly I love both equally. I can't even pick which 😭

[@jonesgurjones]

I don't care about music, but the fact that you recorded your own playthrough is amazing. Shows how much work u put in these videos. Try making a face like the characters u are gonna talk about lol

[@clothocto9456]

This girl and Vaati need to do audiobooks honestly, peaceful af

[@waldirnacarath]

id buy that for a dollar

[@miss_chalice]

I appreciate your comment! No promises yet but who knows :)

[@DozleZabi]

Vaati is a hack fraud

[@sonnykai]

@@miss_chalice I second that. I personally would pay for a lore based elden ring audio book voiced by you

[@commanderty94]

Third that

[@kimbyd24]

One thing is that when you first descend towards Nokron after killing Radahn, if you've done Blaidd's quest up to that point there will be a note from him saying that he'll catch up later because he has to kill a traitor first. This implies to me that he's the one that kills Seluvis.

[@kekmitkeks9328]

I think he kills the bloodhound knight, as he is referred to as a traitor aswell (I was wrong the timing works out way better for killing Seluvis)

[@kimbyd24]

@@kekmitkeks9328 That happens earlier

[@CsStrez]

@@kekmitkeks9328 he leaves that even if you killed Darriwil already at the start of the game or whenever

[@AKAINUISTHEGOAT]

Well if you finish his quest he has you betray ranni so she probably sent him to do it. Why she would even let a snake like him work for her still makes no sense, since he’s just a creep who turns people into puppets.

[@holyspear26]

@@AKAINUISTHEGOAT because she is a puppet and may need an expert at puppetry to exist

[@Homebody33]

Iji’s mirrorhelm also has the highest holy damage negation of all headwear in the whole game

[@Ghostly3011]

Really? I always thought it was the Crucible tree helm.

[@wastoodistracted866]

Makes sense since it’s a literal tinfoil hat for the greater will

[@lucasezequielpereiracaitan9983]

Yeah! I used it against radagon and Elden beast in my first playthrough

[@atheliset5559]

Dang! I was way too late for my comment lol

[@atheliset5559]

@@Ghostly3011 I used the crucible knight set and really wanted Iji's helm, but together with the godslayer greatsword it was too heavy even at 40 endurance, so I used Tanith's mask instead, which had pretty okay holy damage negation too

[@falloutghoul1]

I always thought that Blaidd standing outside Ranni's tower, but going inside it, meant that his curse and his willpower to remain loyal to her twisted into a rabid defense of Ranni, at the cost of hostility towards everyone else.

[@Fullmetalnyuu1]

That's what I believe as well.

[@thecommentguy9380]

His mind was still his own the moment we met him, but only seconds before the curse activated and turned him into a Baleful Shadow. His mind was gone

[@travisf2240]

I agree finally at the end he was lost to what the order created him to be and that spiraled him into madness.

[@mackxzs]

Not really, he has a failsafe in his head. Should Ranni betray the Two Fingers, Blaidd's failsafe is activated and he goes to kill Ranni and anyone who is helping her.

[@grigoregruesome3606]

@@mackxzsthat’s what’s said about him but his own words say otherwise and after you kill him Iji confirms he made a mistake by trapping him.

[@sebakisniesebakisnie6109]

I think that since Seluvis and Pidia share a voice actor, maybe the puppeteer can only provide their own voice for the puppet. That could explain why Therolina doesn't speak, as it would give that away!

[@landkart7233]

wait if that is true then it all make sense

[@frogdeity]

The whole Gideon vs Selivus thing makes me wonder assuming Pidia does control Selivus. Considering Gideon slaughters an entire Albanauric village in order to further his goals. Perhaps The Nepheli potion was revenge on Pidia's part. A kind of back and forth, eye for an eye type situation.

[@XxjazzperxX]

I don't think that Geidion killed the village to get back at Pidia. I think he is more of a practical man and did it purely to get the medallion. But I agree it sounds very likely that Pidia would seek vengence against Gidion for what he has done to the albanaurics.

[@frogdeity]

@@XxjazzperxX Yeah that's what I meant by furthering his goals. Gideon was seeking out the medallion and slaughtered a village of innocent Albanaurics to find it. Pidia of course took offense to that. So Pidia tries to hurt who he thinks Gideon cares about. Too bad Gideon only cares about himself.

[@XxjazzperxX]

@@frogdeity I see makes sense. I read "A kind of back and forth, eye for an eye type situation" to mean that Gideon wanted to get back at Pidia, but that is probably because English is not my first language.

[@korysoftout219]

@@frogdeity I'm not saying this theory is true or not, but I've seen a lot of people come to the conclusion that it was Ensha who attacked the village. Gideon just instructed Ensha to search for the medallion halves, while Ensha attempted to obtain them by any means necessary. That's also why Ensha attacks you after you obtain the first half, and why Gideon apologizes for Ensha "getting ahead of himself". He never actually instructed Ensha to attack you; he did that on his own to obtain the medallion half. Gideon was certainly cold and accepting of using force if it suited his purpose, but he wasn't outright malicious and clearly preferred to use unethical means as a last resort. Though again, that's just what I've seen a lot of people claim.

[@blackhat4206]

@@korysoftout219 I got the opposite impression during my first playthrough. I thought Gideon was just using the deceased Ensha acting on his own to cover the fact that he masterminded all of it as the “All-Knowing.” How could he not have known what actions Ensha would take? He tries to kill you himself by the end once he’s finished using you to hunt down the missing demigods (if you didn’t skip the nonessentials), after all.

[@thecommentguy9380]

Blaidd had a tragic end. He loved Ranni but due to her defiance to the Golden Order, the curse was activated and turned him against us. He did not understand what Iji meant by him turning traitor but it was clear that his final thought before turning into a Baleful Shadow was that of Ranni. I did not want to kill him, but it's better that he died as Blaidd than live as a Baleful Shadow

[@marbzirc376]

I like this.

[@KkachiKashaKarma]

He wasn't the baleful shadow! The baleful shadow was an assassin that was dressed up as Blaidd and used his attack + some blackflame. Read the wolf mask item description behind Seluvis tower!

[@welshlout3400]

@@KkachiKashaKarma Yes, you are correct he wasn't that particular NPC, but the OP is also correct that it was Blaidd's stated fate to eventually turn into a Baleful Shadow just like it.

[@racismwillsaveusall]

@@KkachiKashaKarma so the mask isnt on the one you claim is wearing it lol. That shit was a plan that had failed, it wasnt what happened to Blaidd. We kill Blaidd.

[@racismwillsaveusall]

@@welshlout3400 no youre both wrong.

[@NeRoMaximoff]

I could listen to her explain all the dark souls, Bloodborne and sekiro lore. Her voice is so soothing.

[@jage1559]

I personally dislike the half-whisper way she speaks. All of the "th" and "s" sounds are very exaggerated and her voice sounds very breathy. It's less clear than a full speaking voice. It's the only thing keeping me from bingeing her entire channel.

[@fredbyoutubing]

Selvius being Pidia's poppet makes so much sense! In person, it's clear that he despise you but is being polite. But as a puppet, he can just throw shades at you and act all mighty. It must be cathartic for him.

[@mig0150]

I also thought it was weird how Pidia's location has a combat blocking barrier in it, which very few locations seem to have. Maybe because killing him would also kill Seluvis and mess up the whole Ranni quest line?

[@fredbyoutubing]

@@mig0150Right. And he's also the one puppetteering most of the enemies in the area. What I also found out playing it recently is that Iji says there is a "snail" conjuring powerful beings in the area in an attempt to dissuade you from going there. I didn't find a snail but the thing is, these snails exist too as we later find out. I'm wondering if there's any truth to it or a connection.

[@brandonmcintosh4598]

@@fredbyoutubing snare dude. Snare

[@pirateskeleton7828]

Pidia was definitely controlling Seluvis. If you give Nepheli the puppet potion, you get the Nepheli puppet off of Pidia's body, not Seluvis.

[@Ecliptor.]

Yeah it makes a lot of sense, Pidia also seems to know you when you meet him for the first time as well. Although, I think she mentioned this in the video. I may have forgotten lol.

[@mariolebowski4878]

Also worth noting that near the entrance to nokron where the star fell there is a message by Blaidd saying "one traitor taken care of" and after that Seluvis is dead. Blaidd could´ve been the one sent to kill him by Ranni.

[@tyler_b4786]

One video in and I am hooked. Your storytelling pace is very relaxing and easy to follow. It is very clear how much thought and care you put into your work, having segments for each bit of lore, exploring theories. The time you put into testing things with your own gameplay was a nice touch, I didn't expect to be brought along on a journey to discover the possible origin of the fire on Iji. I saw your comment about background music, and I personally really liked the way you did audio in this video, it gave the video a more personal feel. Like having a friend talk to you about something they are interested in. You have a wonderful voice, very soothing and nice on the ears. Thanks for the awesome video, I look forward to future uploads!

[@xiledturtle766]

I thought seluvis drank his own potion to avoid a horrible death. Great work. Loved it keep up the great work!

[@miss_chalice]

Oh!! I didn't think of that! That makes a lot of sense why there isn't much evidence around him. Would be fitting for him to take a 'coward's way out.' Thank you for watching and your great comment!

[@noah9942.]

selvius himself is already a puppet when we meet him. He's a decoy.

[@OuterRimPride]

I figure Ranni made him do it as revenge for his attempt to trick her

[@bogdang8759]

@@noah9942. question is, whose puppet? a lot of people believe the true puppet master is Pidia, and that's a cool take, but what if it's Ranni? and she uses Seluvis to test your loyalty?

[@giominus7402]

@@bogdang8759 There is an event in the game I stumbled upon when you are going to Pida he is begging for the puppets not to kill him cause he is their master or some such.

[@heyimanameheyimalastname]

Another thing to note about Seluvis' bell bearing, is that not only does it look like a faded glintstone bearing, but it seems to have the same coloring as the puppet icons

[@wkgates]

The thing that strikes me is that it has the same color pallette as Carian sorceries.

[@solaire7046]

On a second playthrough and finally able to understand this questline in so much more detail thanks to this channel. Can really tell how passionate you are about the lore, through the quality of your analysis here and mentioning all the theories. Such a great video, instant Subcribe.

[@christophererb9183]

This is exactly the kind of Elden Ring lore I was hoping to find. Awesome job with research, clear explanations of characters/motives/proof, and great narration! Instant subscribe!

[@robbyloux]

The revelation that the Black Knife's may have been there to defend Iji and Blaidd gave me goosebumps... This video filled in so many questions I had about this quest, Amazing work ♥

[@miss_chalice]

Thank you! It personally blew my mind to starting considering it from that angle. Love how theories can completely overturn a consistent line of thinking. Really happy you appreciated that, thank you so much

[@carljohan9265]

@@miss_chalice This is one of those things that demonstrates just how deep the elden ring rabbit hole truly goes. Whenever you think you got it figured out, there's almost always more to the story. Btw, don't take this the wrong way, but you have a really sexy voice. It's got that air of feminine mystique to it that reminds me of Ranni, and also Emma from Sekiro (specifically Emma's japanese voice).

[@pantherom9970]

​@@carljohan9265💀

[@ace3589]

@@pantherom9970shooters shoot 💀

[@meshman4236]

I was thinking that iji and blaidd killed them, but then blaidd was driven mad, so the greater will only had to send godskins to kill iji, and that's why he was the only one on fire, but black knives defending them makes more sense

[@puzzleheaded6195]

22:14 I always wondered why Blaidd attacked us here. There nothing we did to him personally and he turns feral the moment whe approach him. At first I thought he was just losing control but then it occurred that we’ve had Ranni in our pocket this whole time as her miniature self. She even talks to us again in that form at the nearby tower. Sneaky little Chibi..

[@miss_chalice]

Oooh that's really interesting! It could be! I also think possibly Blaidd is disappointed in himself that he didn't become Ranni's champion, but we did. There are a couple of NPC dialogue lines that indicate that someone else was a contender for this position before us, possibly Blaidd. So as Blaidd is having a crisis over his loyalty and we enter, I think the timing was poor. Just some of my thoughts :)

[@dmitriyn7695]

Он сошёл с ума, как и должно было быть. В своём сумасшествии он нападает на всех. На всех, кроме "хозяйки", об чём свидетельствует его речь перед боем. В этом и была ошибка кузнеца-гиганта - Блайд сошёл с ума, но не стал предателем.

[@TheRockK95]

Iji says it in his dialogue. Blaidd is a creation of the two fingers. Given to ranni, if she was to go down a different path rather than the two fingers intended. Blaidd will go mad and kill her. Does anyone even listen to the npcs?

[@DragonQuit226]

@@TheRockK95 no.... No they don't

[@pacosrevenge1]

@@TheRockK95 💯

[@YESNYC_]

hey, at 23:48 there's no audio just thought i'd let you know. Awesome video btw really love the detail and theories behind such a "beloved" character like Ranni. That she could have this sort of advantageous personality could definitely be overlooked. This is truly a heartbreaking story. I'm definitely subbing for more content!

[@l337fox]

Came to post this as well

[@WetBoy]

Keep your criticisms to yourself, peon

[@mellowstrangler]

Very well structured video. Good job! Also I found it very refreshing to have a critical take on the content and the lore of the game when presenting it to the viewers. Bonus points for soothing voice. This video and the goldmask lore video are my current favorites from you. I hope you keep it up!

[@meisterwu8922]

I love the idea that Iji fought alongside the Black Knife Assassins. He's such a sweetheart and it's very comforting to think that he didn't have to die alone, but alongside his comrades.

[@ShadeStormXD]

comrades? you find his corpse covered in black flame where he sits at his forge COMRADES?

[@bartmongiello]

There’s also the fact that if Pidia is controlling Seluvis then it actually makes sense that Seluvis would be dead/inactive before Pidia dies. If you’re concentrating on keeping a puppet animated and all of a sudden you’re puppet bodies that never move in their own are now trying to kill you, then it stands to reason that you’ll break your concentration. Which would leave Seluvis immobile before Pidia is fully dead.

[@atheliset5559]

I think it's also that most all of the puppets are made up of living bodies with all of their will taken away, and can be killed, regardless of whether or not the puppeteer lets go of them, so the idea that Seluvis gets assassinated before Pidia's control is severed still works

[@Zero-tk1hb]

I really love your channel. The way you present the theories is really good. Your voice is really soothing and calm, i can easily imagine you telling stories around the campfire or close to a three and everyone would close their eyes to listen to you.

[@dhzinck]

This is a great video. Some additional things to note. The reason Ranni doesn't mention Seluvis when she tells you to "tell Blaidd and Iji that she loves" them is because Seluvis is already dead. Another thing to note is that Blaidd marks your map where the metor hits and when you get there he leaves a note saying he has something he needs to take care of and that there is a trade amongst the group. When you finish the area without Blaidd, Seluvis is dead. It is implied that Ranni was on to Seluvis trying to create that potion and Bliadd is sent to take care of it. I also don't feel that the black knife assassins are there to help or guard them. Ranni admits directly to us that she orchestrated the Night of the Black Knives to us during her questline more than once. I feel like they are there trying to get back the pieces you are getting for her quest or they are seeking revenge. If you do the Black Knife Catacombs and talk to Rogier he has a lot to say about this and wants you to infiltrate Ranni's group. You have to do this before going to the manor but it is pretty interesting. Alright, one last nerd out of "what if" that I have been wondering. In Seluvis puppets area you see everyone and they all makes sense but 1 and that is the Omin guy by the wall. My theory is that he was created for Gideon and used to kill that village where you find Nepheli. The connection between that area, Gideon knowing Seluvis and his "tricks", who Nepheli is and all of that just seems odd. To me it feels like he was hired by Gideon and that is where Seluvis met Nepheli. The connection between all of these characters is just wild.

[@alexanderbeardsley5465]

there are a few flaws with the Blaidd killing seluvis theory. 1: when you ENTER Nokron city via the crater the first time Blaidd is already in the evergaol. meaning if you never go to the gaol to release him he is stuck in there until he breaks free AFTER you acquire the dark moon greatsword at the very end of ranni's questline which means there is a horrible time gap between his apparent break out and seluvis' death. 2: seluvis only dies AFTER you give ranni the fingerslaying blade. not anytime before it. you can hold the fingerslaying blade basically indefinitely and as long as you don't give it to ranni then seluvis lives. and 3: it's most likely ranni who murders seluvis. if you actually try to smack ranni a few times she'll warn you to stop. then after a bit she gets fed up and vaporizes you on the spot then vanishes after you respawn. so she clearly has the magic power to spare its just not shown since her target is a two fingers. but against a tarnished? or seluvis/pidia? she is still a demigod after all.

[@Snowblood27]

keep yourself safe

[@ShadeStormXD]

when you first confront her about it she admits to the whole shebang but it sounds so disingenious. the delivery is all wrong compared to the rest of her dialogue. when rannis in her doll form, a form she states makes her loose of lip, she admits to conspiracy and the creation of black knives but makes no mention of orchestrating the NoBK. in these moments of honest, solemn truth why would she make no mention of what would be her darkest deed. its far more likely that ranni is simply taking the blame for the orchestration of the NoBK, when in reality she was a just member of a the larger conspiracy. if she had orchestrated it, why disrupt the carvings of the cursemark into godwyn? why align herself with a godskin noble at the divine tower if she had the black knife assassins in her pocket to carve the cursemark? why abandon the BKAs after disrupting the cursemark carving, forcing them to flee the capital and kill various other demigods? why imprison the leader of the black knives? for someone as intelligent, careful and diligent as ranni, it doesnt make sense that the NoBKs as it happened was her plan, shit just doesnt add up

[@weeferooni]

32:22 dont know if anyone else has mentioned this yet but puppets can definitely talk. sellen is a puppet and she talks the entire time! i do like the theory that pidia controls seluvis though. perhaps he uses some type of glintstone like sellens to transfer his consciousness to the puppet he chooses to command. also, what a great video! i love this trio (blaidd iji and ranni i mean. not seluvis lol.) the love they share brings a tear to my eye.

[@weeferooni]

also now that i think about it. it would really make a lot of sense for pidia to want to destroy gideon’s life using seluvis as a proxy because of all the heinous things gideon has done to albinaurics.

[@Aldoz]

She didn't say that puppets can't talk, but that their voice can't be controlled. Sellen isn't a puppet, once you revive her she is in controll of her own actions, even if she might be just a doll replica of herself.

[@Leotheleprachaun]

Somebody's never done Sellen's quest

[@weeferooni]

@@Aldoz that is a fair point you make about sellen having a unique situation as a doll with a soul compared to the rest of the “puppets” attached to seluvis. shes basically just a doll body with her own spirit inside much like ranni when we meet her who, like sellen, is still in control of her own actions. i guess puppets are an entirely different type of entity i believe you are correct there.

[@BerosCerberus]

​@@weeferooni Her Soul is only attached to a puppet body after you get her Primal Glintstone and put it in the body in Seluvis dungeon. The body you can talk to in Limgrave cant be a puppet bc you cant find a body after you take her stone and the "real" Sellen is in a dongeon on the Weeping Peninsula. If this would be a puppet we could bring her soul to this body in Limgrave.

[@Taireyn]

You and Vaati are probably my favorite lore channels, literally perfect story telling voices

[@miss_chalice]

Thank you so much, that's a great honour to me :)

[@haisarusi7758]

simp

[@fernandofaria2872]

@@miss_chalice An honour to Vaati*

[@itheasian]

​@@fernandofaria2872 chill nigga don't act that down bad lol she's dope af but Vaati is on another level

[@mattploch9402]

This is a video I didn't know I needed. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and understanding of Elden Ring lore! I'm on my first playthrough and have really been struggling to follow the vast array of stories and their complexities. This was an incredibly informative and fun video and I'm excited to watch your other videos! Keep up the great work!

[@no.thx.]

I just found your channel with your Hewg video - holy crap! I've seen so many lore videos it's hard to get surprised anymore, but you really are right up there with Vaati and I LOVE to see people making that level of quality content.

[@firepowerx-venezuelangame3890]

A relaxing lore vid, just what u need as I do a hard activity in a game

[@miss_chalice]

Glad to hear I could help you chill! wishing you luck with whatever task you are trying to battle!

[@LiquidAwesomePersonified]

It could be that Seluvis the puppet became inactive as Piddia was being attacked by the other puppets around him maybe breaking his concentration or whatever - I know in game the puppets work a lot like spirit ashes, but Seluvis/Piddia could be using a similar kind of magic to Sellen's mental body-swapping typing of puppetry that we see her using while still imprisoned beneath the witchs dungeon or whatever it was called. Because if i remember right, Sellen also became "inactive" once Jarra? Jarreth? the guy from the Radahn "festival" kills her body and you have to find her a new one.

[@boi6ix445]

You actually sound like an Elden ring VA. Just wanted to say I'm really enjoying the ER video series, adding so much context to what I found and discovered during my play throughs, like piecing together a puzzle. (ps. I like the BG music, just needs to be subtle as not to steal focus from how nice your voice is.) Keep it up!

[@elfire5381]

I'm really enjoying your Elden Ring lore videos. Also, your calming voice really brings a level of focus to the stories and theories. I'm patiently hoping for a lengthy Melina video. please and ty.

[@SaintHound74]

It's been a joy seeing new Lore-weavers such as yourself come to life to explore this game. The thoughtfulness and care of your cosplay is a reflection of the thoughtfulness you put into your videos. Once Elden Ring has run its course, I hope you find more games to do this kind of work. Who knows what the DLC will bring though? People are still talking about Bloodborne and Sekiro! Again, well done.

[@BlueAsterismSolstice]

I actually had a crazier theory to the fall of Iji. I figured the Raging Wolf of the Roundtable did it. Before we wrap up Leyndell, we received no mention of Ranni and her Great Rune whereabouts. A suspicion I had was that Gideon didn't have the full story by that time while he studied his time by for the Two Fingers instead of burning the tree. Any Tarnished would meanwhile be his eyes and ears, looking for information. Such would be Vargram as well as the real value of Dolores as opposed to Seluvis's method to make people useful. Gideon is a Fundamentalist, a scholar by all means except by name. In other words, the two were opposites, in a world contrasted full of opposites. Instead of puppets, Gideon used pawns under the guise of same interests. Vargram was one of the earliest Round Table members and would use an armor inspired after the Baleful Shadows meant to grant an Empyrean death, and would wield the Godslayer Greatsword of black flames to match, once belonged to the Gloam Eyed Queen.

[@SOWEGAGuy]

This video is amazing! Thoroughly thought out and put together! You are my new source for lore! Thanks for all the hard work.

[@MinerDiner]

I just discovered your channel with this video, and your voice is so soft and soothing it could almost make me cry.

[@Drocksas]

I never thought about it until you discussed the ties between Gideon and Seluvis, but it's very interesting that both have such deep needs for control, and that the difference in how they execute it is what led to them being at odds. Where Seluvis uses magic to turn people into dolls he can puppeteer, Gideon prefers charismatic manipulation for his own ends, as evidenced both in the horrors he signs off on in the Albinauric village AND in how he drip-feeds special goodies if we give him information on the extra demigods in the late game. It seems they both, ironically, desperately seek personal gain, but have such different ways of going about it that they hate each other. I'd even be willing to bet that in the case of Dolores, Gideon probably had her in his employ as he did Ensha and Nepheli. And Seluvis wanted her enough to slight Gideon by taking her in his own, sadistic way. Also, at 4:28 "Last, but most definitely least" is the PERFECT phrase to describe Seluvis! Thank you for that wonderful line!

[@WhywolfSenpai]

This is my first time seeing the full breakdown of the end of Blaidd's quest since I never found him at the evergoal, so that in itself made this fascinating, but the godskin noble by the tower is something I never thought to question and the theory of them potentially being who killed Iiji and the black knives actually being allies is the kind of subtle story telling I LOVE from these games if true and is 100% my headcanon for these events now!

[@richardmetcalfe920]

Thank you for the video Miss Chalice. Both very informative and the asmr quality of your voice really soothed after a stressful day. Great work.

[@TheJoker-bz2uz]

Your voice is extremely calming and I really enjoy the way you go about telling the story and explaining your point of view. Well done

[@AynenMakino]

As others have said, you have a most soothing voice that makes it so easy to follow the video. There's a LOT of facets to this lore, and keeping the attention throughout all of it isn't easy. Good job!

[@miss_chalice]

I'm so grateful that I managed to hold your attention throughout. That was my biggest challenge when writing the script: it's quite a challenge to dissect 3 characters in detail whilst trying to keep it engaging. Really pleased that I could achieve that, and thank you for the wonderful feedback :)

[@AynenMakino]

@@miss_chalice Oh, yeah, attention span is probably the hardest part in long-form! With Elden Ring, it's neigh-impossible to talk about characters in isolation, since everyone is connected to everyone else in ways that really matter. Sidenote: I reckon there'd be a lot of interest in you also showing us how you do that amazing make-up! I don't know if you'd enjoy making videos like that, though!

[@cappucinothings]

when i saw the video length i SCREAMEDD yay i love ur longer vids!!

[@miss_chalice]

Yay!! Glad to hear you like the longer videos!!!

[@NamelessJohan]

I just finished Ranni's quest and this video is perfect. SO informational and your voice is perfect for audio books/any form of spoken content. I'm for sure subscribing and checking out your other Elden Ring Lore videos once I progress through the game more :))

[@iyannaranjo3665]

This video helped me fill out some gaps I had in this quest, very well done!

[@underhill1158]

I love the casual Ranni look

[@miss_chalice]

thank you! I'm glad you got what I was going for with my outfit and makeup :)

[@MonkeyPantsFace]

Something that wasn't covered in this video was the connection between Jerren and Iji - they both share a lot of dialogue referencing each other under certain conditions. Would love for another video or even Q and A talking more about this. They are such interesting/enigmatic characters 😊

[@sero21]

The way you tell stories is very beautiful. I could listen to this for hours!

[@asher.v9195]

Your soothing tone and delivery is perfect for story telling/lore explanation! 👌

[@Ithurtssobad]

The Audio bugs out around 23:48 Not sure if that's just me! I enjoyed this video, always feels like I'm learning more than I did when I initially played through the game. Thanks for extra insight!

[@miss_chalice]

Oh no! You're right, well spotted. Not sure what happened on my end, there is always something ahAha. Gonna start awarding a medal for Spot the Chalice Audio Error. Thank you for your lovely feedback, I really enjoy knowing that I can share some little bits that you weren't aware of! It's a very rewarding process. Thankful for your comment :)

[@aranthur]

I like the idea of Seluvis not being a puppet at first, but being turned into one as an ironic punishment. I can definitely see puppetry as a necessary evil that Ranni doesn't like but still needed these two puppet masters to create her own doll body and help protect her castle Then as soon as she didn't need them anymore, she potioned Seluvis and took control of Pidia's puppets herself to give them their revenge

[@nickbierman3640]

Amazing job! I learned so much and really enjoyed the story. Thank you for all your work.

[@franciscocota6440]

Just found this channel today. Darn beautiful display of lore, Miss Chalice. Also, great narrative voice and skills.

[@Truppy4games]

She makes the best lore videos I always find them relaxing and interesting

[@miss_chalice]

Why thank you so much!!

[@gochi6542]

I haven’t played the game but I’ve watched plenty of clipped gameplay. It’s interesting to hear the entire questline explained and a deep dive into the involved characters. I will probably get a more full experience when I do get around to playing.

[@cthubol6824]

i feel when i play i don't pick up on many of these details and connections but then hearing afterwards what the things meant which i've seen and experienced in-game but with some newfound distance, can be incredible emotional but beautiful. maybe in a reverse way it will be the same for u when u eventually get around to play the game.

[@Danganraptor]

You probably should- not only is the game good, she got A LOT of details wrong.

[@lil_nut420]

I found your channel like a week ago and I've watched like 5 video and each is a master peice, your voice is soothing and beautiful, your cosplay are always on point, and you never fail to entice me, keep up the great work you extremely beautiful person, also I'm probably use you as a reference for a drawing in the future because you have the exact look I love

[@DudeWerewolf]

So peaceful, but well paced and very eloquently laid out. Awesome video!!

[@TheRealTetro]

Very nice and relaxing video ! I really like your take that Iji prompted the Black Knives' appearance by removing his helm, it's a shame it doesn't reflect on his model, although as you said, the order in which all the events can take place could be interpreted in many ways. The theory I subscribe to when it comes to why the attack takes place, even though the Black Knives were supposed to have been "forged by Ranni", is that Ranni really double-crossed everybody. Ranni obviously had plans for bringing about an age of the stars, and she needed to rid herself of the Two Fingers' influence to achieve it. But I believe she hid that goal from the rest of the conspirators. The other parties who wish to see Destined Death restored (Melina, namely, who's probably associated with the Gloam-Eyed Queen's desires (if she's not the GEQ herself)), do not seem to want to abandon the Lands Between outright. Melina does not want to see life be destroyed through the Flame of Frenzy, she is attached to terrestrial life. From this, I posit that even though Ranni became involved with the Death faction, she hid that she was going to kill her flesh and hijack the whole plan for herself, that the Death people were not in it for bringing an age of the stars. We can infer that there was some conflict between Ranni and the Black Knives previously, from Alecto being imprisoned in the Moonlight Altar, Ranni's HQ. This again poses the question of why would a supposed agent of Ranni be imprisoned where she is if their goals were supposedly aligned. So when the Black Knives catch wind of Ranni's followers' whereabouts, they go in to try and stop her. There's a lot of conjecture involved here, but it still makes a lot of sense to me. There are tons of unspoken connections between Ranni and Melina. The biggest one being the fact that they both acknowledge and appreciate Torrent. Ranni also acquired the Spirit-calling bell from "Torrent's former master". Going down that route, Torrent's former master is either Melina herself, or her predecessor (who has to be associated with Destined Death as well). This furthers their connection and the idea that this was part of a bigger deal around Ranni forging the Black Knives. If I'm going even further in this theory, my take even is that Ranni traded her Great Rune when that bargain was made. And when we eventually get a DLC, finding where the Black Knives ritual took place and who exactly was involved in it is how I hope we will be able to obtain the Great Rune for ourselves. Phew, here it is, my "grand DLC theory", now I'm just crossing my fingers :D

[@garrulousgoldmask]

Another great video! I had no idea Blaidd had such a brutal and feral bite attack when he's at the end. That really shows how he's losing control. Fun fact: You can actually troll Seluvis when he first mentions his scheme to fool Ranni! Just tell him you're not interested twice in a row and you get unique exasperate dialogue from him 😅 Second fun fact: In the 1.0 version of the game, there isn't a Godskin Noble at Ranni's Divine Tower nor is Iji covered in Black Flame. So those changes were deliberate and made very, very late in development Keep up the amazing work!

[@thelongpatrol7457]

DUDE that mirror helm thing just freaked me out. SO GOOD. I am subbing right now. awesome stuff.

[@fuggleville1481]

I love Elden Ring but am so busy that a lot of the times I speed through some of the dialogue. Your channel videos really make me appreciate the game even further. Thank you.

[@daviverle_9211]

At this point i don't even know if i watch her videos for the L O R E or just because it's the most calming and relaxing voice i've ever heard . . . (please tell me a bed time story thank you)

[@wilfredwayne7139]

You've got the perfect unique voice for a souls game. Could imagine you as an NPC and I mean that in the best way your voice is so tender.

[@miss_chalice]

Thank you, that is the highest of compliments. Maybe one day you will hear my voice in a game, that's just a dream for now :)

[@cesspool1676]

I second that. She would be a perfect voice for a souls npc.

[@FlintMcroy]

Randomly stumbled on your channel, love the videos. Always enjoyed lore dives and your voice is very soothing

[@lucasa.v.4772]

just found your channel today, you have a really soothing voice, as the others mentioned, I really liked the way you explained/told everthing! +1 sub

[@Gunny3393]

I always thought Blaidd killed Selvius because of the message in Nokron that says a traitor has to be dealt with. The way the sequence of events work, I always found Selvius dead after I saw the message. I think this also explains why Ranni doesn't say she loves him and why there are no Black Knife Assassins around his body because he was the first one dead and he was dealt with internally by the team after they learned of his plot to bag Ranni.

[@NeoNaito]

Agreed. I also think Iji kills himself because Blaidd doesn't lose himself until he returns 'home' to Ranni's side and finds himself abandoned. So, after he realizes that Blaidd literally went feral and you killed him BECAUSE of his actions, he kills himself to make amends. Like "Oh shit, I caused him to go nuts because I separated him from Ranni". His head is literally side ways like be bashed himself in the head with his hammer. As for the black flames, COULD be weapon effect from his hammer, which we as a player never get to use. Or Melina, the gloam eye queen's, work.

[@ANIMEBEAST27]

I also thought this too, but it's hard to commit to this theory because we know Blaidd uses a great sword and selvius's body has no evidence of being hit with a large weapon. You'd expect to see a large wound, him on the floor with a pool of blood, broken in pieces ect. He's just sitting there looking like he was never touched.

[@ANIMEBEAST27]

@@NeoNaito The weapon art thing makes a lot of sense but I went back there just now and Iji's hammer was never moved

[@DistortedShelf0]

It may very well be that Iji had not taken his own life at all. Another plausible explanation is simply that the Two Fingers had to find him the hard way (through pure investigation) and, eventually did; moreover, it seems highly possible that Ranni herself was providing some sort of veil for her followers to protect them, and that once she became too weak to do so, the Two Fingers could finally seek retribution.

[@Jayco2855]

You have such an enchanting way of telling these stories. You earned this sub.

Just bing watched almost all of your souls lore videos

[@respecthalo2963]

Lore mommy 😍

[@Acesahn]

I find it far more likely the Black Knife assassins betrayed Ranni then Ranni betrayed Iji and Blaidd. While they could be being controlled by the Two Fingers as well, they're hired killers, not the most trustworthy sort. It's very possible they had their own agenda.

[@BigPapaMitchell]

I just finished all of your lore videos. Your lore is cracked, I've consumed quite a bit of elden ring lore content but most of the videos youve pit out cover all kinds of things other channels haven't touched.

[@brucesnider6317]

Nice, I'm just now doing this quest. This is all very interesting, and kind of mind-bending, the actual depth of soulsborne stories... compared to how very little they just put right in front of you. Very nice sleuthing, dig the video, definitely subscribed.

[@Necrapocalypse]

I never actually knew about Blaidd and Iji's deaths and imprisoning because it's so difficult for me to follow where quest NPCs are in an open world. It's almost a shame because of how much interesting stuff happens there, but that's what this video is for. Also it's nice not to have anyone die in a questline for once. Well, anyone I remotely care about.

[@iHaveTheDocuments]

Iji literally wears a tin foil helmet so no one can read this thoughts. The first ever

[@HotFreshTofu]

very nice video, you had me captivated right away. I am currently in the middle of this quest and it is the first time that the story of the game has really interested me.

[@louisryder2208]

i found your channel a few weeks after getting elden ring and your lore videos have really helped understand some parts. Cant wait for more content 👍👍

[@jessicanigri]

sobbing into my salad

[@virtualstring2925]

The last points about you visiting both Blaidd and Iji at the end essentially being the reason they indeed die is something I've never thought about. Yet I still believe that defeating Blaidd is the right thing to do. He was loyal to Ranni until the very end, even in his madness, he couldn't attack her. I find it a more proper end for Blaidd to die by our hand while he still has even the smallest semblance of sanity, be it as little as it is, so he dies as Blaidd. Not as a mad shadow controlled by the fingers. His story is definitely one of the most touching ones in the game. Btw, have you seen/covered the cut questline of Kale? It's one of the best narratives in the game, even if cut, definitely worth checking it out :)

[@Acesahn]

Everyone says and thinks this, but I can't help but point out that with the Greater Will being cut out of this world and Ranni being made the new Queen/God of it, I don't think it'd be out of the question to save Blaidd at that point. Perhaps any ending cutting out the Greater Will would save him even.

[@lilg-star4408]

That was so insightful 👌 especially the puppets section, which makes the sub plots so engrossing.

[@vincentkeith5259]

I can barely imagine how much work went into this behind the scenes. Well done.

[@_ariosto1519]

There is a message from Blaidd outside the meteor entrance, it says he has to deal with a traitor. I believe Blaidd killed Seluvis…maybe Iji killed the black knife assassins, then killed himself using the black flame…

[@luiseeo]

I also believe Blaidd killed Selluvis. The exact message is "There’s a traitor taken care of. Onwards to Nokron, then. Go on, I’ll catch up." In the play-through I saw it, I was playing on Selluvis side, doing the whole "let's give the potion to Ranni" subquest, to the point that she killed me and I had to use celestial dew to "absolve my sins". After that, Selluvis was dead and you can see the Blaidd message in the crater entrance to Nokron. I don't know if the events line up as nicely in all possible play-throughs. However, it would make a lot of sense for Blaidd to dispose of Selluvis, regardless if you as the player get involved in Selluvis' scheme or not.

[@DrnMontemayor]

That message also makes me think that, but now I'd have to check if I let Darriwil alive until that point is killed offscreen by Blaidd. Since it could be meant for either of them and would justify the Gaol being free for Iji to put Blaidd in.

[@kleptokross4358]

I always understood that Seluvis died because Pidia got betrayed by his puppets. There are a few things that indicate that Seluvis is a puppet and whenever Pidia dies he gets “released”.

[@maximilian2843]

@@luiseeo i thought Ranni killed Seluvis, because after immediately killing the tarnished Seluvis was dead. So i thought this was direct revenge.^^

[@ShadeStormXD]

i think its more likely iji died in combat with the black knives. killed 3 or so and then died to the burning of the black flame. the rest of the assassins then went on their way to find ranni and died fighting blaidd, whose much more capable in combat then iji

[@LampseekerForevermore]

The shadow isn't Blaidd, it is implied with the mask you find of Blaidd that there are assassins stalking Ranni using his visage as a disguise.

[@thecommentguy9380]

No need for the mask. After retrieving the Finger Slayer knife, Iji will lock Blaidd in the bloodhound's prison south of Mistwood. Free him and go talk to Iji and he will explain that the Baleful Shadows are vassals of the Greater Will to serve and protect the Empyrean. But if they rebel against the Greater Will, those vassals will turn into Baleful Shadows to hunt down said Enpyrean Blaidd was faithful to Ranni but in the end he's still the Greater Will's sleeper agent, a kill switch to prevent rebellion

[@looselytelling]

Just wanted to say thank you for the videos you make. This channel has been the best discovery I've made on KZbin, again thank you

[@SeanPatterson-tg5wk]

I know this is an old video but you just got a new sub! I can't wait to watch all of your other videos, you do the lore explanation well thanks a lot :)

[@JakeTheArmyGuy]

I feel that Ranni's ending is the closest thing Elden Ring has to a "Good" or "Happy" ending. Yes, she did it for her own reasons, but what she accomplished was severing the Land Between from influence of ALL outer gods. The Greater Will, Mohg's Blood Mother, the Rot Goddess, the Three Fingers, all have been cut off from the world, hence the whole "world without faith" thing. Now, people must find their own path, and don't have to be beholden to distant and uncaring gods. Great video, my friend! RIP Blaidd, the Goodest of Boys.

[@frankman1998]

Lore mommy lore mommy

[@ryanroswellcacho]

My mind is literally blown for so much informations and theorues that I didn't know in tge game. Thanks for Elaborating them Miss Chalice.

[@KlaelDemon]

Love this lore breakdown, and a really great narration as well. Cheers 🥂

[@garrettwebb5740]

Iji is best waifu

[@sjfagan]

Also, there are 3 Wolves at the base of Ranni's Rise, just at her doorstep.

[@Genasidal]

Brilliant video! I've only just found this channel, and I'm super glad I did! Learnt some new things about Blaidd's questline, and I never considered the Black Knives were there to protect Iji and Blaidd! One thing I wanted to suggest however: you mentioned when going into the Pidia/Seluvis theory that an inconsistency is the sequence of events, though, I think this DOES have a logical explaination towards the theory: When we see Pidia, he is writhing on the ground after being beaten to a pulp. It can be inferred here, that, if a Puppet Master is being attacked, regardless of death or not, they lose direct control of their puppets. Consider this also, when discussing the inconsitency in Puppet Control: we technically don't control puppets the same way a Pidia - Selivus puppet control would work, because they function on an almost, primal, defensive measure, similar to Therolina is an assistant at Redmane Castle. From this, I pose the theory that there are two distinct types of Puppet Control: Direct, and Indirect. An Indirect puppet control is what Therolina is going through, and what we are taught by Selivus, and will have a set of puppets act out a primary directive with their strongest traits still subtly intact (think of Therolina's bow, or her heal, or even Pidia's Cuccko Soldiers fighting as a unit in Caria Manor!) What we see however through Pidia's puppeteering of Selivus, could be direct control. Perhaps, the individual is in complete control of the puppet, and needs full focus to do so. If that focus is broken, perhaps so is the puppeteering. This could explain the end result to Selivus! I'd also like to suggest that Selivus' entire personality to me makes no sense from a Conspectus perspective, given the item description of their set/the two helmet variations. It seems moreso that Selivus is Pidia's resentment coming out almost anonymously, through the voice of another. Selivus' entire inflection changes to more warm also, when he realises you do really want to help him, and though it might be a stretch, I'd say in these lines, he mirrors Pidia much more. His resentment possibly faded by that point. I believe Pidia is known to Ranni, and she must have had his connection to his puppets severed somehow, to give him a taste of his own medicine! Perhaps, in exchange for everything Ranni needed from his expertise in puppeteering, he gets a safe haven, free to do his puppeteering in peace. ONE LAST THING TO CONSIDER ON THEIR CONNECTION!: Think of the art of Puppeteering in Elden Ring, and what we learn about it. Pupeteering seems to originate from the Nox, from the Eternal Cities, and Pidia is a first generation Albinuric, of whom have an affiliation WITH the Eternal Cities, Silver Tears and by proxy - the Nox. Perhaps he came to know puppeteering through those whom initially created him, and was given as a gift to Ranni by the Nox, to serve her (since they have good relations with her). This would explain also why Royal Conspectuses randomly knows puppetry magic. By using Selivus as a vessel to teach, Pidia could have taught ALL of the Conspectuses the art of puppeteering, and the importance of Starlight Shards, (something the Carian Royal family hold in abundance,) are to the process itself! Sorry for the super long read to all who get through this! I had a big think through this topic, and hope it's all consise enough and makes enough sense to see where I'm coming from! Thoughts are welcome, since I'm interested in external input on this! And if you see this, thanks for the interesting lore video Miss Chalice; I'm gonna binge some more! Maybe I have some more apiphanies as I watch on theories!

[@halzey7662]

I love your calming voice, plus you are explaining lore on one of my favorite games ever. thank you ❤️

[@Eludvion]

It could be that Blaidd was the one who took out Seluvis tasked by Ranni because when you go to the falling star location you will see a message written by Blaidd saying he is taking care of a traitor and he will catch up to us in Nokrom.

[@bigfatlpjj]

First 🎉❤

[@miss_chalice]

Can confirm! Thank you for being here!

[@bigfatlpjj]

@@miss_chalice

[@yunkinto]

So glad this channel ended up in my recommended, you make the best lore videos

[@redskullerz8365]

So I stumbled upon this and I'm sooooo glad I did I think you and vaati should make a series or audiobook or something both of your voices are so good

[@beachassbynon1123]

wow! thank you so much for this incredible video explanation!!! i only had 1 playthrough and followed rannis quest. i have had much thoughts in the same direction as u, but u went further and it all makes so much sense!! elden ring was my first from soft game i have played through and i enjoyed is so much! afther that i did a deep dive in much of vaati vidias videos and explanations of the lore, cuz its so very intriguing to me. your calm voice is breathtaking for such videos and i was charmed already after a few seconds in! hope ull keep up doin such good content on youtube and on those from soft topics! u very much enrich the space of youtube with ur presence and ur content, so consider me a loyal subscriber from now!

[@alexannderstar]

You have something in your voice and your energy that hypnotizes. Ill be waiting for a new video once the DLC is released.

[@kyleweeks761]

Your vids are awesome, really getting me back into the Elden Ring vibe. Might be time to start it up again.

[@brentwood5017]

I have to say I literally just found your content the day before yesterday but I am overwhelmed with just how deep you have dug into all of these characters and The lure of this game that I treasure. I love all of these videos you have done on Elden ring, but I have a serious theory and possibly proof that Selivus IS, in fact, Pidiya in puppet form. I would love to discuss this with you