ELDEN RING DLC, and Queen Marika the Eternal
Everything is centered around Marika
The new Elden Ring DLC looks much darker and grimmer than the main game of Elden Ring. From software is known for making excellent DLCs. The DLC for Bloodborne is considered the best part of that game, and Bloodborne is, in people's hearts, the best game ever. To have something that tops that in every way is insane.
From an internal standpoint, everything in the shadow realm seems as though everything is focused on Mesmer the Impaler, who appears to be a demi-god of Radigan and Marika. Although the trailer was centered around him, and he undoubtedly will be the end boss of this DLC, I feel everything will inherently be boiled down to all being affected by Miquela.
The DLC takes place within the shadow realm of Elden's ring, and you can get to it through the withered hand of Miquela hanging out of his cocoon that lays in wait in Mohgwin’s palace.
They have also added many weapon variations and a new power scaling system not to make it too easy for the veteran Elden ring and Souls-borne players.
Delving deeper into the shadow realm of Elden's Ring, players will encounter many challenges and adversaries that test their skills and determination. Mesmer the Impaler, a formidable demi-god said to be born of the union between Radigan and Queen Marika, looms as a menacing presence within this dark realm. While the trailer hints at Mesmer's imposing role as the ultimate antagonist of the DLC, a deeper exploration reveals a complex web of interconnected relationships and conflicts that revolve around the enigmatic figure of Miquela.
Miquela, a pivotal yet cryptic character within the Elden Ring lore, seems to profoundly influence the events transpiring in the shadow realm. As players navigate through the twisted landscapes and treacherous dungeons, they will realize that Miquela's presence casts a shadow over every aspect of this new adventure. The withered hand of Miquela, a haunting symbol of her power and presence, serves as the mysterious gateway that leads intrepid adventurers into this nightmarish realm concealed within the depths of Mohgwin's palace.
Moreover, the developers have introduced various weapon variations and a revamped power scaling system designed to challenge even the most seasoned Elden Ring and Soulsborne players. As players adapt to the intricacies of these new mechanics, they must carefully strategize and hone their combat skills to overcome the formidable foes that await them in the shadow realm. The dynamic gameplay experience, enriched by these additions, promises a thrilling and punishing journey for those brave enough to venture into the dark heart of Elden's Ring.
Queen Marika, The Eternal
Everything within Elden Ring is centered around Queen Marika; she is, I could argue, the one character that you want to have at least a small understanding of if you’re going to digest any of the extensive Elden Ring story and lore.
Queen Marika, the Eternal, is a Numen chosen and brought from her homeland to the Lands Between by the Greater Will to be their vassal. As an Empyrean, she was gifted Maliketh as a Shadow and half-brother, to whom she entrusted the Rune of Death when the Golden Order was established. She had two consorts during her reign, the first being Godfrey. They had three children together: Godwyn the Golden and the Omen twins, Morgott and Mohg.
To spread the influence of the Golden Order, Marika and her followers, on behalf of the Greater Will, waged wars against several factions and gods in the lands between, the most notable ones being the Storm Lord, the fire giants, and their god, the One-Eyed God, and the Academy of Raya Lucaria and the Carian royal family. While it is unclear which side instigated the war, there were wars against the Dragons, the Godskin Apostles, and their god, the Gloam-Eyed Queen.
Though the war against the Giants ended in their favor, Marika realized that she would be unable to extinguish the flame at the Forge of the Giants, the fabled 'flame of ruin' strong enough to burn the Erdtree, and thus cursed the final Fire Giant survivor to protect the forge for all eternity. When the last war was finally over, Marika took the blessing of grace from Godfrey and his warriors, turning them into Tarnished, and exiled them from the Lands Between. Then, she took Radagon as her second consort and had the twins Miquella and Malenia.
At some point, Marika started to doubt the Greater Will and the Golden Order. It is speculated that she had a hand in the Night of the Black Knives due to her rumored connection with the Black Knife Assassins. Marika's final act of rebellion against the Greater Will was shattering the Elden Ring. This act caused her imprisonment within the Erdtree and the war between the demigods.