The Elden Ring has been shattered, and its shards scattered. Once graced by the Ring and the Erdtree which symbolizes its presence, the Lands Between are now ruled over by the demigod offspring of Queen Marika the Eternal, each possessing a shard of the Ring that corrupts and taints them with power. Many exiles from the realm, who lost the Ring's grace, are summoned after the Shattering. The Tarnished is one of many such exiles that hopes to restore the Elden Ring and become the Elden Lord.
