Summary
2023 Game of the Year winnerElden Ringsecured its accolades through stunning visuals and difficult but balanced gameplay, much of which can be seen in the game’s boss characters. ManyElden Ringplayers hold its bosses in high regard, and with the major update inching closer to its release date, one wonders if any past bosses will return.
The Shadow of the Erdtree DLCpromises many new additions that will provide even more content for players to go through and enjoy. While the assurance of new weapons, equipment, and skills is enticing, those who are into the game for its challenge anticipate the spike of difficulty the new boss characters will bring. Developers promise more than 10 will be gracing the brand-new Land of Shadow, and there is a possibility of the return of a foe that players defeated in the depths of Volcano Manor: Praetor Rykard.
Why Shadow of the Erdtree May Have Room for Praetor Rykard’s Return
The Lord of Volcano Manor, Praetor Rykard, did not start as the snake-like behemoth players know. Upon arriving at Mt. Gelmir to obtain ancient powers and rituals, he quickly grew interested in the religion of an ancient civilization that worshipedthe almighty God-Devouring Serpent. Understanding the potential it brings in destroying Marika’s order and her consorts, the former noble merged with the titanic deity, obtaining vast power and gathering others who share his hatred of the Golden Order.
Letting one’s guard down against Rykardcan prove to be costly, as the new God-Devouring serpent intends to eat powerful champions in the pursuit of eternal life and extending his “family”. Rykard’s devout followers assist in accomplishing the Praetor’s goals by luring unfortunate warriors through promises of unrivaled power, only to have them devoured by the Lord of Volcano Manor.
Reasons for the God-Devouring Serpent’s Potential Return
Players will have to search for andbeat the self-appointed Lord of Blasphemyto hear the intriguing dialogue provided at the end of the battle. Although the fight has two phases, it is not as difficult as some of the game’s more notorious fights, ultimately more of a spectacle if the player takes the time to gather the Serpent-Hunter weapon. After Rykard’s defeat, his final words are “No one will hold me captive. A serpent never dies.” Other details that strongly suggest his return are:
Even after death, the Praetor seems confident in his continued existence within the Lands Between. That and the other details provided show the chilling possibility that the fearsome serpent could return, leaving players to wonder when and where.
Tanith is another big reason why there is a high likelihood of Rykard’s return.The lore surrounding Tanithand the reason for her importance begins with the former dancer being appointed as the Praetor’s consort, establishing a close relationship between the two. They share the same goal of defying Marika’s order and extending the life of the God-Devouring serpent to the point of true immortality. After becoming the leader of Rykard’s Recusants, Tanith sends out invitations to gifted champions, tricking them into thinking they are joining the Praetor’s “family”.
Those who decide to dothe optional Volcano Manor questwill notice that even after winning against Praetor Rykard, she does not seem distressed, and even thanks the player for defeating him. Tanith strongly believes that her Lord will rise again, waiting for that day to come. Should players revisit the depths of Volcano Manor where the God-Devouring serpent’s corpse is left to rot, they will notice Tanith slowly eating it. This is in the belief of her taking Rykard’s place as the new serpent, ensuring they continue to devour the Gods together.
All this shows humongous potential for the return of the Praetor asone of the new bosses in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Should FromSoftware decide to bring him back toElden Ring, it’ll hopefully offer a much bigger spectacle than the previous encounter.
Elden Ring
WHERE TO PLAY
ELDEN RING, developed by FromSoftware, Inc. and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., is a fantasy action-RPG adventure set within a world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin. Danger and discovery lurk around every corner in FromSoftware’s largest game to date. Hidetaka Miyazaki - President and Game Director of FromSoftware Inc. Known for directing critically-acclaimed games in beloved franchises including Armored Core and Dark Souls.George R.R. Martin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including the acclaimed series A Song of Ice and Fire - A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast For Crows, and A Dance with Dragons. As a writer-producer, he has worked on The Twilight Zone, Beauty and the Beast, and various feature films and pilots that were never made. He lives with the lovely Parris in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
