Rennala and Ranni's Moon sorceries also dispel enemy sorceries, but that really only elevates the company that Thops' Barrier is in. He basically made a legendary sorcery in a cave with a box of scraps.
Not just that. The fact that it can deflect Elden Stars has insane implications. His spell is worthy of a conspectus, something only Primeval Sorcerers were able to achieve. His spell is literally cosmic in nature. I feel like he discovered the Earth's magnetic shield, or something of similar effect
@@hythan9198Ah yeah the electro magnetic field around the earth that also is the same kind of energy that makes your heart beat and there is magnetism and electricity based magic basically Also you could figure that out with a box of scraps in a cave if you wrap some copper wire around a quartz crystal right you can transfer electricity to sound that’s what speakers are and if you hold a speaker wire input it makes a buzz because of your electromagnetic field
I like the idea that Thops died of exhaustion, not even having the time to approach the fellow sorcerers with his creation, with it only passing on to his only student in the whole wide world: You. The person who made it at all possible for it's creation.
Honestly almost made me tear up. It is so saddening to think of all the dreams and desires that have died, unable to be fulfilled. Even something as simple as wanting to play a game with someone, but that person doesn't ever want to play it. Certainly not on the same level as dying, but still sad to think about. The world is a bit cruel in this way.. but everything can't be fulfilled of course.
I think part of the beauty of Thops’ spell is that it is purely defensive. Most if not all of the other glint stone spells, even retaliation, are meant to cause harm. Thops sought purely to avoid conflict, which best embodies the sorcerers’ decision to isolate themselves from the world.
Should also note that Thop's barrier can deflect spells that Carian Retaliation can't. It doesn't just absorb the magic and convert it, its doing something entirely different. Something that changes the fabric of the world itself when you cast it. And MORE importantly. This is his first spell. The first in his "new conspectus/field of magic" that he, solely, as a PUPIL, invented. And it's (in usage) something that only the highest ranks of carian mages have invented (and kept secret, for themselves). It takes 18 int to cast the spell version, where as retaliation takes 17. Which means whatever it's doing, its harder to learn. And it can be chained, unlike retaliation, so it would be useful in war or any other application. It makes me wonder then if the reason they called him "bluntstone", was just that he was thinking of things so far outside the box, that they assumed he was an idiot. Like the 'you're not EVEN wrong', statement, usually applied to crackpots.
We use stones to hone our weapons. Thops was never destined for greatness as a sorcerer, but his contribution gave us strength. He passed his strength to his only student and the only one who didn't ridicule him.
Lol this reminded me of black clover. Diamond themed Bad guy: " you are merely a pebble on the wayside". Underdog MC about to do mc things: "i might just be a pebble, but i am the pebble that shatters diamonds!"
There's one detail that I like to think makes Thops and his barrier so special... Looking at the Lucarian face data, you'll notice that they all do not possess the "light of grace", a small segment of gold in the iris that is linked to the Erdtree and to the "holy" aspect and affinity. Thops however does. Perhaps this is one little reason why he couldn't quite learn glintstone sorcery. A small part of him prevents him from having that talent, as he is just one man and no mere god-like being like Radagon. But it does present a unique perspective as Thops might have some skill in incantations. Thop's barrier doesn't just stop sorceries, it also stops incantations. He is also found in a church. While ultra speculative, perhaps Thops went out to the academy to find something related to incantations and learned something that makes them similar enough to Glintstone to create a barrier that stops both. To say that glintstone and incantations have something similar between them would be almost insulting to these sorcerers, given their past with the Golden Order. Yet Thops didn't just say this, he *showed* it and in our hands is the very piece of proof that could potentially shatter glintstone sorcery theories anew. It could also explain why Carian Retaliation is such a guarded secret. Can you imagine the implications of a spell that could weaponise all forms of Sorcery and Incantations? Thops was never a bluntstone. Thops was an unseen genius that saw something that others refuse to acknowledge and proved it, even at the cost of his life.
@Zedonus0 it will be used by the future elden lord until his own death and well if his life in the lands between death is having a hard time taking him
If you really think about it, if the Elden Ring really commands the stars, and the Greater Will is the one that commanded Astel, then it might be possible that the Primordial Current and the Greater Will might be the same thing. This could be supported by the latest DLC trailer, as it seems like Marika was the one that "created" gold as a proxy for the Greater Will, but the outer god must have already existed in the Lands Between since Placidusax's consort was already fused with the Elden Ring.
Something I think is easily overlooked when you encounter Thops' body, is his staff. He drops the Academy Glintstone Staff, it's lore says "Only a recognized sorcerer is permitted to wield this staff". I like to think this is our way of being told that Thops "made it" before dying. Not such a bluntstone any more.
I like to imagine he was given it by one of the staffs when they saw his spell, they didn't take cause maybe they respected the craft or the spell itself reacted violently anyone but us taking it but that's my version anyways
@@theenderdestruction2362I mean, its very easy to forget that the ‘enemies’ attack us in a gamey way but we are suppose to assume that they are going about their lives in real time we just dont see it
He probably shown an earlier version of the spell to some academy higher ups and they approved of him and gave him the staff but he died before he could show his completed version of it.
@labbit3574 Now, i want to imagine our tarmished going back to the academy and making the crown we see in the video, and whenever we do magic, we wear in honor of our teacher also to piss off any sorcerer for fun
Thops created a spell that can repell the power of the Elden Beast's Elden Stars. The dude was a Magic God that only got his chance because of his meeting with us.
@@SeanHoltzmanMy dude went atomic. Literally. If his spell can deflect _that many things,_ then it’s likely that he tinkered with the atomic structure of FP and sub-atomic particles.
Most of us still only do Thops's quest because its simple and we may as well, but i know allot of us have fully acknowledged "This guy is the craziest NPC ingame" HE MADE A SPELL THAT DEFIED DESTINED DEATH. All whilst being a "talentless Bluntstone" Dude is the ultimate G
Thops was actually the first spellcasting teacher I found on my first playthrough (by discovering the path around Stormveil), and lacking any other solid ranged option, decided to make my STR build into a STR/INT build, which turned out to be a good path given how many spells there are in the game. Thanks buddy, your humility and kindness inspired a future Elden Lord.
I never gave this guy the key because I heard he would "pass on". I thought it was a kindness, but this really makes me feel that him creating a unique sorcery is Thop's happy ending.
That ending speech really got me, here I thought I found a new TH-camr to listen to while I draw but I was expecting heartfelt feels. Fantastic take on the bluntstone hero we all love
Glad you appreciated that part. I respect that everyone gets something different out of games, but it surprised me how many people do overlook story sometimes. That's my favourite bit!
@@miss_chalice yeah it’s like the whole point! 😂 I can’t imagine only worrying about min maxing my stats while I frantically button mash my way through dialog and cut scenes. Sounds like a pretty….. hollow experience? Har har har
All my builds are character builds. I don't care if I'm not doing the most damage. And I still manage to kill a lot of optimized invaders, haha. They can't Meta when their Meta doesn't expect you.
Maybe that's a phrase that could be said about life more often as well Not all the time, since ultimately effectiveness is important. But it should be said every time an overly great focus on min maxing makes us lose sight of other things that are important. It is wholesome when we think ourselves as valuable and are able to distinguish ourselves on the basis of our strengths, but burdensome when we center our lives around being the absolute best - especially when we, out of all beings on the planet, are not
Poor guy, ask 10 runes for spells that are worth a bit more, and if you like about it, after his questlines and his death, he repays you in the end with the ability to bounce magic off. Truly best deal that was made for 10 runes
You're not alone, the ending brought me to tears. It took me long enough to recognize the very same. Authenticity & genuine compassion is a flickering flame in the chamber of the self serving & narcissistic. You may not please everyone, but the people you do have an appreciation for you at your most sincere. 🥺
If you think about it Thops's barrier is a really kind spell all things considered. It redirects the enemy magic, leaving the user unharmed but pretty much leaving the spell intact. His idea of not imposing on others built into the spell itself
20:33 Furthermore, Carian Retaliation is a defensive/offensive spell, Thops' spell is just defensive, just like him, who didn't want to harm another person (accepting the first key). Bluntstones finish last.
It's also worth mentioning, Thops barrier has a ash of war varient that can be placed on shields and it costs Zero fp. It is quite useful. (Also, you can find it in the church thops resides in after you complete his quest, it's obtained by killing the scarab inside.)
A nice feel-good addition to this is the fact that those same Scarabs seem to only pick up "valuable" things. Smithing Stones, legendary magic and Ashes of War, the power to restore your Flasks... And among these arguably legendary rewards for hunting down a Scarab, you also get a version of Thops' Barrier. I couldn't be more proud of him.
@@YTDariuS-my6dg On top of that the scarabs have ties to the all knowing. people say the symbol on their back is the same as Gideons and it's theorized they are the eyes and ears Gideon uses to know what he does. This could represent the scarab learned what I could from thops and is ready to bring the spell/ash of war back to Gideon.
Thops and Diallos. Two of the biggest losers in the game who defied expectations and became legends and heroes in their own right. God I love these two poor guys. Wish they got a happier ending like Boc and Rya
Same! I ended up loving Diallos by the end of his arc, a man trying to prove himself and ending up humbly accepting a place where he fit, only to die in the end... and Thops I simply felt bad for from beginning to end... So many sad NPCs T_T
Diallos.... was nothin but a loser honestly. His treatment in the Manga is worse than Thops. I mean, granted its a comedy focused story, but Thops was recognized at least(and to our knowledge isn't killed,) while Diallos just makes a bloody fool of himself the 2x he's been around.
I just kill Diallos the first chance I get because if he dies before getting to Jarburg, the poachers never find it. So Jarburg remains intact indefinitely.
how about: In new game+, you can show Tophs his own spell and he will immeadietly beg you to teach him it, as its seems to be something he is researching. if you donate to him 10k runes for research you can send him off to Ranni for protection and he will produce like 4 other spells
Something incredible to mention as well is his barrier can also deflect malikeths destined death attacks. Meaning this dudes spell can stop even destined death or atleast deflect it
I always intuitively assumed that the barrier was very intentional and representative of Thops' character but never thought about it further and this was such a great exploration of the meaning it had, first time finding your content but it was very inspiring and also further proof of why the souls games and their "world story telling" is so great, because for everything it doesnt show or tell, it lets us discover and imagine on our own! To add some extra interpretation, I think its also a good portrayal of his internal conflict, it's clear that sorcery was important to Thops, not only was he open to teaching spells even tho he had little to offer, but also help guide someone else into the academy before himself, despite believing he was a "bluntstone" by the academic standards, but at the same time its implied that his experience with the academy and practice itself was mainly negative, not being able to build a personal connection to the academy and its residents, hence being an outcast and even his lacking arsenal of spells implying that in most areas of the practice, he was not a good student. A love for magic and hurt inflicted by the environment meant to teach it I always thought about how many of the games spells, especially the non-unique legendary ones, are actually just a linear evolution or upgrade of another one The glintstone pebbles and shards to comets, even in their design look almost like just a "bigger than the last" version, but thops spell, despite his lack of overall academic success or spell knowledge, is one of the most unique spells in the game Like instead of tracing a form only to modify it slightly, he created one entirely from his own imagination I think a good analogy is real life musical school, there is a lot of concrete theory that can and sometimes should be learned, and there is a lot of academically trained musicians who have perfect pitch, understand music theory and scales and perform technically impressive pieces, but there is always a big difference between them and musicians who are considered great artist, the ones who actually impacts and influence the art form, which is that internal artistic sensitivity that allows someone to use their understanding of the theory, to create new movements, new meaning, something that no theory or book could teach and something they would still have even with very poor academic training or knowledge, even if knowing theory would always help in navigating the art form. I feel like this is representative of thops in a way, he wasn't a bad sorcerer because he did poorly at the premade path of study in the academy or because he didnt know every single bit of "magic theory", he was a good sorcerer because of what he did with the little practical skill he had, which was creating something new that only he could by mastering the magic within him, that not even the harsh rejection of his environment could take away. The barrier can deflect any spell, because no matter how vast and powerful were the attacks he suffered at the hands of teachers and peers who did not like someone who followed his own ideas, he had the part of magic you can't teach with him, and that was enough to protect him from the external difficulties, its Thops barrier because the thing that made him a true sorcer was who he was and that was the distinction or "barrier" between a thousand spells starting with "Carian.." wielded by faceless and nameless (literally, the masks seem a little too on the nose) academical students and teachers. these games are so poetic someone should do this for every character and story line, hopefully in shorter words than me...😅
I interpreted this spell as "Protection from everything bad" - even bullying or harsh words. A spell that even people less apt at magic could learn (it has very low FP) and could shield themselves against bigger terrors from. It suits Thops well, who just seems like gentleness embodied.
@@Roguechan never considered the fp cost, good point! Ironically that kind of protective magic is very useful and seems like an obvious foundational area of study, yet somehow his barrier is the only spell of that type, except I think the deflection/parry one, but again that's more offensive than defensive, certainly not gentle like Thops
His end feels super tragic. Dude thought so little of himself and yet pulled off some wildly talented magic creation. I dont like that he doesn't get a crumb of due...
It seems he does actually. The item description on his staff says that only recognized sorcerers are in possession of one. So it may be that Thops was seen by his peers before his death. Who knows, maybe he died happy.
This is such a beautiful study of Thops and the desire to pursuing what you love despite the hardships that come with it. Just started digging into the lore of Elden Ring (only started playing earlier this year) and your videos are wonderful, calming and insightful to listen to while I explore. Keep it up, they're great!
Barely knew him, but when I found his body in the Academy I was heartbroken and wanted to learn more about him. He went from being alone out in a dangerous, inhospitable land -- almost as if he was abandoned -- and he was given the mocking title Bluntstone, as if he was a lesser sorcerer. And yet, with our help he still went on to create a legendary spell to pass on to us. Seeing what his barrier spell does, it's as if it's his way to get back at those who had mocked him; a perfect defense against his colleagues' pedestrian magick. But really, who knew this character would be so endearing? Or that his passing would elicit such a response from many of us? I only wish we could get a Thops ash so I could always have him around. I'd like to think that he's flying among the stars he was so fascinated with
The way you made a comparison of your personal life mirroring Thops' story really made me shed a tear and respect more both Thops and you, Miss Chalice. I've been subscribed to you for a few years and always loved how you narrate the story of elden ring characters but this one really hit close to home. Keep up the beautiful work you do and for us bluntstones to shine brighter than any glintstones
yeah i can really relate to what she said, sometimes i put off watching her videos because, i have to admit, i get a little self conscious about my looks and voice. But like she said, we all should accept and cherish the people we are and i think I'm getting better about being happy with myself.
Damn, thinking about Thop's barrier makes me sad. Bro straight up wanted to make something to protect himself from being bullied by the other sorcerers without hurting them, and in turn, makes a new type of spell worthy of its own type of school. Bro really was a nice guy, and the type to have as a friend. I feel like there is some cut content with Thopps and that he himself had more to offer than we got, even if he is the most wholesome character in ER.
jesus christ that self reflection part hit harder than expected. I found this channel a few hours ago by accident and started binge watching. Your videos are truly some of the most interesting lore videos and it's so easy to listen to you!! Keep up the good work
25:45 That bluntstone crown is such a lovely touch 💙 As someone who went into a creative field of study, I find it so easy to relate to Thops. Having a socalled talent and interest early on, wanting to build upon it but feeling totally inadequate when being surrounded by others with the same goals. Struggling to keep up, struggling to create anything close to my peers, and struggling with my own self worth. It's never worth comparing yourself to others! Instead find what makes you unique and explore it to the fullest of your ability, then build upon that again. That is something that gives me true fulfillment.
I wasn't a creative, but after dropping out before, I decided to go back. I pushed through the lockdowns, and I knew my industry would be full of arrogant, awful people but they had lost their graces long ago. Keep doing what you do, in time you might be the right person to be there when life sorely needs it. Someone there whose known of what it means to get on through despite adversity.
Same. I also like it's blue-ish glow more than the faint warm of the lantern, really gets you going when you're immersed in your magic focused character.
So underrated!! I whipped it out right away in many of the new DLC dungeons, one of which apparently gives people a lot of trouble (the one with the cannon heads), which surprised me. It’s better than a torch because i don’t have to free up a hand and lose a shield or other weapon.
Yeah, like I use torches because my spell bar is full of useful spells, but the light spell has a better effect than the lantern. One thing I like about playing a mage in this is that the spell bar is a VERY good toolbox of stuff. Many encounters are like "ok, what's in my toolbox that I can use to make this easy?" If there weren't so many necessary ones, starlight would be on that bar as one of those tools.
Not sure if I’m reading into this too much, but whereas Carian Retaliation only dispels one projectile, thops barrier deflects every nearby projectile from all angles. CR suggests fighting back against someone on equal footing, but the behavior of TB suggested defending while surrounded and massively outnumbered. Maybe that could imply he felt like everyone around him would attack him, like how all his classmates made fun of him.
Thops is the kind of person that would greatly benefit from playing Dark Souls - he would be able to sympathise with protagonists who start as nobodies in a hostile world and he would learn how to continue pushing forward despite numerous failures
Now that you say it...used to be a Blunstone myself (still am), until DS knocked some sense into me. Bite through, you Thopses! Sometimes, it's worth it :)
I honestly think that people really underestimate the impact of good stories. This one is rather subtle (as most stories in this game), but tragic and still strangely inspiring.
That's a theme Miyazaki constantly repeats in his games - that your struggles are real and that they have MEANING. You, as the player, regularly go on a journey thought impossible and succeed through sheer perseverance and stubborn unwillingness to give up. Other NPCs also achieve admirable things even though they die - or perhaps I should say that despite the fact that their pursuits lead to their demise, the fact that they don't give up is astonishing. There were so many things holding Thops back, and in the end, he died. But he didn't die some nameless schmuck, stuck out in the middle of nowhere. In a way, he returns the triumphant hero of his journey, and though he dies, he does so with no regrets. At the end, he proves that we all have the ability to make something of ourselves, regardless of what others say or do to us. He was a genius on par with the founders of the Academy and created a spell worthy of its own Conspectus. He's an inspiration to us all.
I started bawling the end out of nowhere. Thank you for sharing that last bit about your story. I never thought Thopps’ story would be so powerful and that I would resonate with it so much, so I can’t tell you how much I appreciated this video.
This has become one of my favorite videos that you've created. Thank you for being so genuine. I think many people resonate with this, and you do such an amazing job telling these stories and explaining your perspectives.
I think he made this spell before he went to the academy, when you give him the key, fast travel to the nearest grace and come back to the church the ASH OF WAR thopps barrier is there within a scarab. Thopps had allready made the spell and had it with him, I believe he modified the spell into an ash of war (remember we the players are tarnished WARRIORS not sorcerers thus he thought it more befitting FOR us to have it in this form instead of the spell) and then left the church to either improve the spell or show it to his peers (as we know now it was a spell WORTHY of its own conspectus). Probably being rejected he sits back down not knowing how to improve it and with no help of others he stares at it in his hands and succumbing to his dismay passes away on his seat. (This would fit Fromsoft way of npc’s end of quest as they die) thanks for reading and great video ❤
If its within a scarab do you think Gideon mightve picked it up since he steals everything. Thops probably left the item there for us and that little bugger took it
@@HeyGuy4321 that’s a good point but if thopps left the ash of war then it would probably be useless to Gideon (I think ) Gideon is a sorcerer first in foremost so that’s probably why he left it himself within a scarab as a means to try keeping it from us or maybe he just puts things in scarabs after he is done learning (I’m not sure)
Against enemies who chuck tons of projectiles at you, like the elden beast hilariously enough, it's really good. Also, it had a very funny bug for a small bit that allowed it to reflect some of meladia's attacks, which was very entertaining and made that fight a breeze.
@@stargazer378 thops's barrier is really good, that goddang spell can hold back all the skulls from rykard's rancor, all of elden stars, maliketh's destined death projectiles, if its an elemental projectile, thops just nuh uh's it
Yeah, I never used it but that was first thing I noticed during that part of the video. I know from experience that carian retaliation will cause you to get hit if it's a multi-projectile spell (which a ton are). Thop's barrier seems to just repel everything during the cast. After seeing it I'm like "huh, I might want to put it on". On that topic it's a lot like the light spell, sure it does what lantern does, but it does it better (much larger range). Like I myself use an offhand torch when I need more light, but light spell isn't just "lantern with a cost", it's "better lantern with a cost".
What people also don't realize is that the game heavily implies this could be improved upon- who knows what kind of insane forcefield an actually studied and improved version of this spell could conjure
this was a wonderful analysis/lore dump. I resonated with both Thops' story as well as yours. It warmed my heart to hear your reflection and how you sympathized with his struggle. Thank you so much for sharing
I related to it SO well myself! During my school days, I was bullied, for years upon years, no mercy or pity, people who are supposed to help, either did nothing at all, or, made it far worse, or were bullies themselves! I'm a very artistic, and introverted person, very quiet, but, intelligent. I was always different from other people. Few ever understood. After a VERY long time, and help from TRULY good people, I was finally able to accept who I am as a person, and I'm just....me, and they are going to be ....them, at the end of the day, no matter what you do. Sorry this went a bit, deep, but, I just wanted to try to explain why this video, in it's beauty, struck such a personal chord with me! Even though much of it happened so long ago, it is still hard sometimes to describe to others. This video is one of the MOST beautiful, that she has EVER done! Glad i'm not the only one who teared up a little at the end!
I wonder who the other scholars were. Maybe hundreds of years ago they were like thops, but the academy swept any bullying under the rug, took the knowledge for themselves and pretended to honour them. They all give off the impression that none of them respected the real study and only mastered what was handed to them.
@@justsomejerseydevilwithint4606 Hilariously enough, Lusat and Azur only created their spells after glimpsing the primeval current. I don't think Thops had to to deserve to become Conspectus. His spell specifically says that it was a theory. This theory was his lifelong pursuit and he succeeded. He succeeded without ever having to glimpse upon the primeval current. Unlike Azur and Lusat. Or even Rennala, Rellana, and Ranni. Rennala, Rellana, and Ranni all gazed upon the moon. Lusat and Azur gazed upon the Primeval Current. But Thops? Thops did not need to be told or shown the answers. Thops got to his own conclusions.
I love the take that he wasn't a powerful sorcerer, but poured himself into his study and his creation and created this at great cost to himself. Perhaps at the hands of academia. We do find him slumped over his desk after all. Truly the people's champion. Thank you for shining light on this overlooked character!
I like this kind of video! Its somehow akin to the "prepare to die" ones, but feels like it has some more basic theories and lore. I also like, that it highlights a single character and you do not need deeper understanding of the lore to be able to grasp the concepts presented here.
In story terms, Thops made a suit of kevlar in a world where everyone has a gun. That’s what makes me think Thops was murdered - his spell was actively dangerous for the academy. If it got out that even a bluntstone could learn a spell that nullified most forms of magic, any random shmuck with a staff could walk right into Raya Lucaria and sack the place. No wonder they killed him.
Thank you for your kind words at the conclusion Chalice. May we all be Bluntstones: solid, humble, and focused on building the best versions of ourselves, regardless of the critics.
Your story definitely struck a chord with me, miss. And Thops' story is just a testament to all of those who don't fit in. That they also are capable of creating something meaningful, and changing the world. Great analysis. Bravo!
for a long time i was just living for others. i did good in school for my family. i lost weight because of my family. but i always fell in the end. it wasn't until my therapist told me "have you tried doing these things for yourself" that it finally clicked. change can only happen when you want it to. i needed to live for myself if i truly wanted it to get better. thops and your introspection reminded me of this
Been a rough few days doing emergency repairs in the wind, rain and hail, I can not accurately put into words the panacea of having a new Miss Chalice to watch at the end of the day. Thank you 💙
I've only recently discovered your videos, but they are wonderfully your voice is full of a quiet, yet passionate reverence for the subject matter that wraps me up and transports me to the lands between.
I still actively use starlight over other spells. It is way easier to see things around you and drops compared to the lantern. And it gives you more light all together as well. Super handy when doing some of the darker dungeons.
started crying when you were describing your design for thops' glinstone crown and sobbed harder with your self-reflection section. thank you for another wonderful video ❤
Wow, so not me crying at the end 😭. I'm autistic and I was bullied for much of my childhood. I suffered from a lot of inadequacy and feeling like I wasn't living up to people's expectations even though I academically excelled. Only as I've become an adult and gone through the wringer with both physical and mental health issues I've come to realize, life is too short to give a damn about the things that don't make you happy. I usually hate it to be honest when most content creators talk about authenticity because too often it feels so fake to me, like some kind of calculated strategic move. But listening to this, I felt so genuinely moved. It reaffirmed so much of what I've learned in life about being kind to oneself, and embracing what you can do as opposed to what you can't. Lovely video as always, and thank you for being you. It's refreshing in a sea of people who'd rather be anyone else
I think authenticity comes from a place of... Authenticity. If you were bullied and/ord have been through hard times, usually you know what that truly means, and you get better at seeing people for what they are. There's a lot of content creators out there who just use bling words and slap a name on everything in the hopes of getting more views and sympathy, but very few of them are actually genuinely philanthropes. Op's video rings differently. My favorite part was when she allowed Thops' joy to be shared with us in a prolonged moment, and praising his bliss with her posture along with it. Two people basking in happiness in a game that can be so brutal and dark, what a lovely sight that was to behold. I am autistic as well and have been through my share of hardships, and I felt touched by this video, too. It's made with love. Of course we feel for the sweet outcast, who despite bullying and his own 'lack' of spells, perseveres for his passion. That's some glorious inner strength that is given to very few. You and I are still here, despite what life has thrown at us and how many times we felt like we were lacking. We are good enough as we are, hon. Being kind to yourself is the way to go, and I hope you are in a good place in life now
Pouring one out to all the bluntstones just doing their daily grind without societal appreciation, but ultimately doing the work that needs to be done, being a genuine and true person, and hopefully finding their inner peace to march on in our lands between that is life.
You rendered Thops’s story in the exact way it was intended I think. Maybe even better than the writers intended. And the life message at the end was very good and it turned your coverage of Thops’s story into more than just a creative achievement. Keep being yourself, so far it’s giving me ( and a lot of other people ) really good content to listen to.
Your drawing of his crown and description… I don’t know, this made me feel incredibly differently about this video, it seems more authentic for some reason. Amazing work, truly. A bluntstone storyteller, the world could use that.
About the ending : I, sometimes, try to be a people pleaser because I value my self-worth based on my actions towards others, neglecting my own mental/physical health. But as I was reflecting on that at the time I wrote this, your video came out and while I was just here for more storytelling, the last segment took my by surprise. And you are correct : You can't please everyone, even when trying hard to. Thank you for this video, I look forward the next story you have in store.
I’ve seen a few of your videos now and I have to say I love the way you narrate these characters stories. You have such a kind way about you, and this is shown perfectly in the care and respect you give Thop’s and the way you created his Crown/mask. I loved the closed eyes and the smile, the humble yet friendly expression… just wonderful.
Hey Chalice, this was my first introduction to your channel. I just wanted to praise the sheer quality of this video, not just from a production standpoint, but the amount of detail put into this quick little side story that most people probably never put that much thought into. “Ha ha FromSoft character randomly dies at end of quest.” Every aspect of how you decided to tell this story was perfect. Thank you.
Amazing how much bullying stays with you. College was where I came to find myself too. Love hearing other people’s stories about this because it helps you realize youre not alone.
You made me cry, Chalice. I have no words to thanks you for opening up, for sharing a very intimate part of you. I too I'm struggling with self-acceptance and your words meant a great deal for me. And thanks Thops as well 😊
The reflection part took me by surprise. That really touched me. I have had a similar things happen in my life. My experiences have caused me to reject society and what it expects from us. You are amazing, please continue to share your stories!
The self-reflection portion hit home for me. I love YOUR take away, and recently ive come to the same conclusion. Just like im proud of me, im proud of YOU Miss Chalice.
This… this is a truly amazing video. Gorgeous. I’m genuinely moved by it, a rare event indeed from a TH-cam video. I’ve never done Thop’s story line, I’m no mage, and I’ve only ever talked to him once. I spared him a few runes, after all, it was mere pennies to me, and he seemed kind enough. He gratefully accepted, and treated me with kindness. Then I went on with my mission, and never thought of him again. When I get home and can play Shadow of the Erdtree for the first time ever… the first thing I’m going to do is search through Raya Lucaria for a glintstone key, and bring it to this kind, gentle man, so he may continue his studies. I’m genuinely amazed and you have a new subscriber. I also loved your voice, it’s perfect for a video like this, and I enjoyed this video a lot. Amazingly done, and thank you.
As usual. When I first experienced his story. I thought it was one of the most beautiful and saddest stories I came across in elden ring. Now I find another of your videos that puts it all together in a much more articulated and artistic manner that I never really could express. Well done.
This was one of the best Elden Ring related videos I have ever seen. It is very clear that a lot of reading, theorizing and effort was put into this video and it's frankly appalling! Not to mention the end segment, very beautiful, inspirational and comforting.
Watching this video to hear Thops story, painted him in a new light to me. I always would come back to him just to talk. Strangely he looks and “would” have a similar build style to that friend, whom I don’t get the chance to talk to much anymore. I want to believe he was happy, he created something so unique that it could be compared to one of the better spells, a happy ending. I will miss you Thops.
As someone who's also very introverted, as well as an anxiety sufferer, I really appreciated and empathised with your story at the end there. It also makes me appreciate Thops a lot more too. I'd never given him, nor his sorcery, much thought before. I'll definitely pay more attention to him next time around.
Oh this is a nice surprise! I could listen to you talk about ANYTHING! Obsessed with your Elden Ring content! I’d LOVE to see more BG3! The Shar video was one of my faves! ❤
Your design for his crown is awesome and really does represent him well I've put sooo much time into elden ring but I've never bothered with his quest or magic in general this video has given me the desire to start a spellblade and to give more attention to those and his quest awesome work!!
"I'm not good at video games." Sorry, but with how passionate you are about the games story and world building, I'd argue that you're very good at games! Especially if you show that same passion toward other game worlds. :)
I’ve never seen a video of your’s before but this one really struck a chord in me. I loved it! You are absolutely talented, what a wonderful video and the storytelling was beautiful ❤ 🥲 10/10
The outro really resonated with me, and brought tear to my eye. I clicked on this video expecting to learn something about Elden Ring, instead I learned something about myself, and life
19:07 “the Elden beast is a manifestation of ancient, godly power and is rendered trivial against the humble creation of a man derisively labeled Blunstone” I don’t know if it’s just me, but that quote was HARD! Ye! Put some respect on my guy Thops lol
Rennala and Ranni's Moon sorceries also dispel enemy sorceries, but that really only elevates the company that Thops' Barrier is in. He basically made a legendary sorcery in a cave with a box of scraps.
Tony Stark of Raya Lucaria.
Edit: Holy shit 1K likes?!
Mom! Mom, I'm famous!!!
Sorcerer Thops made a spell in a cave, with a box of scraps
Not just that. The fact that it can deflect Elden Stars has insane implications. His spell is worthy of a conspectus, something only Primeval Sorcerers were able to achieve. His spell is literally cosmic in nature. I feel like he discovered the Earth's magnetic shield, or something of similar effect
Thops is goldmask if he never even went on his quest and just sat there to make a great rune
@@hythan9198Ah yeah the electro magnetic field around the earth that also is the same kind of energy that makes your heart beat and there is magnetism and electricity based magic basically
Also you could figure that out with a box of scraps in a cave if you wrap some copper wire around a quartz crystal right you can transfer electricity to sound that’s what speakers are and if you hold a speaker wire input it makes a buzz because of your electromagnetic field
I like the idea that Thops died of exhaustion, not even having the time to approach the fellow sorcerers with his creation, with it only passing on to his only student in the whole wide world: You. The person who made it at all possible for it's creation.
and this "bluntstone" taught the one who conquered the realm, and became. The Elden Lord.
Honestly almost made me tear up. It is so saddening to think of all the dreams and desires that have died, unable to be fulfilled. Even something as simple as wanting to play a game with someone, but that person doesn't ever want to play it. Certainly not on the same level as dying, but still sad to think about. The world is a bit cruel in this way.. but everything can't be fulfilled of course.
@@JohnCautionSignthops is still a jobber just dodge for defense if I didn’t learn anything from him his death was pathetic as him
@@rockmanfan100 Show us on the doll where you were touched
@@rockmanfan100”just dodge”
No that ain’t as badass as using a spell to fucking deflect a gods attacks
I think part of the beauty of Thops’ spell is that it is purely defensive. Most if not all of the other glint stone spells, even retaliation, are meant to cause harm. Thops sought purely to avoid conflict, which best embodies the sorcerers’ decision to isolate themselves from the world.
Wouldn't that better describe e eternal darkness which absorbs spells. Thousands bounces them back and they can do damage I think
@@Sirperfluous Well they just bounce em to the side or away above you, not really towards the enemy though
@@grimbite5625 ah okay thank you
vow of the indomitable is stronger than all of those
Should also note that Thop's barrier can deflect spells that Carian Retaliation can't. It doesn't just absorb the magic and convert it, its doing something entirely different. Something that changes the fabric of the world itself when you cast it.
And MORE importantly. This is his first spell. The first in his "new conspectus/field of magic" that he, solely, as a PUPIL, invented.
And it's (in usage) something that only the highest ranks of carian mages have invented (and kept secret, for themselves).
It takes 18 int to cast the spell version, where as retaliation takes 17. Which means whatever it's doing, its harder to learn.
And it can be chained, unlike retaliation, so it would be useful in war or any other application.
It makes me wonder then if the reason they called him "bluntstone", was just that he was thinking of things so far outside the box, that they assumed he was an idiot.
Like the 'you're not EVEN wrong', statement, usually applied to crackpots.
Man, I really just pulled a huge screw you to the world huh
I like this last line, it echoes our own historical geniuses
“Yeah I’m a blunt stone, but even so I’m going to be the stone that shatters the gods!”
We use stones to hone our weapons. Thops was never destined for greatness as a sorcerer, but his contribution gave us strength. He passed his strength to his only student and the only one who didn't ridicule him.
My bluntstone is a bluntstone that will pierce the gods!
Lol this reminded me of black clover.
Diamond themed Bad guy:
" you are merely a pebble on the wayside".
Underdog MC about to do mc things:
"i might just be a pebble, but i am the pebble that shatters diamonds!"
@@hulmhochberg8129
You got it! That was the reference.
@@thinkfighttalk2403 nice, i wasnt sure if it was.
There's one detail that I like to think makes Thops and his barrier so special...
Looking at the Lucarian face data, you'll notice that they all do not possess the "light of grace", a small segment of gold in the iris that is linked to the Erdtree and to the "holy" aspect and affinity. Thops however does. Perhaps this is one little reason why he couldn't quite learn glintstone sorcery. A small part of him prevents him from having that talent, as he is just one man and no mere god-like being like Radagon. But it does present a unique perspective as Thops might have some skill in incantations.
Thop's barrier doesn't just stop sorceries, it also stops incantations. He is also found in a church. While ultra speculative, perhaps Thops went out to the academy to find something related to incantations and learned something that makes them similar enough to Glintstone to create a barrier that stops both. To say that glintstone and incantations have something similar between them would be almost insulting to these sorcerers, given their past with the Golden Order. Yet Thops didn't just say this, he *showed* it and in our hands is the very piece of proof that could potentially shatter glintstone sorcery theories anew. It could also explain why Carian Retaliation is such a guarded secret. Can you imagine the implications of a spell that could weaponise all forms of Sorcery and Incantations?
Thops was never a bluntstone. Thops was an unseen genius that saw something that others refuse to acknowledge and proved it, even at the cost of his life.
This is my headcanon now thank you.
This "Blunt stone" is a prescious ore! Waiting to be buffed, polished and presentable OR refined into something greater.
@Zedonus0 it will be used by the future elden lord until his own death and well if his life in the lands between death is having a hard time taking him
Love this theory
If you really think about it, if the Elden Ring really commands the stars, and the Greater Will is the one that commanded Astel, then it might be possible that the Primordial Current and the Greater Will might be the same thing. This could be supported by the latest DLC trailer, as it seems like Marika was the one that "created" gold as a proxy for the Greater Will, but the outer god must have already existed in the Lands Between since Placidusax's consort was already fused with the Elden Ring.
Something I think is easily overlooked when you encounter Thops' body, is his staff. He drops the Academy Glintstone Staff, it's lore says "Only a recognized sorcerer is permitted to wield this staff". I like to think this is our way of being told that Thops "made it" before dying. Not such a bluntstone any more.
I like to imagine he was given it by one of the staffs when they saw his spell, they didn't take cause maybe they respected the craft or the spell itself reacted violently anyone but us taking it but that's my version anyways
@@theenderdestruction2362I mean, its very easy to forget that the ‘enemies’ attack us in a gamey way but we are suppose to assume that they are going about their lives in real time we just dont see it
@@lingricen8077in canon player characters are assholes both represent good and evil of humans we came in there to kill and get a great rune
He probably shown an earlier version of the spell to some academy higher ups and they approved of him and gave him the staff but he died before he could show his completed version of it.
@labbit3574 Now, i want to imagine our tarmished going back to the academy and making the crown we see in the video, and whenever we do magic, we wear in honor of our teacher also to piss off any sorcerer for fun
Thops created a spell that can repell the power of the Elden Beast's Elden Stars. The dude was a Magic God that only got his chance because of his meeting with us.
It can also repel the black blade slung at you by maliketh
Thops made the ultimate fabric of reality manipulation magic, and used that knowledge to create something to protect people,. We don't deserve him
@@SeanHoltzmanMy dude went atomic. Literally. If his spell can deflect _that many things,_ then it’s likely that he tinkered with the atomic structure of FP and sub-atomic particles.
@@4thdimensionalcheese293it can repel technically death!?
@@_aWiseMannot just death *Destined Death* that can fell gods
Most of us still only do Thops's quest because its simple and we may as well, but i know allot of us have fully acknowledged "This guy is the craziest NPC ingame"
HE MADE A SPELL THAT DEFIED DESTINED DEATH.
All whilst being a "talentless Bluntstone"
Dude is the ultimate G
Elden ring trying not to end an NPC's life in suffering and dissapointment : challenge level impossible.
Miyazaki had this wild fetish since Demon's Souls
Bluntstone is what I ask my fellow mages to pass when I need to peer into realms unknown (Greenout).
❤
Ahh the Blunt-stone is an ancient sorcery
Thops is hiding his most powerful sorcery
lol i remember my first playthrough of elden ring and it definitely was a glint"stone" experience
I’m hitting my bluntstone wand while I watch this 😂
Edit: I’m talking about a vape pen, get ya mind out the gutter
Pass that Blunt-stone 🤏🏻😏
Thops was actually the first spellcasting teacher I found on my first playthrough (by discovering the path around Stormveil), and lacking any other solid ranged option, decided to make my STR build into a STR/INT build, which turned out to be a good path given how many spells there are in the game. Thanks buddy, your humility and kindness inspired a future Elden Lord.
I love that. A warm humble man with greatness he couldn't see, inspired a spellsword of lordly renown. Fitting.
Okay, this is just beautiful. ❤
This is honestly one of the sweetest comments 🥹🥰💯
Strength and Intelligence make for a good Meteor katana build.
imagine learning the current elden lord just learned his magic from basically two vagabonds
I never gave this guy the key because I heard he would "pass on". I thought it was a kindness, but this really makes me feel that him creating a unique sorcery is Thop's happy ending.
Yeah, he drank 30 energy drinks over the course of 3 days to make us have a tool to stand inside terra magica all day ❤
Sadly, it's very typical for an NPC's questline end with their deaths in FromSoft games.
Yeah not just a spell but a new school of glintstone sorcery like the blunt part of a glintstone structure it’s the origination point of the crystal
@@LabTech41or worse. Usually worse.
@@LabTech41Honestly almost none of the NPCs have happy endings😂
That ending speech really got me, here I thought I found a new TH-camr to listen to while I draw but I was expecting heartfelt feels. Fantastic take on the bluntstone hero we all love
“It’s a story it’s not about min maxing” Amen. Glad to hear someone with some influence saying this. Thank you !!
Glad you appreciated that part. I respect that everyone gets something different out of games, but it surprised me how many people do overlook story sometimes. That's my favourite bit!
@@miss_chalice yeah it’s like the whole point! 😂 I can’t imagine only worrying about min maxing my stats while I frantically button mash my way through dialog and cut scenes. Sounds like a pretty….. hollow experience? Har har har
Same with grafting
All my builds are character builds. I don't care if I'm not doing the most damage. And I still manage to kill a lot of optimized invaders, haha. They can't Meta when their Meta doesn't expect you.
Maybe that's a phrase that could be said about life more often as well
Not all the time, since ultimately effectiveness is important. But it should be said every time an overly great focus on min maxing makes us lose sight of other things that are important. It is wholesome when we think ourselves as valuable and are able to distinguish ourselves on the basis of our strengths, but burdensome when we center our lives around being the absolute best - especially when we, out of all beings on the planet, are not
Poor guy, ask 10 runes for spells that are worth a bit more, and if you like about it, after his questlines and his death, he repays you in the end with the ability to bounce magic off. Truly best deal that was made for 10 runes
He's like the anti-patches
@@Loctorak Sullivan's over priced spells even as a bell bearing 🙄
@@VVZ607 even in death he's a cheapskate 😤
The self-reflection part of the video got me 🥺😭😭
It means a lot to me that part resonated with you. Thank you for your support ! 🥹
Yeah that part got to me too... I can relate way too much. 😭
@@miss_chalice Yup, hit me harder than I expected.
You're not alone, the ending brought me to tears. It took me long enough to recognize the very same. Authenticity & genuine compassion is a flickering flame in the chamber of the self serving & narcissistic. You may not please everyone, but the people you do have an appreciation for you at your most sincere. 🥺
I’m
If you think about it Thops's barrier is a really kind spell all things considered. It redirects the enemy magic, leaving the user unharmed but pretty much leaving the spell intact. His idea of not imposing on others built into the spell itself
20:33 Furthermore, Carian Retaliation is a defensive/offensive spell, Thops' spell is just defensive, just like him, who didn't want to harm another person (accepting the first key). Bluntstones finish last.
“And of course I gave him a smile” got me tearing up bruh 😕
The joy in doing what you love the most. 🥰
It's also worth mentioning, Thops barrier has a ash of war varient that can be placed on shields and it costs Zero fp. It is quite useful. (Also, you can find it in the church thops resides in after you complete his quest, it's obtained by killing the scarab inside.)
A nice feel-good addition to this is the fact that those same Scarabs seem to only pick up "valuable" things. Smithing Stones, legendary magic and Ashes of War, the power to restore your Flasks... And among these arguably legendary rewards for hunting down a Scarab, you also get a version of Thops' Barrier. I couldn't be more proud of him.
@@YTDariuS-my6dg On top of that the scarabs have ties to the all knowing. people say the symbol on their back is the same as Gideons and it's theorized they are the eyes and ears Gideon uses to know what he does. This could represent the scarab learned what I could from thops and is ready to bring the spell/ash of war back to Gideon.
This actually slaps, didnt knew about the shield variant
0???? This means it perfectly uses and molds the energy of the attacking spell with no operational cost!! Fuckin hell
Seriously?! I was thinking of getting back into the game to actual finish the dlc and adore thops and his spell. Thanks!
Thops and Diallos. Two of the biggest losers in the game who defied expectations and became legends and heroes in their own right.
God I love these two poor guys. Wish they got a happier ending like Boc and Rya
Same! I ended up loving Diallos by the end of his arc, a man trying to prove himself and ending up humbly accepting a place where he fit, only to die in the end... and Thops I simply felt bad for from beginning to end... So many sad NPCs T_T
Diallos.... was nothin but a loser honestly. His treatment in the Manga is worse than Thops. I mean, granted its a comedy focused story, but Thops was recognized at least(and to our knowledge isn't killed,) while Diallos just makes a bloody fool of himself the 2x he's been around.
I just kill Diallos the first chance I get because if he dies before getting to Jarburg, the poachers never find it. So Jarburg remains intact indefinitely.
how about: In new game+, you can show Tophs his own spell and he will immeadietly beg you to teach him it, as its seems to be something he is researching. if you donate to him 10k runes for research you can send him off to Ranni for protection and he will produce like 4 other spells
@@DarkMark-cf1ec pardon?
Something incredible to mention as well is his barrier can also deflect malikeths destined death attacks. Meaning this dudes spell can stop even destined death or atleast deflect it
Also stops elden beast using elden stars & his raining holy attack. Just outright repels them
I always intuitively assumed that the barrier was very intentional and representative of Thops' character but never thought about it further and this was such a great exploration of the meaning it had, first time finding your content but it was very inspiring and also further proof of why the souls games and their "world story telling" is so great, because for everything it doesnt show or tell, it lets us discover and imagine on our own!
To add some extra interpretation, I think its also a good portrayal of his internal conflict, it's clear that sorcery was important to Thops, not only was he open to teaching spells even tho he had little to offer, but also help guide someone else into the academy before himself, despite believing he was a "bluntstone" by the academic standards, but at the same time its implied that his experience with the academy and practice itself was mainly negative, not being able to build a personal connection to the academy and its residents, hence being an outcast and even his lacking arsenal of spells implying that in most areas of the practice, he was not a good student.
A love for magic and hurt inflicted by the environment meant to teach it
I always thought about how many of the games spells, especially the non-unique legendary ones, are actually just a linear evolution or upgrade of another one
The glintstone pebbles and shards to comets, even in their design look almost like just a "bigger than the last" version, but thops spell, despite his lack of overall academic success or spell knowledge, is one of the most unique spells in the game
Like instead of tracing a form only to modify it slightly, he created one entirely from his own imagination
I think a good analogy is real life musical school, there is a lot of concrete theory that can and sometimes should be learned, and there is a lot of academically trained musicians who have perfect pitch, understand music theory and scales and perform technically impressive pieces, but there is always a big difference between them and musicians who are considered great artist, the ones who actually impacts and influence the art form, which is that internal artistic sensitivity that allows someone to use their understanding of the theory, to create new movements, new meaning, something that no theory or book could teach and something they would still have even with very poor academic training or knowledge, even if knowing theory would always help in navigating the art form.
I feel like this is representative of thops in a way, he wasn't a bad sorcerer because he did poorly at the premade path of study in the academy or because he didnt know every single bit of "magic theory", he was a good sorcerer because of what he did with the little practical skill he had, which was creating something new that only he could by mastering the magic within him, that not even the harsh rejection of his environment could take away.
The barrier can deflect any spell, because no matter how vast and powerful were the attacks he suffered at the hands of teachers and peers who did not like someone who followed his own ideas, he had the part of magic you can't teach with him, and that was enough to protect him from the external difficulties, its Thops barrier because the thing that made him a true sorcer was who he was and that was the distinction or "barrier" between a thousand spells starting with "Carian.." wielded by faceless and nameless (literally, the masks seem a little too on the nose) academical students and teachers.
these games are so poetic someone should do this for every character and story line, hopefully in shorter words than me...😅
I interpreted this spell as "Protection from everything bad" - even bullying or harsh words. A spell that even people less apt at magic could learn (it has very low FP) and could shield themselves against bigger terrors from. It suits Thops well, who just seems like gentleness embodied.
@@Roguechan never considered the fp cost, good point!
Ironically that kind of protective magic is very useful and seems like an obvious foundational area of study, yet somehow his barrier is the only spell of that type, except I think the deflection/parry one, but again that's more offensive than defensive, certainly not gentle like Thops
His end feels super tragic. Dude thought so little of himself and yet pulled off some wildly talented magic creation. I dont like that he doesn't get a crumb of due...
It seems he does actually. The item description on his staff says that only recognized sorcerers are in possession of one. So it may be that Thops was seen by his peers before his death. Who knows, maybe he died happy.
Excellent point: the same thinking that led to Thops' bullying at the Academy is seen in the min maxing debates.
lol no baldcap cosplay of Thops?
😂
😂
Bald cap?…..surely you meant no shaved head? 😂
Shes holding it for patches
@@giulianodc4062 Makes sense 😂
This is such a beautiful study of Thops and the desire to pursuing what you love despite the hardships that come with it.
Just started digging into the lore of Elden Ring (only started playing earlier this year) and your videos are wonderful, calming and insightful to listen to while I explore. Keep it up, they're great!
Barely knew him, but when I found his body in the Academy I was heartbroken and wanted to learn more about him.
He went from being alone out in a dangerous, inhospitable land -- almost as if he was abandoned -- and he was given the mocking title Bluntstone, as if he was a lesser sorcerer. And yet, with our help he still went on to create a legendary spell to pass on to us. Seeing what his barrier spell does, it's as if it's his way to get back at those who had mocked him; a perfect defense against his colleagues' pedestrian magick.
But really, who knew this character would be so endearing? Or that his passing would elicit such a response from many of us? I only wish we could get a Thops ash so I could always have him around. I'd like to think that he's flying among the stars he was so fascinated with
The way you made a comparison of your personal life mirroring Thops' story really made me shed a tear and respect more both Thops and you, Miss Chalice. I've been subscribed to you for a few years and always loved how you narrate the story of elden ring characters but this one really hit close to home. Keep up the beautiful work you do and for us bluntstones to shine brighter than any glintstones
Thank you for being here and for your kind words !
From one bluntstone to another 🫂
yeah i can really relate to what she said, sometimes i put off watching her videos because, i have to admit, i get a little self conscious about my looks and voice. But like she said, we all should accept and cherish the people we are and i think I'm getting better about being happy with myself.
You're laughing? A man gets locked out of the Academy of Raya Lucaria and you're laughing?
Popula
No I'm crying
Damn, thinking about Thop's barrier makes me sad. Bro straight up wanted to make something to protect himself from being bullied by the other sorcerers without hurting them, and in turn, makes a new type of spell worthy of its own type of school. Bro really was a nice guy, and the type to have as a friend. I feel like there is some cut content with Thopps and that he himself had more to offer than we got, even if he is the most wholesome character in ER.
This video made me cry. It resonated with me too. Very well crafted, thank you.
jesus christ that self reflection part hit harder than expected. I found this channel a few hours ago by accident and started binge watching. Your videos are truly some of the most interesting lore videos and it's so easy to listen to you!! Keep up the good work
25:45 That bluntstone crown is such a lovely touch 💙 As someone who went into a creative field of study, I find it so easy to relate to Thops. Having a socalled talent and interest early on, wanting to build upon it but feeling totally inadequate when being surrounded by others with the same goals. Struggling to keep up, struggling to create anything close to my peers, and struggling with my own self worth. It's never worth comparing yourself to others! Instead find what makes you unique and explore it to the fullest of your ability, then build upon that again. That is something that gives me true fulfillment.
I wasn't a creative, but after dropping out before, I decided to go back. I pushed through the lockdowns, and I knew my industry would be full of arrogant, awful people but they had lost their graces long ago.
Keep doing what you do, in time you might be the right person to be there when life sorely needs it. Someone there whose known of what it means to get on through despite adversity.
Starlight casts a much wider area light. I use it in every dark place and have come to rely on it. I love Starlight!
Same. I also like it's blue-ish glow more than the faint warm of the lantern, really gets you going when you're immersed in your magic focused character.
Tbh I ideologically hate the lantern.
It also reveals illusion walls right?
So underrated!! I whipped it out right away in many of the new DLC dungeons, one of which apparently gives people a lot of trouble (the one with the cannon heads), which surprised me. It’s better than a torch because i don’t have to free up a hand and lose a shield or other weapon.
Yeah, like I use torches because my spell bar is full of useful spells, but the light spell has a better effect than the lantern. One thing I like about playing a mage in this is that the spell bar is a VERY good toolbox of stuff. Many encounters are like "ok, what's in my toolbox that I can use to make this easy?" If there weren't so many necessary ones, starlight would be on that bar as one of those tools.
Damn I wasn't expecting to hear a message I needed to hear from a video on the nice bald magic man
Not sure if I’m reading into this too much, but whereas Carian Retaliation only dispels one projectile, thops barrier deflects every nearby projectile from all angles. CR suggests fighting back against someone on equal footing, but the behavior of TB suggested defending while surrounded and massively outnumbered. Maybe that could imply he felt like everyone around him would attack him, like how all his classmates made fun of him.
This bluntstone legit has one of the best defensive sorceries in the game. His classmates can eat pavement lol
Thops is the kind of person that would greatly benefit from playing Dark Souls - he would be able to sympathise with protagonists who start as nobodies in a hostile world and he would learn how to continue pushing forward despite numerous failures
Now that you say it...used to be a Blunstone myself (still am), until DS knocked some sense into me. Bite through, you Thopses! Sometimes, it's worth it :)
I honestly think that people really underestimate the impact of good stories. This one is rather subtle (as most stories in this game), but tragic and still strangely inspiring.
That's a theme Miyazaki constantly repeats in his games - that your struggles are real and that they have MEANING. You, as the player, regularly go on a journey thought impossible and succeed through sheer perseverance and stubborn unwillingness to give up. Other NPCs also achieve admirable things even though they die - or perhaps I should say that despite the fact that their pursuits lead to their demise, the fact that they don't give up is astonishing. There were so many things holding Thops back, and in the end, he died. But he didn't die some nameless schmuck, stuck out in the middle of nowhere. In a way, he returns the triumphant hero of his journey, and though he dies, he does so with no regrets. At the end, he proves that we all have the ability to make something of ourselves, regardless of what others say or do to us. He was a genius on par with the founders of the Academy and created a spell worthy of its own Conspectus. He's an inspiration to us all.
I started bawling the end out of nowhere. Thank you for sharing that last bit about your story. I never thought Thopps’ story would be so powerful and that I would resonate with it so much, so I can’t tell you how much I appreciated this video.
This has become one of my favorite videos that you've created. Thank you for being so genuine.
I think many people resonate with this, and you do such an amazing job telling these stories and explaining your perspectives.
I think he made this spell before he went to the academy, when you give him the key, fast travel to the nearest grace and come back to the church the ASH OF WAR thopps barrier is there within a scarab. Thopps had allready made the spell and had it with him, I believe he modified the spell into an ash of war (remember we the players are tarnished WARRIORS not sorcerers thus he thought it more befitting FOR us to have it in this form instead of the spell) and then left the church to either improve the spell or show it to his peers (as we know now it was a spell WORTHY of its own conspectus). Probably being rejected he sits back down not knowing how to improve it and with no help of others he stares at it in his hands and succumbing to his dismay passes away on his seat. (This would fit Fromsoft way of npc’s end of quest as they die) thanks for reading and great video ❤
Great points!
If its within a scarab do you think Gideon mightve picked it up since he steals everything. Thops probably left the item there for us and that little bugger took it
@@HeyGuy4321 that’s a good point but if thopps left the ash of war then it would probably be useless to Gideon (I think ) Gideon is a sorcerer first in foremost so that’s probably why he left it himself within a scarab as a means to try keeping it from us or maybe he just puts things in scarabs after he is done learning (I’m not sure)
thops barrier also can deflect many projectiles, while carian retaliation can only retaliate one iirc
Utility over "average" practicality.
Against enemies who chuck tons of projectiles at you, like the elden beast hilariously enough, it's really good. Also, it had a very funny bug for a small bit that allowed it to reflect some of meladia's attacks, which was very entertaining and made that fight a breeze.
@@stargazer378 thops's barrier is really good, that goddang spell can hold back all the skulls from rykard's rancor, all of elden stars, maliketh's destined death projectiles, if its an elemental projectile, thops just nuh uh's it
@@MamaTrixxieAsmrman sees death and goes "fuck off" and it DOES
Yeah, I never used it but that was first thing I noticed during that part of the video. I know from experience that carian retaliation will cause you to get hit if it's a multi-projectile spell (which a ton are). Thop's barrier seems to just repel everything during the cast. After seeing it I'm like "huh, I might want to put it on". On that topic it's a lot like the light spell, sure it does what lantern does, but it does it better (much larger range). Like I myself use an offhand torch when I need more light, but light spell isn't just "lantern with a cost", it's "better lantern with a cost".
I didn't expect a lore video on Thops would end up being one of my favorites.
The mask you chose for him is perfect as well
I agree To- TODD?! Taking notes for elder scrolls 6 I hope🤣
What people also don't realize is that the game heavily implies this could be improved upon- who knows what kind of insane forcefield an actually studied and improved version of this spell could conjure
this was a wonderful analysis/lore dump. I resonated with both Thops' story as well as yours. It warmed my heart to hear your reflection and how you sympathized with his struggle. Thank you so much for sharing
Thops's story always resonated with me, but your final dialogue at the end of the video made me tear up because of how much I related to it🥹😅
I related to it SO well myself! During my school days, I was bullied, for years upon years, no mercy or pity, people who are supposed to help, either did nothing at all, or, made it far worse, or were bullies themselves! I'm a very artistic, and introverted person, very quiet, but, intelligent. I was always different from other people. Few ever understood. After a VERY long time, and help from TRULY good people, I was finally able to accept who I am as a person, and I'm just....me, and they are going to be ....them, at the end of the day, no matter what you do. Sorry this went a bit, deep, but, I just wanted to try to explain why this video, in it's beauty, struck such a personal chord with me! Even though much of it happened so long ago, it is still hard sometimes to describe to others. This video is one of the MOST beautiful, that she has EVER done! Glad i'm not the only one who teared up a little at the end!
@marystone860 I'm sorry you had to go through that, but I'm so happy that you are in a better state now :)
I think thops deserves a portrait next to all the others that founded a conspectus, for none else could make such a defensive spell.
I wonder who the other scholars were. Maybe hundreds of years ago they were like thops, but the academy swept any bullying under the rug, took the knowledge for themselves and pretended to honour them. They all give off the impression that none of them respected the real study and only mastered what was handed to them.
@@eliaspanayi3465 True, the scholars all seem to only learn old spells, not make new ones.
@@justsomejerseydevilwithint4606 Hilariously enough, Lusat and Azur only created their spells after glimpsing the primeval current. I don't think Thops had to to deserve to become Conspectus.
His spell specifically says that it was a theory. This theory was his lifelong pursuit and he succeeded.
He succeeded without ever having to glimpse upon the primeval current.
Unlike Azur and Lusat.
Or even Rennala, Rellana, and Ranni.
Rennala, Rellana, and Ranni all gazed upon the moon.
Lusat and Azur gazed upon the Primeval Current.
But Thops? Thops did not need to be told or shown the answers. Thops got to his own conclusions.
I love the take that he wasn't a powerful sorcerer, but poured himself into his study and his creation and created this at great cost to himself. Perhaps at the hands of academia. We do find him slumped over his desk after all. Truly the people's champion. Thank you for shining light on this overlooked character!
I like this kind of video! Its somehow akin to the "prepare to die" ones, but feels like it has some more basic theories and lore. I also like, that it highlights a single character and you do not need deeper understanding of the lore to be able to grasp the concepts presented here.
In story terms, Thops made a suit of kevlar in a world where everyone has a gun. That’s what makes me think Thops was murdered - his spell was actively dangerous for the academy. If it got out that even a bluntstone could learn a spell that nullified most forms of magic, any random shmuck with a staff could walk right into Raya Lucaria and sack the place. No wonder they killed him.
Thank you for your kind words at the conclusion Chalice. May we all be Bluntstones: solid, humble, and focused on building the best versions of ourselves, regardless of the critics.
Thops' mask is amazing! Great job on that, it's so clever and respectful to his story.
It is for sure
Your story definitely struck a chord with me, miss. And Thops' story is just a testament to all of those who don't fit in. That they also are capable of creating something meaningful, and changing the world. Great analysis. Bravo!
for a long time i was just living for others. i did good in school for my family. i lost weight because of my family. but i always fell in the end. it wasn't until my therapist told me "have you tried doing these things for yourself" that it finally clicked. change can only happen when you want it to. i needed to live for myself if i truly wanted it to get better. thops and your introspection reminded me of this
what a master school in empathic understanding
/Raises his glass to Thops and Bluntstones everywhere. Casts Starlight to the heavens.
Been a rough few days doing emergency repairs in the wind, rain and hail, I can not accurately put into words the panacea of having a new Miss Chalice to watch at the end of the day. Thank you 💙
Lol hope you don't have a wife, kids or partner 😂
Oh that's terrible, i hope my video could provide you with some distraction. I'm grateful for your viewership and i hope you stay safe and dry now!
Thops has a very interesting story line, and a prime example of being tarnished.
I've only recently discovered your videos, but they are wonderfully your voice is full of a quiet, yet passionate reverence for the subject matter that wraps me up and transports me to the lands between.
I still actively use starlight over other spells. It is way easier to see things around you and drops compared to the lantern. And it gives you more light all together as well. Super handy when doing some of the darker dungeons.
The Thops Glintstone crown is so well conceived! Very interesting weaving the story into the design. Excellent video as always, friend.
started crying when you were describing your design for thops' glinstone crown and sobbed harder with your self-reflection section. thank you for another wonderful video ❤
Wow, so not me crying at the end 😭.
I'm autistic and I was bullied for much of my childhood. I suffered from a lot of inadequacy and feeling like I wasn't living up to people's expectations even though I academically excelled. Only as I've become an adult and gone through the wringer with both physical and mental health issues I've come to realize, life is too short to give a damn about the things that don't make you happy.
I usually hate it to be honest when most content creators talk about authenticity because too often it feels so fake to me, like some kind of calculated strategic move. But listening to this, I felt so genuinely moved. It reaffirmed so much of what I've learned in life about being kind to oneself, and embracing what you can do as opposed to what you can't.
Lovely video as always, and thank you for being you. It's refreshing in a sea of people who'd rather be anyone else
lmao
I think authenticity comes from a place of... Authenticity. If you were bullied and/ord have been through hard times, usually you know what that truly means, and you get better at seeing people for what they are.
There's a lot of content creators out there who just use bling words and slap a name on everything in the hopes of getting more views and sympathy, but very few of them are actually genuinely philanthropes. Op's video rings differently. My favorite part was when she allowed Thops' joy to be shared with us in a prolonged moment, and praising his bliss with her posture along with it. Two people basking in happiness in a game that can be so brutal and dark, what a lovely sight that was to behold.
I am autistic as well and have been through my share of hardships, and I felt touched by this video, too. It's made with love.
Of course we feel for the sweet outcast, who despite bullying and his own 'lack' of spells, perseveres for his passion. That's some glorious inner strength that is given to very few.
You and I are still here, despite what life has thrown at us and how many times we felt like we were lacking. We are good enough as we are, hon. Being kind to yourself is the way to go, and I hope you are in a good place in life now
Pouring one out to all the bluntstones just doing their daily grind without societal appreciation, but ultimately doing the work that needs to be done, being a genuine and true person, and hopefully finding their inner peace to march on in our lands between that is life.
You rendered Thops’s story in the exact way it was intended I think. Maybe even better than the writers intended. And the life message at the end was very good and it turned your coverage of Thops’s story into more than just a creative achievement. Keep being yourself, so far it’s giving me ( and a lot of other people ) really good content to listen to.
Your drawing of his crown and description… I don’t know, this made me feel incredibly differently about this video, it seems more authentic for some reason. Amazing work, truly.
A bluntstone storyteller, the world could use that.
About the ending : I, sometimes, try to be a people pleaser because I value my self-worth based on my actions towards others, neglecting my own mental/physical health.
But as I was reflecting on that at the time I wrote this, your video came out and while I was just here for more storytelling, the last segment took my by surprise. And you are correct : You can't please everyone, even when trying hard to.
Thank you for this video, I look forward the next story you have in store.
I’ve seen a few of your videos now and I have to say I love the way you narrate these characters stories. You have such a kind way about you, and this is shown perfectly in the care and respect you give Thop’s and the way you created his Crown/mask.
I loved the closed eyes and the smile, the humble yet friendly expression… just wonderful.
Hey Chalice, this was my first introduction to your channel. I just wanted to praise the sheer quality of this video, not just from a production standpoint, but the amount of detail put into this quick little side story that most people probably never put that much thought into. “Ha ha FromSoft character randomly dies at end of quest.” Every aspect of how you decided to tell this story was perfect. Thank you.
I almost cried at your crown design for Thops. Such a beautiful and appreciative design for the character amazing video as always Chalice
Low-key teared up at the sight of Thops's Glintstone Crown 😢 well done!!
i wasn't expecting to get emotional watching a video about Thops of all characters, but here we are.
Amazing how much bullying stays with you. College was where I came to find myself too. Love hearing other people’s stories about this because it helps you realize youre not alone.
You made me cry, Chalice. I have no words to thanks you for opening up, for sharing a very intimate part of you. I too I'm struggling with self-acceptance and your words meant a great deal for me. And thanks Thops as well 😊
wow...i'll start using thops barrier now, i don't care abt carian retaliation. and your last words hit hard...i wish you all the best in your life
You're wildly talented and I hope you can continue to embrace that self acceptance. Thops woulds be proud ;)
The reflection part took me by surprise. That really touched me. I have had a similar things happen in my life. My experiences have caused me to reject society and what it expects from us. You are amazing, please continue to share your stories!
Ngl when you said "and of course...I gave him a smile" I almost teared up. Beautiful video and beautiful sentiments at the end
The self-reflection portion hit home for me. I love YOUR take away, and recently ive come to the same conclusion. Just like im proud of me, im proud of YOU Miss Chalice.
This… this is a truly amazing video. Gorgeous. I’m genuinely moved by it, a rare event indeed from a TH-cam video.
I’ve never done Thop’s story line, I’m no mage, and I’ve only ever talked to him once. I spared him a few runes, after all, it was mere pennies to me, and he seemed kind enough. He gratefully accepted, and treated me with kindness. Then I went on with my mission, and never thought of him again.
When I get home and can play Shadow of the Erdtree for the first time ever… the first thing I’m going to do is search through Raya Lucaria for a glintstone key, and bring it to this kind, gentle man, so he may continue his studies.
I’m genuinely amazed and you have a new subscriber. I also loved your voice, it’s perfect for a video like this, and I enjoyed this video a lot. Amazingly done, and thank you.
As usual. When I first experienced his story. I thought it was one of the most beautiful and saddest stories I came across in elden ring. Now I find another of your videos that puts it all together in a much more articulated and artistic manner that I never really could express. Well done.
the self-reflection at the end really hit home. genuinely, thank you for your content. you're a wonderful storyteller!
This was one of the best Elden Ring related videos I have ever seen. It is very clear that a lot of reading, theorizing and effort was put into this video and it's frankly appalling! Not to mention the end segment, very beautiful, inspirational and comforting.
Watching this video to hear Thops story, painted him in a new light to me. I always would come back to him just to talk. Strangely he looks and “would” have a similar build style to that friend, whom I don’t get the chance to talk to much anymore. I want to believe he was happy, he created something so unique that it could be compared to one of the better spells, a happy ending. I will miss you Thops.
As someone who's also very introverted, as well as an anxiety sufferer, I really appreciated and empathised with your story at the end there. It also makes me appreciate Thops a lot more too. I'd never given him, nor his sorcery, much thought before. I'll definitely pay more attention to him next time around.
Thops my beloved
Oh this is a nice surprise! I could listen to you talk about ANYTHING! Obsessed with your Elden Ring content! I’d LOVE to see more BG3! The Shar video was one of my faves! ❤
I always love the perspective you bring.
The thought into design and symbolism into Thop's glintstone crown is beautiful.
Your design for his crown is awesome and really does represent him well I've put sooo much time into elden ring but I've never bothered with his quest or magic in general this video has given me the desire to start a spellblade and to give more attention to those and his quest awesome work!!
Love your design for Tophs glintstone crown, it really does fit his personality and the theme and utility of his spell.
"I'm not good at video games." Sorry, but with how passionate you are about the games story and world building, I'd argue that you're very good at games! Especially if you show that same passion toward other game worlds. :)
I’ve never seen a video of your’s before but this one really struck a chord in me. I loved it! You are absolutely talented, what a wonderful video and the storytelling was beautiful ❤ 🥲 10/10
That ending really touched me
The outro really resonated with me, and brought tear to my eye. I clicked on this video expecting to learn something about Elden Ring, instead I learned something about myself, and life
This is one of the most beautiful videos regarding Elden Ring that I've seen so far. Well done, and thank you for it.
Made it to the end and now I'm crying washing my dishes.
Lovely video as usual. Thank you so much ❤
19:07 “the Elden beast is a manifestation of ancient, godly power and is rendered trivial against the humble creation of a man derisively labeled Blunstone” I don’t know if it’s just me, but that quote was HARD! Ye! Put some respect on my guy Thops lol