Hey Geoff you deliver amazing content as always, i really like the idea of the Erdtree's sap being the "prima materia" of albinaurics, it gives their sad story a faint layer of irony in line with Miyazaki's storytelling. Although i was surprised not seeing the idea of the Godskins being somehow related to the albinaurics trough the many details that could point to them being some kind of homunculous as well, you presented this theory in the Godskin lore video, i was wondering if you changed your mind about that, Godskins bleed red as well so maybe that COULD support the idea of Loretta being an albinauric (or at least akin to them). Lastly i still havent rewritten the comment about the placement of the crucible that i lost with my old account, since that idea came from tharnished archeologist im wainting for his next parts on the matter to have the full picture.
@@thegreatcosmicaxolotl Thanks bud! Re the Godskins I haven't changed my mind on it, I think I will cover it in a revisted Godskin video! Thanks as always for the support
Dude this one was awesome. The big missing piece in my understanding was the alchemy stuff you covered. I'm not a theorist or anything but I thought of the albinaurics as lacking one of the 4 humours. Your explanation makes a lot more sense and I love your theory about them being female when young and male when old. You really did the blood clot justice in this video
One of the theories I like about loretta, is that she isnt an albinauric, but rather a human without the use of her own legs who became their greatest champion. This explains how a.) She bleeds red and b.) Why she is so sympathetic to their cause. I imagine she developed the bow sorceries to mimic the arcane magic of the albinauric archers she admired.
@@partigianoliberal I think we agree here, its clearly based on the albinauric archers yeah, but since loretta developed a (player usable) sorcery to emulate it entirely indepentent of innate arcane ablility, I think thats a mark against her being an albinauric. If arcane attunement is required to cast it, or played some role in its creation, i feel it would definetly be an additional stat req. The counter argument to this i suppose would be that arent any other "albinauric sorceries" to compare against, and the albinauric mages DO indeed cast glinstone pebble supposedly from their "innate arcaneness". Speculation speculation
You know, a look at the entirety of Carian royalty would be a neat topic to dive into to. From its founding, to its impression upon the Academy, to the wedding of Rennala, her children, to vassals and servants of this house, the role of Rennala’s children in the Lands Between, and up to the point where we find them now as of the modern day.
@@SmoughTown Ayo sweet. Yeah - I always found it interesting that, for whatever reason, Rennala founded her “house” of Caria with herself and her allies - such as her knights and preceptors. Even prior to her children and husband. Though that makes me wonder… is Caria a place, or a lady name? Or both?
@@AlbertusSalvatierra Another interesting tidbit is that the spinning weapon ash of war specifically mentions Carian Princesses. Does that imply there were other kings/queens in Caria, or does it mean Rennala had other daughters?
@@sebastianestrada3697 I have no clue, but it might be the result of mistranslation because the House of Carian began and ended with Rennala. She had only three children that are named and notable figures, who of course are Ranni, her youngest and heir, Radahn, and Rykard, her eldest.
@@sebastianestrada3697 All I know is that Rennala was the head of House Caria. She of course had her husband Radagon, along with their three children: Rykard, Radahn, and Ranni. This was the family itself. Under them, they had the Carians Knights - which was made up of humans such as Moongrum, trolls such as Bols and various others, and even an Albinauric, that being Loretta. They too had Preceptors, such as Miriam and Seluvis. And then various servants, such as Pidia, an Albinauric. Maybe even the Bloodhound Knight Darriwil, as well as others - probably just nobles and what not. There was also the troll smith Iji and the wolven knight Blaidd who swore to Ranni, as well as the sorcerer-devouring dragon Adula. And the academy conspectus of Lazuli is allied with the Carians. And then there’s Jerren - a friend of the Carians and a serpent of Radahn.
It is interesting that the Albinaurics are given more lore and significance than the Demi-Humans, Wormfaces etc It makes me think they featured heavily in GRRM's original treatment of Elden Ring's story.
A very important connection between the Alb. and the Nox is that the screaming, black, fossilized mimic tear-esque statues in the Eternal Cities have a very similar facial expression to the old Albinaurics.
your videos will never not be a testament to passion and discipline. content like this (and by extension, you as a creator) is such an inspiration to people who invest in their interests. also, this might just be a me thing, but your videos are my go-to's when i need to hunker down and get into thinking-mode!
Amazing vid as always mate, just got one small issue regarding their etymology. That being that the more accurate translation of albinauric may be "white gold", not "devoid of gold". White Gold is also a name given to... platinum. This connection seems to be confirmed by the japanese name, shirogane, which can also be translated to platinum. Platinum is an interesting material, as it was historically seen as fake silver, of lesser quality (even though its actually much rarer and superior). Alchemically, the symbol of platinum is a combination of the symbols of gold and silver, the sun and moon respectively. This could perhaps confirm the connections to the Erdtree and the Golden Order. As a wild theory, could they perhaps be related to Radagons presence in the Carian family? He seems like someone who would be interested in such experimentation, furthering connections between albinaurics and Carians. While writing this I had another thing I wanted to comment on. I have not yet finished the video but I dont think you mention it there since you already mentioned what you think "primordial dew" is. For there is another item that is also called Dew, which you have mentioned in the video: Celestial Dew. This dew seems to be collected off the dew-kissed herba found around the Eternal Cities. The dew of the dewkissed herba is directly stated to be "Arcane", which connects to the arcane nature of the Albinaurics. Could this dew also be connected to their creation? On that note, the albinauric and silver tear masks increase arcane, but the former only half as much as the latter. Could this relate to how Albinaurics are an imitation of the silver tears? I still find the idea of them coming from the dew of the Erdtree as more interesting. As a fun fact, the Silver Mirrorshield Loretta wields has a bit of Haligtree incrusted in it, in such a manner that it looks like its sinking into the silver. Could this be a visual representation of how albinaurics were created, a drop of primordial dew falling into silver? Aaaand I think thats all I gotta say. It is done. The video is out. I can finally rest in peace... Praise the Bloodclot!
"white gold" is also a colloquial name for an alloy of gold with any white metal (most often silver, but also possible nickel, rhodium, palladium etc); just like "red gold" is a name for the alloy of gold with a red metal (most notably copper; actually, depending on the content of copper it's either red or pink gold)... there's also "green gold" (gold and cadmium, the alloy has a green hue)...
I gotta say, I’m only like 30 minutes in, but personally the Nox’s big fuckup I think was that their Lord of Night arrived, an empyrean, and was through some ritual, turned into the fingerslayer blade like Radagon. I think making that knife was what got them sent underground
I think it’s important to note that when Loretta uses sorceries she’s using her halberd as a catalyst, similar to the way other Carian Knights use their swords as catalysts (think troll knights using glintblade spells). Loretta’s weapon description points out that it used to have a glintstone embedded in it, which was replaced with unalloyed gold when she changed allegiances to Miquella (which likely serves just as a well as a catalyst for spells). I don’t think she’s drawing on any innate arcane ability when she uses sorceries. It could go either way, the silver mirror shield seems to imply she may have been an albinauric, and we only ever see her on horseback, but I think Loretta could actually just be a human who defected from the Carian Royals because she saw the treatment of the albinaurics as unjust and refused to stand by it.
A little late here, but I actually wonder if Loretta actually defected. After all, you find old first generation Albinaurics in the Caria Manor (Pidia being one of them) that use glintstone sorceries. Considering how lowly Albinaurics are seen by all except a select few, I would think the Carians view them at least neutrally since Raya Lucaria was willing to teach those rudimentary sorceries to nobles with terrible skill (but had wealth and status) but not the Albinaurics. Also, there doesn't seem to be any mention of animosity between the Carians and Miquella from losing such a powerful knight. If anything, I think Ranni might have given Loretta to Miquella since we see a spirit form of Loretta in the Manor protecting access to the Rises of the Three Sisters. And considering how strongly spirits are tied to both Miquella and Ranni, I wouldn't be surprised if Ranni gave Loretta to Miquella in exchange for something from him. Or they're working together insofar as their interests allow them. After all, me typing this months later with the expansion announced and the accompanying image provided, we now know that there are more potential connections between Ranni and Miquella through Torrent, the Spirit Calling Bell, and a few other things currently escaping my mind. Another thing to note: when Loretta casts her sorceries, the Carian sigil appears in the air. This makes me think she developed these sorceries while serving as a Carian Knight and eventually passed these skills down to the Albinauric archers found in the Consecrated Snowfields and the Liturgical Town in order to defend access to the Haligtree. I theorize this because these archers with these skills are only found here.
@@ElektelStar correct. Torrent is fascinating because he's connected to Ranni, Melina, and now likely Miquella based on the expansion image. Ranni and Melina are also the only characters (so far) to reference Torrent in such a way that they acknowledge him as a character with his own agency. Finally, the fact Torrent is a name associated with water is also interesting. Water is tied to purity and fairies like with the Ainsel and Siofra Rivers surrounding the stagnant, impure Lake of Rot waters. We also know another character related to all these things: Malenia. I actually wouldn't be surprised if she knows Torrent through mutual association with Miquella though that just makes me wonder if Torrent associates with Demigods associated with the butterflies (Melina, Miquella, and Malenia) and spirits (Ranni and Miquella). That's just me having fun making sporadic connections though lol
The silver mirror shield says that her being an albinauric is a rumour people starts about her, so it's not clear if we are supposed to take this at face value, but I think that all evidence considered, it was something said by people to discredit her, but she's actually a human who just feels kinship with the albinaurics.
I kinda wish we could build like, a nice village for the Albenaurics, same for the Omens. Like… a pursuit for the sanctuary of the rejected, and the lost. I dunno, I think it’d be nice.
Ironically enough apparently Miquella’s cut content was his pursuit of such a thing, desiring all life to flourish, though interestingly enough that did not include those that lived in death.
@@mr.dantastic5073 maybe because he sees what was done to godwyn as a monstrosity that needs repair. Or maybe he wasn't presented with Fia's plans yet. He is depicted as one to explore and accept all that would benefit those he loves, so maybe he would have accepted Godwyn's rebirth via Fia's method as opposed to look for a way to grant him true death
Nox scientist 1: " hey so gen 1 can't walk and I have an idea to fix it" Nox scientist 2: " oh yeah what's that?" Nox scientist 1: " Give them Frog Heads" Nox scientist 2: " *Yes* " They have too much time on their hands down there in the Eternal Cities.
Or... because they are man made and any alteration changes them significantly, as seen with the red skinned and the golden eyed ones, changing their makeup to allow working legs deformed other parts of their bodies. That was the tradeoff for having legs that worked.
@@avakinzerochill Foes with golden eyes give more runes than their normal variants because they've been touched by grace, having grace makes ones eyes golden.
This is really interesting they have so much lore and now we have a explanation that puts all the lore revolving around the albinaurics is now so clear I struggle with piecing all the lore together so I appreciate explanations like this. Incredible Albinauric explanation Smough have a fantastic day
I'm a bit surprised you didn't mention the Night Folk from the character creation choices. "Nightfolk:The features of those known as Nightfolk. Few in number, they were said to bleed silver long ago." This seems to imply some form of continuation of the artificial lifeforms beyond the lands between. Their blood is no longer silver, my from my butt guess is interbreeding with normal people. The Nightfolk, based on the preset also have silver/gray skin. Another amazing video that will have me thinking for a while yet. Thank you!
Common theories I've seen hint at the nightfolk possibly being related to the Nox in particular, perhaps their own attempt at 'albinauric' style artificial life that somehow drifted to be less artificial. The Urumi (supposedly a nightfolk weapon) heavily resembles the style of the nox weapons, and the nox have a similar skin tone as well. But, that's all dosed in heavy speculation, so, I wont die on any of those hills...
38:15 maybe it’s because when crafting a “perfect” human, the ages of the men/women reflect desirable characteristics of the two genders fitting if a lord. When making a male lord; they are often depicted as old/grey, wisened with age which comes from battles survived. Look at Godfrey, he’s definitely a silver Fox. Even Rykard looked to have greying red hair. A female lord, by contrast; is idealized as young and fertile, being able to bear many healthy children. The youth also mean more battle prowess and a more fiery/masculine nature suited for conflict than the wiser, more maternal state of an older woman. When I look at the archers, I see Joan of Arc. Obviously these are idealized stereotypes, but qualities deemed throughout history to be the ideal characteristic of a ruler
Mother is also a term for a bacterial colony present in vinegar and kombucha. Given that the albinurics are man made the mother of albinurics could just be a vat of silver goo.
Thought that popped in mind listening to the video, Radagon being a creation of the Numen/Nox. The description of the silver tear just resonates with the one of Radagon icon to me, the "thus did the hero aspire to be complete"
Before anything else I just wanna say a huge thank you for these lore videos. They keep me sane during my boring work shifts and also excited when I get back to playing Elden Ring after work. Keep the vids coming. You're doing a great job!
I know it's a very popular spot, but I could never bring myself to farm that group of blood and regular albinuracs when you first enter Mohgwyn Palace from the portal. It always seemed too darn sad. Great video, and praise the bloodclot!
Not too sure concerning the Second Generation's Albinaurics origin. I agree with everything presented considering the First Generation of Albinaurics, but I believe the Second Generation (the frog, dumpy ones) were created by the Carian Royal line, thus Rennalla, the Carian Queen. I believe Rennala has some connection with the First Generation Albinaurics, as well as the Nox; she might be the product of a Nox and First Generation Albinauric union, a hybrid. She shares all of the aforementioned proximity with the Nox and bares the pale white skin of the First Generation Albinaurics (its really striking when you watch her paiting or her cutscene), the apparent crippling of the legs towards the end of her time (and her "sweetings" in the boss fight share it too); and, most remarkably, she bares the same naming convention as the other Albinaurics we know of : Loretta, Latenna, *Rennala*... it is all too similar for it not to be significant considering naming conventions in Elden Ring. Then you have a string of items, item placement and descriptions that seem to imply the Second Generation of Albinaurics were spawned in Liurna, with their origin, I believe, to be the Carian Royal Manor. First you find the Albinauric Ashes (Second Generation) *behind* Caria Manor, accessible only after having beat Loretta, beyond what the game calls the "Royal Moongazing Ground" (her arena). Those ashes, unless I'm wrong, are the only item referencing the plural generations of Albinaurics, specifically the second one, so its placement here is quite significant. Next, accompanying the ashes, you will also encounter Second Generation Albinaurics enemies; moreover, Pidia (NPC), who is described as a Carian Servant, is the only way to get the Ripple Blade, which is like you said the somewhat weapon-testimony of the Second Generation Albinaurics regarding their origin (he also sells Larva Tear, for that matter); finally, regarding the frost links, I think as well that this is a result of a synergy creation-creator, given the Moon, Snow Witch, Rennala and Ranni mix-up of things regarding frost obedience. Now: why the Carian Royals? I think the Second Generation Albinaurics were created in an attempt to strengthen the Carian Royalty, either come the Shattering, or in the growing schism that was brewing between the Academy and the Carian Royal Line, most probably the latter. The most definitive proof is this line in the (Second Generation) Albinaurics Shield, which states : "Boasts exceptional magic damage negation. The Albinaurics' most formidable foes were sorcerers, after all". The Carian Royals Knights numbers are described as being laughably small, so it follows they would need more bodies to throw at the enemy. Thus, the need to produce a force, in short notice. Furthermore, the Dirty Chainmail that the Second Generation Albinaurics are equipped with is first, well, chainmail, so it is specifically battle equipment ; and then its description states that it is worn by *young albinaurics*. But as it stands, we *only* encounter *young Second Generation Albinaurics*. So their creation must have been "recent" relatively to our arrival in the game. However, like most if not all alchemical Rebis attempts in Elden Ring, what was to be a creation of life that serves its creator took, at one point, a life of its own. Finally, I agree with the liquid aspect of the Albinaurics creations rituals. But, like I said, I believe there were two different rituals that took place at two different times, which concerned two different generations of Albinaurics. The first ritual was the Noxs, using silver, no arguing there. But the second was that of the Carians, using *water* as its medium, so with *diluted* silver or dew (probably a Larval Tear) which was the reason for the frog like, stumpy, dumpy and possibly less intelligent Albinaurics, the Second Generation. The medium wasn't as "pure" as the one used for the First Generation Albinaurics, and it probably diluted further with other magic arts or acts, including Moon, Frost, Arcane, etc. The Ripple Blade's design is clear enough in explaining the nature of the ritual: a drop of dew or silver was dropped in a bigger body of liquid (I think water). From there rose the Second Generation of Albinaurics. And I believe that body of water is the puddle we find ourselves in in the Royal Moongazing Grounds, in Caria Manor. It aesthetically follows the same circular cause and effect that of a drop hitting a body of liquid; it is placed beneath the giant compass-like stone formation where you get starlight shards, like it was situated that way for it to intentionally receive the light of a Full Moon and to reflect it; then you have all those chairs that circle the basin, which invoke ritual or communion. Considering Rennala is the Head of the Carian Royal line, and all the arguments and evidence presented above, I think it's clear the Second Generation were created by the Carians for the "Third Liurnan War" (Cuckoos vs Caria) as fodder, but then attained independence in a way, seeking autonomy (with some going after the First Generations, towards Miquella's Haligtree; others finding Mogh's Dynasty). Edit : And, now that I think about it, I don't recall when Rennala's imprisonment took place in the Academy Library in the Cuckoo vs Caria War, but if it took place before she could head the creation ritual of the Second Generation Albinaurics, it might then have been done by Ranni with others or the Snow Witch with others (and even Ranni) which then explains the Second Generation Albinaurics resistance to Frost or innate frost abilities (edit 2).
I do feel like theres a valid reason for the Carians to attempt to craft albinaurics for use as warriors, especially as tensions rose with the Golden Order, as they had pitifully low numbers compared to Leyndell, as the only military presence in the region aside from the Carian Knights are mercenaries employed by the academy. They needed loyal, dependable soldiers, and the albinaurics couldve fit that role.
Would love for you to do a video on sorcery and incantations, with breakdowns on the various schools and environmental practices. Feel like Radahn, Rennala and Radagon would all shine there. Most interested in the overlap and how the Tarnished are most able to access different magics from a lore perspective not just ease of gameplay.
I think its important to mention how closely tied they are to crabs. which might explain why the "frog" line was cut as well. it might've made an already subtle connection more confusing for players. In the design, placements, and behaviors of the Albinauric its heavily implied that they have some links to the crabs (or maybe that crabs come from Albinaurics even) their faces align perfectly, the reasons are all there too, namely in their easy to influence physiology. crabs seem to adapt to whatever they ingest in Elden Ring, and similarly the second generation, newer Albinaurics, do the same with their environments. The Nox had alchemical knowledge to kick-start new life, in an attempt to shape a new empyrean, so they would no longer be at the tyranny of the greater will, but instead fate itself as the stars commanded. Raya Lucaria learned from the, by then long banished, Nox and wanted to harness it themselves, but failed to recreate fully functional creatures. Their first attempt at balancing body and mind they made smart, thinking, learning Albinaurics, at the cost of their body. This might've lead to internal conflict and most of them eventually fleeing once they heard of Miquella's promised land. After their first Albinaurics they thought that balancing it the other way would make them more predictable, easier to handle, and more useful to employ in war. However because of internal racism they were eventually not integrated well in the armies and internal war ensued. Raya Lucaria probably stopped with making Albinaurics once puppets could be better employed, and especially after Radagon left the gift of rebirth with Rennala.
I have just got off work after a very stressful day and was about to put on my playlist of smoughtown and vaati to help me sleep and this caught my eye. It appears I shall not be strangling any of the children in my care this night
Greatful for people like you. I swear I get fully immersed to this story with headphones full volume 6 inches from the screen listening intently to an npc spill their heart out to me and still be like "That was deep.. Wish I understood a fraction of what you just said"
"Not touched by the Erd Tree" could also mean that albinaurics do not follow Erd Tree cycle of death and re-birth I tend not to decorate my town with executed townsfolk. The Albinuric "town" was a prison 49:26 it may even be that first gens were forced to the death camp after the second gens ran amok.
congrats on somehow dethroning the dragons video as my favorite work of yours to date. Absolutely mind blowing how much insight you and your community are able to pick up from the most unassuming nooks and crannies of the game's world.
Absolutely amazing work yet again man. Been watching these lore videos since the first one came out. I really love the advancement you make in the lore community and the changes you have made to the lore thought posses in general. Thank you so much for all your hard work. Every time I watch a video of yours, I always have to go back and play more Elden Ring and just take in the world. And really makes me think about everything around me.
the Shamshir wielded by 2nd gen Albinaurics using a flowing technique, is tied to the blue dancer and Blind Swordsman(or at least we find a Shamshir in the same cave as Blue Dancer Talisman). The Blue Cloth set uses the word brisk, i thought it meant quick but now think it mean "cold but fresh and enlivening." It also would work well considering something cold, fresh, and enlivening would be perfect for fighting Scarlet Rot.
The way they talk about it being reborn again and again with the hopes of one becoming a lord oneday…is shockingly parallel to the tarnished/undead curse. We die and are reborn over and over again with the hopes of eventually gaining the strength to become Elden lord/link the fires
Another amazing video by Smough! Thanks again for your dedication and hard work! I have a theory that ties in nicely with the look and information given about the Albinaurics, namely that the older male ones were the product of Nox Alchemy trying to make a Lord of Night, and the younger female ones were made by the Carians after Ranni made contact with them, Pidia and the other older males being sent along with the 'formula' that the Carian family would implement more in their likeness before realizing the flaw with the first generation and creating a second generation to fix the problem (which had it's own problems, since you rarely perfect a process/formula on the first or second try).
(36:35) This actually happens in nature, so I would not be surprised. If you're looking for an example, there's the Asian sheepshead wrasse (a.k.a. the Kobudai), a species of fish that grows through the same process that the Albinaurics are being suggested that they go through (female when young, become male as they age).
This Video was release on my birthday... best birthday present ever. The little creatures truly deserved a video of their own and deserved their story being told. Thank you for covering this! Btw. have you ever thought about making a discord server where the people could talk about Elden Ring lore, give their own ideas, or just talk about random stuffs?
Amazing video again Geoff, you do not disappoint with your videos of elden ring lore, the albinaurics are a very interesting topic in the vast lore elden ring posses and you explained it in a very good way. Do you plan to make videos about the endings, taking each one of them and dive deep into them ? Your point of view and explanations put sense into allot of topics of the lore. Again work well done, have a good day.
albinaurics are one of the few groups of people in pretty much all of the fromsoft games who truly deserve a happy ending, i really hope they get dlc down the line.
@@SmoughTown yeah I also love the Omens I hope in a dlc we get to go back and meet Godwyn but also like a powerful Omen like Morgott as I think they are just as equally cool
Your videos and theses are not only excellently produced, and super in-depth, but your passion encourages me as a poet/aspiring storyteller. Thank you for what you do, my friend!
So how long until we get an entire alchemy connections video? Cause there's definitely a lot of them, especially with the wolves and Godfrey being represented by a lion
you could say Loretta uses the glintstone on her weapon to cast spells, but then again, if that were the case, that would speak volumes about unalloyed gold as a catalyst for magic , as her weapon states that she replaced it's glintstone with it , and yet she hasn't lost any power, instead, you could even argue she's stronger
I think you should cover the Carians, the cuckoo, and their civil war, what causes Liurnia to sink, as well as the history of the factions, Rennala and her children especially. I also think a video on Godrick and the heirs of Limgrave in general could be very interesting, as many lore creators made videos on Godrick right off the bat, and missed many important details.
When it comes to Liurnia sinking, that probably has something to do with the fact that most of the ground under it is completely hollow, I’m surprised the lake of rot hasn’t started to seep through.
The thick, coagulated blood of the Albinaurics. Material used for crafting items. Albinaurics are lifeforms made by human hands. Thus, many believe them to live impure lives, untouched by the Erdtree's grace.
Your great sympathy and understanding for the Albinaurics has made for a great video. It also heartens me to see Elden Ring's alchemy influences approached so clearly and openly. Very well done.
Haven’t finished yet - but this honestly a cool dive into the implications of puppetry among the Nox. Great content as per usual - can’t wait to finish it later 🤧 13:37
The "silver blood" is also the name of a shape shifting , sentient liquid metal in Star Trek Voyager. It takes on the shape of the crew in perfect detail.
@@ElektelStar and for additional clarification; as far as I know, the silver blood concept is only used twice in the Voyager series. Im not knowledgeable about copyright law but the concept is only part of two episodes. Which I doubt is enough to be copyrighted
I know most people probably don’t care considering this is a video essay channel, but the music choices are excellent. It’s like a SoulsBorne greatest hits. I especially appreciate that you use “The First Hunter” from Bloodborne in every video, as that is my favorite song across all the FromSoftware games.
No one has picked up on Radahn's legs fading? like an Albinaurics'. I suspect the story of learning gravity magic to keep his horse, a way to tease away from peering towards a deeper truth. When their legs fade so does their mind? Would the scarlet rot trully make Radahn loose his mind? Rykar also becomes a crawling legless creature and maddened. Might he have been experimenting to avoid this fate? Of the 3, only Ranni is lucid. And her corpse doesnt have feet either (but I meam she's burnt so...). Blaidd as a loyal wolf-headed knight may be a hint as well. Who knows? I've always been suspicious...
Y'know I have been watching a lot of lore videos recently of Elden Ring, and my goodness it's so detailed and masterfully written I am so hooked and appalled it took me so long to watch these videos
God with you tying the Albernarics to Nox and the eternal cities which I’ve been doing forever. Makes me want to argue even more for my Radagon the mimic theory, hence his eggs use of larval tears and why the runes children are very Albernarics like and him bathing in celestial dew. You also have mimic veil, aka Marikas Mischief.
As Tarnished Acheologist mentioned, Albinaurics are probably reborn at the Haligtree tree, and thar's why they have special abilities like Discus of Light. I think it's the same in Mohg's palace, they are reborn from the lake of blood.
I think thats a really good observation that they removed the age/sex/gender dimorphism in the second generation. And that the 2nd gen are frog like to emphasize their susceptibility to mutation from polluted water.
I can’t quite put my finger on why yet, but something about the nature of Miquella has me wondering if his blood was used as part of the creation of the Albinaurics. In the tinfoil lined conspiracy part of my mind his curse specifically was key to this (not that he was an Albinauric but that his curse of stunted growth doomed the Albinaurics in various ways) and his blood the vehicle for their creation. There’s no telling how many parties were after Miquella for his power, and I can see the Nox taking a particularly keen interest in exploiting it.
A connection just occurred to me in all of this where Miquella’s blood is concerned. I can imagine a *form* of primordial dew being used as part of the alchemical creation of the Albinaurics: the sap of the Haligtree, which is infused with the blood of Miquella. The tree did not thrive (such is the power of his curse) so anything derived from the tree would be a display of strong but ultimately truncated power. The Albinaurics have strengths and abilities that are (to varying degrees) limited by the curse of their truncated physical forms, as is (was?) Miquella. I could wholly imagine that attempts to distill and refine byproducts of his matter in order to eliminate the corruption of his curse would ultimately fail. These failures could have been part of what became the Albinauric experiments: the mixing of the pure (silver tear liquid) and the ultimately impure (Miquella’s cursed blood).
1:00:58 Can anyone else here Mohg yelling “Bleed, Bleed, Bleeeed” So weird how that can be imprinted in our brains just by seeing the image of that with the music in the background. This was an awesome video all in all… as are all of SmoughTown’s… I just had this interesting thought during it.
Stellar video, as always. I like how you tie in real world inspirations and implications into these videos- real world alchemical logic in this video- but you never go overboard and you demonstrate well how they fit. Just a neat little thing. My two cents towards the question of 'who made the Alvbinaurics?', I think the Rea Lucaria connection is the stronger one. Consider: the Raya Lucarians have some semblance of understanding of Noxian sciences and magic- the connections are abundant, as you correctly point out in your video on the Nox. The Raya Lucarians use this knowledge not the create a lord of night but perhaps simply as an experiment in creating life, perhaps even see how artificial life would interact with the Primieval current and destiny. Either way, there is no reason to suspect that Albinaurics were mistreated or persecuted at this time. Until the house of the moon joins with the Erdtree and Radagon enters the picture. Now alligned with the Golden Order, the royals change their stance. Where before Albiaurics were servants at best and experiments at worst, now they were antithesis to the new order. Hence their persecution starts. I personally consider Loretta to be human. It makes her story more admirable, in my opinion, that she fought so hard and so long for the sake of a people that weren't hers, just on account of her empathy for them. I like to imagine that she did not get her riding and magical archery from Albinaurics, but the reverse: she taught them when they reached the Lithurgical town. As to the Albinaurics in service to Mogh, I tend to view that going as followed: Albinaurics journey to the snowfields, their numbers swelling and Miquella welcomes them all- until he is stolen away. But his loyal servants, Albinaurics stationed near the edges of his territories, track his captors to a sending gate, and going through they end up in the lord of blood's domain, now captive. Hence, the seemingly 'penned in' groups, hence the corpses left to rot. Hence, those that cracked, and went from prisoner to captor. Perhaps Mogh's expansion into Liuarnia is a result of this succesful test run with converting Albinaurics. Anyway thats my take. As you would say, pure speculation, but I think these are the most fitting interpretations.
Something interesting to note in terms of environmental story telling is that we do not find a single albinauric in the Haligtree or in Elphael (Loretta excepted depending on what you think, personally I think she's human). They are all relegated to the front porch so to speak guarding the entry way in the consecrated snowfield. Could it be that even Miquella secretly disregards the Albinaurics as inferior, leaving them at the frontdoor of his great haligtree? Food for thought.
Wanted to say I love your videos. Just got done with the outer gods one and am half way through this one. You go into so much more detail than other channels, including Vaati, and actually get good sources. The only critique that i have is this weird habit that info channels seemingly developed out of nowhere where the last syllable of a sentence gets drawn out with extra gravel. You talk normally for like 90% of the video and then remember to do this stupid verbal affectation. I'm not sure if I'm the only person in the world with this issue, because no one else talks about it. But, I've actually had to stop watching good channels because I get so distracted by it. Otherwise, love your stuff. Just had to say something about that while you're relatively new. Your channel will still get big without mimicking that dumb cadence. Your content is good.
The big hole in the Dragonkin soldiers makes me think the Nox used Trolls as a base of their experiment with them. As the only things we see with a massive hole in their stomachs are Trolls, Giants and Placidusax
I’ve always thought the Albinaurics look like underdeveloped fetuses, like humans who were finished too soon and didn’t go into the final round of refinement
16:25 this idea really coincides with what Tarnished Archaeologist was saying in his video about the ritual of Marika performing (i.e. the golden order birthing ritual). It would a great parallel for how the Nox were basically creating life, showing their hubris of being able to challenge the Great will. It really could be a good head cannon as to how they "lost" their night sky, especially if it took place in the forgotten Eternal city right above the royal capital. Great Video @SmoughTown
When I first found sleeping beauty I thought she was st trina so in regards of you idea of an original template, seeing how st trina is in fact an aspect of miquella it would make sense that latenna and her sister are based on the idea of st trina and are originally from the consecrated snowfield even the orilugical town
I enjoy everything about this game but I don't know how to explain it all in a video like you do Smough but really enjoyable and awesome video as always 🙂
Perhaps the primordial dew is more of a indication that the Erd tree and marika are a offshoot of the eternal city As marika is numen and the black knives are said to be numen with ties to marika. So perhaps marika was a member of the city and perfected a primordial dew to grow the erd tree (from the crucible or sooner ¯\_(ツ)_/¯) and thus marika is a off shoot of the eternal cities and seen as a traitor giving motive for the convoluted actions as marika brandished the alchemical practices in support of the greater will instead of against it? Maybe marika is the ultimate quisling Edit: would also explain this war between the erd tree and Arya lucaria as marika woulda still viewed the sorcerers as enemies given they were when she was a part of the numen
Your talk about Alchemy could actually be the hint to figure out what the "birthing droplet" could be. Considering Albus says "Alas, this is the immovable *fate* of all Albinaurics", and how Latenna is in Liurnia, and how the color of the thing that goes from her to her towering sister looks blue, I think the "birthing droplet" could be some kind of potion made with Starlight shards. We know that fate, stars, and starlight shards are all connected. And, because of Seluvis, it is possible to make potions using Starlight shards. This would also give Loretta a much more active role in the plan to help the Albinaurics, since she may have been the one to give the Albinaurics this information, which could have caused Latenna to make the incredibly dangerous journey from Ordina to Liurnia. So instead of a sadisitc puppet potion, Loretta may have convinced Seluvis to make one that could free someone of their doomed fate or something.
Their ending storyline is really good, one of the best in all of souls. But there is one that I like even more. For some reason with all the lore implications and such I just really like the burning of the painting in Ashes of Ariandel, returning to the Corvian Settler and hearing his resigned happiness. "It's the one thing we do right, unlike those fools on the outside." The settler (and his fellow rebel corvians) looked to a future they couldn't comprehend nor be around for, the next painting. They didn't mind burning away their world. It is a most selfless act by these people in a dark often selfish world. The end of the Albinauric's storyline has perhaps the same level of hope, and god have those frog boys been through hell and back. But the Corvian Settler always gets to me. Helped I'm sure by incredible voice acting :) Thanks again for another great lore video!!!
The Asimi quest might have been too much as they conceived it, but I'd have loved something similar. Like Latenna and the Spirit Jellyfish/Aurelia, but a little bit more involved than just bringing them to a place and summoning them. Maybe a smaller quest but at the end you get the Mimic Tear ashes. it makes sense why Loretta would be at the Haligtree in person, if the female maidens who were made by Raya Lucaria all go to worship Miquella.
Thanks everyone for taking the time to watch my take on the Albinaurics! Let me know your thoughts below
Hey Geoff you deliver amazing content as always, i really like the idea of the Erdtree's sap being the "prima materia" of albinaurics, it gives their sad story a faint layer of irony in line with Miyazaki's storytelling.
Although i was surprised not seeing the idea of the Godskins being somehow related to the albinaurics trough the many details that could point to them being some kind of homunculous as well, you presented this theory in the Godskin lore video, i was wondering if you changed your mind about that, Godskins bleed red as well so maybe that COULD support the idea of Loretta being an albinauric (or at least akin to them).
Lastly i still havent rewritten the comment about the placement of the crucible that i lost with my old account, since that idea came from tharnished archeologist im wainting for his next parts on the matter to have the full picture.
@@thegreatcosmicaxolotl Thanks bud! Re the Godskins I haven't changed my mind on it, I think I will cover it in a revisted Godskin video! Thanks as always for the support
🤸♂️
Do you have a plan after you are done with elden ring? For the future and you could work with sekiro or dark soul lore
Dude this one was awesome. The big missing piece in my understanding was the alchemy stuff you covered. I'm not a theorist or anything but I thought of the albinaurics as lacking one of the 4 humours. Your explanation makes a lot more sense and I love your theory about them being female when young and male when old. You really did the blood clot justice in this video
One of the theories I like about loretta, is that she isnt an albinauric, but rather a human without the use of her own legs who became their greatest champion. This explains how a.) She bleeds red and b.) Why she is so sympathetic to their cause. I imagine she developed the bow sorceries to mimic the arcane magic of the albinauric archers she admired.
In addition, i think the bow sorcery strictly requiring int and no arcane kind of rules out that part of the theory
@@unfortunateinc.205 I don't think so, since it's a mimic of those archers, not an exact copy.
@@partigianoliberalsame
@@partigianoliberal I think we agree here, its clearly based on the albinauric archers yeah, but since loretta developed a (player usable) sorcery to emulate it entirely indepentent of innate arcane ablility, I think thats a mark against her being an albinauric. If arcane attunement is required to cast it, or played some role in its creation, i feel it would definetly be an additional stat req. The counter argument to this i suppose would be that arent any other "albinauric sorceries" to compare against, and the albinauric mages DO indeed cast glinstone pebble supposedly from their "innate arcaneness". Speculation speculation
Was gonna say this. It fits Fromsoft's style.
Duuuuuude, after mentioning the albinaurics on almost every single one of your videos, we finally get the spotlight that they deserve. Thanks smough
Couldn't hold off any longer dude!
@@SmoughTown THE ALBINAURICS!! Just saying their name outloud is amazing.
I unironically think that the frog boys is one of the best things to come from Elden Ring
Ultragreatsword >
Frogbois and archergirls... and whatever those poor guys with busted legs are
Same, I love them
Albinauric mask is my favorite in the game. Its just disproportionate and hilarious with any set
🐸 🐸 🐸
You know, a look at the entirety of Carian royalty would be a neat topic to dive into to. From its founding, to its impression upon the Academy, to the wedding of Rennala, her children, to vassals and servants of this house, the role of Rennala’s children in the Lands Between, and up to the point where we find them now as of the modern day.
It's 100% on my list as one I am doing soon!
@@SmoughTown Ayo sweet. Yeah - I always found it interesting that, for whatever reason, Rennala founded her “house” of Caria with herself and her allies - such as her knights and preceptors. Even prior to her children and husband. Though that makes me wonder… is Caria a place, or a lady name? Or both?
@@AlbertusSalvatierra Another interesting tidbit is that the spinning weapon ash of war specifically mentions Carian Princesses. Does that imply there were other kings/queens in Caria, or does it mean Rennala had other daughters?
@@sebastianestrada3697 I have no clue, but it might be the result of mistranslation because the House of Carian began and ended with Rennala. She had only three children that are named and notable figures, who of course are Ranni, her youngest and heir, Radahn, and Rykard, her eldest.
@@sebastianestrada3697 All I know is that Rennala was the head of House Caria. She of course had her husband Radagon, along with their three children: Rykard, Radahn, and Ranni. This was the family itself.
Under them, they had the Carians Knights - which was made up of humans such as Moongrum, trolls such as Bols and various others, and even an Albinauric, that being Loretta. They too had Preceptors, such as Miriam and Seluvis. And then various servants, such as Pidia, an Albinauric. Maybe even the Bloodhound Knight Darriwil, as well as others - probably just nobles and what not. There was also the troll smith Iji and the wolven knight Blaidd who swore to Ranni, as well as the sorcerer-devouring dragon Adula. And the academy conspectus of Lazuli is allied with the Carians. And then there’s Jerren - a friend of the Carians and a serpent of Radahn.
It is interesting that the Albinaurics are given more lore and significance than the Demi-Humans, Wormfaces etc It makes me think they featured heavily in GRRM's original treatment of Elden Ring's story.
I can definitely see that. I think there are a lot of similarities between the Nox/Albinaurics in this and The Others/Children of the Forest in ASOIAF
What is GRRM
Oh nvm i got it
@@blitz7488 what is it
@@I-like-cows George rr Martin
A very important connection between the Alb. and the Nox is that the screaming, black, fossilized mimic tear-esque statues in the Eternal Cities have a very similar facial expression to the old Albinaurics.
your videos will never not be a testament to passion and discipline. content like this (and by extension, you as a creator) is such an inspiration to people who invest in their interests. also, this might just be a me thing, but your videos are my go-to's when i need to hunker down and get into thinking-mode!
Thanks Aidan, I just love this game and community and appreciate all the support I get
As for Loretta bleeding red, it could indeed be an oversight, as Pidia also bleeds red even though he's clearly an albinauric
Also could it be her horse that bleeds red, technically?
Amazing vid as always mate, just got one small issue regarding their etymology. That being that the more accurate translation of albinauric may be "white gold", not "devoid of gold". White Gold is also a name given to... platinum. This connection seems to be confirmed by the japanese name, shirogane, which can also be translated to platinum.
Platinum is an interesting material, as it was historically seen as fake silver, of lesser quality (even though its actually much rarer and superior). Alchemically, the symbol of platinum is a combination of the symbols of gold and silver, the sun and moon respectively. This could perhaps confirm the connections to the Erdtree and the Golden Order.
As a wild theory, could they perhaps be related to Radagons presence in the Carian family? He seems like someone who would be interested in such experimentation, furthering connections between albinaurics and Carians.
While writing this I had another thing I wanted to comment on. I have not yet finished the video but I dont think you mention it there since you already mentioned what you think "primordial dew" is. For there is another item that is also called Dew, which you have mentioned in the video: Celestial Dew. This dew seems to be collected off the dew-kissed herba found around the Eternal Cities.
The dew of the dewkissed herba is directly stated to be "Arcane", which connects to the arcane nature of the Albinaurics. Could this dew also be connected to their creation? On that note, the albinauric and silver tear masks increase arcane, but the former only half as much as the latter. Could this relate to how Albinaurics are an imitation of the silver tears?
I still find the idea of them coming from the dew of the Erdtree as more interesting. As a fun fact, the Silver Mirrorshield Loretta wields has a bit of Haligtree incrusted in it, in such a manner that it looks like its sinking into the silver. Could this be a visual representation of how albinaurics were created, a drop of primordial dew falling into silver?
Aaaand I think thats all I gotta say. It is done. The video is out. I can finally rest in peace... Praise the Bloodclot!
"white gold" is also a colloquial name for an alloy of gold with any white metal (most often silver, but also possible nickel, rhodium, palladium etc); just like "red gold" is a name for the alloy of gold with a red metal (most notably copper; actually, depending on the content of copper it's either red or pink gold)... there's also "green gold" (gold and cadmium, the alloy has a green hue)...
the word albinauric was an invention of the english localizers from what i understand. in japanese they're very plainly "Silver-people"
I gotta say, I’m only like 30 minutes in, but personally the Nox’s big fuckup I think was that their Lord of Night arrived, an empyrean, and was through some ritual, turned into the fingerslayer blade like Radagon. I think making that knife was what got them sent underground
Great shout
The idea of albinaurics-as-alchemic-rebis is galaxy-brained, I’m incorporating that headcanon into my perception of the lore now.
Came to me in the depths of late night research! Glad you enjoyed it
Red-Gold, Blue-Sliver... I knew it, Elden Ring is just a tale of Red vs. Blue. The oldest rivalry.
“You ever wonder why we’re here?”
Gideon is obviously an allegory for Vaati Vidya and his collecting of lore
I think it’s important to note that when Loretta uses sorceries she’s using her halberd as a catalyst, similar to the way other Carian Knights use their swords as catalysts (think troll knights using glintblade spells). Loretta’s weapon description points out that it used to have a glintstone embedded in it, which was replaced with unalloyed gold when she changed allegiances to Miquella (which likely serves just as a well as a catalyst for spells). I don’t think she’s drawing on any innate arcane ability when she uses sorceries.
It could go either way, the silver mirror shield seems to imply she may have been an albinauric, and we only ever see her on horseback, but I think Loretta could actually just be a human who defected from the Carian Royals because she saw the treatment of the albinaurics as unjust and refused to stand by it.
IMHO the albinaurics are imitating Loretta, not the other way around.
A little late here, but I actually wonder if Loretta actually defected. After all, you find old first generation Albinaurics in the Caria Manor (Pidia being one of them) that use glintstone sorceries. Considering how lowly Albinaurics are seen by all except a select few, I would think the Carians view them at least neutrally since Raya Lucaria was willing to teach those rudimentary sorceries to nobles with terrible skill (but had wealth and status) but not the Albinaurics. Also, there doesn't seem to be any mention of animosity between the Carians and Miquella from losing such a powerful knight. If anything, I think Ranni might have given Loretta to Miquella since we see a spirit form of Loretta in the Manor protecting access to the Rises of the Three Sisters. And considering how strongly spirits are tied to both Miquella and Ranni, I wouldn't be surprised if Ranni gave Loretta to Miquella in exchange for something from him. Or they're working together insofar as their interests allow them. After all, me typing this months later with the expansion announced and the accompanying image provided, we now know that there are more potential connections between Ranni and Miquella through Torrent, the Spirit Calling Bell, and a few other things currently escaping my mind.
Another thing to note: when Loretta casts her sorceries, the Carian sigil appears in the air. This makes me think she developed these sorceries while serving as a Carian Knight and eventually passed these skills down to the Albinauric archers found in the Consecrated Snowfields and the Liturgical Town in order to defend access to the Haligtree. I theorize this because these archers with these skills are only found here.
@@DanielGarcia-rx3kt oh, we never figured out who torrent's former master was, did we? 🤔 And they would have to have some connection to Ranni
@@ElektelStar correct. Torrent is fascinating because he's connected to Ranni, Melina, and now likely Miquella based on the expansion image. Ranni and Melina are also the only characters (so far) to reference Torrent in such a way that they acknowledge him as a character with his own agency. Finally, the fact Torrent is a name associated with water is also interesting. Water is tied to purity and fairies like with the Ainsel and Siofra Rivers surrounding the stagnant, impure Lake of Rot waters. We also know another character related to all these things: Malenia. I actually wouldn't be surprised if she knows Torrent through mutual association with Miquella though that just makes me wonder if Torrent associates with Demigods associated with the butterflies (Melina, Miquella, and Malenia) and spirits (Ranni and Miquella). That's just me having fun making sporadic connections though lol
The silver mirror shield says that her being an albinauric is a rumour people starts about her, so it's not clear if we are supposed to take this at face value, but I think that all evidence considered, it was something said by people to discredit her, but she's actually a human who just feels kinship with the albinaurics.
I kinda wish we could build like, a nice village for the Albenaurics, same for the Omens. Like… a pursuit for the sanctuary of the rejected, and the lost. I dunno, I think it’d be nice.
Ironically enough apparently Miquella’s cut content was his pursuit of such a thing, desiring all life to flourish, though interestingly enough that did not include those that lived in death.
@@mr.dantastic5073 maybe because he sees what was done to godwyn as a monstrosity that needs repair. Or maybe he wasn't presented with Fia's plans yet. He is depicted as one to explore and accept all that would benefit those he loves, so maybe he would have accepted Godwyn's rebirth via Fia's method as opposed to look for a way to grant him true death
Nox scientist 1: " hey so gen 1 can't walk and I have an idea to fix it"
Nox scientist 2: " oh yeah what's that?"
Nox scientist 1: " Give them Frog Heads"
Nox scientist 2: " *Yes* "
They have too much time on their hands down there in the Eternal Cities.
Or... because they are man made and any alteration changes them significantly, as seen with the red skinned and the golden eyed ones, changing their makeup to allow working legs deformed other parts of their bodies. That was the tradeoff for having legs that worked.
@@avakinzerochill Foes with golden eyes give more runes than their normal variants because they've been touched by grace, having grace makes ones eyes golden.
@@avakinzerochill any enemy can have golden eyes, I’ve even seen rats with them, it just means they drop like 2-3 times the normal amount of runes.
The WHAT cities?
Of course they have too much time on their hands.
Have you seen a frog before? I don't see it personally
This is really interesting they have so much lore and now we have a explanation that puts all the lore revolving around the albinaurics is now so clear I struggle with piecing all the lore together so I appreciate explanations like this. Incredible Albinauric explanation Smough have a fantastic day
I'm a bit surprised you didn't mention the Night Folk from the character creation choices. "Nightfolk:The features of those known as Nightfolk. Few in number, they were said to bleed silver long ago."
This seems to imply some form of continuation of the artificial lifeforms beyond the lands between. Their blood is no longer silver, my from my butt guess is interbreeding with normal people. The Nightfolk, based on the preset also have silver/gray skin.
Another amazing video that will have me thinking for a while yet. Thank you!
Common theories I've seen hint at the nightfolk possibly being related to the Nox in particular, perhaps their own attempt at 'albinauric' style artificial life that somehow drifted to be less artificial. The Urumi (supposedly a nightfolk weapon) heavily resembles the style of the nox weapons, and the nox have a similar skin tone as well. But, that's all dosed in heavy speculation, so, I wont die on any of those hills...
38:15 maybe it’s because when crafting a “perfect” human, the ages of the men/women reflect desirable characteristics of the two genders fitting if a lord.
When making a male lord; they are often depicted as old/grey, wisened with age which comes from battles survived. Look at Godfrey, he’s definitely a silver Fox. Even Rykard looked to have greying red hair.
A female lord, by contrast; is idealized as young and fertile, being able to bear many healthy children. The youth also mean more battle prowess and a more fiery/masculine nature suited for conflict than the wiser, more maternal state of an older woman. When I look at the archers, I see Joan of Arc.
Obviously these are idealized stereotypes, but qualities deemed throughout history to be the ideal characteristic of a ruler
Mother is also a term for a bacterial colony present in vinegar and kombucha. Given that the albinurics are man made the mother of albinurics could just be a vat of silver goo.
Thought that popped in mind listening to the video, Radagon being a creation of the Numen/Nox.
The description of the silver tear just resonates with the one of Radagon icon to me, the "thus did the hero aspire to be complete"
I wonder if we are going to see more of the Albinaurics story in the DLC as it is hinted that the DLC will focus on the twins.
Well you can check tomorrow, best of luck to us all.
Before anything else I just wanna say a huge thank you for these lore videos. They keep me sane during my boring work shifts and also excited when I get back to playing Elden Ring after work. Keep the vids coming. You're doing a great job!
My pleasure Raz, really pleased you enjoyed the video and glad it helps you get through your shifts!
I know it's a very popular spot, but I could never bring myself to farm that group of blood and regular albinuracs when you first enter Mohgwyn Palace from the portal. It always seemed too darn sad. Great video, and praise the bloodclot!
Not too sure concerning the Second Generation's Albinaurics origin.
I agree with everything presented considering the First Generation of Albinaurics, but I believe the Second Generation (the frog, dumpy ones) were created by the Carian Royal line, thus Rennalla, the Carian Queen.
I believe Rennala has some connection with the First Generation Albinaurics, as well as the Nox; she might be the product of a Nox and First Generation Albinauric union, a hybrid. She shares all of the aforementioned proximity with the Nox and bares the pale white skin of the First Generation Albinaurics (its really striking when you watch her paiting or her cutscene), the apparent crippling of the legs towards the end of her time (and her "sweetings" in the boss fight share it too); and, most remarkably, she bares the same naming convention as the other Albinaurics we know of : Loretta, Latenna, *Rennala*... it is all too similar for it not to be significant considering naming conventions in Elden Ring.
Then you have a string of items, item placement and descriptions that seem to imply the Second Generation of Albinaurics were spawned in Liurna, with their origin, I believe, to be the Carian Royal Manor.
First you find the Albinauric Ashes (Second Generation) *behind* Caria Manor, accessible only after having beat Loretta, beyond what the game calls the "Royal Moongazing Ground" (her arena). Those ashes, unless I'm wrong, are the only item referencing the plural generations of Albinaurics, specifically the second one, so its placement here is quite significant. Next, accompanying the ashes, you will also encounter Second Generation Albinaurics enemies; moreover, Pidia (NPC), who is described as a Carian Servant, is the only way to get the Ripple Blade, which is like you said the somewhat weapon-testimony of the Second Generation Albinaurics regarding their origin (he also sells Larva Tear, for that matter); finally, regarding the frost links, I think as well that this is a result of a synergy creation-creator, given the Moon, Snow Witch, Rennala and Ranni mix-up of things regarding frost obedience.
Now: why the Carian Royals?
I think the Second Generation Albinaurics were created in an attempt to strengthen the Carian Royalty, either come the Shattering, or in the growing schism that was brewing between the Academy and the Carian Royal Line, most probably the latter. The most definitive proof is this line in the (Second Generation) Albinaurics Shield, which states :
"Boasts exceptional magic damage negation.
The Albinaurics' most formidable foes were sorcerers, after all".
The Carian Royals Knights numbers are described as being laughably small, so it follows they would need more bodies to throw at the enemy. Thus, the need to produce a force, in short notice. Furthermore, the Dirty Chainmail that the Second Generation Albinaurics are equipped with is first, well, chainmail, so it is specifically battle equipment ; and then its description states that it is worn by *young albinaurics*. But as it stands, we *only* encounter *young Second Generation Albinaurics*. So their creation must have been "recent" relatively to our arrival in the game. However, like most if not all alchemical Rebis attempts in Elden Ring, what was to be a creation of life that serves its creator took, at one point, a life of its own.
Finally, I agree with the liquid aspect of the Albinaurics creations rituals. But, like I said, I believe there were two different rituals that took place at two different times, which concerned two different generations of Albinaurics.
The first ritual was the Noxs, using silver, no arguing there.
But the second was that of the Carians, using *water* as its medium, so with *diluted* silver or dew (probably a Larval Tear) which was the reason for the frog like, stumpy, dumpy and possibly less intelligent Albinaurics, the Second Generation. The medium wasn't as "pure" as the one used for the First Generation Albinaurics, and it probably diluted further with other magic arts or acts, including Moon, Frost, Arcane, etc.
The Ripple Blade's design is clear enough in explaining the nature of the ritual: a drop of dew or silver was dropped in a bigger body of liquid (I think water). From there rose the Second Generation of Albinaurics. And I believe that body of water is the puddle we find ourselves in in the Royal Moongazing Grounds, in Caria Manor. It aesthetically follows the same circular cause and effect that of a drop hitting a body of liquid; it is placed beneath the giant compass-like stone formation where you get starlight shards, like it was situated that way for it to intentionally receive the light of a Full Moon and to reflect it; then you have all those chairs that circle the basin, which invoke ritual or communion.
Considering Rennala is the Head of the Carian Royal line, and all the arguments and evidence presented above, I think it's clear the Second Generation were created by the Carians for the "Third Liurnan War" (Cuckoos vs Caria) as fodder, but then attained independence in a way, seeking autonomy (with some going after the First Generations, towards Miquella's Haligtree; others finding Mogh's Dynasty).
Edit : And, now that I think about it, I don't recall when Rennala's imprisonment took place in the Academy Library in the Cuckoo vs Caria War, but if it took place before she could head the creation ritual of the Second Generation Albinaurics, it might then have been done by Ranni with others or the Snow Witch with others (and even Ranni) which then explains the Second Generation Albinaurics resistance to Frost or innate frost abilities (edit 2).
I can defo buy that to be fair, and was something I had considered in various drafts
I do feel like theres a valid reason for the Carians to attempt to craft albinaurics for use as warriors, especially as tensions rose with the Golden Order, as they had pitifully low numbers compared to Leyndell, as the only military presence in the region aside from the Carian Knights are mercenaries employed by the academy. They needed loyal, dependable soldiers, and the albinaurics couldve fit that role.
this is some excellent analysis. A++ comment
100% I always thought Renalla was an Albinauric and they created the 2nd generation 'frogs'
bro (or dawg) make a vid on this you’d get views
Would love for you to do a video on sorcery and incantations, with breakdowns on the various schools and environmental practices. Feel like Radahn, Rennala and Radagon would all shine there. Most interested in the overlap and how the Tarnished are most able to access different magics from a lore perspective not just ease of gameplay.
very few people put down this much work into lore videos. Good job Smough!
Thanks my friend, I just love this game and community
I love how a recurring joke turned into a full-on video.
Three possible other videos:
Gideon
The Dung Eater
The perfumers/Omenkillers.
Thanks my friend - I think Dungeater and Omen have to be soon
I think its important to mention how closely tied they are to crabs. which might explain why the "frog" line was cut as well. it might've made an already subtle connection more confusing for players.
In the design, placements, and behaviors of the Albinauric its heavily implied that they have some links to the crabs (or maybe that crabs come from Albinaurics even)
their faces align perfectly, the reasons are all there too, namely in their easy to influence physiology. crabs seem to adapt to whatever they ingest in Elden Ring, and similarly the second generation, newer Albinaurics, do the same with their environments.
The Nox had alchemical knowledge to kick-start new life, in an attempt to shape a new empyrean, so they would no longer be at the tyranny of the greater will, but instead fate itself as the stars commanded.
Raya Lucaria learned from the, by then long banished, Nox and wanted to harness it themselves, but failed to recreate fully functional creatures. Their first attempt at balancing body and mind they made smart, thinking, learning Albinaurics, at the cost of their body. This might've lead to internal conflict and most of them eventually fleeing once they heard of Miquella's promised land.
After their first Albinaurics they thought that balancing it the other way would make them more predictable, easier to handle, and more useful to employ in war. However because of internal racism they were eventually not integrated well in the armies and internal war ensued.
Raya Lucaria probably stopped with making Albinaurics once puppets could be better employed, and especially after Radagon left the gift of rebirth with Rennala.
I have just got off work after a very stressful day and was about to put on my playlist of smoughtown and vaati to help me sleep and this caught my eye.
It appears I shall not be strangling any of the children in my care this night
another one for the playlist. huge.
Thank you my friend, really generous
Greatful for people like you. I swear I get fully immersed to this story with headphones full volume 6 inches from the screen listening intently to an npc spill their heart out to me and still be like "That was deep.. Wish I understood a fraction of what you just said"
Grateful for the support kyle. That's why I ultimately make these videos - I just love the lore and story of this game.
"Not touched by the Erd Tree" could also mean that albinaurics do not follow Erd Tree cycle of death and re-birth
I tend not to decorate my town with executed townsfolk. The Albinuric "town" was a prison 49:26 it may even be that first gens were forced to the death camp after the second gens ran amok.
congrats on somehow dethroning the dragons video as my favorite work of yours to date. Absolutely mind blowing how much insight you and your community are able to pick up from the most unassuming nooks and crannies of the game's world.
Absolutely amazing work yet again man. Been watching these lore videos since the first one came out. I really love the advancement you make in the lore community and the changes you have made to the lore thought posses in general. Thank you so much for all your hard work. Every time I watch a video of yours, I always have to go back and play more Elden Ring and just take in the world. And really makes me think about everything around me.
the Shamshir wielded by 2nd gen Albinaurics using a flowing technique, is tied to the blue dancer and Blind Swordsman(or at least we find a Shamshir in the same cave as Blue Dancer Talisman). The Blue Cloth set uses the word brisk, i thought it meant quick but now think it mean "cold but fresh and enlivening." It also would work well considering something cold, fresh, and enlivening would be perfect for fighting Scarlet Rot.
Mellicent also wields a shamshir when she invades us and when we aid her/she aids us in combat.
The way they talk about it being reborn again and again with the hopes of one becoming a lord oneday…is shockingly parallel to the tarnished/undead curse.
We die and are reborn over and over again with the hopes of eventually gaining the strength to become Elden lord/link the fires
Also I feel like @22:00 when you see the elden ring complete like that it definitely looks like the tria prima (three primes) of alchemy
Great point
@@SmoughTown 🫶🏻 Ty kindly 🤍
Another amazing video by Smough! Thanks again for your dedication and hard work! I have a theory that ties in nicely with the look and information given about the Albinaurics, namely that the older male ones were the product of Nox Alchemy trying to make a Lord of Night, and the younger female ones were made by the Carians after Ranni made contact with them, Pidia and the other older males being sent along with the 'formula' that the Carian family would implement more in their likeness before realizing the flaw with the first generation and creating a second generation to fix the problem (which had it's own problems, since you rarely perfect a process/formula on the first or second try).
(36:35) This actually happens in nature, so I would not be surprised.
If you're looking for an example, there's the Asian sheepshead wrasse (a.k.a. the Kobudai), a species of fish that grows through the same process that the Albinaurics are being suggested that they go through (female when young, become male as they age).
This Video was release on my birthday... best birthday present ever.
The little creatures truly deserved a video of their own and deserved their story being told. Thank you for covering this!
Btw. have you ever thought about making a discord server where the people could talk about Elden Ring lore, give their own ideas, or just talk about random stuffs?
Beautifully put together as always Smough.
Thanks Tony, much appreciated
What a great time to release, so I can listen as I get ready for work. Thank you!
Hope work goes well!
It's interesting how one starts the video somewhat staggered by the length, only to be surprised that the closing chapter came so soon!
That's great to hear Kim!
Smoughtown dropping an over an hour lore video when I'm 45 minutes from starting my shift is P A I N. Exquisite pain though.
Hahaha sorry dude! How your shift goes well!
Amazing video again Geoff, you do not disappoint with your videos of elden ring lore, the albinaurics are a very interesting topic in the vast lore elden ring posses and you explained it in a very good way. Do you plan to make videos about the endings, taking each one of them and dive deep into them ? Your point of view and explanations put sense into allot of topics of the lore. Again work well done, have a good day.
Thanks Lucas - really appreciate those kind words. I love the Albinaurics, so was my pleasure. I will tackle each of the endings at some point!
Let's go finally you're covering the Albinauric Bloodclot itself
albinaurics are one of the few groups of people in pretty much all of the fromsoft games who truly deserve a happy ending, i really hope they get dlc down the line.
Such a nice surprise that FS gave them a decent ending tbh
Another epic video. Glad to see you talk about in my opinion one of the most interesting group of people Fromsoft has put out.
Thanks my friend, they are one of my fave aspects of the lore tbh
@@SmoughTown yeah I also love the Omens I hope in a dlc we get to go back and meet Godwyn but also like a powerful Omen like Morgott as I think they are just as equally cool
I like the part where he mentions the blood clot.
Same
Your videos and theses are not only excellently produced, and super in-depth, but your passion encourages me as a poet/aspiring storyteller. Thank you for what you do, my friend!
Thanks bud, that's so nice to hear. I am so lucky so many people give me such wonderful support
@@SmoughTown
Eyyyy I've been waiting for this one! Smoughtown Saturday!
So how long until we get an entire alchemy connections video? Cause there's definitely a lot of them, especially with the wolves and Godfrey being represented by a lion
Yeh tbh, I was thinking about this while doing the video...will defo do one
you could say Loretta uses the glintstone on her weapon to cast spells, but then again, if that were the case, that would speak volumes about unalloyed gold as a catalyst for magic , as her weapon states that she replaced it's glintstone with it , and yet she hasn't lost any power, instead, you could even argue she's stronger
You always constantly deliver such great content . I'm always here for it smough much love brother
Thanks dude, appreciate the love and support.
I think you should cover the Carians, the cuckoo, and their civil war, what causes Liurnia to sink, as well as the history of the factions, Rennala and her children especially.
I also think a video on Godrick and the heirs of Limgrave in general could be very interesting, as many lore creators made videos on Godrick right off the bat, and missed many important details.
When it comes to Liurnia sinking, that probably has something to do with the fact that most of the ground under it is completely hollow, I’m surprised the lake of rot hasn’t started to seep through.
The thick, coagulated blood of the Albinaurics.
Material used for crafting items.
Albinaurics are lifeforms made by human hands. Thus, many believe them to live impure lives, untouched by the Erdtree's grace.
The holy text
it is here! the video we've all been waiting for. man you've come a long way. nice one!
Your great sympathy and understanding for the Albinaurics has made for a great video. It also heartens me to see Elden Ring's alchemy influences approached so clearly and openly. Very well done.
Thanks my friend, we have a great love for the Albinaurics on this channel
Haven’t finished yet - but this honestly a cool dive into the implications of puppetry among the Nox. Great content as per usual - can’t wait to finish it later 🤧
13:37
Thanks dude, really pleased to hear you enjoy
The "silver blood" is also the name of a shape shifting , sentient liquid metal in Star Trek Voyager. It takes on the shape of the crew in perfect detail.
Oh, maybe that's why they changed their names. Copyright?
@@ElektelStar It's possible. I wonder if Miyazaki is a Star Trek fan? I would assume grrm is although I haven't found any sources for that statement
@@ElektelStar and for additional clarification; as far as I know, the silver blood concept is only used twice in the Voyager series. Im not knowledgeable about copyright law but the concept is only part of two episodes. Which I doubt is enough to be copyrighted
I know most people probably don’t care considering this is a video essay channel, but the music choices are excellent. It’s like a SoulsBorne greatest hits. I especially appreciate that you use “The First Hunter” from Bloodborne in every video, as that is my favorite song across all the FromSoftware games.
It's an important part for me, they've always successful conveyed emotion/themes
And don't forget Kingsfield music. The very first song played in this video is from Kingsfield
No one has picked up on Radahn's legs fading? like an Albinaurics'. I suspect the story of learning gravity magic to keep his horse, a way to tease away from peering towards a deeper truth.
When their legs fade so does their mind? Would the scarlet rot trully make Radahn loose his mind?
Rykar also becomes a crawling legless creature and maddened. Might he have been experimenting to avoid this fate?
Of the 3, only Ranni is lucid. And her corpse doesnt have feet either (but I meam she's burnt so...). Blaidd as a loyal wolf-headed knight may be a hint as well. Who knows?
I've always been suspicious...
Y'know I have been watching a lot of lore videos recently of Elden Ring, and my goodness it's so detailed and masterfully written I am so hooked and appalled it took me so long to watch these videos
God with you tying the Albernarics to Nox and the eternal cities which I’ve been doing forever. Makes me want to argue even more for my Radagon the mimic theory, hence his eggs use of larval tears and why the runes children are very Albernarics like and him bathing in celestial dew. You also have mimic veil, aka Marikas Mischief.
As Tarnished Acheologist mentioned, Albinaurics are probably reborn at the Haligtree tree, and thar's why they have special abilities like Discus of Light. I think it's the same in Mohg's palace, they are reborn from the lake of blood.
I think thats a really good observation that they removed the age/sex/gender dimorphism in the second generation. And that the 2nd gen are frog like to emphasize their susceptibility to mutation from polluted water.
You are such an inspiration to me! Keep up the insanely good work.
Thanks so much my friend, honestly humbling to hear
Brilliant Video. I think you should do a video on some of the less talked about mini-bosses like Elemer of the Briar.
I don’t even play this game anymore or any games for that matter rn but I put these on to sleep. Keep it up.
My man pumping out the content, legend as usual my man Geoff 😍 Hope yall have a nice weekend ~
Thanks dude! Hope you enjoy this one too
@@SmoughTown I'm sure I will, your videos are always a wonderful treat 😤🤩
Dope video! The Albinaurics were a topic I had the most questions about. I got a lot of information, thanks
I can’t quite put my finger on why yet, but something about the nature of Miquella has me wondering if his blood was used as part of the creation of the Albinaurics. In the tinfoil lined conspiracy part of my mind his curse specifically was key to this (not that he was an Albinauric but that his curse of stunted growth doomed the Albinaurics in various ways) and his blood the vehicle for their creation. There’s no telling how many parties were after Miquella for his power, and I can see the Nox taking a particularly keen interest in exploiting it.
I also find it strange that both Black Knife Assassins and Albinaurics are sheltering at Ordina.
A connection just occurred to me in all of this where Miquella’s blood is concerned.
I can imagine a *form* of primordial dew being used as part of the alchemical creation of the Albinaurics: the sap of the Haligtree, which is infused with the blood of Miquella.
The tree did not thrive (such is the power of his curse) so anything derived from the tree would be a display of strong but ultimately truncated power.
The Albinaurics have strengths and abilities that are (to varying degrees) limited by the curse of their truncated physical forms, as is (was?) Miquella.
I could wholly imagine that attempts to distill and refine byproducts of his matter in order to eliminate the corruption of his curse would ultimately fail.
These failures could have been part of what became the Albinauric experiments: the mixing of the pure (silver tear liquid) and the ultimately impure (Miquella’s cursed blood).
Real highlight in my week everytime you upload, cheers keep it up mate!
1:00:58 Can anyone else here Mohg yelling “Bleed, Bleed, Bleeeed”
So weird how that can be imprinted in our brains just by seeing the image of that with the music in the background.
This was an awesome video all in all… as are all of SmoughTown’s… I just had this interesting thought during it.
Stellar video, as always. I like how you tie in real world inspirations and implications into these videos- real world alchemical logic in this video- but you never go overboard and you demonstrate well how they fit. Just a neat little thing.
My two cents towards the question of 'who made the Alvbinaurics?', I think the Rea Lucaria connection is the stronger one. Consider: the Raya Lucarians have some semblance of understanding of Noxian sciences and magic- the connections are abundant, as you correctly point out in your video on the Nox. The Raya Lucarians use this knowledge not the create a lord of night but perhaps simply as an experiment in creating life, perhaps even see how artificial life would interact with the Primieval current and destiny. Either way, there is no reason to suspect that Albinaurics were mistreated or persecuted at this time.
Until the house of the moon joins with the Erdtree and Radagon enters the picture. Now alligned with the Golden Order, the royals change their stance. Where before Albiaurics were servants at best and experiments at worst, now they were antithesis to the new order. Hence their persecution starts.
I personally consider Loretta to be human. It makes her story more admirable, in my opinion, that she fought so hard and so long for the sake of a people that weren't hers, just on account of her empathy for them. I like to imagine that she did not get her riding and magical archery from Albinaurics, but the reverse: she taught them when they reached the Lithurgical town.
As to the Albinaurics in service to Mogh, I tend to view that going as followed: Albinaurics journey to the snowfields, their numbers swelling and Miquella welcomes them all- until he is stolen away. But his loyal servants, Albinaurics stationed near the edges of his territories, track his captors to a sending gate, and going through they end up in the lord of blood's domain, now captive. Hence, the seemingly 'penned in' groups, hence the corpses left to rot. Hence, those that cracked, and went from prisoner to captor. Perhaps Mogh's expansion into Liuarnia is a result of this succesful test run with converting Albinaurics.
Anyway thats my take. As you would say, pure speculation, but I think these are the most fitting interpretations.
Something interesting to note in terms of environmental story telling is that we do not find a single albinauric in the Haligtree or in Elphael (Loretta excepted depending on what you think, personally I think she's human). They are all relegated to the front porch so to speak guarding the entry way in the consecrated snowfield. Could it be that even Miquella secretly disregards the Albinaurics as inferior, leaving them at the frontdoor of his great haligtree?
Food for thought.
Could also be that they are the bodies in the cocoons, ready to be reborn from the haligtree
The chrysalises/ cocoons around the haligtree absolutely look like they contain first gen Albinaurics
Wanted to say I love your videos. Just got done with the outer gods one and am half way through this one. You go into so much more detail than other channels, including Vaati, and actually get good sources.
The only critique that i have is this weird habit that info channels seemingly developed out of nowhere where the last syllable of a sentence gets drawn out with extra gravel. You talk normally for like 90% of the video and then remember to do this stupid verbal affectation. I'm not sure if I'm the only person in the world with this issue, because no one else talks about it. But, I've actually had to stop watching good channels because I get so distracted by it.
Otherwise, love your stuff. Just had to say something about that while you're relatively new. Your channel will still get big without mimicking that dumb cadence. Your content is good.
I always liked this channel but he's been knocking it out of the park lately.
The big hole in the Dragonkin soldiers makes me think the Nox used Trolls as a base of their experiment with them. As the only things we see with a massive hole in their stomachs are Trolls, Giants and Placidusax
I’ve always thought the Albinaurics look like underdeveloped fetuses, like humans who were finished too soon and didn’t go into the final round of refinement
HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
FINALLY HERE, PRAISE THE BLOODCLOT
Hell yeah lets go!
16:25 this idea really coincides with what Tarnished Archaeologist was saying in his video about the ritual of Marika performing (i.e. the golden order birthing ritual). It would a great parallel for how the Nox were basically creating life, showing their hubris of being able to challenge the Great will. It really could be a good head cannon as to how they "lost" their night sky, especially if it took place in the forgotten Eternal city right above the royal capital. Great Video @SmoughTown
Brother this MANS LORE DOES NOT MISS
I thoroughly enjoy your work & thank you for it.
When I first found sleeping beauty I thought she was st trina so in regards of you idea of an original template, seeing how st trina is in fact an aspect of miquella it would make sense that latenna and her sister are based on the idea of st trina and are originally from the consecrated snowfield even the orilugical town
Thanks :D
You gave me this crazy idea now.
Loretta: Love-Protection, D: Hate-Vengeance
I enjoy everything about this game but I don't know how to explain it all in a video like you do Smough but really enjoyable and awesome video as always 🙂
Thanks buddy, really appreciate all the support you've given me
@@SmoughTown No problem, well you're one of my close friends :)
I found the Albinourics fascinating! This is an extremely welcome video!
Perhaps the primordial dew is more of a indication that the Erd tree and marika are a offshoot of the eternal city
As marika is numen and the black knives are said to be numen with ties to marika. So perhaps marika was a member of the city and perfected a primordial dew to grow the erd tree (from the crucible or sooner ¯\_(ツ)_/¯) and thus marika is a off shoot of the eternal cities and seen as a traitor giving motive for the convoluted actions as marika brandished the alchemical practices in support of the greater will instead of against it? Maybe marika is the ultimate quisling
Edit: would also explain this war between the erd tree and Arya lucaria as marika woulda still viewed the sorcerers as enemies given they were when she was a part of the numen
Congrats on 100k! I wonder how many times the blood clot will be referenced in this one...
Thanks bud...you won't be disappointed on that front!
Your talk about Alchemy could actually be the hint to figure out what the "birthing droplet" could be. Considering Albus says "Alas, this is the immovable *fate* of all Albinaurics", and how Latenna is in Liurnia, and how the color of the thing that goes from her to her towering sister looks blue, I think the "birthing droplet" could be some kind of potion made with Starlight shards. We know that fate, stars, and starlight shards are all connected. And, because of Seluvis, it is possible to make potions using Starlight shards. This would also give Loretta a much more active role in the plan to help the Albinaurics, since she may have been the one to give the Albinaurics this information, which could have caused Latenna to make the incredibly dangerous journey from Ordina to Liurnia. So instead of a sadisitc puppet potion, Loretta may have convinced Seluvis to make one that could free someone of their doomed fate or something.
The prophecy finally comes to pass. All things lead to the Albinaurics.
Albinauricization?
Another week, another banger from Smough. 👍🏿
this channel has enlightened my inner Elden Lord
Their ending storyline is really good, one of the best in all of souls. But there is one that I like even more. For some reason with all the lore implications and such I just really like the burning of the painting in Ashes of Ariandel, returning to the Corvian Settler and hearing his resigned happiness. "It's the one thing we do right, unlike those fools on the outside."
The settler (and his fellow rebel corvians) looked to a future they couldn't comprehend nor be around for, the next painting. They didn't mind burning away their world. It is a most selfless act by these people in a dark often selfish world.
The end of the Albinauric's storyline has perhaps the same level of hope, and god have those frog boys been through hell and back. But the Corvian Settler always gets to me. Helped I'm sure by incredible voice acting :)
Thanks again for another great lore video!!!
The Asimi quest might have been too much as they conceived it, but I'd have loved something similar. Like Latenna and the Spirit Jellyfish/Aurelia, but a little bit more involved than just bringing them to a place and summoning them. Maybe a smaller quest but at the end you get the Mimic Tear ashes.
it makes sense why Loretta would be at the Haligtree in person, if the female maidens who were made by Raya Lucaria all go to worship Miquella.
Thank you for this video, I was really curious about this race.
let's fucking GOOOO ALBINAURIC VID DROPPED