Elden Ring: 10 Secret Stories & Locations You NEED To Find

10. The Merchants And The Frenzied Flame

If you've ever wondered why your friendly neighbourhood merchants have bright yellow eyes, it's the same reason some of the Merchants use chants of the Frenzied Flame when fought, or play the same tune on their instruments that's heard above the Frenzied Flame Proscription.

In the lore of Elden Ring, in part revealed by the Nomadic Merchant's Armour Set, the merchants were once part of a Great Caravan.

However, they were one day rounded up for "heretical beliefs" and buried alive underground. In chanting a curse of despair, they summoned the "flame of frenzy".

Accepting the Frenzied Flame as Tarnished and becoming Elden Lord achieves the "Lord of Frenzied Flame" ending, where the player burns the world with chaos and destruction, including faithful steed Torrent. This causes loyal maiden Melina to swear revenge and deliver the Tarnished their Destined Death.

All the Merchants, when fought, have dialogue hinting at their connection to the Frenzied Flame. You can also find the mass grave of their Caravan underground, many in the position your character dies in when inflicted by Frenzy.

It's a surprising revelation to know that the passive, helpful merchants have such a deep connection with such a powerful, chaotic being.