FromSoftware's latest game, Elden Ring, has successfully set a new gold standard for the Soulslike genre and open-world gaming as a whole, despite a mixed reception on some fronts. From its expansive overworld and masterfully crafted player experience to the exceptional execution of its narrative design, the game overshadows many other AAA titles. This is undoubtedly due in large part to creative input from Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin.
Fans of the show and novels were excited to hear about Martin's collaboration with Hidetaka Miyazaki to bring about a rich and immersive story for Elden Ring. While the acclaimed writer wrote snippets about the destruction of the Elden Ring, the world's history and its mythology and characters, Miyazaki placed some restrictions on Martin's contributions. Although Elden Ring's director stands firm in his belief that the story must always serve the player experience, the game does pay homage to Game of Thrones and its author through an amazing-looking Easter egg.
As players embark on their journey through The Lands Between, they will come across many references to previous FromSoft games, as well as nods to other franchises. Since no visible restrictions are placed on overworld exploration, most areas and buildings are accessible early on. One such edifice is Castle Morne, which can be found in the far south region of the Weeping Peninsula.
Castle Morne is built along the coastline and encompasses several structures outside its walls. While the main building houses valuable equipment and items, players should turn their attention to a small derelict tower erected on the southwestern shore. The area in question is a stone's throw from the "Beside the Rampart Gaol" Site of Grace. Crossing a timber bridge that connects the castle grounds to another structure in the tower's vicinity will bring players within view of its misty yellow entrance. After stepping across the threshold, an optional boss will grace players with his presence.
Leonine Misbegotten is a Great Enemy wielding a large greatsword, and like many of his kind, he boasts a highly aggressive moveset that leaves players with little to no room for comfort. Fortunately, options for Multiplayer and Spirit Summons may be utilized if need be. The most viable approach to Leonine's offense is to keep a safe distance while blocking or dodging his advances, and to look for openings. Since the boss' powerful strikes take a toll on stamina whenever blocked, most players will find that dodging is a more suitable option, regardless of whether they specialize in melee or long-range combat.
On the whole, Leonine has several attack patterns that are exploitable if approached strategically. Most of his attacks tend to be horizontal, which help to create an opening for a counterattack if players dodge them in the forward direction. While his jump attacks call for a backward or a forward roll, depending on the players' field of specialization, spellcasters can benefit from the Glintblade Phalanx spell in such instances.
Leonine's moveset also includes a devastating combo attack that involves him swinging, swiping and stabbing his sword into the ground. Evading the last sequence of this attack will provide players with an opportunity to dish out their offense for a couple of seconds. Aside from his erratic combo, players should also be on the lookout for a stomping attack because of its area-of-effect range, as well as a heavy follow-up sword attack. After Leonine draws his misbegotten last breath, he will drop a weapon symbolically dubbed Grafted Blade Greatsword.
As a melee weapon that scales primarily with Dexterity and Strength, Grafted Blade Greatsword requires its wielder to have 40 Strength points before they can equip it. The sword features a unique "Oath of Vengeance" skill that temporarily boosts the wielder's stats alongside poise. It is also an essential item for completing one of Castle Morne's quests, but most importantly, Grafted Blade Greatsword is a tribute to the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones.
Like the Iron Throne, Grafted Blade Greatsword lives up to its name and is comprised of many swords welded together. According to its description, it was crafted by a champion whose origins were tied to a country that no longer exists, which may be an indirect reference to the Seven Kingdoms from Game of Thrones. While the Greatsword is not necessarily the best armament in The Lands Between and bears no particular significance to the main campaign, implementing an Easter egg that openly expresses gratitude to Martin by paying tribute to his most famous work is one of the many reasons why Elden Ring stands out among the rest.