Tarnished

Biodata

Background / History

The conventional account identifies Tarnished as descendants of exiled warriors. Emiya Shirou states, however, that most Tarnished capable of wielding Runes and reviving are people transported from other worlds; the native Tarnished population has largely dwindled. 11

Their shared objective is to collect Great Runes, reach the Erdtree, reforge the Elden Ring, and restore the collapsing world. 10 Tarnished who receive Grace may be brought to Roundtable Hold, a sanctuary where Tarnished and other heroes gather and fighting is forbidden. 27 37

Abilities & Systems

Rune Manipulation

Tarnished grow stronger by claiming Runes from defeated enemies. Runes can be converted into physical strength, though most users require a Finger Maiden's guidance to properly tame them. 1 6

• A Tarnished's growth is shaped by their internal law: the unity of flesh, will, and soul. 40
• Rune users may develop through physical power, dexterity, magic, faith, or other disciplines depending on their nature and choices. 40
• Lu Mingfei is an abnormal case: he can control Runes without a Finger Maiden. 6

Resurrection through Grace

Tarnished can revive at Sites of Grace after death in the Lands Between. 1

• Resurrection does not extend to their original worlds; death there is permanent. 27
• Their underlying power remains available outside the Lands Between, but certain items—including the Flask—may not function under another world's rules. 27

Summoning and Interworld Contact

Tarnished can use signs and Finger-related tools to communicate with or summon other Tarnished across worlds. 9 11

• Furlcalling Finger Remedy reveals cooperative and hostile summon signs. 9
• Remaining in a Summon Finger state can attract hostile Red Phantoms. 11
• The Tarnished Old Finger and Tarnished Summon Finger can still function in a Tarnished's original world. 27

Paths of Power

Tarnished may pursue distinct origin paths, each carrying limitations or risks. 26

• Dragon Communion — Grants draconic power through Dragon Hearts, but its craving can erode reason and transform practitioners into inhuman beings. 7
• Glintstone magic — A magic-based path used by fighters such as Emiya Shirou. 11 26
• Cursed Blood — A dangerous power path that can affect the mind, especially in users with a strong resonance to it. 26
• Golden Order, flame, and Black Flame — Other known sources of power in the Lands Between. 26

Phantom Classifications

Equipment / Items

• Furlcalling Finger Remedy — Reveals cooperative and hostile summon signs; it can be crafted from two Erdleaf Flowers. 9
• Tarnished Old Finger — Allows Tarnished to leave written messages and communicate across worlds. 26 27
• Tarnished Summon Finger — Used for summoning-related contact and remains usable outside the Lands Between. 27
• Finger Severer — Used to dismiss a summoned Tarnished and return them to their original world. 12
• Parting Black Crystal — A Rune-powered round-trip teleportation tool that requires several days to recharge after use. 27

Known Tarnished

• Lu Mingfei — An otherworldly Tarnished who independently manipulates Runes, became a Storm Knight, and pursued Dragon Communion. 6 13 15
• Emiya Shirou — A Friendly Phantom skilled in glintstone magic and magical sword techniques; he explains the modern Tarnished system to Lu Mingfei. 11
• Rudeus — An otherworldly Tarnished with exceptional magical talent who has mastered much of his academy's magic. 11
• Ken Kaneki — A Tarnished associated with the Bloody Finger path who later gains control over his dangerous Curseblood power. 11 41
• Jonathan Joestar — A prominent Friendly Phantom known for aiding other Tarnished. 11
• Himura Kenshin — A powerful Hunter who defends against Red Phantoms. 11