Image: Tarnished vs. Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella
Published: January 17, 2026 at 10:40:27 PM UTC
Last updated: January 17, 2026 at 10:41:51 PM UTC
High-resolution anime-style fan art showing the Tarnished in Black Knife armor confronting the Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella in Elden Ring’s Ainsel River, capturing the tense moment before combat.
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The image depicts a tense, cinematic moment set deep within the subterranean waters of the Ainsel River, rendered in a dramatic anime-inspired fan art style. In the foreground, the Tarnished stands ankle-deep in shimmering, bioluminescent water, facing an immense foe. Clad in the sleek, ominous Black Knife armor, the Tarnished’s silhouette is defined by layered dark metal plates and a flowing black cloak that drapes heavily behind them. Their posture is low and cautious, weight shifted slightly forward, signaling readiness rather than immediate aggression. In their right hand, a curved dagger catches faint blue light from the water, its blade reflecting the cold glow of the underground cavern. The Tarnished’s head is turned upward toward the enemy, conveying wary focus and quiet resolve just before combat begins.
Dominating the right side of the scene is the Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella, a colossal humanoid figure rising from the river. Its massive frame is wrapped in tattered, aged bandages that cling tightly to its limbs and torso, revealing patches of corrupted, purplish flesh beneath. The creature’s anatomy is both draconic and undead, with elongated arms, clawed hands submerged in water, and a hunched posture that emphasizes its overwhelming size. Faint arcs of pale violet lightning crackle across its chest and shoulders, hinting at the latent power within. Its head is lowered toward the Tarnished, jaws slightly open to reveal jagged teeth, as if assessing the challenger before striking.
The environment enhances the sense of foreboding. The cavern stretches into darkness, with rough stone walls and hanging roots barely visible through mist and shadow. Soft blue light emanates from the river itself, illuminating ripples around both figures and casting reflections that dance across armor, bandages, and skin. In the distant background, vague humanoid silhouettes—statues or lifeless figures—stand partially submerged, adding to the eerie, ancient atmosphere. The overall composition emphasizes scale and tension: the small yet defiant Tarnished contrasted against the towering Dragonkin Soldier, both frozen in a moment of mutual anticipation, capturing the calm before a brutal confrontation in the depths of Elden Ring’s underworld.
The image is related to: Elden Ring: Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella (Ainsel River) Boss Fight