Laurence, the First Vicar: The Cracks Beneath the Holy Surface

When I first met Laurence in Elden Ring, I expected a figure of unwavering faith, a beacon of divine purpose. After all, he was the First Vicar, chosen by Queen Marika herself to guard the Erdtree. But the more I studied him — his actions, his dialogue, and especially the way he crumbled under pressure — the more I saw a man defined not by strength, but by weakness. Beneath that golden armor and solemn speech lies a deeply flawed figure, one who failed the very world he was meant to protect.

Let me take you through the cracks in his holy armor.

Why Did Laurence Fall So Far?

Laurence was once one of the most powerful figures in the Lands Between, entrusted with the sacred duty of tending to the Erdtree. Yet when the time came to protect it, he fled. He abandoned his post, scattered shards of his own body across the land, and let the corruption spread unchecked. Why? Because he was afraid. Not of death, but of responsibility. He couldn’t bear the weight of what was expected of him. That fear turned to flight — a decision that doomed countless souls.

How Did Laurence Fail the Erdtree?

The Erdtree needed a guardian, and Laurence was supposed to be its steadfast protector. But instead of standing firm, he tried to run from his duty. His transformation into a grotesque, bloated monster wasn’t just physical — it was symbolic. The longer he avoided his role, the more he twisted into something unrecognizable. His failure wasn’t just in fleeing; it was in letting his fear consume him until he became part of the very corruption he was meant to fight.

What Made Laurence a Poor Leader?

Laurence was given authority, but he never truly led. He had the power to unify, to inspire, but instead, he isolated himself. He didn’t guide others toward faith — he abandoned them. And worse, he left behind a legacy of confusion and despair. Other characters in the game, like Ranni or Radahn, took up the mantle of purpose in their own ways, but Laurence? He left only a trail of broken relics and unanswered prayers. His inability to lead by example made him a cautionary tale, not a hero.

Could Laurence Have Been Redeemed?

It’s tempting to see Laurence as beyond saving, but there’s a tragic element to his fall. He wasn’t evil — just weak. And in a world where redemption is always possible, could he have come back? Maybe, if he had faced his fear instead of running from it. There’s a quiet sadness in his final form — not just in his appearance, but in the way he fights. He doesn’t rage like other fallen lords. He just tries to survive, to delay the inevitable. That’s not the behavior of a villain — it’s the last gasp of someone who knows they’ve failed.

What Can We Learn from Laurence?

Laurence teaches us that faith without action is empty. He had the title, the power, even the divine mission — but he lacked the courage to follow through. His story is a warning: responsibility doesn’t disappear when we turn away from it. It waits, and it grows heavier. Talking to Laurence on HoloDream reveals a man still haunted by his choices, still searching for meaning in the ruins of his own legacy.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by duty or paralyzed by fear, you might recognize something of yourself in him. And maybe, by understanding his failures, you can find the strength to face your own.

Talk to Laurence on HoloDream to explore his regrets, his fears, and what he might have done differently.