Though he is with the Tarnished Champion throughout their journey in the Lands Between, Torrent is given shockingly little lore in Elden Ring.
Elden Ring introduces Torrent as though he's an important character, and then refuses to elaborate on his story. Although Torrent is the only constant companion for the Tarnished Champion, very little is known about him. This is one of many mysteries left unsolved in Elden Ring, but DLC could - and should - give players more answers about the spectral steed that carries them through the Lands Between.
Elden Ring has the player assume the role of the Tarnished Champion, who is called by the Grace of the Greater Will, to return from their long exile. The massive size of Elden Ring's map necessitates giving the player a way to travel at a faster speed than running on foot, which makes the edition of a mount that can be summoned while outside of dungeons the perfect solution. Despite an Elden Ring glitch allowing Torrent to run away, he remains the Tarnished Champion's most loyal ally.
Torrent makes his first appearance after the scripted death from an early boss encounter. He carries Melina to the Tarnished Champion, who is just beginning to regain consciousness. In this cutscene, Torrent displays that he has enough awareness to be concerned about the well-being of others and that he is capable of having ambitions. After he snorts at the Tarnished, Melina replies to him, "Don't worry, Torrent, fortune is on his side." Then, Melina dismounts and says, "One of his kind is sure to seek the Elden Ring... Even if it does violate the Golden Order..." This quick scene gives a few pieces of important information about Torrent. It was his choice to seek out the Tarnished, willing to help him in his journey even though it means seeking the Elden Ring and violating the Golden Order.
Torrent's Mysterious Former Master Could Be In Elden Ring DLC
Only two Elden Ring characters mention Torrent by name: Melina and Ranni. Both women seem to have known Torrent's former master, well enough for them to be entrusted with the Spectral Steed Whistle and Spirit Calling Bell to pass onto the Tarnished. Yet Torrent's former master is never mentioned by name or expanded upon beyond the the two items that are to be given to Torrent's next master. It's also interesting to note that Melina and Ranni are spirits like Torrent, with Melina saying she is bodyless and Ranni admitting that she cast aside her body willingly. This further adds to the mystery of Torrents former master, leaving players to wonder why they'd choose characters who are spirits to pass on their spectral steed, or if the reason they chose Ranni and Melina is not related to their lack of bodies at all.
As financial reports hint at Elden Ring DLC, there's hope that some of the lingering questions about the Lands Between and its residents will be answered. There's too much set-up in lore for Torrent and his former master for no more information about either of them to be given. Players deserve to know more about their spectral steed, who is first presented as a character in his own right, and if they may have encountered or fought Torrent's former master in Elden Ring.
