Preface While the Dark Souls narratives are designed for player choice, Director Hidetaka Miyazaki makes no stranger his bias. The theme of stagnation pervasive throughout Dark Souls III is perhaps his most overt criticism of the subject. As I am often asked about the “best” ending, I feel obliged to point out that the series’ […]
Preface The Ashes of Ariandel DLC holds a special place in my heart. Painting worlds have been deeply entwined with meta narrative since the original Dark Souls, (DS1) but this is the first time that they became vehicle for commentary. The exploration of Ariandel is a dive not only into the history of one world, […]
Gael’s life was arguably a series of misfortunes. The sole weapon he has owned before any other is his greatsword, which the description affirms was originally for executions by beheading; hence its heavy resemblance to the Executioner’s Greatsword. In other words, before undeath, Gael lived as a headsman. But unlike a certain depraved executioner, Gael […]
Preface If Dark Souls III is truly the end of the series, then I am glad that its final swan song was introducing the Ringed City. True, previous games had already set up all the key points for the origins of man and undeath, so the final DLC doesn’t tread much new ground in that […]
As we approach Irithyll Dungeon, we are invaded by a familiar face, or rather name: Alva. Although never seen in person during the events of Dark Souls II, (DS2) there is no mistaking his iconic set of armor. Both protective and lightweight, it was perfect equipment for the man whom bards still extol as the […]
Catarina is the same as it has always been. It is a country characterized by its jolly disposition, the yang to Carim’s yin. The people’s big, wide-eyed smiles are matched by a hearty laugh cheering as they down a tankard of alcohol. They are straightforward and honest, never hiding their anger. After all, the honorable […]
Exploring the Undead Settlement, we might come across a locked room, forcing us to drop through a hole in the ceiling to enter. Inside, we will find ourselves in a quaint little residence — at least what amounts to one in this shanty town. On the stove for us to eat sits a warm pot […]
Beneath Priscilla’s old tower in Ariandel is a grave with a warrior’s sword, tended to by a gravekeeper. And from the Champion’s Bones acquired after the Gravetender is dead, this tombstone belongs to an Undead who began fighting as part of a competition of strength with other Undead. The gravekeeper was previously the champion’s page, […]
As we make our infiltration of Anor Londo, we come across the giant blacksmith in the royal smithy, dead. The fact that his corpse lays atop Aldrich’s corruption indicates that he was killed in the Deep adherents’ recent raid. However, the threat to his life seems to have been longstanding, as Andre fully expected to […]
None are more dedicated to firelinking than Ludleth. He considers Kingship as kindling an honor, never wavering from royal duty: when all the other Lords of Cinder abandon the kingly path, he remains in his throne. He is also the weakest Lord of Cinder we encounter, his body small, feeble, and broken by his own […]
Lokey Lore 