Dark Souls Lore - Dark Souls III Plot Summary

Dark Souls 3 - Plot / Story Summary
My take on the main story of Dark Souls III, I can't stress that enough. This is just my opinion, I'm not saying this is definitely what happened, I'm just going out on a limb. I was gonna make some more puns but it's too terrifying to even contemplate.
Credits:
The art (The opening and sketches) were done by natuprunk. The art of the Soul of Cinder (along with all the other art featured on my channel) can be found on her site, on a variety of merch: rdbl.co/2j3LZTr and you can watch the process behind the Lords of Cinder sketch here: • Nita Draws - Dark Soul...
The info concerning the Japanese translations was largely sourced from @weisskaiser and their blog: 00tn2.blogspot.... Although they are currently not updating Dark Souls content.
#darksouls
#darksoulslore
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[@childeater7327]

Born to late to link the fire Born to early to hunt beasts Born at just the right time to join in jolly cooperation

[@SilverMont]

Fantastic

[@BrokenBo94]

Everything will be fine, as long as my fire keeping waifu doesn't die.

[@Whyzf]

How about the ending where you kill her and step on her head.

[@Rokkettdog]

Savage XD

[@bergonath8851]

The second phase of the final boss still gives me goosebumps.

[@mustekkala]

When the song changed tone to that of Gwyns fight in the first game i think i cried a bit out of happiness. :)

[@RebornGalaxy]

nothing compared to the original... I barely heard the music since he died so fast...

[@mustekkala]

PsyGnosiS In my opinion the new version is a lot better but each to their own. :)

[@diavolo1326]

+PsyGnosiS what, that's how Gwyns mechanics should have been: can't be parried, can't be can't be kited around a rock, can't be back stabbed

[@MM-ef2yy]

Noep. Being able to Parry Gwyn is a hint in my opinion, pointing to the fact that he gave up his godliness to preserve the first flame. He's only a dark husk since he burnt in linking the first flame.

[@AceFromGorillaz]

I really hope aldia is a part of ds3, he is such a cool character and oh god his voice, his voice is epic

[@Aurifex2698]

yeah, Aldia is awesome. makes me sad that you can find the corpse of fking gilligan, yet neither Straid or Aldia are in any form present. Aldia has so much potential.

[@efrenyalung1348]

yea i kinda wish that it would have shown a brief second of Aldia talking to the prince before the boss fight with Lothric and Lorian

[@schwyzerboy]

nothing from ds2 should be a part of ds3 because DS2 sucks

[@SilverMont]

I was a little surprised he didn't have more of a presence, but although it'd be nice to know what he's up to, I also wanna see some new stuff!

[@AceFromGorillaz]

schwyzerboy you are so wrong,the gameplay of ds2 may be bad but the story is great,you fanboys forget how terrible is ds1 after anor londo,ds2 had a great story,especially when sotfs was released

[@stefanie_blueberry1350]

The real boss of the upcoming dlcs will be Solaire. He rides on Frampt. His dialogue: 'Young Fanboy, you haven't proven yourself to From Software. Be one with the Quark^!' ^ = German Word which means Nonsense

[@SilverMont]

I was honestly kind of expecting the primordial serpents to be the final boss of the franchise, haha. Or like "The Primordial Hydra" who knows.

[@stefanie_blueberry1350]

I hope Manus and the Abyss will be a content. Because his pieces were the princesses, so he was a very important force in DS2, too.

[@TheAsylumCat]

+Silver Mont considering their actual attack animations, I hope not.(shudders)

[@daviddalton8861]

God, I hope not. I don't want more old characters returning. I want new things, not old things. The fanservice really needs to end at this point.

[@Snaggaface]

Great to see one of the masters of the lore finally putting a worthwhile video out! Thank you, I'm sure many have waited patiently for this occasion.

[@tecknyne1]

I've been looking forward to this, spent days watching the entire Bloodborne and dark souls lore, you do amazing work sir, thank you.

[@NicolasMayr-xe9cd]

I miss you Frampt, you were one of my only friends during Dark Souls. You helped me achieve my destiny. I miss you, you ugly serpent.

[@Greylin91]

he was just using you m8

[@touchmenot9977]

True, But in my Opinion, Sunbro will always cheer me up!

[@Ashaira]

friend? he threw you to the fire. literally.

[@raistmajere7477]

Nice summary. I'm surprised you didn't mention Sulyvahn at all though, considering how important he is to the story, and how reminiscent he is of Aldia in several ways. He's perhaps a follower, descendant, or reincarnation, I think.

[@SilverMont]

In the grand scheme of things, he's not too important. As a character, he is, but in the main plot, he doesn't really do anything. It's more incidental details, y'know? Like yeah, Aldrich chewing on the gods is pretty dramatic, but doesn't too much in the "core" events of the story, if that makes sense?

[@raistmajere7477]

Well, I guess it depends on how much you think Sully is behind things happening in DS3's timeline. Personally I'm pretty sure he is the scholar who planted doubts into Lothric's mind regarding linking the fire. He's a sorcerer, wears robes very similar to the scholars in the Grand Archives, and there's a statue of him in the High Wall. The Soul Stream spell is also guarded by an outrider knight, connecting it to him, and likewise to Aldia. He's also likely to be the one who caused the corruption of the Cathedral of the Deep, although there's maybe not as much direct evidence for that.

[@SilverMont]

Raist Majere I don't think that statue is supposed to be him. The statue is wearing Lothric's distinctive robe of prayer, which is heavily associated with well... Lothric. The fact that the statue is also using the Profaned Greatsword isn't too relevant, in my opinion. For starters, if it IS a Young Sulyvahn, why would he be using that? The sword isn't associated with him, it's associated with the Profaned Flame/Capital, which he happened across; even if he was from Lothric, found that and then started all his shenanigans in Iriythill, why would there be a statue of him IN Lothric with it? It just doesn't really make sense. It'd be like making a statue of someone famous before they are famous. And even if they made it after, it seems unlikely because at that point, he is no friend to Lothric. And once again, the robe's likeness outweighs the incidental inclusion of a very generic looking sword, in my eyes.

[@raistmajere7477]

Yeah I originally thought it was Lothric too. Looks very much like him. But much later in the game, that sword bothered me, because Lothric's looks nothing like it. At first I thought it could have been Lorian's but it doesn't look quite the same either. It's not exactly a generic-looking greatsword, it's actually an exact replica, down to the details on the gurd and pommel. And the statue's model is wearing a bracelet that you can see on Sulyvahn too. To me it goes like this: Sulyvahn (of course just derived from yet another gaellic name and means Little Dark Eye or something), spends a normal childhood in Irythill but freezes his ass off. Decides to be a sorcerer, because magic is cool, moves to Lothric, works his way up the Lothric Scholars order, becomes the first scholar. Gets a statue in his image. Goes on a field trip in the Profaned Capital, discovers a few things there potentially including the Soul Stream, and his sword "acquires" the Profaned Flame. Comes back to Lothric, starts his shenanigans, messes up the CotD, gives Aldrich a darkmoon snack, declares the angelic faith heresy, messes with Lothric's education, forms the Outrider Knights order, conquers the world. But then gets recked in Irithyll, by a lowly unkindled. Anyway, maybe the DLC will give us more details about what happened in Lothric. And Londor. And more stuff about Velka hopefully, because she's awesome. Doubt it though :/

[@SilverMont]

Raist Majere I mean, it's definitely possible. I just don't think it makes much sense, personally. Why would there be a statue of Sulyvahn in the middle of the High Wall area? I feel it's quite specific placement - notice how it has the sun shining on it during the first phase of the game, and then later is shrouded in darkness? And how it's surrounded by scenes of fierce battle? (Although on a semi-related note I originally thought that was a battle between the Boreal Valley and Lothric, back in the network test, I figured they had invaded Lothric) Then there's the fact that the statue is definitely wearing Lothric's robes of prayer, which I would argue are more characteristic of Lothric than the Profaned GS is of Sully. It's a "ceremonial" sword that I am ASSUMING he found in the capital. You'll notice that it has quite a different "style" to it than his other sword, which resembles far more the elegant weapons of Anor Londo / Irithyll, and represents his sorcerer heritage, or as the game puts it "his true nature." The pose of the statue too - it's not exactly a pose of a scholar or researcher, is it? It somewhat mirrors the decapitating knight statues that're prevalent throughout Lothric, and that pose seems far more fitting for the "prince who is destined to sacrifice himself" than Pontiff Asshead, y'know? It's certainly odd, but I honestly think it's just them re-using an asset. Why didn't they use his platinum sword, if it is Lothric? I have no idea. I just can't think of any logical explanation for it being Sully. I mean, I guess it's sort of between the two Boreal bosses, but even then... I feel like it's just too much of a stretch from a likely incidental detail.

[@BallotBoxer]

This is really well done! Insightful narration and fantastic illustrations.

[@jasonbegg1611]

This is absolutely brilliant, keep up the good work and the part with Aldia is something I would never have thought of. Keep up the great work Alex!

[@SilverMont]

Honestly, I figured it wasn't Aldia when I first found the spell. I was like "Oh hey, a scholar. I wonder if that's Aldia? Probably not." But once I found out that it was literally the same spell from DaS2 (even if it functions a little different) that kinda made me re-think it haha

[@Monicaser]

Great work, Silver.

[@lyschyk19]

I believe nothing changed if we continue to the end. We followed the path that our predecessors created, and continued the cycle no matter what. If we linked it, the age of flame comes again, if we let it burn, it became an age of dark, and if we usurp it, we only changed what it was into something else, if only different by who or what holds power. Same shit, different world.

[@donnellebarfield3964]

No each time MC walked away from the flame some one does sacrifice him . your hero is dark souls 3 stop champion Gundar from linking the fire then that legless man did

[@Jimbean48327]

A lot of expectations going towards the DLC, I just hope it lives up to it!

[@Demokaze]

Here's hoping to another gank squad, that will destroy all those people who summon phantoms for help in boss fights. Preferably I want the four knights of Gwyn, in full power.

[@PLBiohazard]

So... full thunder-powered Ornstein, not-blind Hawkeye Gough shooting arrows with the size of a tree, stun-locking "KindaBorealValleyDancer" Ciaran and flipping Artorias with his giant greatsword and his indestructible greatshield... and maybe Sif itself, armed with a huge Farron Greatsword ? Dude, you want us to die so painfully ! :D

[@Jimbean48327]

+Grahf I think we need to be able to fight Solaire and the sun, you take 999999 damage whenever you hit the sun and Solaire is just standing on top of it praisin'

[@Demokaze]

Lucky Falkor Or better yet, fight ON the sun, and take 999999 damage with every step you make. And this while Solaire is riding a dragon butt and stomping at you. Then for the second phase, he merges with the sun, and becomes the Death Star.

[@ShinyChariard]

Don't forget not burned up gwyn

[@dimasbentimjr5858]

The best lore youtuber .

[@mixology1018]

I never realized the concept of a Civil War between the Lothric Knights and Winged Knights. It all makes perfect sense now. You really go the extra mile with your Lore videos, presenting your theories in a way that produces even more questions and inspires the imagination of your viewers. Keep it up.

[@SilverMont]

Thanks! If it got you thinking, then that's all I set out to do, haha. Well, and hopefully make a video that's entertaining to watch.

[@joeschmo3622]

(PART 2) LOTHRIC'S ROYAL FAMILY The rulers of Lothric believed that the Linking of the Fire was an honor worthy of only their royal family. As a result, they were obsessed with the production of a pure heir. Lorain was their first child and became a capable warrior and a stalwart knight. However, the kingdom of Lothric, governed by the Way of White, underwent a crisis of faith. When the worship of Angels gained prominence over the Way of White, Lorian converted (as evidenced by the fact that his chamber is filled with feathers, the telltale symbol of the angels, and is surrounded by knights wearing blue with bulwarks facing away from the building, suggesting that these knights are also converts to the Angelic Faith). Subsequently, Lorian's family considered him unworthy and turned to the next heir, Lothric. To inhibit the shortcomings that afflicted his older brother, Lothric was sequestered away so as to not be exposed to any dissident ideas. From there, his life was dedicated to prayer and meditation to prepare him for the Linking of the Fire. However, he was influenced by his own skeptical tutor, the head scholar of the Grand Archives, and relinquished his duty. The last known child of the royal family is Ocelotte. We do know that he was born and that, upon giving birth to him, the Queen of Lothric quietly disappeared, suggesting that he may have been stillborn. Exasperated with their failed attempts, Ocieros, King of Lothric, sought a new means to produce a worthy heir and turned to the ancient dragons for answers and discovered the worship of Seathe the Scaleless. The writings of the Paledrake, like Big Hat Logan before him, drove him to insanity in his endeavors to emulate the dragons of old. Isolated in his garden, Ocieros, now known as the Consumed King, forsook his duties and thus roused the ire of multiple parties that then sought his elimination, but no assassin ever returned from the task. I believe that, upon meeting Ocieros in-game, he is delusional and may even be producing those infantile cries in his madness. Meanwhile, Prince Lothric returned to Lorian and they both decided to flee the kingdom and spitefully bear witness to the impending fading of the First Flame from a distance. However, the twin princes, in fear of those who would capture or slay them for their treason, bound their souls together to increase their power. As a result, Lorian shares in his brother’s physical frailty but has the power to defend him from any intruders. Note: Lorian’s hair changes from black to white upon resurrection (possibly a visual error). In consideration to Lothric's mysterious Queen, I believe it to be Rosaria. Gertrude, Rosaria, and the Dancer of the Boreal Valley are all descendants of Gwynevere as evidenced by the fact that they are all associated with miracles pertaining to the Princess of Sunlight. In Rosaria's case, it is Bountiful Sunlight, the strongest of the three aforementioned miracles found in-game, suggesting that she is chronologically closest to Gwynevere. I bring this up because Gwynevere was a goddess and mother who could have believably established a dynasty of rulers based upon her lineage. Consider the item description of the Obscuring Ring from Rosaria's Covenant: It is said that Rosaria, the mother of rebirth, was robbed of her tongue by her firstborn, and has been waiting for their return ever since. Notice the usage of "their" in the last sentence. This word is plural, which seems to make no sense unless one considers her "firstborn" to be multiple individuals which, if they were twins, like the Twin Princes Lorian and Lothric, this would make sense. Furthermore, if I am correct about the stillbirth of Ocelotte, then Rosaria's environment seems more understandable. As she is in perpetual mourning at the loss of her child, she surrounds herself with empty cradles and remains obsessed with the prospect of rebirth.

[@kkjh0kkjh]

Their is not plural exclusively. It is gender neutral, which keeps the mystery, but definitely not plural exclusively.

[@godshollownutsack9272]

One problem with the princes being rosaria's children, one had to pop out first. For example, take Dante and Vergil from the devil may cry series. Vergil is the oldest, therefore he is firstborn. Dante came second, only mere seconds after Vergil. See what I mean?

[@Vytrogon2000]

There is only certainty in the story of Dark Souls. One day the flames will fade, and only dark will remain.

[@togil1151]

I Like your "Let`s play"-series but I`m glad that you finally made something lore related again. Definitly a nice summary.

[@jeova0sanctus0unus]

oh i was waiting for this.

[@thomhawkofficial]

I'm so excited for the lore and plot videos I can't contain myself.

[@berniekatzroy]

Love the illustrations

[@KingTacoz-g6v]

I hope we get to see Aldia in one of the dlcs

[@lightningandodinify]

this

[@iWillWakeYouUp]

YES! We desperately need DLC content that delves into DS2's lore, and what the Bearer of the Curse accomplished. He actually managed to fight off the curse after uniting the crowns, and even broke the order of the world and rejected the cycle, neither linking the flame, nor letting it die. When I finished DS2 SOTFS shortly before I started DS3, I was hyped as fuck. The ending felt profound for the series. I felt as if my character had just accomplished something really important and influental.

[@SemNome-ds1qy]

+iWillWakeYouUp i still think he Will appear in last dlc.

[@bloodfiredrake7259]

wolnir could be ds2's undead

[@raimethefumeknight2062]

wolnir was afraid of the Abyss , the cursed undead killed all 3 daughters of the Abyss

[@edoNutella]

First...sorry for my english man. I'm sure that I'll make tons of errors. Second...I want to know what do you think about the time where our adventure take place. I think that we constantly travel in time. My idea is that "our" Firelink Shrine is the present and all the other palces of the game (that we reach when we travel using the bonfire at the beginning of the game) are in the past. A past where the Lords of Cinder decided to not sit on their thornes (maybe Lothric convinced them) and where the fire is inevitably fading. But when the end is quite near (and the abyss start to grow) Ludleth recognize that the choice of not linking the flame was wrong and he decided to sacrifice himself to give a little hope (and time) to te world (like Gwyn did in DS1). In this way the bell tolls again and rises the Unkidled from their graves, they are the last hope to bring the lords (or at least their Cinders) on their thrones and save the age of fire (like you said). But why we are send back in time? I think that Ludleth wants to send us into the past (just before he links the flame) to let us see with our eyes the consequences of a world without the fire (Untended Graves "eaten" by the abyss, Eclipse, Undead Course, ecc).

[@Raptorman0205]

12:22 dude, really nice editing there. That timing w/ the soundtrack couldn't have been easy to pull off.

[@SilverMont]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@Raptorman0205]

Wasn't expecting a reply on a 7 month old video. Keep it up you're doing great

[@vanhala1]

I would hope we see dlc that explores more about Gertrude and the Angels as their almost completely out of nowhere in the series and could use more explanation and lore

[@imdorgat]

I like the idea of the first scholars being influenced by Aldia. Gertrude was the Holy Daughter who was contacted by the "angels", and was locked up in the archives and her chime defiled with crystals, so it may be another sign of that conflict. At the same time, we've been told that when King Ocieros was going mad, the scholars of the archives already worshiped Seath? So much mystery.

[@dustysweeper1]

Not sure if you have mentioned this already or not but do you plan on doing more lore videos for the dark souls 3 characters? I absolutely love your lore videos and cannot get enough of the character specific ones.

[@SilverMont]

I will, yeah

[@abhilashmessi31]

love your channel :)

[@Archontasil]

the artworks in this video XD

[@petyrbaelish4245]

The legend never dies.

[@vincentpaniccia]

Silver I'm sure that Holy king lothric's title was due to his amazing miraculous abilities, as well as his powerful soul which gave him the ability to link the flame.

[@Vladokaza]

I am sure that one of the DLCs will include the Abyss physicly.

[@Vladokaza]

***** Yes, I hope Kaathe will make an appearance, because he is already mentioned and well, it would be boring if he wouldn't show up.

[@AlexanderForsman]

More likely Londor and "the Deep", which are described as a Sea

[@Vladokaza]

Alexander Forsman Um, where are these places described as a sea?

[@AlexanderForsman]

True Daemon Pictures Dialogue, + soul of Aldrich says this: "When Aldrich ruminated on the fading of the fire, it inspired visions of a coming age of the *deep sea*. " Dorhys' Gnawing: "Those who linger too long on the *brink of the Deep will often slip*. Dorhys is sure to have wallowed in this darkness, intoxicated by its peril." might have missed some more.

[@arstotzkanatthedmz4486]

I'd prefer to see the deep.

[@TxH.Naicxis]

the abyss watchers were actually arguing with each other whether or not they should go ahead and link the fire, and as you can see it took a very, very long time to the point you still see them arguing

[@bloodygums]

Great vid as always dude.

[@SilverMont]

Thanks god

[@AlexanderForsman]

I like how the Art has Humanity-ghosts for eyes ^^

[@natuprunk]

Sorry to disappoint, but they're just stylised eyes and not meant to look like humanity ghosts

[@theholypopechodeii4367]

+natuprunk the art was nice!

[@Titanic_Tuna]

Finally some Silvermont Lore vids......FINALLY!!!! I've been dying for this.... no pun intended.

[@williamaskew4333]

something i want to add to your speculation on frampt and the winged knights. look closely at the helmet, notice how it is designed after a primordial serpents face? the eyes and the mouth look uncannily similar to frampt himself.

[@meh...8669]

Hmm, Very interning, I feel like I've gained more insight now that I've watched your video. Those statues of frampt are funny, wouldn't you agree.

[@rakkatytam]

be careful with all that insight, wouldn't want you to go frenzy.

[@meh...8669]

rakkatytam If that happens maybe I'll become a Great One ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@TheMATEMAGICIAN]

if Soul of Cinder is the manifestation of past lords ,who gave themselves to the fire of their own accord , why is he trying to battle and stop the ashen one from linking the flame once again?

[@SilverMont]

A) it's testing you B) it's stupid

[@marad958]

I think Lothric was basically being a moody teen. He'd been brought up (possibly created by unholy acts) to link the fire and he decided he wanted none of it. He wanted to choose his own destiny.

[@SilverMont]

Pretty much!

[@themuffinman6942]

the Abyss watchers were not out to seek the fire after they were corrupted, they swore to artorias's covenant to guard the Abyss

[@alicaido6616]

The Primordial Serpent statues aren't necessarily either of the serpents that we have met, the statues could be any of the serpents as there are many of them.

[@AchPhoenix]

I feel so smart, since i also came to the conclusion of Aldia when reading soul stream a few days ago :D

[@AlexanderForsman]

about that, on reddit, someone translated the japanese words for Scholar in both DS2 and DS3. And found that in DS2 its literal translation is *Researcher*, while in DS3 it's translated to *Wise man*

[@Titanic_Tuna]

That's probably intentional after all at Aldia's time (DS2 timeline) his research was not as appreciated but now (DS3 timeline) he is seen as a wise figure as his work is only starting to be appreciated in full. The same kind of things have happened in our history time and time again so for it to happen in Dark Souls is completely realistic.

[@SilverMont]

I'm not sure how consistent they've always been with things like that, but even if they have used different meanings - like "Sage" or "Scholar" and so forth, I think the fact that it's a "scholar who doubted the linking of the fire" (which literally describes Aldia) who also happens to be associated with Aldia's legacy... well, that's enough for me, personally.

[@magz1868]

Thank you, for your awesome vids!!

[@iWillWakeYouUp]

10:10 LMFAO that drawing is pure genius. Dude, you should totally do more of these. Great stuff.

[@starark]

I think the souls story is more symbolic than literal. The primordial serpents represent good and evil, gwyn is actually you - the player character - and gwy discovered the power the first flame bestows is ultimately evil allowing millions to suffer for eternity while a select few become demi gods. Without hollows to steal souls from the demi gods would not have a means to become demi gods. Gwyn has realized this is and is standing gaurd at the kiln to prevent the kiln from being re ignited. Dks 1 was set in Lordran because you are the lord and it is there that you ran around alot saving the day or making everything worse. The nexus of parallel universes as a setting for dks3 final boss fight really solidifies this theory for me but I'll be honest I've only played each game once so I could easily be wrong. I think all the other story elements are just icing on the cake.

[@siralvhem9784]

I'm glad that you're doing lore videos now that Vaati is just sitting on his ass doing god knows what.

[@BennXYZ]

Aldia being the very first Scholar would explain those weird statues, that look somewhat rotten with a book in their hands in Lothric Castle. They resemble Aldia quite alot.

[@seelcudoom1]

personally i always liked the idea the bearer of the curse was the scholor, aswell as likely involved in londor, after all they are truly immortal with the crowns and they have the knowledge of how to break the cycle but not the means so they set others up to be able to do it

[@ronniegeddes5072]

great video! thanks!

[@Imurashi]

Silver Mont, I'm not sure if this was brought up in the comments yet, but I believe the reason the Abyss Watchers forsook their pursuing of the fire was because they sensed the Abyss in the ruins of Carthus, deep down by the High Lord Wolnir, and some piece of description somewhere in the game(what piece says it eludes my mind right now) states that they would essentially ravenously pursue all traces of the abyss "dismantling entire kingdoms to erase it's presence". I think that's reason enough for them to be found where they are, seemingly unable to find their way into the ruins of Carthus.

[@SilverMont]

So they got mad that they couldn't find the way in and bashed each other? Hah! Although on that note, the path to Carthus only opens up once they are dead - but I imagine that's purely a gameplay design choice.

[@Imurashi]

Oh, and I found my sources. The one about ravenously pursuing is actually a Hawkwood line, where he mentions that "The Undead Legion will bury a kingdom at the first sign of exposure" to the abyss. Also, the description on the Undead Legion set's hat gives a good example of how people felt about the Legion during their existence.

[@joeschmo3622]

(PART 1) Here are my thoughts of a few designated topics regarding the story of Dark Souls III: ENDINGS First, it must be understood that the world of Dark Souls is governed by the conflicting primordial forces of Dark and Light. These powers are cyclical and each energizes the other in due time. Link the Fire: like the previous installments to Dark Souls, this ending involves the player character binding their soul to the First Flame to renew the Age of Fire, a temporary period of time during which the Undead Curse is sent into a state of remission. However, due to the character's state as an Unkindled, this act appears to have little to no effect. End of Fire: like the original Dark Souls, this is sort of a nihilistic act in which you can extinguish the First Flame and allow it to fade, allowing Dark to encompass the world. However, the primordial powers of Dark and Light are cyclical, thus the Flame will eventually reignite due to the efforts of another Undead in due time, thus this ending, long-term, renders little effect. Usurp the Fire: This ending is unprecedented, rather complex, and highly theoretical on my part. When Gwyn originally harnessed the First Flame, he extinguished all Dark within himself and this created an unnatural state of unbalance. Essentially, the Flame burned off its own energy rather than the Dark that serves as its antithesis. From that point, humans have sacrificed themselves to Link the Fire while oblivious to the fact that they are perpetuating Gwyn's wrongful Link within the Flame. Now, regarding the current state of things, Prince Lothric was supposed to be sacrificed to the First Flame to perpetuate the current Age of Fire but failed in this endeavor, leading to an Age of Dark (as seen in the Untended Graves). However, in an unprecedented event, there was a small resurgence of Fire from the ashes of the First Flame, this brought a degree of illumination to the world alongside summoning the previous Lords of Cinder and the Unkindled to truly Link the Fire. Unkindled are Undead, like in the previous Dark Souls installments, but, from what I gather, the Unkindled suffer from a more rudimentary state of Undeath. Specifically, they seem to be representative of a collective failure to Link the Fire and thus lack the human aspect of Dark, the "sustenance" of the Flame and therefore do not suffer hollowing, which subjects them to a lesser existence. Now, the inhabitants of Londor, however, are the more familiar variety of Undead as they are afflicted with Hollowing but, unlike any prior civilization, they embrace this curse as the inherent identity of humankind. As a result, they have experimented with the curse and have discerned new means of harnessing its innate power and have even discovered the true nature of the cycles. Essentially, they wish to restore the balance of the world, alongside elevating themselves to a position of power. To accomplish this, however, they require a champion, a true monarch and worthy soul to Link the Fire. This is the player character. As an Unkindled, you are incapable of actually linking the Fire despite being worthy of doing so due to your lack of Humanity (Dark). You are discovered by Londor, who recognize your potential, and they use their newfound power to afflict you with the more traditional state of Undeath in the form of the Dark Sigil. They even have you perform a spiteful gesture to Gwyn by performing a ritual sacrifice upon his tomb. Regardless, when you reach the First Flame, Gwyn's soul, alongside those who followed (coalesced as the Soul of Cinder), is purged from the Flame and the Dark Sigil, representative of the endless Dark of Humanity, now serves as the natural "sustenance" of the Flame. What happens from that point is anybody's guess. If you still want my take, judging from the clip, the Hollows seem to have re-attained at least a degree of sentience suggesting that the mindless hollowing has been banished but they now accept the inherent Dark within themselves and will, potentially, live and die with a functional state of mind as Dark and Light have now achieved a state of balance. Even the deceased Anri of Astora can be seen, revived, in this ending.

[@godshollownutsack9272]

It's canonical (if I'm not mistaken) that the chosen undead linked it right? Also here's a headnote for a theory... The abyss watchers are a representation of Gwyn, yhorm is a represenation of the witch of izalith, and aldritch is the representation of nito. Meanwhile the prince is a representation of the Pygmy.

[@Andyblues7]

Damn I've been waiting like forever for your lore vids silvermont! I don't know why but I prefer the way you analyse the lore, compared to the more established videos out there. I have a better appreciation for dark souls 2's lore cos of your videos and I liked the focus on individual characters. Please do a vid on Horas the hushed sometime and his relationship to Anri! Cheers, great vid!

[@SilverMont]

That's actually my next video, as it happens!

[@hocinemesrouk6823]

for me dark souls 2 will always be the best

[@psycheisssdelic]

Dark Souls is a deep metaphorical representation of our own lives.

[@ragnarshadow]

Perhaps a few years late getting to this video, mostly because I was poor and only recently got around to playing #3. Anyway I like your dark souls lore videos, and I have a theory for you, though this is old enough of a post you may never see this. Just jumping straight down the rabbit hole, my theory is this... Being the petty lord that he is Gwyn killed a great dragon, or other titan like creature(s), and that was where flame and original souls came from. He then used the fire to burn up the world tree to feed his own flame, and those acts started the war with the more nature attuned dragons (on a side note I see the dragons as titans and gwyn as weaker as in a god in comparison to the greek myths). Some primordial diety or other extremely powerful being built a bridge between worlds within the abyss to act as the world tree once did, and that was the nexus from demon's souls. As seen in the games demon's souls did not have many roots and such filling the land and every successive dark souls game seemed to be overflowing with tree roots, the later the game the more roots taking over the land. This is because the final boss of demon's souls was a big ball of roots with a powerful soul being slowly used as mulch for the seed of the dead world tree or perhaps the burnt mass left over just healing, and in the end the seed took root in the nexus. The growing tree took started to grow into the different lands attached to the teleport stones in the nexus DS1 was in the first stone DS2 was in the land of giants hence all the giants the broken stone in demon's souls and DS3 is the end result, the world tree smashing all lands attached to the nexus together into a great bed of soil in the abyss for it to grow. So all in all the dark souls story is just gwyn trying to keep the tree from growing into his world through the nexus by linking the fire, and on a more personal note to him he was basically flailing with a torch at the dark he feared so like a frightened child.

[@darkwzrd4]

Here's my theory at this point: linking the fire continues the cycle, letting it go out ends the cycle, and usurping the fire starts a new cycle/age.

[@elandthirkhaoth4718]

the nuance I've seen is it seems to take more and more power to link the fire than the cycles before.

[@AlexanderForsman]

the cycle is broken in the end of DS2: SotFS. I believe DS3 is the cycle breaking even more, convoluting time and space. That's why Ash of former failures are forced to try and keep it going for a little longer.

[@confucheese]

The ending where you link the fire shows that you barely had any effect at all, even with 5 souls of the lords of cinder, you could barely manage a small ember. Meaning there is pretty much no way anyone can bring the fire back, and it will eventually die out. At least temporarily, as it is implied that the middle point between darkness and fire, leans a little bit towards fire.

[@darthreaper6311]

To be fair one of the reasons Lothric and the Lords of the Cinder didn't want to link the fire is because they didn't want to become a human match stick. Dark Souls just shows being a hero sucks.

[@SilverMont]

Indeed, that's often how it goes. Being a true hero is to be selfless.

[@cissuperdroid]

Where you do Path of the Dragon outside Irithyll Dungeon to warp to Archdragon Peak, there are several dead Lothric Soldiers and a pair of dead, collapsed Lothric Knights looking as if they did Path of the Dragon to teleport but died trying.

[@SilverMont]

Or they are in deep meditation, who knows!

[@cissuperdroid]

Silver Mont Ah, perhaps, when the player warps to Archdragon Peak, they, too, are simply in deep meditation, and the power of dragons grants them form in the shrine-like area... It would be cool if you could see the knights somewhere in the Peak, either "dead" or alive... Their purpose in that location remains unclear, as they were accompanied by at least 3 Lothric Soldiers, and are far from the palace...

[@nicholasrowley947]

Awesome video as always, also; apparently Miyazami confirmed that the Chosen Undead did link the flame at the end of DS.

[@hoganholo99]

I love how Miyazaki said that he has this alternate story in his head that Solaire links the fire in DS1.

[@SilverMont]

The CU -can- link the fire, but it depends on what you personally chose for your character. That's one thing that DaS2 did well; not making anything from the first game canon, when it comes to player choice. Whereas DaS3... well, Gwyndolin. Although you can kind of explain stuff like that by saying "Gwyndolin revived after being defeated or it was an illusion bla bla." I suppose haha

[@xTGE]

The only certain thing we know is that the true ending of the game is the End the Fire ending, other then that everything is speculation.

[@deevee5327]

I do think the bloodline was "special" in a way. You said it yourself, the prince was maybe a descendant of Gwyn (and there is several other indirect descendants, as well - The Dancer, for example) and Gwyn's children were all incredibly powerful, as they were considered Gods. So... What if... What if someone (maybe Frampt, himself), really did try to create an ideal heir to the Fire? Just to keep it burning longer.

[@ianjonas5593]

the bloodline is very special, the princes are the sons of Gwynivere brotha. it's basically confirmed by multiple item descriptions namely the Sun Princess Ring found in Anor Londo saying that Gwynivere left Anor Londo and got married and had a bunch of heavenly children.

[@Leeeeeeeeeem]

That's completely wrong. Gwynevere married the Flame God Flann, not King Oceiros.

[@ianjonas5593]

Leem your a little behind the times aren't you leem?

[@deevee5327]

Just a tiny little bit

[@Leeeeeeeeeem]

+Dark Sun Gwyndolin my mistake, when was that made non-canon? I don't remember it ever confirming that Gwynevere was the Twin Prince's mother, but I could be wrong

[@Spyk3y]

Appreciate the video as always Alex. I do bring one counterpoint though, I don't believe Prince Lothric outright denied linking the flame--I believe he did once, and after he and his brother came back (Lorian a little less so) had no intention of suffering that fate again. My reasoning is thus: every lord of cinder has a second phase where they ignite their inner fire--presumably from their linking of the flame--Lothric and Lorian together are no exception when their second phase starts. I believe they were a victim of circumstances the first time, but the second time around, lothric actually gave heed to Aldia's words. BUT this is only a personal interpretation. ironing out the kinks still :)

[@SilverMont]

I figure he didn't because we don't see him reviving during the opening cinematic - we see Yhorm, Aldrich and Abyss Watchers being revived, but nothing to do with Lothric. And likewise, I believe that's why they were revived - because Lothric hasn't linked the fire, meaning the age of fire has begun rapidly fading.

[@Spyk3y]

fair point, my only counterpoint is we don't see Ludleth revive either but you make a good point. I had more subscribed to the theory that Champion Gundyr dun goofed and didn't link the fire in time in his age because he arrived too late--when that didn't sit well with ludleth he linked the fire and created their little pocket universe that had just enough time for the bell of awakening to revive the unkindled ash and the lords of cinder in a last ditch effort to save the fire.

[@SilverMont]

Spyk3y Ludleth has all sorts of weird shit going on around him. I'm not even sure what to think, when it comes to him. I feel like willpower alone shouldn't be enough to make one a Lord of Cinder, but that seems to be what he did.

[@Spyk3y]

"Ok guys I'mma just blow myself up and perpetuate the age of fire artificially" Seriously though...I really think something needs to flesh out what he actually did. He seems like a big deal!

[@joeschmo3622]

(PART 4) PROFANE FLAME This detail has been particularly troublesome. We know that the Profane Flame is tended by the depraved descendants of Alsanna, the Silent Oracle, a fragment of the Abyss who quelled the Chaos Flame in Dark Souls II. Also, it is responsible for the destruction of the Profane Capital, having been triggered by the "curse" of its oracles. I find that this could mean that, as their progenitor was a child of Dark, the oracles' inherently Dark being spontaneously triggered the Flame's eruption or that they deliberately acted to provoke the Flame. We also know that the Profane Flame remains active and, according to Andre, has an association with the Abyss, which makes sense since the Flame only affected human flesh and is tended by beings of Dark. I can make a few guesses based upon this information: the Profane Flame is a sort of offshoot of the deceased Chaos Flame or, due to the distorted timestream of Lothric, it could still actually be the Chaos Flame when it was still active in the past, or it is a new variety of Flame that is purely fueled by Dark. So we do not know if Yhorm's act of Linking the Fire is what specifically caused the destruction of the Profaned Capital (I'm skeptical) but this action did precede it. I gather that the oracles are responsible for provoking the Profaned Flame in Yhorm's absence as he attempted to Link the Flame, which would suspend the power of Dark in the world. This would affect the Profaned Flame since, as I previously postulated, it is possibly fueled by the Dark of those who tend it.

[@DoctorDex]

I know linking the fire is pointless, but it is still my favorite way to end a souls game. It's because Gwyn is my favorite souls god and I remain stubbornly loyal to his cause.

[@Romb772]

Doctor Dex But he is not really a good person

[@informalfallacy9780]

...what if the entire realm of Dark Souls is actually a nightmare realm from the Bloodborne mythos?!?!

[@SilverMont]

Then maybe life itself is a nightmare.

[@aig_moon7855]

YEASSSSSSSSSSS thank you dude

[@manuelcordova7349]

Good job

[@aaronwinrock8164]

I think it's pretty obvious were the First Flame came from. In a world of only flammable grey trees, and Fire breathing Dragons 2+2=Fire

[@MossOwnsYouYT]

Request for you: Before Dark Souls 2 came out, you did a timeline for the first game. I was kind of hoping to see the same for the sequel, as well as your theory on where the game takes place in relation to the first one. And then, of course, your theories on the third one later. =] Just happened to enjoy those videos is all.

[@SilverMont]

It's very hard to make one at this point! But I think it's safe to say that DaS -> DaS2 -> DaS3 certainly happens. And I would imagine a considerable amount of time has passed between each game.

[@Drazlol]

Excellent summary! I just have a question out of pure curiosity: What are your opinions on the Untended Graves and Ludleth? My understanding of the Dark Souls 3 plot has given my personal canon like this: Ludleth was the most recent linker of fire and he did this, because the abyss had already taken the real firelink shrine, but he became a Lord and created the illusion that is the starting area of the game. Ludleth is an exile from Courtland and the spells from Courtland seem to indicate they we're "pro-abyss" or "pro-dark" people and Ludleth wouldn't want that. Anyone agee/disagee? It's the one that (to me) raises most questions and that's why im interesting in hearing about that. =)

[@SilverMont]

I'm not entirely sure about Ludleth/Graves yet. That's something I still need to think a lot more on, as it seems to involve time travel, which isn't a story gimmick I enjoy, at all.

[@Drazlol]

Perhaps it's not timetravel but the starting area exists in its own bubble much like the Kiln of the first flame, and the untended graves is the actual physical location which "the real unkindled" were meant to be awoken?

[@SilverMont]

Drazlol Yeah, my first inclination was that it could be some sort of illusion that Ludleth has created, but then we have the thing with the Shrine Handmaid recognising you, or Ludleth mentioning stuff that seems to imply it happened in the past, etc. Personally, I'd rather it didn't involve time travel, but I have to remain unbiased and accept that it could be a plot element, even if I don't like it, haha.

[@dakotaloftin9374]

I can't wait for yuria lore or just londor lore in general

[@mustekkala]

I'm pretty sure Londor is New Londo, they say it is the home of the Darkwraiths and hollows and clearly Kaathe has something to do with that place too. I would love to see revisited New Londo in dlc to see what has happened after i last was there.

[@diddymelone2265]

such a toothy angel lol it appears to me that linking the fire became like a tradition, all the world knows its important, so they choose their lords of cinder when they time comes, the most powerful among them all, to inherit the light of the world. I wonder what there is to ludleth if anything. at first I thought he would surely become the last boss or something, since he said he´d die a colossus.

[@SilverMont]

I kinda like the idea that they continue to believe in the linking of the fire, even if it's a (potentially) misguided belief.

[@UncannyXander]

One thing that really doesn't make sense to me at all is how there can be an impaled "Winged" Knight metres away from an alive "Winged" Knight. No matter how much you kill the living Knight they will continue to respawn so why doesn't the impaled Knight? The game lore doesn't seem to match up with gameplay mechanics and it makes less and less sense the more I think about it.

[@SilverMont]

The "undead" / respawning mechanics have always been something you have to take with a grain of salt. I almost feel like Dark Souls II tried to "address" this by letting us completely wipe out an enemy if we killed them enough times, but that was not a change that people liked. And then there's the fact that Andre and the Handmaiden will respawn (as will Firekeeper) but other undead/unkindled NPCs don't. Just one of those gameplay trumping lore moments that we shouldn't think too hard about haha

[@RealMrSoundWave]

Yay u did it

[@berniekatzroy]

Bring more lore!

[@vovabelchenko4632]

Actually Aldia had only pyromancy ( with dark ) during the fight with him , not sorcery.So how could he create such powerful sorcery spell ? It's very difficult to connect ds2 and ds3 lores and no one does it.

[@SilverMont]

Aldia created the sorcery spell, Soul Stream, it straight up tells you that in Dark Souls II. Just because he uses fire stuff when he's transformed into a giant tree blob doesn't really prevent that.

[@cylonscion5470]

Why don't the lothric knights fight the winged knights in the game? From the Dancer's bonfire, you can bring the Lothric Knights to the lone Winged Knight and they won't fight.

[@SilverMont]

Not sure, really. There's quite a few cases of enemies who should be fighting that don't. And then enemies who don't fight but should, etc.

[@theragingwarcat1410]

I thought it was pontiff Sullivahn who convinced prince lothric to abandon the fire

[@SilverMont]

Possible but doesn't make as much sense, nobody ever refers to Sulyvahn as a scholar and there's no evidence he ever showed up in Lothric

[@abulbaraa2195]

In the grand archhives their is a statue looking like aldia near the ones looking like frampt

[@gregoryhatcher6428]

The Angels have something to do with Gertrude, who is presumably the daughter of Gwynevere.

[@SilverMont]

Yeah, she seems to have been chill with them, whereas Lothric (her brother? perhaps?) not so much.

[@Sunprayer]

Interesting theory about Frampt leading Prince towards the linking of the flame, but shouldn't he always be doing that? what I'm trying to say is that why he is not present in DS2? His mission is to seek being powerful enough so they can prolongue the age of fire, but there was nothing about it in the second game of the series.

[@SilverMont]

Maybe he did? But Nashandra got to Vendrick first.

[@warwickknight3247]

+Silver Mont Well isnt the Emerald Herald doing just that? Seeking someone strong enough to link the flame/Get to the throne of want?

[@SilverMont]

warwick knight Unfortunately, her story doesn't make all that much sense. It had a large portion of it cut, as originally it seems we were to rescue her as a child and give her the feather that she later gives us, as an adult. You can kinda get hints from that during the announcement trailer, where she hands the Bearer the feather in some sort of meaningful moment.

[@jason8077]

How about explaining dragons and hollows consumed by black-thing stick on them? Could this be something like humanity gone mad? How could they take control of even the dragons?

[@dym321]

nice summary! but one question, is there anywhere saying that the lords of cinder are previous fire linkers? i thought they were things with souls powerful enough to link the flame... and the previous linkers are all within the last boss...

[@SilverMont]

The implication was that "Lords of Cinder" are those who have linked the fire at some point in the past. Why they aren't "with" the Soul of Cinder, I'm not entirely sure. The game suggests that if the fire doesn't get linked, it will "call out" to those who have linked it in the past (Ludleth, Yhorm, Abyss Watchers, Aldrich) and have them do so again. But it's entirely possible that Ludleth is up to some shenanigans.

[@dym321]

yeah... what do you think that the fire keeper was talking about when she talks about ludleth? is it about the eyes? will you do a more indepth on the enddings? i have some teories involving them and the untended graves and the fact u can only leave fire link by bonfire... will be great to know you interpretation on them...

[@cerbanstudios5141]

Am I the only one who noticed the resemblance between Yhorms armor and the Soul Of Cinders armor? Same with the abyss watchers, One arm is fully geared with a shoulder guard and gauntlet while the other isn't, Does that mean the Abyss watchers were going to link the flame until Wolnir corrupted them? And maybe the helmet of Cinder could've resembled what aldritch had before he devoured humans

[@oscarthonpson8999]

Well the soul of cinder is a combination of all lords of cinder.

[@grandbean9031]

I don't think the Abyss Watcher were corrupted,the Abyss Watchers had one job,to protect the world from the spread of the Abyss. Wolnir fell into it somehow but due to his holy bracelets he survived,you can see the cup overflowing with the Abyss as you approach it which makes me think that the Abyss is trying to spread through the cup into the catacombs and to the farron keep from which it will try to devour the whole land. I think the Abyss watchers are trying to make sure that doesn't happen and stand guard to whoever tries to bring the cup out of the catacombs and/or want to enter them,which will corrupt them and then spread the Abyss to anyone out of the catacombs. As to why the fight eachother? I think them being so close to the Abyss makes them vulnerable to it and the Abyss knows that they are the only thing stopping it from spreading so it focuses on bringing them down from the inside.

[@cerbanstudios5141]

+Iraklis Pazios Yeah thats what i meant, Wolnirs abyss power is making them kill each other, But if they wanted to link the flame why would they stop others from doing so? Through farron keep is the only way to Carthus as far as i know

[@grandbean9031]

Cerbanstudios That is a good argument and there is only one thing i have in my mind. Maybe (and that's a huge maybe),a lord of cinder loses his sentience after linking the flame,i mean Gwyn lost his,he became hollow so why would the rest of the lords still have their personalities attached to them and their own new life. I think the promise that Siegward made to Yhorm was to kill his hollow body if the need ever rises for Yhorm to be revived. If Yhorm was conscious and sentient with all his memories intact,wouldn't he at least react SOMEHOW to his old friend-the one he trusted the most- coming to kill him in order to fulfill his promise?He could say anything..... And if Yhorm's and Siegward's promise was for Siegward to kill Yhorm if Yhorm returns (That much is confirmed), then that means that both Yhorm and Siegward knew for a fact that Yhorm would be hollow/mindless/hostile to everything once he linked the flame. You could argue that the tombs of the Abyss watchers rested right before the catacombs as it was their duties to protect the world from the Abyss,and Wolnir and his cup existed alongside the Abyss Watchers and it was their duty to protect it before they were chosen to link the flame so they burried them right in front of it so they might guard it as spirits (something japanese people do). Lothric of course never was truly a lord of Cinder so he is sentient. Dunno about the little guy that makes boss weapons but he is a bit suspicious and maybe he truly never realized his duty as a lord of cinder because of him being exiled....i dunno. Aldritch on the other hand i think he became powerful enough due to him devouring possibly millions of people so that the flame consumed only a part of him and not him whole,leaving his sanity intact. It could be said that he was so insane to begin with that the linking itself didn't affect him. OR (and this might be crazy),since his deacons loved the darkness and despised the fire much like Aldrich, after Aldrich was used to link the fire his deacons put visions on Aldrich's hollow self and used his body in order to murder the Gods that his sacrifice helped. It sounds maybe crazy but it would make sense.

[@SilverMont]

Hopefully they'll let us get Yhorm's armour at some point, seeing as it's in the game files as an armour set.

[@RafaelSouza-eb2rk]

Whelp... Since I'm still trying to complete DkS2 and not even stepped into Bloodborne, I will be out of DkS3 for a little while. But from the little lore I learned, I can pretty much see your conjectures as being likely to mine. However... - Do you think the linking of the fire is different for the Unkidled than it was for the Undeads? I mean, if our character links the fire, does it means its the ultimate linking of the fire, and since he used the Souls of all lords past, does he managed to set up the age of fire as being permanent? Or is it just another cicle, and the world is fated to ever and ever have linkings for it to keep existing, and this is just the last cicle we'll see (since this is the last game of the franchise)? Because if this is just the last cicle we'll be seeing, its kinda sad to not have closure. If it's the ultimate linking, then it's pretty baddass that the Unkindled One is like, the Hero who's determining the permanent state of the world.

[@SilverMont]

I don't think there'll ever be a "permanent" age of fire - remember what Straid said? "No flame, no matter how brilliant, does not one day sputter and fade." As for whether the Unkindled linking the fire is different to the Undead? Probably! Narrator lady says we're unfit even to be cinder or whatever.

[@RevanX77]

I think you confused Frampt and Kaathe's roles. Kaathe was behind the "angel" worship, and that's why it's outlawed in Lothric, because it went against the linking of the flame.

[@SilverMont]

That would make sense, other than we know Kaathe has an association with Londor - whereas Frampt is nowhere to be seen. And the "angel worship" is now forbidden, and Lothric's refusal to link the fire is a somewhat recent event. If Lothric was against the linking of the flame (which he is) then he'd be all for the angel messengers.

[@RevanX77]

Silver Mont Having an association with Londor doesn't mean he can't also be involved with Lothric. Consider that the Princes weren't always in control in Lothric, there are signs everywhere that a civil war has been fought, so they may not have been the ones to outlaw the angel worship, and rather brought it back later after dismissing the linking of the flame. Additionally, look at where the angel statues reside - The Grand Archives. And who was the one that doubted the fire? The first scholar. Lastly, notice that the angel-worshipping faction actually WON the civil war, and they still remain to guard the princes even though they refuse to link the flame. In upper Lothric there are many winged knights, and every single Lothric knight defending the castle is corrupted with the red eyes of the abyss, including their drakes, save two knights that happen to be hiding off in a corner and mourning one of their fallen fellows. Specifically, it's the two drakes that seem to serve as the bulwark against the non-corrupted Lothric forces. It's even made more blatant right outside of the boss room, where the guards are garbed in the winged knight's blue heraldry rather than the traditional red. From all this, I would say it's practically a certainty that Kaathe was behind the angelic worship, and that the brothers and all who would follow them overthrew the Three Pillars of rule, who otherwise viewed the angelic faith as heresy and wholeheartedly wanted the flame to be linked.

[@SilverMont]

Did they win? Because the angel-sworn knights are the round/fat knights, and there's far less of them - they aren't the ones guarding Lothric's chamber, after all. Lothric doesn't want to link the fire, and he's opposed to the angels, which implies to me that the angels are the ones who want to link the fire. The only real confusing matter is that Emma, the High Priestess, seems to want Lothric to link the fire.

[@RevanX77]

Silver Mont As I explained, the Lothric knights guarding the upper castle are infected with the abyss, and some wear the winged knight's blue heraldry. There must have been some kind of split in the ranks of the Lothric knights, with some becoming red eyes and siding with the princes, and others turning against them, it's infighting. Lothric the prince =/= Lothric the kingdom. Lothric being opposed to the angelic faith doesn't mean that the prince himself is, such ordinances could have been instituted long before his time, by his father or Emma. On Emma in particular, she's concrete proof that the Three Pillars of Lothric supported the linking of the fire, and since they were the ones that put down the angelic worship, it clearly could not have been in favor of that as well, and thusly the "angel" in question is far more likely to be Kaathe than Frampt. Remember also, that the doubting of the fire came from the first scholar, and the scholar's Grand Archives was in charge of imprisoning Gertrude - Yet clearly her faith was taken up by them in some fashion, as the angelic statues are prevalent throughout the Archives. Whether this first scholar was indeed Aldia or not, I believe the angelic faith influenced him into doubting the linking of the flame, and through him Lothric himself.

[@SilverMont]

***** I'm pretty sure there's a blue Lothric Knight who has red glowing eyes too, and we can't say that's definitely "corruption of the abyss" as there's no proof of that. Unless you mean the pus of man stuff, which could go either way. Things that do bonus damage to the "abyss" enemies don't seem to do anything to the knights, as I recall. And Emma may not represent the other three pillars - she effectively wants you to kill Lothric, or even if she just wants you to persuade him, she must realise that's what it will involve. She wants you to get Lothric to link the fire, but Lothric himself has no interest in that. And yet he is still presumably allied with the rest of the "three pillars." All we know for certain is that the fat knights "swore themselves to the angels" and then the angelic faith was deemed heresy by someone. Just who exactly is on each side, we don't know for certain.

[@TheHaHaNinja]

I'm personally a lite surprised that the abyss did not have a big role in the main game maybe the dlc will be more corrupted by the abyss

[@SilverMont]

They've touched on the Abyss quite heavily, so it might be a good thing that they don't re-tread old ground too much

[@johngun7418]

you forgot the heavy implication that every NPC seems to be incredibly self centered as evidenced by the fact that they dump all their problems on the ashen one because it's not like he/she has anything better to do like link the fire. I'm assuming our character never speaks because they won't shut up for like 2 seconds.

[@SilverMont]

Oh, I dunno about that! Andre, the Firekeeper, Siegward - even Patches is concerned for the safety of Greirat to some extent, which is a first for him!

[@johngun7418]

+Silver Mont ya but greirat has a sweet hatmask

[@joeschmo3622]

I once believed that the Usurpation of Fire was the optimal choice, a rebalance of Light and Dark that would allow the continuation of humanity past any cyclical limitation. Now I am not so sure. To Usurp the Fire is to create a world of hollows yet to be hollow is to be without free will, as was apparent in our oblivious pursuits in prior games. Yet here, in Dark Souls III, there is no deception and, in the purity of purpose, the Ashen One does not suffer hollowing. That is, until the encounter with Yoel and the Sable Church of Londor. The quest for Usurpation is fraught with deceit and misdirection, as shown by the murder of Orbeck and the ceremonial sacrifice of Anri, a bizarre act that seemed as though it was born of some kind of trance. Regardless, I only see failure in the machinations of the Sable Church. Their desire is to contaminate the First Flame with Dark and yet the abyssal Profaned Flame already seems to allude the inevitable outcome of this course of action. Assuredly, the End of Fire is ineffectual and naught but an act of utter nihilism. Meanwhile, the Firekeeper claims that the Ashen One is worthy to Link the Fire yet nary but a scant flame is produced by their endeavors.

[@SilverMont]

I suppose it all depends on your perspective - some endings are good for some people and bad for others, none seem to be flat out good for everyone or bad for everyone. Aldia remarks that the "age of fire" is essentially a lie, but a warm and comforting lie, which many are content with.

[@joeschmo3622]

+Silver Mont Agreed. It is all interpretive as I see no "lie" in the advancement of humanity in the act of expelling the dreaded hollow form, if only for a while.

[@labx85]

recently I'm having a question that is buggin' my mind. If your "job" in DS3 as unkindle and potentially hollow (if you wish too) is to keep the flame alive why at the end when you acquire the souls of the lords you have to fight with the Soul of Cinder if she/he/it basically have your same job, to guard the first flame and maintain it alive? Or The Soul of Cinder is hollow and that is why you have to fight it, like Gwyn? (This question is based on the To Link the Fire' ending)

[@SilverMont]

I suppose that's the "final test" so to speak. The SoC guards the flame from those who would usurp it, and tests those who would light it. And because the game needs a final boss, hah

[@labx85]

Silver Mont yep. you're the best of all. the only one that answer the questions. you rule.

[@iCinders]

THE LORE IS FINALLY HERE!!!!! ...took ya long enough...

[@eventhorizon2348]

Here is my theory, the queen of lothric is gwynevere. This is proven by the divine blessing item description. Oceiros is her husband, lothric, lorian, and Gertrude are her 3 heavenly children. Growing up, gwynevere would have been the one to teach lothric about linking the flame, however, it is not frampt that appeared, but kaathe, along with aldia. When you are at the grand archives you see statues of kaathe, a humanoid aldia, lothric, and oceiros before he became a dragon. The reason I believe it was kaathe and not frampt is because the angelic faith seems to be denying the linking of the flame, the same thing kaathe wanted. So both kaathe and aldia were there to change lothrics mind. There is even a scene depicted by statues where lothric is kneeling down facing oceiros and aldia (aldia is the one that looks like a human with tree roots coming out of him) with frampt behind him.

[@eventhorizon2348]

Also in terms of the soul of cinder, it's very clear that it's ONLY the chosen undead and gwyn. The item description is very misleading. If soul of cinder was everyone who linked the flame, why does ludeleth, yhorm, the abyss watchers, and Aldrich exist as separate beings? If everyone who linked the flame was part of soul of cinder, these lords of cinder wouldn't exist, and we surely wouldn't be able to get their souls. On top of this, the fire keeper proves that they are simply the chosen undead and gwyn, when she tells the other lords of cinder to let us deliver death to the old gods of lordran. She specifically calls out the old gods of lordran. This alone is enough to prove that no other soul is part of the soul of cinder boss.

[@somiso2079]

+Justin Mullins about soul of cinder, I'm guessing since the lords of cinder have been resurrected, before that when they link the flame their souls are taken. Especially since when we place their remains on the thrones most of them are skeletons, showing that they have already been dead. That's what I think, or maybe once you kill all the lords of cinder , the soul of cinder forms?

[@eventhorizon2348]

+Potatoe My Tomato well I'm pretty sure soul of cinder already exist, to further prove that these 5 lords of cinder exist outside of soul of cinder, when the fire keeper says "let him reliever death to the old gods of lordran" after that we start getting their essence much like the abyss watchers fight. So they definitely aren't part of soul of cinder in any way.

[@SilverMont]

"Holy water said to have been blessed by the queen of Lothric. She was the wife to the previous king Osroeth, and even compared to a goddess of fertility and bounty, but she is said to have disappeared after giving birth to their youngest child, Ocelotte." Keyword being "compared" whereas in the English translation we got "revered" - the language there was a poor choice, depending on which way you look at it. But the Japanese translation makes it a lot more vague as to whether or not she's Gwynevere, as it's only comparing the queen with her.

[@eventhorizon2348]

+Silver Mont the thing everyone seems to be forgetting is that dark souls 3 is a sequel. This, and other item descriptions (like yhorm and the debate of him being a descendent of the giant lord) obviously refer to past characters. They wouldn't build up the lore in past games, then make references in the new game, and intend for it to be a completely new character. When these new item descriptions make references (even vague, it's still a reference) it should be taken as them referencing an older character. Especially considering this game is supposedly many cycles after the past games. From wouldn't build lore, then reference the old lore, just to intend of introducing a new character. It's bad story telling.

[@sage5585]

What armor are you using? It looks dope

[@SilverMont]

I think it was the Irithyll Knight Armour IIRC

[@shaungibson4527]

Can someone explain to me why Gwyn was in a mindless, hollowed state while the Lords of Cinder in DSIII are not.

[@SilverMont]

Those who were actually "raised" appear to be somewhat hollow - Yhorm and Abyss Watchers in particular don't seem fit to be reasoned with. But with Gwyn, I think that's because he was never a "Chosen Undead" who linked the fire, he was a bearer of a Lord Soul who offered that up as kindling. Most of the rest appear to have obtained powerful souls through other means. Although whether or not Yhorm is undead, we dunno - I think it's safe to assume that Aldrich, Ludleth and Lothric were though, in some form or another.

[@shaungibson4527]

Silver Mont Thank you

[@brian743]

I would love one of the expansions to explore Londor :D

[@humanzyx]

Not gonna lie, I was somewhat underwhelmed and disappointed by DaSIII's story and lore. We really need those DLCs ASAP.

[@sevenguy7777777]

The world of dark souls is stuck in a constant age of fire because of the linking curse created by Gwyn. Correct me if I am wrong on that but I am curious how then if that is true the dark firelink shrine fits into the timeline. It clearly has to exist before the firelink shrine we awaken to at the beginning of the game because of the description of Champion Gundyr's armor saying "Gundyr, or the Belated Champion, was bested by an unknown warrior. He then became sheath to a coiled sword in the hopes that someday, the first flame would be linked once more." Since Iudex Gundyr has the coiled sword in him at the beginning that puts the Champion Gundyr fight in the past but this doesn't make sense if the first flame has never died before. I am definitely missing something here.

[@SilverMont]

Yeah, it's a little bizarre. But it does seem like Gundyr was "too late" to link the fire, in his original incarnation.

[@sevenguy7777777]

+Silver Mont Hopefully there is just something I overlooked or it will be explained in the dlc. Also, this is off topic but I couldn't help but notice the bloodborne reference made by Aldrich about the age of the deep sea. I know there is likely no real connection but the choice of the phrase deep sea seems very intentional to me. Who knows maybe when the fire dies we finally do have the age of man but then men wish to become greater and find the old blood. Personally I don't think this is true but it is fun to speculate