 |
| via darksouls.wikia.com |
At the Undead Asylum...
Remember the giant crow that brought the Chosen Undead to Firelink Shrine from the Undead Asylum? Well, by hopping out of a moving elevator and scurrying across some arches in Firelink Shrine, the Chosen Undead finds themselves sitting in the crow's nest. By pretending to be an egg (as you do), the crow will snatch the Chosen Undead up and take them back to where it all began: the Undead Asylum.
At the Undead Asylum, the Chosen Undead snuffs out some torch-wielding Hollows, toasts a few Black Knights, has an awkward reunion with their old friend Oscar of Astora, finds a Peculiar Doll in their old cell, and stamps out the Stray Demon.
 |
| via darksouls.wikidot.com |
Art:
Oscar by Owlizard
Video:
Dark Souls Lore - Oscar of Astora by Silver Mont
Dark Souls Story ► Oscar the Fateless by VaatiVidya
Oscar by Owlizard
Video:
Dark Souls Lore - Oscar of Astora by Silver Mont
Dark Souls Story ► Oscar the Fateless by VaatiVidya
Peculiar Doll
 |
| via darksouls.wikidot.com |
"A strange doll in strange dress.
There once was an abomination who had no place in this world. She clutched this
doll tightly, and eventually was drawn into a cold and lonely painted world."
While the doll and the dress might be strange, the strangest thing about this doll is finding it in the Undead Asylum in the Chosen Undead's cell. The doll was not in the cell at the beginning. That means that it must have been placed in the cell after the Chosen Undead departed the Undead Asylum.
While the Undead Asylum is a relatively remote and secure place, it doesn't seem like the location where someone would put an item they didn't want recovered by someone else. Therefore, it seems that for whatever reason, the Chosen Undead is being beckoned to the Painted World of Ariamis.
While the Undead Asylum is a relatively remote and secure place, it doesn't seem like the location where someone would put an item they didn't want recovered by someone else. Therefore, it seems that for whatever reason, the Chosen Undead is being beckoned to the Painted World of Ariamis.
Why the Peculiar Doll came to be in the Undead Asylum and who Pricillas mother is. (and more) - Lore Theory by Zomerak
This article explores reason why the doll might be in the Undead Asylum.
Video
The Phalanx is a group of slime-esque Undead wielding spears and shields, arranged around a statue. This unique enemy in Dark Souls doesn't have any lore significance, but is a very direct reference to the boss of world 1-1 in Demon's Souls of the same name. This has already been seen with characters like the Crestfallen Warrio. I've included this in the lore summary as an example of the different ways in which Fromsoft references previous games. While this is an example of something that I would simply consider to be a isolated reference, the next character will demonstrate how Fromsoft also includes direct references as a way to loosely connect their worlds together.
This video examines Xanthous King Jeremiah and his possible connections to the larger world.
The bonewheel skeletons are skeletons fused to a breaking wheel. It is never stated, but I imagine that they were once people fastened to the breaking wheel to be tortured, and over time have fused to the device of their demise.
Article
About dragons in games and why Dark Souls does it well. by Supercharmeleon
This article covers the different kinds of dragons in Dark Souls.
Velka is one of the most enigmatic characters in Dark Souls. There are connections to her seen all over the place, but the goddess herself is never seen, and her motivations remain unclear.
Article
Video
Let's Play Dark Souls: From the Dark part 28 by EpicNameBro
In this video, ENB plays through The Painted World of Ariamis and discusses game design and lore. (Spoilers)
James returns from his trip to China and catches up with David’s gaming before telling him about The Painted World.
Priscilla and her Chastity Belt by VaatiVidya
Dark Souls Theory - Peculiar Doll by SideWaysThinker
This video discusses the Peculiar Doll and why it might be in the Undead Asylum. As a sidenote, the video is perhaps a bit lengthy for what it contains, but it presents some interesting thoughts.
Guess who's back, back again? Fatty's back, tell a friend! Well, technically the Asylum Demon and the Stray Demon are different, but visually and mechanically this is the same boss. The Stray Demon can actually be seen at the very beginning of the game by looking to the right when the Chosen Undead exits their cell.
The Chosen Undead fights the Stray Demon after falling through the floor in the main hall of the Asylum where the Asylum Demon was fought. This fall (which inflicts damage to the Chosen Undead) and the reuse of a boss make this a fight that is often criticized, and one that is not terribly interesting from a lore standpoint. Basically, this is another demon of the same type as the Asylum Demon. This one is stray, which seems to imply that it is not where it belongs. Perhaps it is stray because it has wandered away from the Demon Ruins, or maybe it is stray because it is trapped in the basement of the Asylum. Either way, there is not much beyond this encounter than the encounter itself. That being said, this boss is optional and can be skipped entirely, so in the end it is not that big of a deal.
A master painter by the name of Ariamis crafted a painting and a world. The cold and lonely world within the painting is where the gods place that which they deem unfit to exist in Lordran. This results in the Painted World containing many items which threaten the safety or power of the gods.
With the doll in hand, the Chosen Undead entered the Painted World of Ariamis, finding themselves in the vista that could be seen in the cathedral. Crossing the bridge, the Chosen Undead made their way through a ruined courtyard where they de-fused engorged Hollows, de-feathered crow demons, and dissolved the Phalanx. Then, they fought fire with fire in a graveyard against the Xanthous King Jeremiah, flattened a group of Bonewheel Skeletons in a well, and found some loot related to Velka, goddess of sin in the annex of the chapel. Coming to the end, the Chosen Undead spanked an Undead Dragon, chatted with Crossbreed Priscilla, and finished their tour of the Painted World by taking a long walk off a short ledge. One bottomless pit later, the Chosen Undead found themselves back in Anor Londo.
This video discusses the Peculiar Doll and why it might be in the Undead Asylum. As a sidenote, the video is perhaps a bit lengthy for what it contains, but it presents some interesting thoughts.
 |
| via darksouls.wikidot.com |
The Chosen Undead fights the Stray Demon after falling through the floor in the main hall of the Asylum where the Asylum Demon was fought. This fall (which inflicts damage to the Chosen Undead) and the reuse of a boss make this a fight that is often criticized, and one that is not terribly interesting from a lore standpoint. Basically, this is another demon of the same type as the Asylum Demon. This one is stray, which seems to imply that it is not where it belongs. Perhaps it is stray because it has wandered away from the Demon Ruins, or maybe it is stray because it is trapped in the basement of the Asylum. Either way, there is not much beyond this encounter than the encounter itself. That being said, this boss is optional and can be skipped entirely, so in the end it is not that big of a deal.
Synopsis - The Painted World of Ariamis
A master painter by the name of Ariamis crafted a painting and a world. The cold and lonely world within the painting is where the gods place that which they deem unfit to exist in Lordran. This results in the Painted World containing many items which threaten the safety or power of the gods.
The Chosen Undead's Journey
With the doll in hand, the Chosen Undead entered the Painted World of Ariamis, finding themselves in the vista that could be seen in the cathedral. Crossing the bridge, the Chosen Undead made their way through a ruined courtyard where they de-fused engorged Hollows, de-feathered crow demons, and dissolved the Phalanx. Then, they fought fire with fire in a graveyard against the Xanthous King Jeremiah, flattened a group of Bonewheel Skeletons in a well, and found some loot related to Velka, goddess of sin in the annex of the chapel. Coming to the end, the Chosen Undead spanked an Undead Dragon, chatted with Crossbreed Priscilla, and finished their tour of the Painted World by taking a long walk off a short ledge. One bottomless pit later, the Chosen Undead found themselves back in Anor Londo.
Phalanx
 |
| via darksouls.wikidot.com |
 |
| via darksouls.wikidot.com |
Another Demon's Souls boss reference, Xanthous King Jeremiah is a pretty direct visual reference to the Old Monk in Demon's Soul's world 3-3 who wears a large yellow head cloth. In the world of Dark Souls, King Jeremiah invades the Chosen Undead in the graveyard of the Painted World. He is a legendary exile from a distant land who wields foreign pyromancy spells. Not much is known beyond that, but as he is here, it is safe to safe that the gods considered him a threat in some measure. The "foreign land" that he brings his pyromancy spells from is supposed to invoke a loose connection with Demon's Souls. He is visually similar to the Old Monk, and his pyromancy spells are a very subtly hint to how fire spells worked differently in Demon's Souls. None of this is meant to create a solid connection, and is included as a wink to fans of Demon's Souls and provide an opportunity for interesting interpretations to made as to how Dark Souls and Demon's Souls could connect.
Video
Dark Souls Lore - Xanthous King Jeremiah by Silver MontThis video examines Xanthous King Jeremiah and his possible connections to the larger world.
 |
| via darksouls.wikidot.com |
The bonewheel skeletons are one of the more infamous enemies in Dark Souls due to how quickly they can leave you defenseless with their punishing rolling attack. This renders shields less effective, and encounters with them quickly devolve into chaos as the player dodges their rolling attacks and tries to take them out before they are overrun.
 |
| via darksouls.wikidot.com |
The Undead Dragons are remnants of the everlasting dragons that can be found throughout Lordran. These once great creatures have been reduced to a pitiful, corrupted shadow of their former glory. They are living corpses rent in half, clutching the ledge they precariously inhabit, and spilling toxic vile upon any who venture close enough.
And then there is their separated lower half, referred to as the "dragon butt". In the Painted World, the Undead Dragon's dragon butt can be triggered to stand from its resting position, revealing a shortcut to Priscilla. It is a strange, but memorable, enemy design.
Article
About dragons in games and why Dark Souls does it well. by Supercharmeleon
This article covers the different kinds of dragons in Dark Souls.
 |
| via darksouls.wikidot.com |
"Thou must returneth whence thou came.
This land is peaceful, its inhabitants kind, but thou dost not belong.
I beg of thee, plunge down from the plank, and hurry home."
Crossbreed Priscilla is a Dragon crossbreed who was banished to the Painted World because she possesses the power of lifehunt. Lifehunt is described as the antithesis of all life, making her dangerous to anything that lives, including the gods.
The parentage of Priscilla is unknown, and is a source of much speculation. As a Dragon crossbreed, Seath the Scaleless is often cited as the father. As for the mother, Gwynevere or Velka are the most common candidates. For myself, I lean toward Velka being the mother. Velka and her followers are heavily connected to the Painted World and Priscilla, and this connection makes even more sense in the context that Velka is directly related to Priscilla and therefore more invested in having a presence in the Painted World than she otherwise would be.
When the Chosen Undead encounters her, she pleads with them to leave this peaceful land and journey back to Anor Londo. First of all...what? Everything the Chosen Undead encountered tried to kill them! But, the Chosen Undead is also an invading force, so it wouldn't be unthinkable that a pardoner could judge their attacks to be in self-defense. Regardless, the Chosen Undead could simply leave if they wanted to. They could walk the plank and return to Anor Londo.
But, the Chosen Undead is a murderous bastard. They attack Priscilla, and she turns invisible. Only her footprints in the snow give her away, and the Chosen Undead uses this to locate and slay her.
But, the Chosen Undead is a murderous bastard. They attack Priscilla, and she turns invisible. Only her footprints in the snow give her away, and the Chosen Undead uses this to locate and slay her.
Article
I've been thinking a little something about Priscilla by Kanex
This article examines the many mysteries related to Priscilla.
Video
Dark Souls Lore - Crossbreed Priscilla by Silver Mont
This article examines the many mysteries related to Priscilla.
Video
Dark Souls Lore - Crossbreed Priscilla by Silver Mont
This video talks about Crossbreed Priscilla and where she might fit into the world.
Velka, the Goddess of Sin
The first connection to Velka is seen near the very beginning of the game. It is the crow that takes the Chosen Undead to Lordran. As Vaati says in his video Velka lore video, crows are messengers of the gods in Japanese culture, and this crow could just be sent by the gods to retrieve the Chosen Undead. But, crows are also closely related to Velka. If it is Velka who sends the crow, then why does she do it?
Velka is the goddess of sin, and she judges man and god alike. Any number of actions by the gods could be viewed as a sin. Trying to re-create the First Flame, prolonging the Age of Fire, even slaying the everlasting dragons. In that case, perhaps the Chosen Undead is sent as a form of judgement upon the gods.
Then we get to Priscilla, who could possibly be her daughter. Just as Velka judges man and god alike, the power of lifehunt that Priscilla possesses also does not discriminate between the two. I think that the gods placed Priscilla in the Painted World because she was a threat to them, and because they feared to harm her. You would think that it would be safer to kill someone who poses a threat to you and is described as "the anithesis of all life". But, it would also be unwise to slaughter the daughter of the goddess of sin. The presence of Velka's followers (the crow demons and the pardoner's set) in the Painted World could then be seen as protecting Priscilla from anyone who means to do her harm. And lastly, The Chosen Undead does collect sin from attacking Priscilla, and is the only situation in which the Chosen Undead gains sin by fighting a boss.
Article
Dark Souls Story ► Velka and the Crow by VaatiVidya
VaatiVidya analyzies the possible significance of the giant crow that takes the Chosen Undead to Lordran. (Spoilers)
VaatiVidya analyzies the possible significance of the giant crow that takes the Chosen Undead to Lordran. (Spoilers)
Community Content
Video
Let's Play Dark Souls: From the Dark part 28 by EpicNameBro
In this video, ENB plays through The Painted World of Ariamis and discusses game design and lore. (Spoilers)
Podcast
Episode 8: The Painted World of Ariamis by Bonfireside Chat
Gary Butterfield, Kole Ross, and Murph Murphy talk about the return to the Undead Asylum and the Painted World of Ariamis. (Spoilers)
Episode 8: The Painted World of Ariamis by Bonfireside Chat
Gary Butterfield, Kole Ross, and Murph Murphy talk about the return to the Undead Asylum and the Painted World of Ariamis. (Spoilers)
Other Content
Paddy and CJ, here again, rocking socks in Anor Londo, tackling the archers, chatting Fire Keepers, the Painted World and Siegmeyer of Catalina. (Spoilers)
A goofy video from Vaati about Priscilla!
Additional Thoughts
This area is often praised as one of the best level designs in Dark Souls. It does exemplify much of the strongest points in Dark Souls' level design: thoughtful encounters, an organic feeling layout, and interesting and satisfying shortcuts that truncate the level as the player progresses. While I think an area like the Painted World is best done in moderation, I think it is also a good counterpoint to all of the areas in the game being intimately connected. It is a beautiful and wondrous thing to explore an interconnected world like Lordran, but I don't think a level can be as meticulously designed as the Painted World and interconnect meaningfully with other areas. I think Fromsoft would also agree, as Bloodborne iterates upon this idea, presenting a mixture of "interconnected" and "isolated but meticulous designed" levels. It will be interesting to see if Dark Souls 3 implements a similar world design, and what balance is struck between these two approaches to level design.
The lore on Velka, combined with the exemplary level design of the Painted World, make this post:
Thanks for reading! As always, feedback and comments are appreciated and encouraged. The next post will cover Darkroot Garden & Darkroot Basin.
No comments:
Post a Comment