Navigating the Kneel-or-Kill Dilemmas in Dark Souls and Bloodborne: Your No-Nonsense Guide
So, you explore the gothic landscapes of Dark Souls or the bloody streets of Bloodborne. Suddenly, you face a choice: kneel or nah? Maybe even kill? These games, masters of subtle cruelty, throw curveballs. Fear not, traveler; let’s dig into these key decisions. No fluff. Just details to survive – and thrive.
Gwyndolin in Dark Souls: To Kneel or to Slay? That is the Question.
First stop, Anor Londo, the city of illusory gods and its mysterious Dark Sun Gwyndolin. You enter his chamber, and the game suggests you should kneel. But what happens if you do? And what if your rebellious side says to attack instead?
Kneeling Before Gwyndolin: A Gesture of… What Exactly?
Let’s be honest. Dark Souls isn’t clear on instructions. Kneeling before Gwyndolin is tied to covenant matters, mainly the Darkmoon Blades. It’s a show of respect, or just good posture. The game doesn’t spell out clear rewards for kneeling itself, but it might let you join the Darkmoon Blades covenant later. Consider it good manners in a strange, god-ridden place.
Going Rogue: The Consequences of Killing Gwyndolin
Now, for the fun part: defiance! Can you march in and take Gwyndolin down? The game isn’t exactly against it, but let’s see what happens:
- Darkmoon Blades: Gone for this Playthrough. Killing Gwyndolin is like flipping off the Darkmoon Blades. They won’t be your fans anymore. Covenant access? Revoked. You locked yourself out of cool Darkmoon Blade rewards.
- Permanent Sin: Prepare for Invasions. Killing a deity in Dark Souls? You land on Santa’s naughty list permanently. Sin will mark you, making you a target for Darkmoon members. Think of it as divine revenge ready to hit your invasions.
- Hostile Fire Keeper: Anor Londo Gets Colder. Remember that cozy bonfire in Anor Londo? The fire keeper who didn’t want you dead? Well, that’s over. Once Gwyndolin is dead, she gets hostile. Fire keepers care about god politics.
But Wait, There’s Loot! (Rewards for Slaying Gwyndolin)
Alright, it’s not all doom. Defiance has its perks:
- Moonlight Set at Domhnall’s: Fashion Souls with a Magical Boost. Killing Gwyndolin expands Domhnall’s stock. He’ll offer the Moonlight Set, and the helmet boosts magic power. Great for sorcerers. Stylish villainy, what more can you want?
Gwyndolin: Boy, Girl, or Cosmic Enigma?
Let’s discuss the androgynous deity in the tower. Gwyndolin’s presentation raises questions. The game lore dives into these reasons:
- Moon Magic and Lineage: Gender is Just a Construct. Gwyndolin’s moon magic affinity, a feminine trait here, combined with his lineage as Gwyn’s son, shaped his upbringing. Gwyn raised him as a female. Gods have serious family drama.
- Dressed the Part: Fashion by Gwyn. Gwyn wasn’t subtle. He dressed young Gwyndolin in women’s clothes and gave him a magic ring to enhance his movements. The aim? Have him act “like a dark and fleeting goddess.” Different parenting standards in Lordran.
- Male in Body, Feminine in Spirit (and Presentation). Despite being biologically male, Gwyndolin is treated as feminine. It ties to moon magic being a “female profession”. Dark Souls explores gender roles in a world full of monsters.
Is Gwyndolin a Good Guy? Spoiler: Antagonist Alert.
Let’s be direct: Gwyndolin isn’t your friend.
- Major Antagonist: Not a Friendly NPC. Dark Sun Gwyndolin is firmly an antagonist. He’s not just a misunderstood figure; he’s essential to the opposing side.
- Son of Gwyn: Daddy Issues Incoming. Being Gwyn’s child comes with issues, and Gwyndolin is no different. He’s part of the fading age of gods.
- Leader of the Darkmoon Blades: Defender of Illusions. Gwyndolin leads the Darkmoon Blades, defenders of Anor Londo, a city built on illusions. He’s focused on maintaining the false image of divine power.
Gwynevere: Illusion or Opportunity? The Fate of Anor Londo
Speaking of illusions, let’s discuss Gwynevere, the Princess of Sunlight. She appears full of cheer. But looks can deceive in Lordran.
Why Bother Killing Gwynevere? Darkness and Souls Await.
Killing Gwynevere might sound sacrilegious, but there are pragmatic reasons:
- Anor Londo Goes Dark: Mood Lighting Upgrade. Kill her, and Anor Londo’s eternal sunlight changes to darkness. It alters the visuals dramatically. Gameplay-wise? It sets a different tone.
- Soul Train: Free Souls from Knights. After breaking her illusion, two Royal Sentinels will attack you. If you take them out, you’ll gain tons of souls. Call it a reward for going against the grain.
- Gwyndolin’s Backdoor: Ring Optional. Normally, using the Darkmoon Seance Ring is required for the boss fight with Gwyndolin. Killing Gwynevere allows you to skip that requirement. You can access the fight directly.
Spotting the Fake: Gwynevere, the Hologram.
Wondering how to tell Gwynevere is fake? Hit her. A single strike reveals the truth. Poof! The illusion is gone. Turns out giant sun goddesses aren’t always real.
Sinful Slaughter? The Price of Gwynevere’s Demise.
Killing Gwynevere is indeed a sin.
- Permanent Sin and Darkmoon Ire. Slaying her marks you with permanent sin, attracting Darkmoon Blades to invade you constantly. Sound familiar? Anor Londo gets more hostile as well. Everyone gets grumpy when you off their radiant princess.
Darkmoon Covenant After Gwynevere-cide? Surprisingly, Yes.
Twist: You can still join the Darkmoon Covenant even after killing Gwynevere.
- Absolution is Key. You need to absolve your sins first. Find Oswald of Carim in the Undead Parish, pay him, and you’re (mostly) forgiven. Then you can join the Darkmoon Blades.
Joining Gwynevere’s Covenant: Sunshine and… Not Much Else.
What do you gain by joining this covenant, the Princess’s Guard? Honestly, not much:
- Princess’s Guard: Fancy Title, Limited Perks. You’re now part of her guard. Sounds prestigious, right? But mostly roleplaying.
- Ring of the Sun Princess: Shiny, but… You receive a ring called the Ring of the Sun Princess. Its practical use is debatable.
- Miracles: Bountiful and Soothing Sunlight. Two miracles become yours: Bountiful Sunlight and Soothing Sunlight. They heal you and allies. Handy for sure, but not groundbreaking.
Gwynevere’s Real Gift: The Lordvessel.
The main reason to see Gwynevere? The Lordvessel.
- Lordvessel, Covenant Optional. She gives this item regardless of your covenant choice. It is crucial for progress because it allows you to warp between bonfires. Thanks for that convenience, Gwynevere, real or not.
Gwyndolin Fight After Gwynevere’s Exit? Absolutely.
You can still challenge Gwyndolin after unmasking Gwynevere as a fake? Yes.
- Darkmoon Tomb, Warp Ready. Killing Gwynevere lets you warp directly to the Darkmoon Tomb bonfire. Gwyndolin awaits, ring or no ring.
Aldrich and Gwyndolin: A Grim Gastronomic Affair
Fast forward to Dark Souls 3, where we meet Aldrich, Devourer of Gods. Things get personal.
Aldrich Devouring Gwyndolin? Implication Strong.
Is Aldrich eating Gwyndolin? The game hints at it heavily.
- Devourer of Gods: Gwyndolin on the Menu. Aldrich, in his god-eating ambition, headed to Anor Londo. With help from Pontiff Sulyvahn, he likely got to Gwyndolin. Legacy character deals with eldritch digestion now.
- Devoured and… Changed?The lore suggests Aldrich truly devoured Gwyndolin.
- It’s suggested this is why Aldrich isn’t entirely monstrous in his “true form.” Gwyndolin influences him even in digestion.
Why Does Aldrich Look Like… That? Gwyndolin’s Influence.
Aldrich’s appearance shares familiarity.
- Gwyndolin’s Leftovers: Aesthetic Influence. Aldrich has consumed Gwyndolin. This accounts for his Gwyndolin-like design. A grim reminder of a god devoured.
Darkmoon Blade Covenant: Lightning vs. Magic Supremacy
Let’s return to the Darkmoon Blade covenant. Is it worth it? How does it stack against other buffs?
Darkmoon Blade Covenant: Killing Gwyndolin Drops You. Affirmative.
Yes, killing Gwyndolin removes you from the covenant.
- Covenant Bye-Bye: No Take-backs. Slaying Gwynevere or Gwyndolin boot you from the Darkmoon Covenant. Choose wisely or reload a save if necessary.
Sunlight Blade vs. Darkmoon Blade: Buff Showdown.
Which one shines more, Sunlight Blade or Darkmoon Blade? Let’s find out!
- Sunlight Blade: Lightning Often Wins. Sunlight Blade often surpasses Darkmoon Blade, despite Darkmoon’s magic damage boosts. Why? Enemies and armor tend to have lower lightning resistance than magic resistance. Lightning’s tougher to guard against with spells, too.
Darkmoon Covenant Rewards: Rings and Blades of Revenge.
What rewards do you gain for advancing in the Darkmoon Blade covenant?
- Darkmoon Ring (Rank 1): Covenant Ring. After 10 turn-ins (Souls of the Guilty), you receive the Darkmoon Ring. It’s just a covenant ring.
- Darkmoon Blade (Rank 2): The Real Deal. After 30 turn-ins, you obtain the Darkmoon Blade miracle. The actual weapon buff you sought.
Bloodborne’s Royal Etiquette: Respecting Power
Now, let’s jump to Bloodborne and the eerie realm of Cainhurst Castle and Queen Annalise.
Should You Kneel Before the Queen in Bloodborne? Manners or Covenants?
When you meet Queen Annalise, she expects a kneel. Is it simple courtesy, or is there more?
Kneeling Etiquette: Royal Basics 101 (Sort Of).
Is there a proper way to kneel? Sort of. Bloodborne is not Buckingham Palace, but…
- Men Bow, Women Curtsy (Real World Version). In formal settings, men bow from the neck; women bow or curtsy. Bloodborne doesn’t enforce strict rules but nods to courtly behavior.
- Not Mandatory, But Very Advisable. Must you kneel? Technically no. Yet in Bloodborne, especially with Annalise, kneeling is crucial to joining the Cainhurst Vilebloods covenant. It’s not gameplay-punishing, but necessary for access.
Kneeling in Bloodborne: Access to Covenants.
When should you kneel in Bloodborne? Prioritize covenants.
- Cainhurst Vilebloods: Kneel for Membership. To join the Cainhurst Vilebloods, kneel before Annalise and express your desire to join. No kneeling, no covenant. Very clear-cut.
Annalise, Queen of the Vilebloods: Masks, Marriage, and Mayhem
Let’s explore Queen Annalise, ruler of the Vilebloods. Secrets abound, along with style and blood.
Reviving Queen Annalise: Alfred’s Saga and Altar Magic.
Can Annalise return from her fate? Yes, she can.
- Altar of Despair: Resurrection Point. Annalise is linked to Alfred’s questline. Even if it all goes poorly (thanks, Alfred!), she can be resurrected at the Altar of Despair after it ends. A literally undying queen.
Blood Dregs: Gifts for the Queen.
What occurs when you offer Blood Dregs to Annalise?
- Expressions of Gratitude (and Respect). Provide Blood Dregs to Annalise, and expect gestures in return. Offer her at least one to receive the “Deep Respect” gesture. Show love (and blood) to your queen.
Marriage Proposals in Yharnam? Annalise Awaits.
Who can you marry in Bloodborne? Just one option; it’s unique.
- Annalise, Your Vileblood Bride (Potentially). Propose to Annalise, Queen of the Vilebloods. Naturally, it involves a ring. Whether she accepts… well, that’s Bloodborne for you.
Why the Iron Mask? Logarius’s Punishment.
The iron mask Annalise wears serves more than drama.
- Logarius’s Anger: Mask of Shame. The mask signifies punishment from Martyr Logarius. A mark of confinement and Vileblood status. Attractive yet symbolically oppressive, lovely.
Alfred’s Questline: A Hunter’s Obsession
Alfred, the Wheelchair Guy (not exactly, but close). His quest intertwines with the Vilebloods and Annalise, and it’s intense.
Teaming with Alfred: Fire Paper and Prayer Hands.
What do you gain for teaming up with Alfred early on?
- Fire Paper and Pray Gesture: Early Game Boost. Find Alfred near Old Yharnam’s entrance, agree to work together, and he’ll give 3 Fire Paper plus the “Pray” gesture. Useful for those fierce encounters.
The Unopened Summons: Alfred’s Path to Chaos.
Should you pass the Unopened Summons to Alfred?
- Cainhurst Bound: Send Him Away. Yes, give Alfred the Unopened Summons. He’ll go directly to Castle Cainhurst, propelling his questline ahead. It often goes poorly for Annalise.
Vilebloods and Alfred’s Friendliness? Surprisingly Chill.
Will joining Vilebloods anger Alfred?
- No Hostility: Vileblood and Alfred are Cool. Nope. Become a Vileblood, wear the Corruption Oath, and still hand Alfred the Unopened Summons without him getting mad. He’s focused on Cainhurst rather than your covenant choices.
What Happens if Alfred Dies? Drops and Treasures.
If Alfred meets his end, what occurs?
- Location-Based Loot Yield. Eliminating Alfred triggers different item drops depending on the spot:
- First Spot (Cathedral Ward): 3 Fire Papers.
- Before Unopened Summons: Wheel Hunter Badge.
- Cainhurst Castle: Radiance Caryll Rune.
This loot ties to his quest progression. Morbidly efficient if that’s your thing.
The Unopened Summons’ Purpose? Alfred, Your Courier.
The Unopened Summons? What’s its purpose?
- Presents to Alfred: Ignite Cainhurst Carnage. Found at Cainhurst’s pinnacle, this summons leads Alfred to… well, eliminate Annalise. Hand it over and he will embark on his hunter duties decisively.
Bloodborne Essentials and Endings: Key Items Not to Miss!
Bloodborne is rich in secrets. Here are critical items and decisions you must grab.
Bloodborne Must-Haves: Don’t Skip These Items.
You’ll regret skipping:
- Moon Rune: More Blood Echoes! Always good!
- Bolt & Fire Paper: Boost elemental damage against tough opponents!
- Beast’s Embrace: Transform into a beast! Classic Bloodborne move!
- One-Third of Umbilical Cord: Needed for the true ending. Collect them all!
- A Call Beyond: Strong Arcane Hunter Tool. Connections to space magic!
- Old Hunter Bone: Dash effectively. Improved dodging capabilities!
- Chikage: Bloodtinge katana. Stylish and lethal!
- Radiance Rune: Healing boost. Always welcome!
To Submit or Refuse? Choices at Bloodborne’s Endings.
The choice given by Gehrman: submit or refuse?
- Submit for One Ending; Refuse for Two Solutions.“Submitting your Life” grants one ending; “Refusing” opens two others based on other choices (Hello Umbilical Cords!). Typically, refusal leads to more intriguing outcomes.
Dying in Bloodborne: It’s Planned In Advance.
Does death matter? Absolutely! It’s even encouraged!
- The Death Mechanic: Sometimes You Need to Die.Dying is part of Bloodborne’s very design. Sometimes dying is necessary to progress through sections of the game. Embrace mortality, Hunter!
The True Ending? Requires Cord Gathering.
How can you gain the “true” ending?
- The Three Cords: Umbilical Cord Trifecta Required.
Why Does Gehrman Battle You? The Grim Reaper of Hunter’s Dream.
Gehrman initiates fight as First Hunter— but why?
- Ending The Contract: Dream Termination!Gehrman battles you to conclude your contract as a Hunter. To liberate you from this endless sleep cycle. A form of mercy killing in truth!
Cainhurst Vilebloods: A Covenant of Rewards Awaiting You!
Should you affiliate with Cainhurst Vilebloods?
- Mysterious Riches: Covenant Benefits!Absolutely! Joining brings some of Bloodborne’s best rewards. Fashionable items, unique tools, and bragging rights abound!
Pledge of Vilebloods: Oath Requirement strong > p >< p >Should you take that sacred oath? p >< ul >< li >< strong >Covenant Entry: Oath Needed! strong >Indeed! To join Cainhurst Vilebloods requires a kneel and an oath of loyalty! Covenant initiation 101! ul >< p >< strong >What Is The Rarest Enemy In Bloodborne? Unusual Mole Mayhem strong > p >< p >Which enemy is the rarest? p >< ul >< li >< strong >Labyrinth Mole: The Illusive Chalice Dungeon Creature. strong >This elusive Labyrinth Mole appears in Chalice Dungeons and is notoriously hard to find resembling a star-nosed mole! Best of luck seeking one out for completionist dreams! li > ul >< p > < strong >Bloody Crow Healing: Limited Self-Care Opportunities strong > < / p > < p >How often does Bloody Crow of Cainhurst heal? < / p > < ul > < li >< strong >One or Two Heals Possible; Half-Health Trigger.< / strong > Bloody Crow typically heals once or twice during encounters.< / li >
- the fight. His health hits halfway. Expect a longer battle.
Quickfire Soulsborne Mysteries: Rapid Answers
Let’s answer some burning questions, fast.
- Submit or Refuse in Bloodborne? Refuse for more endings.
- Kneeling in Cainhurst? Yes, for Vileblood covenant.
- Not Kneeling to Vlaakith (Baldur’s Gate 3)? Instant party death. Do not disrespect Vlaakith.
- Remembrance of the Blood Lord (Elden Ring)? Consume for 30k runes or trade for Bloodboon Incantation or Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear. Choose weapon or runes.
- Ornstein and Smough Kill Order? Smough last for armor and soul. Ornstein last for armor, soul, and Leo Ring. Better loot with Ornstein last.
- Warping After Lordvessel? Yes, you can warp!
- Why No Warp to Every Bonfire? Rest and activate bonfire first. Basic bonfire rule.
- Kaathe or Frampt Right? Ambiguous. No clear “good” ending in Dark Souls. Choose your apocalypse.
- Ornstein Betray Gwyn? No, loyal to Gwyn’s children. Ornstein is a loyal knight.
- Easier: Ornstein or Smough? Ornstein is faster, easier to dodge. Smough hits harder but slower. It depends on playstyle.
- Gwyn Hated Gwyndolin? Yes, he hated him for existing. Not a good parent.
- Nagash Good Guy? Nagash is pure hatred. So, no.
- Aldrich Guy or Girl? Masculine name from Britain. Aldrich is male.
- Aldrich Kill Rewards? Soul of Aldrich and Cinders of a Lord. Standard loot.
- Femboy in Dark Souls? Gwyndolin. Made to dress feminine by Gwyn.
- Sigrun Boy or Girl? Sigrun is a girl’s name.
- Ilya Boy or Girl? Ilya is a male name.
- Gwendolyn Guy? Feminine name. Gwendolyn is female, not Gwyndolin.
- Gwynevere Guy? Gwynevere is a giant fair lady. Not male.
- Humanity to Quelaag’s Sister? Feeding her humanity makes limbs move better. Soulsborne logic.
Your guide to kneeling, killing, and covenant issues in Dark Souls and Bloodborne. Go forth and make choices. Think twice before angering fire keepers.
