It's no secret that Dark Souls takes place in a relatively bleak world, but new players might be surprised by just how oppressive that atmosphere can be. Wandering through dilapidated castles and abandoned homesteads is genuinely depressing - and that's before an enemy sends you tumbling over a cliff to your doom.
There is, however, one place that players can call home: the Firelink Shrine. What was once a small, essentially unofficial rest stop is now its own dedicated destination - and, while the rest of the world is dedicated to killing the player in the worst ways possible, the inhabitants of the shrine are there to help the Unkindled in their quest to link the fire.
Of course, as with the rest of the game, Dark Souls III doesn't really hold your hand when it comes to making the most of the Firelink Shrine. You'll have to really explore the grounds to unearth all of the shrine's secrets - but, for the time being, let's take a look at the Unkindled's permanent allies:
Fire Keeper
Increases Soul Level
It just wouldn't be a Souls game without some sort of crestfallen knight, and Hawkwood does a great job of filling that role. True, he doesn't sell anything useful, or teach the player anything, or even offer up a bit of support, but he does teach the 'Collapse' gesture! That's something ... right?
If you're looking for a relatively depressing conversation, Hawkwood will be sitting on the right side of the shrine immediately next to Yhorm's throne.
Of course, these NPCs are just the start - over the course of your journey through Lothric, you'll meet all sorts of bizarre characters. We'll have a guide on the optional NPC questlines of Dark Souls III soon, so stay tuned!
For more on Dark Souls III, make sure to check out our coverage hub!
