Dark Souls 2: NPC and Covenant Guide

Welcome to your ultimate guide to mastering the intricacies of Dark Souls 2 with our NPC and Covenant Guide! Delve into the rich and mysterious world of Drangleic as you discover invaluable information about meeting pivotal characters, understanding the lore and mechanics of covenants, embarking on thrilling quests for these covenants, and reaping their exclusive benefits. Uncover the complex web of NPC and covenant conflicts that could shape your journey. Prepare yourself for an epic adventure and elevate your gameplay experience with our comprehensive insights. Let's get started!

Dark Souls 2: NPC and Covenant Guide

Meeting Characters

In Dark Souls 2, meeting Non-Playable Characters (NPCs) is crucial. They provide valuable items, hints, and sometimes unlock essential game features like joining covenants. Here’s a list of some key NPC encounters you'll find in the game:

Majula Crew

1. The Emerald Herald

   • Location: Majula, near the giant house with the broken floor.
   • Purpose: She’s your go-to for leveling up, akin to the bonfires in the first Dark Souls game. Talk to her often to improve your character stats.

2. Blacksmith Lenigrast

   • Location: Locked in a house in Majula (you need to find the key from Merchant Hag Melentia in the Forest of Fallen Giants).
   • Purpose: Once free, he’ll upgrade and repair your weapons and armor.

3. Sweet Shalquoir

   • Location: Cat sitting inside the house to the right of the bonfire.
   • Purpose: Sells rings and offers general advice about covenants and other NPCs.

Early-Game Encounters

4. Merchant Hag Melentia

   • Location: Forest of Fallen Giants.
   • Purpose: Sells basic items and the key to unlock Blacksmith Lenigrast’s house. Eventually moves to Majula.

5. Mild-Mannered Pate

   • Location: Forest of Fallen Giants.
   • Purpose: Offers useful advice, though he’s somewhat suspicious. Provides keys to open pathways.

6. Lucatiel of Mirrah

   • Location: No-Man’s Wharf, among other places.
   • Purpose: Assists you as a summon; offers some intriguing backstory and assistance in boss fights.

Mid-Game Friends

7. Straid of Olaphis

   • Location: Lost Bastille.
   • Purpose: After being freed from petrification (using a Fragrant Branch of Yore), he trades boss souls for special spells and items.

8. Felkin the Outcast

   • Location: Huntsman’s Copse.
   • Purpose: Sells dark magic once you meet certain Intelligence and Faith requirements. Gives Hexer’s Set and the Sunset Staff if your stats are high enough.

9. Cromwell the Pardoner

   • Location: Brightstone Cove Tseldora.
   • Purpose: Offers absolution (removing sin) and sells miracles.

Late-Game Allies

10. Darkdiver Grandahl

    • Location: Found in various places like Shaded Woods and Drangleic Castle.
    • Purpose: Leader of the Pilgrims of Dark covenant. Provides access to challenging dungeons and special items.

11. Drummond

    • Location: Memory of Vammar.
    • Purpose: Provides insight into the game's lore and calls out for assistance during the Giant Lord boss fight.

12. Vengarl of Forossa

    • Location: Shaded Woods.
    • Purpose: Sells special weapons and offers insight into his story. His head and body are found in different locations!

Making The Most of NPCs

Remember, talking to NPCs until they start repeating themselves is crucial--they often give items, hints, or open up new interactions after several conversations. Also, some NPCs move to Majula after you meet them, so revisit often!

Lastly, joining covenants often leads you to more NPCs and helps you get unique items and spells. Always be on the lookout for glowing symbols or new dialogue options indicating covenant membership.

Meeting these characters will bolster your journey through Drangleic, providing you with resources and tales that enrich your understanding of the world. Happy exploring, Undead!

Understanding Covenants

In Dark Souls 2, Covenants are like secret clubs that you can join, each with its own benefits, rules, and sometimes even exclusive items. Joining a Covenant usually involves talking to a specific NPC (Non-Playable Character) and maybe meeting certain requirements. Let’s dive into the different Covenants and what they offer.

Blue Sentinels

The Blue Sentinels Covenant is all about protection and justice. If you want to help defend other players from invaders, this is the Covenant for you.

• How to Join: Talk to Blue Sentinel Targray at the Cathedral of Blue. You need a Token of Fidelity, which you get by helping another player in co-op.
• Perks: Joining lets you invade worlds of those who have committed sins. Winning duels increase your rank.
• Exclusive Item: Wear the Guardian’s Seal ring to get summoned automatically to help players in need.

Heirs of the Sun

The Heirs of the Sun is for players who love jolly cooperation and helping others. If you enjoy being a friendly helper in other players' worlds, join this Covenant.

• How to Join: You can find the Sun Seal next to an altar in a secret room in Harvest Valley.
• Perks: Being in this Covenant makes it easier to get summoned for co-op. Each successful co-op session earns you a Sunlight Medal.
• Exclusive Item: Sunlight Medals can be traded for powerful miracles, like Sunlight Spear.

Brotherhood of Blood

If PvP (player versus player) combat is your thing, look no further than the Brotherhood of Blood. This Covenant is all about fighting other players for glory.

• How to Join: Speak with Titchy Gren in the Undead Purgatory. You will need a Token of Spite, usually obtained by invading and defeating another player.
• Perks: Winning duels in PvP increases your rank and earns you Cracked Red Eye Orbs, used for invading other players.
• Exclusive Item: Rewards include special armor and weapons.

Way of Blue

For those new to invasions and PvP combat, the Way of Blue offers protection by summoning Blue Sentinels to help you out.

• How to Join: Head to Majula and talk to Saulden.
• Perks: When an invader shows up in your world, there's a chance a Blue Sentinel will also be summoned to protect you.
• Exclusive Item: You'll get a Blue Seal ring, which has minor defensive benefits.

Rat King Covenant

The Rat King Covenant is both unique and tricky. It gives you control over certain areas and lets you set traps for other players.

• How to Join: Talk to the Rat King in either the Grave of Saints or the Doors of Pharros after defeating the area bosses.
• Perks: This Covenant allows you to defend specific areas from intruders, using traps and enemies to your advantage.
• Exclusive Item: Successful defenders earn Rat Tails, which can be traded for rewards.

Dragon Remnants

The Dragon Remnants Covenant is for dragon enthusiasts who enjoy duals in PvP.

• How to Join: Find the Petrified Egg in the Dragon Shrine and bring it to Magerold of Lanafir in Iron Keep.
• Perks: Placing Dragon Signs lets other players summon you for a duel. Winning these earns you Dragon Scales.
• Exclusive Item: Collect and trade Dragon Scales to rank up and get dragon-related gear.

Tips for Picking a Covenant

• PvE or PvP: Decide if you want to focus on player vs environment (PvE) or player vs player (PvP). Some Covenants are better for co-op, while others focus on dueling.
• Rewards: Check out the exclusive items and perks each Covenant offers. Some items might be really helpful for your build.
• Commitment: Know that you can switch Covenants, but leaving one might have consequences. Don’t jump in and out too much without understanding what you might lose.

Covenants add a fun layer to the Dark Souls 2 experience. Each has its own unique flavor and can make your journey through Drangleic much more interesting. Choose wisely, and may the flames guide thee!

Quests for Covenants

In Dark Souls 2, joining a covenant is like adding another layer of experience to your journey. Each covenant offers unique rewards and challenges, making the game even more immersive. Here's a rundown of some notable covenant quests to help you get started.

Way of Blue

Join Requirements: Talk to Crestfallen Saulden in Majula.

• Your Mission: The Way of Blue is all about helping players in need. When you're a member, Blue Sentinels can come to your aid if you're invaded.
• Benefits: It's perfect for beginners as it helps you survive invasions.

Blue Sentinels

Join Requirements: Defeat the Old Dragonslayer in the Blue Cathedral and talk to Blue Sentinel Targray.

• Your Mission: Protect the members of the Way of Blue by defeating invaders in their worlds.
• Benefits: You get tokens of fidelity by helping others, which you can trade for rewards such as the Guardian’s Seal ring.

Heirs of the Sun

Join Requirements: Find the Broken Altar in Harvest Valley and kneel before it.

• Your Mission: Help other players defeat bosses as a golden phantom.
• Benefits: Get Sunlight Medals for every successful assist, which can be used to unlock new miracles and gear.

Brotherhood of Blood

Join Requirements: Speak to Titchy Gren in the Undead Purgatory after defeating the Executioner’s Chariot.

• Your Mission: Invade other players’ worlds and defeat them to collect blood, which earns you points and ranks within the covenant.
• Benefits: Gain access to powerful PvP-focused gear and spells.

Dragon Remnants

Join Requirements: Grab the Petrified Egg in the Dragon Shrine and give it to Magerold of Lanafir in the Iron Keep.

• Your Mission: Use the Dragon Sign to duel other players. Winning earns you Dragon Scales.
• Benefits: Not only do you look cool with the dragon form, but you also get some serious gear enhancements.

Bell Keepers

Join Requirements: Speak to the dwarf (Bell Keeper) after entering Belfry Luna or Belfry Sol.

• Your Mission: Defend the Belfries from intruders. Whenever someone enters your realm, you get summoned to protect it.
• Benefits: This covenant is perfect for PvP enthusiasts. Winning battles grants you rewards like the coveted Bell Keeper’s Seal.

Rat King

Join Requirements: Talk to the Rat King in the Grave of Saints or Doors of Pharros after defeating the area bosses.

• Your Mission: Set traps and lure other players into these hazardous zones to defeat them.
• Benefits: You collect rat tails which you can trade for rewards such as the Slumbering Dragoncrest Ring.

Pilgrims of Dark

Join Requirements: Talk to Darkdiver Grandahl in Shaded Woods, Black Gulch, and Drangleic Castle.

• Your Mission: Complete the various Dark Chasm dungeons and defeat the Darklurker.
• Benefits: Complete Grandahl’s quests to unlock powerful hexes and exclusive rewards.

Company of Champions

Join Requirements: Talk to the Victor’s Stone in Majula and pledge allegiance.

• Your Mission: There’s no specific quest, but this covenant makes the game harder by increasing enemy strength and preventing cooperation with other players.
• Benefits: Makes you hardcore. Get Awestones for leveling up the covenant, which you can trade for items.

Each covenant in Dark Souls 2 brings its unique twist to the game, making repeated playthroughs fresh and challenging. Jump in, choose wisely, and may the flames guide thee!

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That should cover the basics of covenant quests and what to expect. Ready to dive into these secretive societies? The world of Dark Souls 2 awaits your pledge!

Covenant Benefits

In Dark Souls 2, covenants are like clubs you can join that come with their own perks and duties. Think of them as special clubs that give you cool rewards. Here’s a breakdown of what you can get by joining each one:

Way of Blue

Perks

• Automatically summons player allies (Blue Sentinels) when invaded.
• Great for beginners who need extra protection.

Duties

• Just be yourself! No extra tasks.

Join this club if you don’t want to worry too much about invasions. It’s like having bodyguards on standby.

Blue Sentinels

Perks

• Help protect Way of Blue members and get Tokens of Fidelity.
• Trade Tokens for useful items like the “Blue Eye Orb.”

Duties

• Defend Way of Blue members when they’re invaded.

A great choice if you like helping other players. Plus, the Tokens of Fidelity you earn can be traded for some pretty sweet gear.

Heirs of the Sun

Perks

• Earn Sunlight Medals for helping other players in co-op.
• Trade Sunlight Medals for sun-themed rewards and miracles.

Duties

• Help others defeat bosses in their worlds.

Perfect for coop-loving players! Shine your way through bosses and get shiny medals in return.

Brotherhood of Blood

Perks

• Engage in PvP and earn Cracked Red Eye Orbs.
• Trade Orbs for powerful gear and rewards.

Duties

• Invade other players' worlds and win duels.

Made for those who hunger for PvP. It’s all about conquering others and flexing your combat skills.

Bell Keepers

Perks

• Guard the Bell Towers and get Titanite for upgrading gear.
• Access to Bellkeeper Covenant rewards.

Duties

• Protect the Bell Tower areas from intruders.

Join if you love PvP and want to earn upgrade materials while protecting your turf.

Rat King Covenant

Perks

• Control Pharros' Contraptions and set traps for intruders.
• Earn rewards like Smooth & Silky Stones.

Duties

• Keep the Grave of Saints and Doors of Pharros clear of trespassers.

For the sneaky, crafty types who love setting traps and controlling the environment.

Pilgrims of Dark

Perks

• Access to Dark Chasm of Old dungeons.
• Earn special dark spells and items by completing dungeon challenges.

Duties

• Clear dungeons and defeat specific enemies.

A perfect fit for those who love dark magic and tough dungeon challenges.

Company of Champions

Perks

• Make the game tougher for an extra challenge.
• Access exclusive rewards by defeating harder enemies.

Duties

• None, just play with increased difficulty.

Great for hardcore players who want to ramp up the difficulty and show off their skills.

Covenant of the Fittest

Perks

• NPC fights, like an honor system with in-game characters.
• Earn unique items and gestures.

Duties

• Engaging in duels and upholding honorable combat.

Test your mettle against in-game knights and earn some cool gear.

Dragon Remnants

Perks

• Challenge other players to duels and earn Dragon Scales.
• Trade Dragon Scales for powerful dragon-themed rewards.

Duties

• Place your dragon sign and duel other players.

Best for those who want fierce dragon duels and powerful rewards in return.

Joining a covenant in Dark Souls 2 isn't just about the rewards -- it's also about the community and how you want to play the game. So pick one (or a few!) that match your playstyle and dive in!

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That’s the lowdown on covenant benefits in Dark Souls 2! Pick a club, reap the perks, and get ready to take on whatever the game throws at you. Whether you’re all about helping others or proving you’re the best in PvP, there’s a covenant out there for you.

NPC and Covenant Conflicts

Navigating the sprawling, perilous world of Dark Souls 2 can be tricky enough, but then you throw in a layer of complexity with NPCs (Non-Playable Characters) and Covenants. It's important to know how your actions affect your relationships in the game. Engaging with certain NPCs or joining specific Covenants can have lasting consequences, sometimes locking you out from quests or beneficial alliances. Let’s break it down.

NPC Conflicts

NPCs in Dark Souls 2 provide valuable services, side quests, and sometimes rare items. However, it's easy to irritate or even turn them hostile, which can lead to some disastrous consequences. Here’s how to manage those relationships:

1. Accidental Attacks: Swinging your weapon around recklessly or accidentally hitting an NPC can make them angry. If this happens, you'll have to visit Cromwell the Pardoner in Brightstone Cove Tseldora. He can absolve your sins and calm down any angry NPCs, but it comes at a cost--souls and lots of them.

2. Quest Interference: Engaging in activities that conflict with another NPC's quest can make them hostile. For instance, if you kill an NPC that's part of another NPC's storyline, their allies will not be happy. Pay close attention to the storylines and avoid unnecessary conflicts to keep favors in your court.

3. Choosing Sides: Some NPCs in Dark Souls 2 can get into conflicts with each other. For example, Pate and Creighton have an ongoing feud. Choosing to side with one over the other will burn bridges. Think carefully before siding with anyone. Evaluate which rewards or items will benefit your play style most.

Covenant Conflicts

Joining Covenants also comes with its own set of rules and consequences. These factions offer unique bonuses and items, but they often have conflicting goals. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Exclusive Membership: Some Covenants might get grumpy if you leave them for another. While you can technically switch between Covenants, frequent changes can affect how current members perceive and treat you. Stick to one or two factions to keep things smooth.

2. Hostile Covenants: Not all Covenants are friendly with each other. Joining a Covenant that is directly opposed to another can turn members of the rivalry faction hostile, even leading to more PvP battles. For instance, being in the Blue Sentinels can make members of the Brotherhood of Blood target you more often.

3. Covenant-Exclusive Content: Some quests, items, and areas are locked behind Covenant memberships. Once you join a Covenant, you might miss out on content exclusive to other factions. For example, certain NPCs will only interact with you if you’re part of their Covenant or neutral. Before committing, check out what each Covenant offers and choose wisely based on your gameplay style and goals.

Managing Conflicts

Here's how you can manage these conflicts without a huge headache:

1. Research and Planning: Read up on NPC and Covenant quests ahead of time. Check which characters and factions offer the items or benefits you want most.

2. Communicate: Talk to NPCs multiple times and exhaust their dialogue options. This will give you clues about their intentions and how they relate to other game elements.

3. Use Bonfire Ascetics Sparingly: Ascetics reset and toughen areas while respawning items and NPCs. Sometimes this can interfere or reset storyline progress. Use them only when necessary and understand their effects on your current game world.

In conclusion, understanding NPC and Covenant conflicts in Dark Souls 2 requires a bit of thought and planning, but it’s worth it for all the treasures and storylines you’ll unlock. Be mindful of your choices, and remember, it’s always possible to fix a mistake with enough souls and a visit to the right character. Happy adventuring!