Crestfallen Saulden

Lore

Saulden is a victim of the Undead Curse who traveled to Drangleic in the usual way, for the usual reasons, only to realize that the cure he sought was not so easily obtained. Saulden lost the will to continue his quest and settled down in Majula, where he spends his days wallowing in misery. He still has good advice on offer, however, and heads the Drangleic chapter of the Way of Blue, a Covenant which provides protection and guidance to Undead travelers newly arrived in the kingdom. While the bleak and desolate landscape of Majula only serves to deepen Saulden's sadness, livening up the town by bringing some new residents will raise his spirits considerably.

When aggroed Saulden will attack the Player with what looks like a claymore. He also has a Silver Eagle Kite Shield.

Theories

Character Symbolism

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A somewhat memorable figure to those who have been engaged in the series since Demon's Souls, Saulden is yet another Crestfallen Warrior, a symbol of the Dark Souls player who has given up hope and has resigned himself to despairing what hardships await. Despite the pessimism though, this time around our Crestfallen fellow offers what might also be an aspect of the player who feels hopeless in the face of Dark Souls' ferocity as a game: Jolly Cooperation!

Dialogue

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First encounter:
"You're… Undead, aren't you?
You have that distinct scent. The smell of irreversible fate…
This is Majula,
It is a kind of settlement; a place where life is, almost, normal.
And in Drangleic these days, there are very few places like that."

Talking:
"I am Saulden… and like you I lost everything… and now I'm here.
You probably heard that it was possible to break the curse here.
Well… that's not true at all…
there's nothing here, for you, me, or anybody."

"Do you know much about Souls?
Even I'm not certain, but…
I'm told that the soul is the essence of life itself.
Anything living, sentient or no, supposedly has one.
What we call the curse is tracable to the soul…
Do you see what that means?
To be alive… to walk this earth… that's the real curse, right there.
We undead, will never die…
And that's quite a predicament, really…"

"There are four beings in this land with Giant souls,
and wherever you go from here, you'll sooner or later come up against them.
Each has a powerful soul… And a terrible curse.
If that frightens you, then you ought to just give up right now… like I have… hah hah hah hah."

"Do you ever cry out for help?
The journey of an Undead is long and treacherous…
You'll face invaders from other worlds at every turn.
If you need help, why not proclaim faith in the Blue Sentinels?
When you face danger, the Blue Sentinels will come to your aid…
Protection is yours, if you wish… you need only accept their kind embrace."

• Yes: "That is a wise decision. People are weak… But the Blue Sentinels watch over us in their benevolence. Let the Sentinels cradle you in their embrace."
• No: "I see. Then you'll have to brave this treacherous journey on your own. If you ever require help… come back, any time. I will stay here, and pray for your safety."

Talking after covenant decision:
"Do you feel… lonely, here?
It suits me just fine… as I've nothing left, anyway.
It will grow on you, this place… give it some time."

Speaking about the Forest of the Giants:
"Do you see the way beyond the bonfire? That will take you to the Forest of the Giants.
There was once a great fort… but, little of it remains…
You may just find something there that will be of use on your journey.
But don't venture too far inside… or you might not come back."

Speaking about Heide's Tower of Flame:
"Heide's Tower of Flame lies beyond the far gate…
In the cathedral, the Apostles of Blue gather…
But the road leading there is perilous.
The gate is rigged with some contraption…
But how it works… I just don't know."

Speaking about the pit in Majula:
"Have you seen that pit, that gaping hole in the earth?
I don't know what it's like down below… but I wouldn't suggest trying to find out.
Besides, you'll never make it down there… not without a ladder of some sort."

Speaking about bonfires:
"The flame you see there, is a bonfire…
They exist all across the land… beacons to we, Undead.
If you are tired, try resting beside the flame…
The flame, heals us."

"Long ago, a woman called a Fire Keeper watched over each bonfire…
She kept the flame lit, and guarded it from those who would extinguish it…
I wonder where the Fire Keepers went…"

Speaking about messages:
"Did you notice any letters on the ground on the way here?
These are messages that have jumped the fissures between worlds…
In Drangleic, the flow of time is convoluted… things shift and waver, twist and turn…
Poignant wishes, dashed dreams. The messages convey our very inner thoughts.
If your will to solider on falters, try leaving a message… Somebody out there is sure to listen."

Speaking about Summon Signs:
"You may notice symbols that appear upon the ground.
These are summon signatures… they call upon spirits from other worlds through the schisms in time…
If you fear Hollows, find summon signatures to call upon spirits to help you."

Greeting:
"You… need my help, do you?"

When leaving:
"I will always be here… watching over you."

Talking:
"Life is a journey… And every journey eventually leads to home…"

Talking after others move to Majula:
"Look at our new neighbours…
How they fret over all and sundry… Oh, those were better days.
Oh, dear me. It really takes me back."

Talking after more NPCs move to Majula:
Quite a hive of activity we are, these days.
I'd forgotten how much comfort a little companionship can bring.
Once, I'd lost everything, but now…
I am grateful. For what you have taught me.
It is very little, but please, take this.

Speaking after the player dies many times:
"You have died many times… Yes. I understand…
Here, these are for you.
May they help you on your travels."

When attacked:
"Have you come unhinged?"

When returning to fight him (after fleeing or death):
"Still flirting with madness?"

When attacked and at half health:
"What could possibly come of this?!"

When killing the player:
"How did this happen?"

When killed:
"Finally, I will have peace…"

Sources

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Shalquoir Dialogue
"Have you made friends with the man by the sea? He's lost everything, absolutely everything. Hee hee… The only thing he's good for now… Is a few tidbits on covenants. Covenants are a type of, well, contract, you might say. You give something, to gain something. That's the way humans like it, right? It might be just the thing you need. But what does a cat know? Hee hee hee…

Shanalotte Dialogue
"Those who come to Drangleic seeking salvation soon lose hope, and turn Hollow. It happens to them all, sooner or later. That blue knight at the base of the tower… His spirit is already broken. Although he does offer sound advice. Perhaps he is a foreshadowing of your own future?"

Blue Seal
Ring of the Way of Blue covenant. Increases HP slightly. The Way of Blue is not a developed religion. It is a humble prayer that spread naturally amongst those seeking help. When apostles of Blue are invaded by dark spirits, they can receive assistance from masters of other worlds.

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