Shiva of the East

Lore

Shiva is the captain of a clan in the Forest Hunter covenant. He is a collector of rare weapons and is willing to sell some of his collection for a cost. He hails from the East, as does his ninja-like bodyguard who's always with him. Although his bodyguard never speaks, he's always ready to act when Shiva is in danger. He wears the Shadow Set, which is "worn by spooks from an Eastern land. Designed so as not to hinder their unique form of martial arts".

Both Alvina and Patches express their mistrust towards Shiva, despite him being amicable and friendly with the player unless provoked. This mistrust is possibly the remnant of cut content which involves Shiva killing the player to obtain their Chaos Blade, a cursed Katana which drains the health of the one who wields it, similar to the Makoto-Satsuki "quest" in Demon's Souls. Shiva would then flee to the Painted World where the player could invade him via a Black Eye Orb to reobtain the Chaos Blade. Video Demonstration

Theories

Cut Dialogue

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Shiva has a cut storyline where he seeks the "Chaos Blade", and will betray the player for it:

Have you heard of Chaos Blade?
The legendary sword of the ancient Undead master Makoto, its blade a swirling vortex.
I heard it's somewhere around here, but I can't find it. …It's all I could ever wish for…
…I'd do anything to have it..

Why, look at you! Just wait will you! Your sword! Is it not… the Chaos Blade…?
I've been searching for her for ages! …I beg of you, and I promise repay you…
Will you give the sword to me?

• Answering "No":

…Yes, quite alright, I cannot blame you. The blade is yours, after all.

• Answering "Yes":

Excellent! Much gratitude! As promised, this is for you. Go ahead, take it.
Ahh, splendid, the Chaos Blade… Look into the vortex… Wonderful…
Simply wonderful… Oh my, oh my… But the sword's true value…hmm…
Can't be known without a good killing… …So, I will do the honourable thing…
…And kill you for it…

Don't you run away! Be still you rat!
Taste my blade, taste it, you devil! Hee hee! Hee, hee hee hee!

This is what you get for crossing me. Have a look at my sword, for it's the last thing you'll see!
Red…the colour of blood… Hee hee…hee…

By the devils… You won't be able to run far enough…
What a wonderful specimen… Like slicing through butter… Hee, hee, nee hee hee!
Your ambitions have sealed your fate. But, who'd have thought I'd be the traitor?
Sometimes you never know, do you… Keh heh heh heh!

Dialogue

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• First encounter (in Darkroot Garden):

I've heard all about you. I'm Shiva of the East, captain of the brigade.
Let's teach you the clan basic now, as there is no time to chat in the midst of fighting.
Except there's little in the form of rules, you hear?
Fight and hunt as you like. Whoever's fastest gets the prey. That's the way we do it.
Only… Don't forget what Alvina said.
Traitors aren't given a second chance, for any reason. That's about it, then.
Don't worry, it's a good old time, isn't it? Great to have you with us.
Good hunting to you.
Don't worry, now. You'll be called in soon enough.
Hunters with patience score the best kills.

• After speaking to his bodyguard:

Ah, did you notice that one? Sharp eyes! He's one of the clan.
From the East, like myself.
Always slinking in the shadows, but he's a tough one.
You'll see what I mean. Hah hah hah hah!

Sources

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