The Maiden in Black

Lore

The Maiden maintains the Nexus, keeping its candles lit and watching over the souls of the beings trapped within.

The Maiden is Black is said to be one of the most powerful demons in existence and has the ability to modify the player's abilities in exchange for souls. Her eyes are occluded by wax, although this seems to have little impact on her ability to perceive the world around her. The Maiden in Black once had the ability to suck out the soul of any creature, instantly killing them, but it seems she no longer can.

She maintains a direct communion with The Old One, and is able to lull it back to sleep should the player choose to do so. She is a prisoner within the Nexus (a nexial binding is on her ankle) and cannot die, the only way she will be freed is to lull the Old One back to sleep. That freedom comes at a price for the only way to keep the Old One asleep is for her to sleep along with it. She can be permanently killed by striking while she puts the Old One to sleep. The player may also choose to kill her and take her place at the Old One's side, becoming a demon of immense power at the cost of the destruction of Boletaria, and eventually the rest of the world.

Though the Monumental believes she follows his orders, the Maiden in Black appears to have somewhat split loyalties. If the Monumentals did not show King Allant how to awaken the Old One, the only other character with that knowledge would likely be the Maiden in Black. She is also the method of the player's corruption as she uses Demon magic to embolden the player's flesh with the souls of humans, a power that "contradicts the essence of the soul." Once the five Archdemons are defeated, she recognizes the howl of the Old One, which she calls the "voice of yore" (time long past), and brings the player down to meet the Old One. There she speaks to the Old One as if she has been in constant communication, telling it that she has done as commanded and brought a new Demon to serve as a replacement for the failure that is King Allant.

Theories

The Maiden is Not a Demon

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It is possible that the Demon is a completely separate entity from the Maiden in Black. In this scenario, the Maiden in Black was once just a simple candle maiden but was possessed by an ancient Demon's soul which now resides in her. It could be the Demon is in complete control of her body or instead it is some kind of symbiotic relationship. The Demon prevents her body from dying but is vulnerable while transferring it's essence to the Old One to put it to sleep. The nexial binding and black wax over her eyes could be a means to contain this Demon.

Dialogue

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Introduction:
"Soul of the lost, withdrawn from its vessel. Let strength be granted so the world might be mended. Soul of the lost, withdrawn from its vessel. Let strength be granted so the world might be mended, so the world might be mended. This is the Nexus. It holds together the northern land of Boletaria. Thou can'st not exit the Nexus, but each of the five Archstones will connect thee to another node."

After beating the Phalanx:
"Welcome Back. The Monumental awaits thee, above. The Monumental will explain the Nexus to thee."

After talking to the Monumental:
"Brave soul, who fears not death. Prithee, lull the Old One back to its ancient slumber."
(Text: The Maiden controls inhuman souls. With this power she may help those who slay Demons.)
"What is it? Dost thou seek soul power?"
No: "I understand. Pray forgive me. Perhaps my opinion of you was wrong, I am sorry. I have always been here in this Nexus. I was here when the Old One awakened, and I will be here when It rests once again."
Yes: "So be it. After all thou requireth strength. Go forth; touch the Demon inside me. Let these ownerless souls become thine own."

While seeking Soul Power:
"Soul of the mind, key to life's ether. Soul of the lost, withdrawn from its vessel. Let strength be granted, so the world might be mended. So the world might be mended."

After seeking Soul Power:
"Art thou done? May thine strength help the world be mended."

When approached again:
"Thou seeketh soul power, dost thou not? Then touch the Demon inside me. As for me? I am only here to tend to the flames. I keep the candles lit and serve the brave Demon slayers who are trapped here."

After beating all five Archdemons:
"Hark, I hear a voice of yore. The Old One is calling for thee. Let us proceed below to its lair. Old one, I have brought thee what thou wisheth. Thine new Demon. Come, now, be good. Let us proceed below to its lair."

After beating King Allant:
"Thine work is done. Slayer of Demons, go back above. The Nexus shall imprison thee no longer. I shall lull the Old One back to slumber. The Old One and I shall slumber interminably. That is the way it must be. Thou may'st go. Be gone to thine world."

Upon leaving:
"I shall await thine return, slayer of Demons. I am here for thee and thee only."

Upon leaving abruptly:
"Wait… Where are you…?"

When killed:
"I'm sorry. I cannot die. Not while the Nexus binds me…"

Upon leaving (end of game):
"My thanks. At last… at last… my duty is fulfilled…"

Sources

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Nexial Binding
The symbol of those imprisoned in the Nexus.
Having this ties you to the Nexus; even if you lose your physical body, you cannot die, and your soul remains trapped in the Nexus.
The Nexial Binding sends the user back to the Nexus upon death, but all Souls collected will be lost.

The Maiden in Black's Demon's Soul
The Soul of the Demon " Maiden in Black "
It radiates a strong power…
Grants the holder a large number of Souls when used.
Alternatively, it can be made into spells, miracles, or weapons.

Soulsucker
Spell from the Demon Maiden in Black's Soul
Sucks the soul out of whoever it touches.
The Maiden in Black, who aids the demon slayers with her command of Soul power, was once one of the oldest, most dangerous demons herself.

Crestfallen Warrior Dialogue
The Black-Robed Maiden is a morose type, with eyes occluded by wax.
She can control souls like no other.
Bring her the souls of men and Demons, and she will embolden your flesh and blood with their power.
But beware; do not devolve into a foul beast…

Stockpile Thomas Dialogue
That candle maiden cared for me during my first days in the Nexus.
She says very little, but has a kind heart. She's just the age my young daughter would have been.
The poor, poor girl… trapped here with her eyes occluded by wax.
If only something could be done to help her.

The Monumental Dialogue
"Have you received assistance from the Candle Maiden?
She is a prisoner of this Nexus.
It is her duty to lull the Old One back to slumber.
That is why she helps those who hunt Demons, and that is why she has become a Demon herself…"

Saint Urbain Dialogue
As you know, souls are a source of evil power emanating from the Demons.
King Allant was overcome by a lust for such power, and has placed Boletaria in her present predicament.
Old Freke and the candle maiden are no exception…

Sage Freke Dialogue
Listen closely. The Old One must not be cut off from us.
If the candle maiden tries to entrap it, kill her.

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PREV: The Liar (Mage Prisoner)

NEXT: The Monumental

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