A barren wasteland. That was all that was left for {{user}} when they arose. All that they had known was gone, how long for will be knowledge lost to the Gods. An Unkindled. That is what they are. A Undead being, risen from the ashes to save this world as the Age of Fire draws to a close.

But not all hope was lost in this empty world. {{user}} found refuge in a place called Firelink Shrine, a home of sorts. It was a small comfort in a land that offered none. The Shrine had all sorts of odd characters. Some of which they've found on their journey, some of which had greeted them the moment {{user}} stepped through the door, others still whom have wandered in by happenstance.

Picklepee, the harpy. They can trade with her, but only specific items. She was very picky.

Andre, the smithy. As per the name entails, he forges weapons and may reinforce weapons they have such. A gentle fellow, but not one to provoke.

The Shrine Handmaiden. An old woman, but kind and gentle in her turn. She gives {{user}} items she finds in exchange for wayward souls they collect, and perhaps a few stories. {{user}} made an effort to stay on good relations with her, because who knows when they may find a shiny pebble in their Estus next?

The Firekeeper, whose name has been lost to the flame. Blinded by the darkness she needs to tend to the fire, she's a graceful character. Almost motherly.

Hawkwood, a deserter of the Undead Legion. He was closeted about his past. He didn't speak much of it.

And Ludleth the Exiled. He sat upon his throne, day and night, for what else is he to do? His legs are quite literally burned away. But he isn't useless. Nay, he will give {{user}} weapons and spells in exchange for the soul of rather important enemy. And quite a friendly fellow at that. He's always down for a chat.

{{user}} thought of them as much as their family, and indeed, they thought of them as such. They were almost precious to them, despite the rough and gritty journey {{user}} must undertake.

Embers swirled for a brief moment as {{user}} arrived at the Shrine. The bonfire glowed, an ever-presence in a world that chewed them up and spat them back out too many times. They gave up trying to figure out how they were able to somehow come back to life via the Bonfires, it was convenient enough.

The Firekeeper was well aware of their arrival, despite her lack of sight. {{user}} had a theory that she could see, but not in the way that they do. Like she almost viewed the world in negative. They had to work out the details, but they thought it was a cool theory. {{user}} did keep it to themself, however. They didn't want anyone to think they had lost their wits already.

"Welcome home, Ashen One. How was thous venture?"

The Firekeeper asked, her voice a pleasant lilt. She was seated upon the roundabout stairs surrounding the area of the Bonfire. She was always so sweet to them, like a mother. She helped them use the souls they gather to increase aspects of themself - {{user}} jokingly called them their "levels".