The Solaire Question: Covenant Status and the Consequences of a Tragic Choice
Does killing Solaire break covenant? The simple answer is no, killing Solaire of Astora does not automatically break your covenant in Dark Souls. However, the implications of this act are far more nuanced and impact your character’s morality, the narrative, and potential questlines far more than simply whether you remain in the Warriors of Sunlight covenant. Let’s dive deep into why this is the case and what considerations players should take when faced with this difficult decision.
The Mechanics of Covenants and Solaire
The covenant system in Dark Souls is built around player allegiance to specific factions, each offering unique rewards and gameplay opportunities. Joining a covenant often requires meeting specific stat requirements or completing certain actions. Leaving or betraying a covenant can sometimes incur penalties, like losing covenant-specific items or being targeted by covenant invaders.
Solaire, while being a key figure associated with the Warriors of Sunlight, is not the sole gateway to the covenant. He is, however, arguably the most prominent and beloved member. You can join the Warriors of Sunlight by meeting the faith requirement (usually 25, lowered by successful co-op boss fights) at the Sunlight Altar, even without ever speaking to Solaire. This means that his presence, or lack thereof, doesn’t intrinsically affect your standing within the covenant structure. He offers a more organic route in many cases.
The Moral and Narrative Impact
While mechanically, killing Solaire might not immediately break your covenant, the moral ramifications are significant. Solaire is one of the few genuinely optimistic and friendly characters in the grim world of Dark Souls. His unwavering belief in finding his own “sun” and his willingness to help the player make him a beacon of hope. To intentionally end his life, especially before he succumbs to madness in Lost Izalith, is a decision that many players find difficult to reconcile with.
From a narrative standpoint, killing Solaire eliminates a valuable ally and a source of lore and guidance. He is instrumental in various boss fights and provides insightful commentary on the events unfolding in Lordran. By removing him from the equation, you sacrifice a significant part of the game’s storytelling and atmosphere.
The Gear Trade-off
The primary reason players consider killing Solaire is for his unique armor set and weapon. These items can only be obtained by killing him (or after he goes insane). While his gear can be useful, particularly for builds focused on faith and sunlight-themed abilities, it comes at a steep price. You’re trading a valuable ally and a rich narrative experience for cosmetic items and moderately useful equipment. This is a common aspect of Dark Souls, where choices must be made that have moral implications.
Ultimately, the decision to kill Solaire is a personal one. There are no hard and fast rules, and the game does not explicitly punish you for it in terms of covenant membership. However, the consequences extend far beyond mere game mechanics, impacting your character’s moral alignment and the overall narrative experience. Consider your motivations and the long-term implications before making this fateful choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Solaire and Covenants
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Solaire, covenants, and related aspects of Dark Souls:
Can I still join Warriors of Sunlight after killing Solaire?
Yes, you can. The faith requirement at the Sunlight Altar is the primary gatekeeper to the covenant, not Solaire himself. His presence merely provides an easy, lore-friendly introduction.
What happens if I kill Solaire before joining Warriors of Sunlight?
Nothing changes. You can still join the covenant at the Sunlight Altar, provided you meet the faith requirement. The process remains the same.
Does killing other covenant leaders break my current covenant?
Not always. It depends on the specific covenant and the leader in question. Some covenants are more forgiving than others, while others might immediately brand you a traitor.
Is there any way to get Solaire’s armor without killing him?
No, there isn’t. The only way to acquire his armor is by killing him, either before or after he goes insane in Lost Izalith.
Why does Solaire go insane in Lost Izalith?
Solaire is driven mad by a Sunlight Maggot, a parasitic creature that he mistakes for his “sun”. This creature overpowers his mind, turning him hostile.
How can I prevent Solaire from going insane?
You can save Solaire by joining the Chaos Servant Covenant and offering 30 humanity to the Fair Lady. This unlocks a shortcut that allows you to kill the Sunlight Maggot before Solaire encounters it.
What is the “good ending” for Solaire?
The “good ending” involves saving Solaire from going insane and then summoning him for the final boss fight against Gwyn. This allows him to continue his quest to find his own sun, and there’s an implication that he goes on to link the fire in his own world.
Can I summon Solaire if he’s already gone insane?
Yes, you can summon him even in his insane state, but be warned: he will be hostile and attack you on sight outside of the summon.
Does Solaire’s death affect the availability of other NPCs?
In general, no. Solaire’s death doesn’t directly impact the availability of other NPCs. However, it does remove him as a potential summon for certain boss fights and eliminates his dialogue and lore-related interactions.
What are the benefits of summoning Solaire for boss fights?
Solaire is a powerful ally who can significantly aid in boss fights. He deals considerable damage and can draw the boss’s attention, allowing you to heal or deal damage safely.
Is Solaire Gwyn’s son, the Nameless King?
No, this theory has been debunked. The Nameless King is a separate character with his own unique lore.
What are some other important covenants in Dark Souls?
Some other important covenants include the Darkwraiths, the Blade of the Darkmoon, the Forest Hunter, and the Gravelord Servant. Each covenant offers unique rewards and gameplay experiences.
How do I leave a covenant without incurring penalties?
Some covenants allow you to leave freely by speaking to the covenant leader. However, other covenants may penalize you for leaving, such as reducing your rank or making you a target for invaders.
What does “linking the fire” mean in Dark Souls lore?
“Linking the fire” is the act of sacrificing oneself to prolong the Age of Fire, a period of prosperity and stability in Lordran. It’s a cyclical process that postpones the inevitable Age of Dark.
Where can I learn more about the lore and mechanics of Dark Souls?
Besides playing the game itself and reading item descriptions, fan wikis and online forums are invaluable resources. Organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org also delve into the deeper aspects of gaming, exploring themes and mechanics in video games.
Understanding the full ramifications of your choices in Dark Souls, especially those concerning pivotal characters like Solaire, adds immense depth to the overall gaming experience. Remember, every action has a consequence, and the world of Lordran is not forgiving.