Navigating the Woods: Leaving the Forest Hunter Covenant in Dark Souls
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So, you’re thinking of leaving the Forest Hunter Covenant in Dark Souls? Here’s the deal: the consequences depend entirely on how you leave. Simply joining another covenant, or having Oswald of Carim absolve you, results in losing half your covenant rank, and any ongoing benefits, but allows you to rejoin later. However, if you betray the covenant by attacking its members or NPCs, you’ll need to seek absolution before you can return to Alvina’s good graces. This article will explore the intricacies of leaving the Forest Hunter Covenant, providing all the knowledge you need to navigate this decision.
Understanding the Forest Hunter Covenant
Before diving into the consequences of leaving, let’s recap what the Forest Hunter Covenant is all about. Led by Alvina, a mysterious cat located in Darkroot Garden, the Forest Hunters are a group dedicated to protecting the forest from trespassers. Members of this covenant use the Cat Covenant Ring to invade players who enter the forest, engaging in PvP combat.
Joining the Forest Hunter Covenant provides several benefits, including:
- Access to PvP: The Cat Covenant Ring allows for quick and easy invasions within the Darkroot Garden.
- Access to Unique NPCs: You can interact with Shiva of the East and his bodyguard, offering unique items for purchase.
- Lore and Roleplay: The covenant allows you to immerse yourself in the lore and protect the forest.
The Ways to Leave the Covenant
There are several ways to leave the Forest Hunter Covenant, each carrying different consequences:
- Joining Another Covenant: This is a straightforward way to leave. Upon joining a new covenant, you automatically leave the Forest Hunters.
- Betraying the Covenant: Attacking or killing a member of the Forest Hunter Covenant constitutes a betrayal. This includes Alvina, Shiva, or any other friendly NPC within the covenant.
- Absolution through Oswald: Speaking with Oswald of Carim, located in the bell tower after defeating the Gargoyles, allows you to leave without incurring sin.
Consequences of Leaving: The Details
Leaving Without Betrayal
If you leave the covenant by joining another or through Oswald, the consequences are relatively mild:
- Loss of Covenant Rank: You will lose half of your current covenant rank. This means if you were Rank +2, you will drop to Rank +1.
- Loss of Covenant Benefits: You’ll lose any active benefits provided by the covenant, such as the ability to quickly invade using the Cat Covenant Ring.
- Rejoining is Possible: You are free to rejoin the Forest Hunter Covenant at any time without further penalty.
Leaving Through Betrayal
Betraying the covenant carries more severe consequences:
- Sin Acquisition: Attacking or killing a member of the covenant adds to your sin count.
- Alvina’s Hostility: Alvina will become hostile and impossible to interact with until you absolve your sins.
- Inability to Rejoin: You cannot rejoin the covenant until your sin is absolved by Oswald of Carim.
Absolution: Cleansing Your Sins
If you’ve betrayed the Forest Hunter Covenant, you must seek absolution from Oswald of Carim to rejoin. Absolution comes at a cost, dependent on your soul level and the number of sins you’ve committed. Speak to Oswald, select the “Request Absolution” option, and pay the required souls. Once your sins are absolved, you can return to Alvina and rejoin the covenant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I attack Alvina?
Attacking Alvina is a betrayal of the covenant. She will become hostile, and you will be unable to interact with her or rejoin the covenant until you absolve your sins with Oswald of Carim.
2. Does killing Shiva of the East count as a betrayal?
Yes, killing Shiva of the East, or his bodyguard, is considered a betrayal of the Forest Hunter Covenant and will require absolution before you can rejoin.
3. Can I rejoin the Forest Hunter Covenant immediately after leaving?
If you leave by joining another covenant or through Oswald, yes, you can rejoin immediately. However, if you betray the covenant, you must absolve your sins first.
4. How much does absolution cost?
The cost of absolution depends on your soul level and the number of sins you’ve committed. It can range from a few thousand souls to a significant amount, especially at higher levels.
5. Does my covenant rank reset completely when I leave?
No, your covenant rank is halved, not reset to zero.
6. Will the Forest Hunter NPCs respawn if I kill them?
No, unique Forest Hunter NPCs like Alvina and Shiva of the East do not respawn after being killed. This emphasizes the severity of betraying the covenant. Common enemies, however, will respawn.
7. Is it worth it to leave the Forest Hunter Covenant?
Whether it’s worth it depends on your playstyle and goals. If you’re interested in other covenants or prefer not to engage in PvP in the forest, leaving may be beneficial.
8. Can I join multiple covenants simultaneously?
No, you can only be a member of one covenant at a time. Joining a new covenant will automatically remove you from your current one.
9. What are the benefits of staying in the Forest Hunter Covenant?
The main benefits are access to quick PvP invasions, unique items from Shiva of the East, and roleplaying as a protector of the forest.
10. Does leaving the covenant affect my storyline?
Leaving the Forest Hunter Covenant generally does not have a significant impact on the main storyline of Dark Souls.
11. Can I still access Darkroot Garden if I’m not a Forest Hunter?
Yes, you can still access Darkroot Garden regardless of your covenant affiliation. However, if you are not a member, you are more likely to be invaded by Forest Hunters.
12. What are some alternative covenants for a PvP-focused player?
Other PvP-focused covenants include the Darkwraiths, the Gravelord Servants, and the Warriors of Sunlight. Each offers different mechanics and rewards.
13. If I’m invaded by a Forest Hunter, am I considered trespassing?
Yes, if you are invaded by a Forest Hunter in Darkroot Garden, you are considered a trespasser in their territory.
14. Can I rejoin the Forest Hunter Covenant in New Game Plus (NG+)?
Yes, you can rejoin the Forest Hunter Covenant in NG+ as long as you haven’t betrayed them in that cycle.
15. Where can I find more information on Dark Souls covenants?
You can find additional information on Dark Souls covenants on various wikis and forums dedicated to the game. Additionally, exploring resources like the Games Learning Society offers insights into the mechanics and strategies within games, enriching your understanding of the gameplay experience. You may find a similar analysis of different Covenants on GamesLearningSociety.org.
Final Thoughts
Leaving the Forest Hunter Covenant is a significant decision in Dark Souls, with consequences ranging from minor rank loss to requiring absolution for betrayal. Understanding the implications of each method of leaving will allow you to make the best choice for your character and playstyle. Whether you seek to explore other covenants or simply wish to avoid the PvP focus, leaving the Forest Hunters can open up new possibilities in the world of Lordran.