Unmasking Mystery: Who is the Masked Guy in Firelink Shrine?
He stands shrouded in shadow, a figure of intrigue perched near the throne of a fallen king. The masked man in Firelink Shrine in Dark Souls 3 is Ringfinger Leonhard, a pivotal character tied to the Rosaria’s Fingers covenant. More than just a shadowy presence, Leonhard is an instigator, a guide down a path of blood and betrayal, and ultimately, a tragic figure consumed by obsession. He introduces players to the mechanics of invasion and offers a glimpse into the darker side of the game’s lore. He gifts the player with Cracked Red Eye Orbs setting them on a path of PvP conflict.
Delving Deeper into Leonhard’s Role
Leonhard’s presence in Firelink Shrine isn’t merely decorative. He serves as an introduction to the game’s online multiplayer element of invading other player’s worlds. He first appears after the player reaches the High Wall of Lothric, leaning against the throne of Prince Lothric. Speaking to him grants the player five Cracked Red Eye Orbs, items that allow for limited invasions of other players’ worlds. This seemingly innocuous gift sets in motion a chain of events that can lead the player down a path of covenant allegiance and moral compromise.
Beyond the gameplay mechanics, Leonhard’s character adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. His motivations are shrouded in secrecy, initially appearing as a helpful guide. However, as the player progresses and delves deeper into his questline, his true intentions become clearer, revealing a character driven by a twisted devotion and a desire to reclaim what he believes is rightfully his. He is a perfect example of the morally grey characters present in Dark Souls 3.
The Path to Rosaria’s Fingers
Leonhard’s questline is intimately tied to Rosaria, Mother of Rebirth, the leader of the Rosaria’s Fingers covenant. This covenant focuses on invading other players’ worlds and offering Pale Tongues to Rosaria as a sign of devotion. These Pale Tongues are a core mechanic of this covenant. This allows covenant members to Respec or Re-allocate their stats and appearance, giving covenant members unique abilities.
The player can interact with Leonhard multiple times throughout the game, following his guidance to locate Pale Tongues and ultimately join the Rosaria’s Fingers. The path to joining is filled with choices that can impact other NPC questlines, most notably that of Sirris of the Sunless Realms, adding a layer of consequence to the player’s decisions. Ultimately, the player must decide whether to embrace the dark path offered by Leonhard or reject his influence.
The Tragic End
Leonhard’s story culminates in a tragic climax centered around Rosaria. Upon returning to her chamber after offering Pale Tongues, the player discovers Rosaria dead. Leonhard has murdered Rosaria and taken her soul. This revelation exposes Leonhard’s true obsession and his desperate attempt to protect Rosaria from perceived threats, even if it means taking her life.
The player is then tasked with confronting Leonhard, eventually encountering him in the Cathedral of the Deep where Rosaria’s soul is restored to her body. Defeating Leonhard yields his Silver Mask and Rosaria’s Soul, items that offer insight into his character and motivations. His defeat signifies the end of his tragic quest and the consequences of his obsession. His defeat also advances your standing in the covenant should you choose to stay with it.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of Ringfinger Leonhard
1. Where do I first encounter Ringfinger Leonhard?
You first encounter Ringfinger Leonhard in Firelink Shrine after reaching the second bonfire in the High Wall of Lothric. He is found leaning against Prince Lothric’s throne.
2. What does Leonhard give me when I first meet him?
Leonhard gifts the player five Cracked Red Eye Orbs upon their first meeting in Firelink Shrine.
3. What are Cracked Red Eye Orbs used for?
Cracked Red Eye Orbs are used to invade other players’ worlds. These orbs allow you to enter another player’s game as an invader (red phantom) with the goal of defeating the host.
4. How do I join the Rosaria’s Fingers covenant?
To join the Rosaria’s Fingers covenant, you must speak to Rosaria in the Cathedral of the Deep and pledge your allegiance to her. Interacting with Leonhard and following his questline is the primary path to finding Rosaria.
5. What are Pale Tongues and why are they important?
Pale Tongues are items required to rank up in the Rosaria’s Fingers covenant. They are obtained through successful invasions or found as loot in certain areas. They can also be used to re-allocate your stats.
6. Where can I find Pale Tongues?
Pale Tongues can be found as loot in various locations throughout the game and are also awarded upon successfully invading and defeating another player.
7. What happens if I offer Pale Tongues to Rosaria?
Offering Pale Tongues to Rosaria allows you to rank up in the Rosaria’s Fingers covenant, granting access to covenant rewards like spells and equipment. It also allows you to re-spec your stats up to 5 times per playthrough.
8. Does Leonhard’s questline affect other NPC storylines?
Yes, Leonhard’s questline can affect other NPC storylines, most notably that of Sirris of the Sunless Realms. Offering Pale Tongues to Rosaria before completing Sirris’s questline will make her hostile towards the player, ruining her quest.
9. Where is Rosaria located?
Rosaria is located in the Cathedral of the Deep, in a hidden chamber accessible through a lift near the Deacons of the Deep boss fight.
10. What happens to Rosaria in Leonhard’s questline?
In Leonhard’s questline, Rosaria is eventually found dead in her chamber, murdered by Leonhard himself. He takes her soul as part of his twisted plan to protect her.
11. Where do I fight Leonhard after Rosaria’s death?
After Rosaria’s death, you will use the Black Eye Orb obtained from her corpse to invade Leonhard’s world in the Cathedral of the Deep. He is found in Gwynevere’s chamber at the top of the cathedral.
12. What does Leonhard drop when defeated?
When defeated, Leonhard drops his Silver Mask and Rosaria’s Soul.
13. What is the significance of the Silver Mask?
The Silver Mask worn by Leonhard is a symbol of his obsession with Rosaria and his desire to protect her, even through extreme measures. It also signifies his commitment to the Rosaria’s Fingers covenant.
14. Can I revive Rosaria after Leonhard kills her?
No, you cannot revive Rosaria in the traditional sense. However, upon defeating Leonhard, you recover her soul and restore it to her body, allowing you to continue using her services for re-specing and covenant advancement, in the following NG+ cycle.
15. What are the ethical implications of following Leonhard’s questline?
Following Leonhard’s questline involves engaging in morally questionable actions, such as invading other players’ worlds and potentially harming other NPCs. It raises questions about the player’s own motivations and the choices they make in the dark and unforgiving world of Dark Souls 3. The exploration of ethical decision-making and their consequences in video games is a topic often discussed within the Games Learning Society and can be further investigated at GamesLearningSociety.org.