Talk:Undead/@comment-31664784-20180831154011

For such a vital plot point in the series, this page is rather underdeveloped. So here are some bits that should be added/updated at some point:


 * Undeath seems to spread suddenly when the First Flame begins to waver. Those that become "infected" receive a Darksign on their person. This process seems to be rather slow as kingdoms typically have ample time to address the problem, though never succeed in finding a cure.


 * Undead do not die even after losing their souls, the energy source of life. However, they begin to crave souls as a result; killing and stealing in order to obtain them. As a result they will continue this process long after their sanity is lost.


 * Hollowing takes many different forms thoughout the games. In DS1 it is a sudden process that simply requires an Undead to die once or simply "give up". These Undead are shriveled and deeply tanned, as if being left out to dry. In DS2 it is a much slower process where the body slowly becomes more decayed and frailer with each resurrection. These undead retain their basic form but slowely turn green and lose chunks of flesh. In DS3 hollowing is much like DS1 but lacks the tanning aspect. Hollows here are shriveled and skeletal, but actually tend to become paler after hollowing. Whether this is an artistic choice or an effect of the curse is unknown.


 * In the Ringed City it is revealed that Undeath was initially created by the Gods in order to restrain Humanity's dark power. Ringed Knights were branded with large Darksigns on their armor and weapons, limiting their strength. This brand eventually seeped into the human form, causing those that would gain strength from the Dark to weaken instead. Knowing this, it can be assumed that Undeath afflicts the "Darkest" humans first and then gradually spreads to the rest of the population.


 * It is heavily implied that Undeath is cured by Linking the Fire. When the First Flame is reignited the world becomes saturated with souls and the Dark is weakened back to near nothingness. When this is done humans branded with the Darksign are likely liberated from their curse and are able to call themselves normal humans again. It is unknown if the also reverses Hollowing.