Sin (Dark Souls II)

Sin is a gameplay mechanic in Dark Souls II.

General Information
Sin is the overall representation of deeds considered evil committed by the player. Sin affects how often the player is invaded by Arbiter Spirits.

Gaining Sin
Sin is gained in two ways. One way in which sin can be accumulated is by killing a non-hostile characters. Causing these characters to become hostile is not a sin, only killing them is.

The second way in which sin can be accumulated is by killing a host as an invader in PvP. Bell Keepers will always accumulate sin from killing a trespasser in Belfry Sol or Belfry Luna. Members of the Brotherhood of Blood will accumulate sin from Cracked Red Eye Orbs; however, no sin will be accumulated from using the Red Sign Soapstone. Members of the Dragon Remnants will accumulate no sin from using the Dragon Eye. Blue Sentinels will accumulate no sin from hunting down sinners or assisting members of Way of Blue.

Absolving Sin
There is only one way to have sin count to go down, and that is to be killed by an Arbiter Spirit in PvP. Contrary to popular belief, Cromwell the Pardoner does not bring sin count down. He simply resets hostility from characters who the player may have accidentally aggravated.