This passage discusses the lore and backstory of Dark Souls II, specifically focusing on King Vendrick, Queen Nashandra, and the curse plaguing Drangleic. It details how Vendrick founded the kingdom, fought the Giants, and tried to cheat fate through various experiments. Nashandra's insatiable lust for power and her connection to Manus from Dark Souls I are also explored. The text concludes by discussing Vendrick's efforts to prevent Nashandra from ascending the throne and the significance of the Giants' kinship.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Vendrick was the original king of Drangleic, but he never linked the flame or sat on the throne.
2. Queen Nashandra was his queen, and she had ambitions related to the first flame and the throne.
3. Drangleic was founded by Vendrick after he defeated four great ones and built the kingdom upon their souls.
4. The soldiers of Drangleic were rewarded with the Soldier's Seal, and Dragon Riders helped Vendrick conquer the kingdom.
5. Vendrick used the power of souls to create golems and build structures.
6. King Vendrick and his brother Aldia conducted experiments to understand the curse of the undead.
7. The undead curse was linked to the fading flame, and Vendrick tried to fight it.
8. Vendrick imprisoned and exiled undead, similar to previous rulers.
9. Vendrick attempted to cheat fate by creating the Ancient Dragon and the Emerald Herald.
10. Nashandra desired power and wanted access to the first flame, which could only be granted by a king.
11. Vendrick refused to open the door to the throne and link the first flame, effectively denying Nashandra's desires.
12. Vendrick set up barriers, such as the need for giants' kinship, to prevent Nashandra from accessing the throne.
These facts provide a comprehensive overview of the story and characters in Drangleic.