Extending past the great city of Anor Londo, built within the mountainside along the Valley
of Drakes, was a city that would be filled with some of the most diverse cultures of
Lordran.
With a thriving culture, and not one, but four kings to rule and protect over the people
who resided within...
what could possibly go wrong?
Built after Anor Londo, New Londo was an extension to the city, built for the commoners of Lordran,
and weary travelers from distant lands.
A place for the simple folk, who did not belong in Anor Londo.
New Londo was known for its robust culture, and as such, the varying people brought with
them influences from their varied regions.
With a thriving land, it was time to anoint a King.
Perhaps, to represent the multiple cultures of the city, or perhaps out of fear of humans
-- and in order to keep their power in check, Gwyn recognized the foresight of not one,
but Four Great Leaders in New Londo, and anointed them power over the city.
Four Kings to represent the multiple cultures, and Four Kings to share the power of a fragmented
Lord Soul.
And for a time, all was good.
The city prospered, and a new city under the rule of Gwyn would begin.
But, perhaps the number four, or shi in Japanese, was an ill omen.
Shi, also meaning death, is as unlucky a number as they come.
Of all the cultures, one seemed to stand out most and resonate with the kings.
That of Carim, and the beliefs in the Goddess, Velka.
Evidence of the influence of Carim can be found throughout New Londo, and the Kings
went as far as to build a shrine dedicated to Velka, despite where they gained their
powers.
A slap in the face to Lord Gwyn.
Then IT came...
"Long ago, the Four Kings were powerful men.
Only, their hearts were weak.
When an evil serpent dangled the art of Lifedrain before them, they were unable to resist, and
became pawns of evil."
Kaathe appeared before The Four Kings, and told them a tale... the reason why Gwyn would
have split their power.
"Only I know the truth about your fate.
You must destroy the fading Lord Gwyn, who has coddled Fire and resisted nature, and
become the Fourth Lord, so that you may usher in the Age of Dark!"
He tempted them, offering them even more power, and a chance to bring about what he called
the true age of humans.
"If you wish, I shall grant the art of Lifedrain, the legendary power of the Dark Lord.
It can preserve your humanity while Undead, and cast off the shackles placed upon your
brethren."
Either out of greed, or the honest belief that this was the right path, the Four Kings
accepted the power.
They received the art of lifedrain, and the ability to rob others of their humanity.
But... as they say, absolute power corrupts absolutely.
The loyal knights of The Four Kings chose to follow them on their path.
Upon doing so, they too were given the Dark Hand, and the art of Life Drain.
They than began to wreck hell in the once peaceful and thriving city -- taking others
humanity for their own.
Desperation and fear ran rampant.
And sometimes...
Desperate times call for desperate measures.
The great sorcerers of the city met in secret, discussing what they could possibly do.
"The Darkwraiths are the enemies of man, and any living thing that has a soul.
They were born in New Londo, and that is where they perished, the entire city was sacrificed
to contain them.
... For that is how great a threat they were..."
The Darkwraiths were contained, and the sealers remained to watch and guard over a city of
ghosts.
A great evil now contained, to no longer spread throughout the rest of Lordan.
But... was it worth it?
This... is New Londo.