Video Summary
Carthus was a sand kingdom whose warriors prioritized victory above honor, using curved swords and ruthless tactics.
Carthus developed distinct pyromancies (Carthus Flame Arc, Carthus Beacon, Acid Surge) that focused on aggressive, weapon‑corroding effects.
The Carthus sandworm originally roamed higher catacomb layers but was driven deep into the Smoldering Lake by Grave Wardens using yellow bug pellets.
High Lord Wolnir sought to become the 'last of the dead,' experimenting with the Abyss and seizing holy artifacts from clerics.
The Abyss Watchers eventually crushed Wolnir's Abyss influence and brought an end to Carthus' expansion.
They favored victory at all costs: heavy curved titanite swords that could bypass shields, thrown kukri machetes, blood rings for agile movement, and corrosive pyromancies to damage enemy weapons and armor.
Carthus developed supplemental pyromancies (Carthus Flame Arc, Carthus Beacon, Acid Surge) that rewarded aggressive offense and used corrosive effects to weaken enemy gear rather than adhere to traditional pyromancy aesthetics.
It originally appeared higher in the Catacombs of Carthus but was driven deep underground when Carthus Grave Wardens used lightning‑resistant yellow bug pellets to repel it, forcing it into the Smoldering Lake.
Wolnir's stated wish (in Japanese text) was to become the 'last of the dead' and outlive all; in pursuit he conquered kingdoms, seized Way of White relics, and experimented with the Abyss, producing darker pyromancies.
The Abyss Watchers of Farron intervened and trampled Wolnir's Abyss, playing a key role in ending the sand kingdom's expansion and influence.
"The Carthus sandworm wasn't always found deep underground; it originally appeared in the upper layers of the Catacombs of Carthus."
The Carthus sandworm, a significant creature in the Dark Souls lore, has its origins in the upper layers of the Catacombs of Carthus.
The Carthus Grave Wardens employed ingenious tactics to drive the sandworm away, utilizing lightning-resistant yellow bug pellets as a means of repulsion.
This method was so effective that it forced the sandworm deep below ground to its current dwelling in the Smoldering Lake, where its body is mixed with the corpses of its victims.
"The sandworm exists at the end of the Carthus timeline, but we are more interested in the beginning."
While the sandworm represents the decline of the Carthus timeline, the emphasis shifts to the early days of the sand kingdom, an empire that aimed to conquer significant territories.
The expected landscape of the Carthus kingdom is portrayed as an arid desert with rolling dunes and a blistering sun, contrasting sharply with the current swampy terrain of Farron that players encounter.
This dissonance is a focal point that will be addressed later, highlighting the kingdom's historical and thematic complexity.
"The warriors of Carthus were characterized by their lust for victory, inspiring a culture focused on combat techniques and any means necessary to achieve victory."
The Carthus warriors, driven by a relentless desire for victory, cultivated a combat-centric culture.
Unlike other civilizations in the Dark Souls series, which might prioritize honor or survival, the Carthus warriors were pragmatic and sought victory above all else.
They utilized heavy curved swords crafted from sharpened titanite, designed specifically to bypass enemy shields. If faced with ranged combat, they would employ small machetes known as kukri and use agile maneuvers to engage in close combat.
"Carthus developed a school of supplemental pyromancy, divergent from other forms."
Carthus established its own distinct school of pyromancies, such as Carthus Flame Arc and Carthus Beacon, which were unique in their methodology and ideology.
The spell Acid Surge illustrates Carthus' philosophy, emitting corrosive acid that damages both weapons and armor, demonstrating the warriors' willingness to embrace destructive methods for victory.
In contrast to the more honorable methods favored by other kingdoms like Mirrah, Carthus warriors fully embraced the use of whatever means necessary, including powerful pyromancies, to ensure their dominance in battle.
"Wolnir was motivated by a unique goal, envisioning himself as the last of the dead to outlive all."
High Lord Wolnir's ambitions extended beyond mere conquest; he aimed to become the last remnant of the dead, an embodiment of survival amid chaos.
As part of his quest for immortality, Wolnir engaged in dark experiments, particularly with the Abyss, leading to the creation of new dark pyromancies.
His obsession with power included a destructive path, where he collected artifacts from defeated clerics of the Way of White, reinforcing his quest for dominion and ambivalence towards mortality.
"It was the Abyss Watchers of Farron who trampled upon Wolnir's Abyss, putting an end to the sand kingdom of Carthus."
The narrative points to a merging of destinies between the Abyss Watchers and the kingdom of Carthus, particularly highlighting their role in extinguishing the remnants of Wolnir's reign.
The geography and temporal aspects of the world in Dark Souls 3 are complex, indicating that what lies above the Catacombs now reflects echoes of past struggles and sacrifices.
Through the story of Carthus, players uncover layers of lore that connect various factions and geographic realities, enriching the overarching narrative of the Dark Souls universe.
