Vendrick

Vendrick is a significant character in the video game Dark Souls II. He was once the King of Drangleic and a powerful warrior who wielded a colossal weapon known as the Queen's Greatsword. His reign is depicted as a period of both prosperity and impending doom, marked by his relentless pursuit of a solution to the curse of the undead.

Driven by the desire to break the cycle of hollowing, Vendrick embarked on a quest to conquer the Giants, believing they held the key to overcoming the curse. This endeavor ultimately led to a devastating war that weakened his kingdom and his own resolve. He commissioned the construction of Drangleic Castle and the mechanisms within to aid his research and defense against the encroaching darkness.

Despite his efforts, Vendrick was unable to find a permanent cure for the curse. He eventually became a hollowed king himself, isolated within his throne room, forever guarding the secrets of his past and the ultimate fate of Drangleic. His story is primarily revealed through item descriptions, environmental storytelling, and the fragmented memories of those who once served him. The player character encounters Vendrick in a weakened, hollowed state, offering a tragic testament to his lost ambition and the futility of his struggle against the curse.