The Emerald Herald and Bonfire:

Learn how to level up with the Emerald Herald, upgrade your Estus Flask, and utilize the Far Fire bonfire in Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin. Essential early-game guidance!

Alright, so you've just washed up near a sea cliff and met a mysterious woman. That's the Emerald Herald, and she's your ticket to getting stronger and surviving this brutal world. Think of her as your friendly neighborhood soul-vendor and flask-enhancer.

After you chat with her a bit, she'll offer you the chance to trade your hard-earned Souls for more powerful stats. This is how you'll level up, so don't neglect it! She'll also hook you up with your first Estus Flask, which is crucial for healing. If you want to know more about these vital healing items, definitely check out the Estus Flask locations section.

Once you're done chatting and leveling, make sure to light the bonfire right there with her. This bonfire is called the 'Far Fire,' and it's super important. Later on, you'll find special items called 'Sublime Bone Dust.' Burning these in the Far Fire will actually make your Estus Flasks heal even more, which is a massive help.

Keep an eye out for 'Estus Flask Shards' scattered throughout Drangleic. You can give these to the Emerald Herald, and in return, she'll give you more Estus Flask charges. An early one can be found in Majula, right by the mansion. Just attack the well's stone counterweight, and it'll drop, revealing a body holding the shard. Seriously, grab every shard you can!

The Emerald Herald also has a lot of lore to share about the world of Drangleic, so feel free to talk to her whenever you need a bit of exposition or just want to hear about the curse.

WARNING: Seriously, do NOT kill the Emerald Herald. If you do, you'll lose your only way to level up and upgrade your Estus Flasks. You can bring her back by spending souls at her grave, but honestly, your best bet is to just restart the game. It's that important.