Understanding Character Tendency
Character Tendency is a hidden mechanic in Demon's Souls that tracks your moral alment, influencing world events, enemy behavior, and the availability of unique items and NPCs. It's a crucial system to understand for achieving different endings, unlocking specific quests, and obtaining powerful gear. Your actions throughout the game directly impact your Tendency.
There are two main Tendencies: White and Black. Pure White Character Tendency (PWCT) is achieved by performing good deeds, such as defeating bosses in your world or helping other players defeat bosses. Pure Black Character Tendency (PBCT) is achieved through darker actions, like killing friendly NPCs or invading and defeating other players. Each action has a specific value that shifts your Tendency along this spectrum.
Key Tendency Effects:
- Pure White Tendency: Unlocks the "One Who Craves Souls" questline, allows access to the "Northern Regalia" sword, and makes certain NPCs appear. Enemies become weaker and drop fewer souls.
- Pure Black Tendency: Unlocks the "Dragon Bone Smasher" weapon, makes certain NPCs appear as Black Phantoms, and can lead to unique boss encounters. Enemies become stronger and drop more souls.
- World Tendency: Character Tendency also influences World Tendency. Pure White World Tendency makes the world easier, while Pure Black World Tendency makes it harder but unlocks new paths and events.
To manipulate your Character Tendency, focus on defeating bosses as a host player for White Tendency, and consider killing NPCs or invading other players for Black Tendency. Be cautious, as killing NPCs can lock you out of quests and items permanently. The game provides subtle visual cues and NPC dialogue to hint at your current Tendency. Mastering this system is key to experiencing the full breadth of Demon's Souls content and achieving the most rewarding outcomes.