Is Aldia a Villain?
Aldia, also known as the Scholar of the First Sin, is an ambiguous character in Dark Souls II’s DLC pack. His actions are clouded by morality, leaving players asking: Is Aldia a villain? In this article, we’ll delve into the character’s motivations and investigate the signs that suggest Aldia’s sinister nature.
A Dark Story
Aldia was once a man, a scholar with a thirst for knowledge. He sought power and understood the consequences, yet still pursued it. He entered the world of Hollows, a being without the burden of a fleshly shell, and discovered dark magic. He became a powerful adept, using this knowledge to recuperate his vitality. According to him, "Life exists in both light and darkness"… indicating a moral ambiguities.
Soullessness
With his newfound abilities, Aldia made a pact to protect the land, becoming immune to Hollowing. However, losing his sense of self, as a hollow shell, emphasized his lack of human instincts and a potential for disregard for mortal life. *"Humanity no longer existed".
Escape from Curse
Aldia understood the cycle of curse and tried to break “the will of the gods” and the concept of fate. Unsuccessfully attempted to cheat fate “trying to outstrip the gods". By connecting the First Flame, he attempted to stop the cycle of fire- and blood-soaked human history. He claimed "I want to live the length of the earth, not the shortest of moments.”
Morals and Motives
Is Aldia moral? or selfless? seeking peace, protection; or Power, self, dominance? Can he be both ways? How? How’s his will aligned? Are their any good or bad outcomes; or perhaps, no consequences?!
Tactics and Treachery
Cunning as a strategist & manipulator. Aldia set up fake versions of humans, undermining relationships and trust in social structures, weakening the fabric of community. He could pose as friends, foes, or everything in-between, using this technique to subvert moral stances. Did a "free" soul or pure intentions bring Aldia out of obscurity, and with it power, as ‘Scholar of the First’?
Questionable motivations drive actions towards manipulation & lies
How far did intentions go into underneath the surface.
Comparison
| Category | Aldia & Villain | Comparison | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motivated | Power/Self/Domitance vs. Humanity/Rights | ||
| Intent | Conflicting Self-Saving Strategy vs. Condemnor | ||
| Morals Ambiguities | -Seeking truth; self and power’s | ||
| Outcomes | Manipulation & betrayal; | Conception of fate |
Conclusion
Aldia’s character reveals a complex array of moralities throughout the storyline. *"There is good and evil, that is an absolute, whereas the things between them fade away," – whether he fits into one class or not the grey-ness raises questions.
How do players interpret the ambiguity Aldia’s character, considering they are, or at lease, appearing as to be able to transcend certain moral dimensions?
Based on various points mentioned this article may contribute to a new form of understanding within the realm of ambiguities and the role for moral alignment in a narrative experience.
I hope you like and enjoy!