How Dark Souls 3’s Sister Friede Set the Stage for Sekiro’s Emma, the Gentle Blade

Soulsborne games have a certain masochistic appeal that keeps players glued to their screens, and with each new FromSoftware release, the developer advances its reputation in the gaming industry through expansive lore and characteristically menacing gameplay. From the heyday of Dark Souls 3 to the modern-day trailblazer Elden Ring, the Soulsborne genre has featured charismatic characters that intrigue players with their backstories and stylish but deadly fighting styles. Sister Friede is one such person, appearing in the Dark Souls 3 Ashes of Ariandel DLC as one of the more difficult bosses. The character seems to be the inspiration behind Emma the Gentle Blade in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, setting the stage for her Ashina counterpart.