Majula

Coming out of the cave, into the sunlight and hearing the waves lap against the shore is a well designed introduction to your new sanctuary. The first thing that struck me is how much bigger it is than the previous hubs - you could probably squeeze 20 Firelink Shrines in here and still have room for a Nexus or two.

Beyond the first bonfire I was positive I could see the Maiden in Black (from Demon's Souls) which I'm sure is a deliberate reference - the pose, the thin flowing cloak and silhouetted to look like shes in black. The Emerald Herald (sounds like an Republican newspaper no?) has a hint of an Irish accent (or maybe I was just inferring that from the name!) and imparts a ton of not very specific lore. There's a king, 4 large souls, get strong... Like the Maiden she seems like the only point for leveling but I suppose that wont be an issue if you can warp from any bonfire.

A lot more useful info was gleaned from the Crestfallen Warrior which falls in line with From's intention to make things more accessible. After giving me pointers on each of the possible routes out of Majula he even offered me a Covenant to join (Aul Cresty serving a purpose? maybe he won't go hollow this time!). Something to do with co-op, Blue Sentinels I think.

I spent over an hour just exploring the hub, meeting 2 vendors (one of which is a talking cat who seems to speak a lot but manage to say nothing), a blacksmith, another Covenant and a herd of vicious wild pigs who almost killed me! There was another knight (carrying what looks like a Moonlight blade) who was stuck outside a door Siegmeyer style. There were a couple of mutants in there who inflict a status (which I'm gathering is the new petrify judging by the human statue in there).

Another route led me down a sewer which led to a flaming tower but there was a huge knight outside so I decided I'd leave him alone. Cresty had mentioned a place with useful equipment to be had, the Forest of Giants, so it'll be there I'll be going when I play next.