Profile
Basic Information
Name: Unknown
Birthplace: Underground City (presumed)
Affiliation: Underground
Gender: Female
Background
The "Underground Shepherd" is an elderly woman from the Underground, about whom almost nothing is known. She appears to be Parma's superior, as he shows great deference to her, and she is considered to be Paradeisos's most formidable threat. As evidenced by her title of "shepherd", she possess Shackles, and may be the original wielder of that power; like the Chief, she is also able to use them to consume Corpuses. The Underground Shepherd is perhaps the most powerful existence in DisCity; it is stated that even a Purge Order would not be enough to stop her. Although normally appearing as an old woman, the Shepherd transformed into a much younger appearance before and during her consumption of Corpus 002; this true form is depicted in the Scarlet Bewitchment crimebrand.
The Underground Shepherd was the target of Paradeisos' Eclipse Operation; although it is not clear exactly what transpired in that event, materials recovered from the Operation allowed Paradeisos to begin the Shepherd Plan that culminated in the creation of the Chief, whom she refers to as her "little [brother/sister]".
Role
Main Story
Oblivion Depth
When the Chief returns to Syndicate to pursue Corpus 002, the Underground Shepherd is among a group of refugees whom they rescue.
At the end of the Ten Days of Rustfire, the Shepherd converses with Julien about the Corpseborne. She says that when it was first born, it was "so beautiful, so pure", and is disgusted by the bloated, fear-driven monster it has become. As Julien bemoans how history has repeated itself and Rustfire's dreams have been destroyed again, the Shepherd gives him a red crystal flower. She tells him that he is much like the heroes of the Inner Bay eight years prior, and that he can harness the Corpus's out-of-control power, as she doesn't want it anymore. As she leaves, she tells Julien to say hello to the Chief for her if he ever sees them again, and BR-002 is reborn.
Towering Black
After Parma successfully empowers the Corpus of BR-002 to seize control of its Black Ring from Julien, the Underground Shepherd enters the Ring. She gives kudos to Julien for exceeding her expectations and managing to be a hindrance to their plans before beginning to make her way to the top of the tower, steadily fighting off the Corpus's attempts to stop her. She is soon confronted by Bai Yi, and asks whether Bai has come to rejoin the Underground. Bai refuses and says that she doesn't hate the Shepherd but won't allow her to destroy Syndicate, which she has come to call home. The Shepherd replies that she has never heard Bai Yi talk like that before, and leaves the animated remains of Parma to fight her.
BR-002 is neutralized before she can reach the top, but some time later, the Underground Shepherd encounters the severely-weakened Corpus in DisSea. Upon confronting it, she transforms from an ancient women to a much younger form and easily devours it. Surrounded by raincoat-clad Underground operatives, they witness the Phantom Moon change form. The Shepherd calls this a gift from the Chief, their little sibling. and suggests that they have felt her grow through the Shackles.