The Penitent One is a rogue nomad and the last survivor of the massacre of the "Brotherhood of the Silent Sorrow", so named because those in the congregation have taken a vow of silence as a form of penance. The Brotherhood's silence is a reflection upon the believed silence of the Twisted One, as evidenced by the lore of the Key to the Chamber of the Eldest Brother. The entirety of the Brotherhood was cast out for a past indiscretion or some sort of conflict with the Church. The nature of this indiscretion is not made clear, but it is possible that it relates to The Penitent One's mission to reach the Cradle of Affliction.
He wears silver plated armor and his design is based on traditional Catholic precepts, such as the red cord or cincture he wears around his waist and his distinct capirote-like pointed helmet.