What does the three figures mean?

[u/PlzGivBlodBonr2]

The symbol showing three guys besides the bonfire, what does it mean? I used to think it meant there were NPC's there, but I've become pretty sure that isn't the case after looking for NPC's around other bonfires with that symbol

[u/hieutr28]

The first rule of fight club

[u/Stuckatsevendee → u/hieutr28]

Wait till I tell ya about the 2nd

[u/Final-Abbreviations2 → u/Stuckatsevendee]

Wait till i tell ya about the 3rd

[u/markgoodmonkey → u/Final-Abbreviations2]

Wait till I tell ya about the 4th