Do I Say Yes to Frampt in Dark Souls? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of whether to side with Kingseeker Frampt in Dark Souls is a pivotal one, laden with consequences for your playthrough. Simply put, the answer depends on your goals and priorities. Choosing Frampt locks you out of the Darkwraith covenant and potentially impacts your ending. If it’s your first playthrough and you’re looking to experience the traditional narrative flow, and specifically want to link the fire, then yes, you should say yes to Frampt. However, it’s not that simple, and there’s much more to consider. Let’s delve deeper.
Frampt’s Role and Motivations
Frampt is one of the two primordial serpents who appear after you obtain the Lordvessel. He presents himself as an ally, urging you to link the First Flame and perpetuate the Age of Fire. However, his motivations are not entirely selfless. He doesn’t actually care if you become the Lord. He just wants you as fuel for the flame. Frampt’s intention is to maintain the status quo, ensuring the cycle of flame and fading continues. This deception is a crucial point to consider. He carefully words his requests, knowing you’ll likely end up a fuel source.
The Immediate Consequence: Forced Teleportation
The first time you speak with Frampt after acquiring the Lordvessel, he will automatically transport you to the Firelink Altar. There’s no choice involved. This can be jarring, especially if you had other tasks in mind. However, after the first forced teleport, using a Homeward Bone will return you, and all subsequent interactions with Frampt will include the option to teleport rather than making it automatic. He’ll simply offer it as a menu choice.
The Loss of the Darkwraith Covenant
The most significant drawback of committing to Frampt early is that it locks you out of joining the Darkwraith covenant. If you plan to explore the dark arts, and embrace a path of the abyss then you will need to avoid Frampt or use the homeward bone to escape the forced teleportation.
The Alternative: Darkstalker Kaathe
The other primordial serpent, Darkstalker Kaathe, presents a very different proposition. He champions the Age of Dark, encouraging you to usurp the flame. Unlike Frampt, Kaathe’s motives are explicitly selfish, working to release Manus and the power of the abyss on the world. Choosing Kaathe leads you down a different path with unique implications. If you want to explore the Darkwraith covenant and the dark path it offers, you will have to meet and join Kaathe prior to placing the Lordvessel.
How Kaathe Affects the Ending
It’s crucial to understand that Kaathe does not determine your ending. You still decide the final outcome, but his dialogue and the context of the situation might influence your choice. With Kaathe, the ending is typically seen as the “Age of Dark” ending.
Which Path to Choose?
Ultimately, the decision is yours. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
- Choose Frampt If:
- You want to experience the traditional “linking the flame” ending.
- This is your first playthrough and you want the “main” storyline.
- You are not interested in PvP with the Darkwraith covenant.
- You don’t mind being “deceived” to maintain the status quo.
- Avoid or Delay Frampt If:
- You want to join the Darkwraith covenant.
- You want the “Age of Dark” ending.
- You want to explore the abyss and its consequences.
- You want to see the alternative dialogue options.
The Hidden Truth: Frampt and Kaathe’s Connection
Interestingly, some theories suggest that Frampt and Kaathe might be two sides of the same coin or even the same being. Their ultimate goal could be to manipulate events to eventually lead to the “Lord of Hollows” ending in Dark Souls 3, going beyond their initial agendas. This adds another layer of complexity to their seemingly opposing motives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions that will give you further information about Frampt and the decisions you’ll face:
1. What happens if I talk to Frampt after talking to Kaathe?
Frampt will call you a “forry sool,” expressing his displeasure at your alliance with Kaathe. If you proceed to place the Lordvessel with Frampt after interacting with Kaathe, you will lock Kaathe out, and vice versa. This will also make Frampt mad.
2. Can I join the Darkwraiths after talking to Frampt?
Yes, technically you can. If Frampt transports you to the Altar after obtaining the Lordvessel, you can use a Homeward Bone to leave, allowing you to meet Kaathe and join the Darkwraiths later as long as you do not place the vessel. You can return and speak to Frampt and he will act normally. It’s crucial not to place the Lordvessel until after you have made your decisions about the covenant and placed the vessel with the correct serpent for your desired outcome.
3. Does Frampt give you more souls for items?
No, not really. The lower-level souls are worth more when fed to Frampt, but overall you generally receive less souls from feeding items than you would by using them yourself. Frampt breaks down titanite into smaller components.
4. Why does Frampt get angry?
Frampt gets angry if you place the Lordvessel at the Sunlight Altar without his assistance or if you jump down to the altar yourself. This indicates you are not following his intended purpose for you. He is also angry if you have met with Kaathe. He will leave if you anger him.
5. Can you wake Frampt by hitting him?
Yes, you can hit Frampt once to wake him up, and he will not become hostile.
6. Is Frampt lying?
Yes, Frampt’s “lie” is in his subtle wording. He isn’t working towards your success as Lord of the Fire, but as fuel for it, perpetuating the cycle.
7. Is Kaathe a villain?
Yes, Kaathe is largely considered a villain. He’s driven by self-interest and seeks to unleash the power of the Abyss. He is also responsible for the events in New Londo.
8. What happens if you offer humanity to Kaathe?
Offering humanity to Kaathe will increase your Darkwraith covenant rank, ultimately earning you the Red Eye Orb, which is useful for invasions.
9. Is humanity permanent in Dark Souls?
“Soft” humanity is not permanent. It is lost upon death, and you must retrieve it from your bloodstain. Hard Humanity is permanent and is not lost upon death.
10. What does 99 humanity do?
Having 99 humanity provides significant stat boosts, particularly to your defenses, adding approximately 40 points to each defense stat.
11. What is the benefit of humanity in Dark Souls?
Humanity allows you to reverse hollowing, kindle bonfires, and summon other players.
12. Who is the true villain of Dark Souls?
While Gwyn is the final boss, many consider the true “villain” to be the concept of the cycle itself – the endless linking of the fire and the sacrifices made to maintain the status quo.
13. Is Artorias a Darkwraith?
Artorias was closely associated with the Abyss, and some theories suggest he was an honorary Darkwraith. His sword, created from the soul of Sif, can damage ghosts.
14. Can you join the Darkwraith covenant without placing the Lordvessel?
Yes, you can. This allows you to keep Frampt for item devouring while also accessing the Darkwraith covenant.
15. Why did Frampt disappear?
Frampt disappears if you anger him, usually by either placing the vessel at the Sunlight Altar without him, or by jumping down there yourself. He will also disappear if you have met with Kaathe and placed it with him.
Conclusion
Choosing between Frampt and Kaathe is a pivotal moment in Dark Souls. Weigh your options carefully, consider your goals for the playthrough, and decide whether you want to follow the traditional path of linking the fire or delve into the darkness of the abyss. Each path offers a unique experience, and ultimately, the best choice is the one that provides the most satisfaction to you. Remember, Dark Souls is about exploration, discovery, and personal choice.