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Siding with the Serpent: A Comprehensive Guide to Giving the Lordvessel to Kaathe in Dark Souls

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So, you’ve chosen to embrace the abyss and align yourself with Darkstalker Kaathe in Dark Souls. Excellent choice! Kaathe’s covenant, the Darkwraiths, offers unique PvP opportunities and a distinct narrative path. The key to joining this clandestine group lies in how you handle the Lordvessel. Here’s exactly how to give the Lordvessel to Kaathe and delve into the world of the Darkwraiths:

Acquire the Lordvessel: Progress through the game until you reach Anor Londo. Defeat Ornstein and Smough to obtain the Lordvessel from Gwynevere.
Never Speak to Frampt (Initially): This is crucial. Do not, under any circumstances, speak to Kingseeker Frampt in Firelink Shrine before completing the next step. Interacting with Frampt and allowing him to transport you to the Firelink Altar will lock you out of Kaathe’s questline for that playthrough.
Descend into the Abyss: Obtain the Covenant of Artorias ring by defeating Sif, the Great Grey Wolf, in Darkroot Garden. You’ll also need the Key to the Seal, purchased from Ingward in New Londo Ruins after draining the water.
Defeat the Four Kings: Head to New Londo Ruins, use the Key to the Seal to drain the water, and descend into the Abyss. Equip the Covenant of Artorias ring to survive the Abyss and defeat the Four Kings. This fight can be challenging, so equip your best gear and consider summoning help.
Meet Kaathe: After defeating the Four Kings without having spoken to Frampt, Kaathe will appear in the Abyss. He will inquire whether you intend to usher in the age of dark.
Accept Kaathe’s Offer: Respond affirmatively to Kaathe’s question. This signifies your allegiance to the Darkwraiths.
Warp with Kaathe (Then Escape): Kaathe will then transport you to the Firelink Altar to place the Lordvessel. Now, here’s the slightly tricky part. If you don’t want Frampt to become angry, Warp down there with him then use a Homeward Bone or the Warp spell to return to your last bonfire; preferably back to the Abyss bonfire.
Speak to Kaathe Again: Warp or run back to the Abyss and speak to Kaathe again. He will now officially induct you into the Darkwraith covenant. You will receive the Dark Hand and the Red Eye Orb.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully given the Lordvessel to Kaathe, embraced the abyss, and joined the Darkwraiths. Now, go forth and invade! As you explore the intricate world of Dark Souls, remember that shared experiences and knowledge sharing are vital. Organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) promote the study of games and their impact, offering valuable resources and insights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens if I accidentally talk to Frampt before killing the Four Kings?

If you talk to Frampt before killing the Four Kings and especially if you let him take you down to the Firelink Altar, you’ll lock yourself out of Kaathe’s questline for that playthrough. You’ll have to wait until New Game Plus to attempt it again. However, if you warp to the Firelink Altar with Frampt, you can kill yourself or homeward bone out to a bonfire, preferably the Abyss. This should leave you at the last bonfire.

Can I still access Frampt if I join the Darkwraiths?

Yes! This is one of the biggest advantages of warping down with Kaathe and then homeward boning out to a bonfire instead of placing the Lordvessel. You can still use Frampt to break down titanite and feed him items for souls. This allows you to take advantage of both covenants.

What are the benefits of joining the Darkwraiths?

The Darkwraiths offer several benefits:

Red Eye Orb: An infinitely reusable item that allows you to invade other players’ worlds.
Dark Hand: A unique weapon that can steal humanity from other players and certain NPCs.
Covenant Rewards: By offering humanity to Kaathe, you can increase your covenant rank and receive rewards.
Unique Storyline: Experiencing the game from the perspective of the Darkwraiths provides a different understanding of the lore.

What does offering humanity to Kaathe do?

Offering humanity to Kaathe increases your covenant rank within the Darkwraiths. Reaching certain ranks unlocks rewards, such as the Dark Hand and the Red Eye Orb at rank +1.

What happens if I kill Kaathe?

Killing Kaathe will prevent you from joining the Darkwraith covenant for that playthrough. He will not respawn until New Game Plus. You can still place the Lordvessel, but you won’t be able to access the Darkwraith covenant’s benefits.

Is there a “good” or “bad” choice between Frampt and Kaathe?

There isn’t a definitively “good” or “bad” choice. It depends on your playstyle and goals. Frampt is useful for breaking down titanite and converting items into souls. Kaathe offers unique PvP opportunities and a different perspective on the game’s lore. For many players, Kaathe is the more compelling choice, offering a deeper and more challenging experience.

Can I join another covenant after joining the Darkwraiths?

Yes, you can join other covenants after joining the Darkwraiths. However, doing so will break your allegiance with the Darkwraiths and may affect your standing within the covenant. To rejoin the Darkwraiths, you’ll need to seek absolution from Oswald of Carim.

What are the best stats for a Darkwraith build?

A good Darkwraith build typically focuses on stats that support both PvP and PvE combat. Key stats include:

Vitality: For increased health.
Endurance: For stamina and equip load.
Strength/Dexterity: Depending on your weapon of choice.
Intelligence/Faith: If you plan to use spells or miracles.
Attunement: If you plan to use pyromancies.

What are some good weapons for Darkwraiths?

Many weapons are viable for Darkwraiths, but some popular choices include:

Dark Hand: For stealing humanity.
Chaos Blade: A powerful katana.
Great Scythe: Offers good range and damage.
Man-Serpent Greatsword: A versatile strength weapon.

How does the Red Eye Orb work?

The Red Eye Orb allows you to invade other players’ worlds as a red phantom. When you use the orb, you’ll be matched with a player who is within a certain level range and is currently in an area where PvP is allowed. Successfully defeating the host player will reward you with souls and humanity.

What level should I be to effectively invade as a Darkwraith?

Different level ranges are popular for PvP. Common ranges include:

Level 50-60: For invading in areas like Anor Londo and Sen’s Fortress.
Level 100-120: For invading in areas like the Kiln of the First Flame and the Oolacile Township.

Does my sin level affect my ability to invade as a Darkwraith?

No, your sin level does not affect your ability to invade as a Darkwraith. The Red Eye Orb ignores sin level and allows you to invade any player within the appropriate level range.

What are the risks of invading as a Darkwraith?

The main risk of invading as a Darkwraith is that you can be killed by the host player or their phantoms. Additionally, invading can increase your sin level, which can make you a target for Darkmoon Blades (Blue Sentinels).

Is it possible to complete the game without placing the Lordvessel at all?

While challenging, it is possible to complete the game without placing the Lordvessel. This requires defeating the final boss through unconventional means, often exploiting glitches or using extremely specific builds. However, this is not recommended for most players.

Does joining the Darkwraiths affect the ending I receive?

Joining the Darkwraiths and placing the Lordvessel under Kaathe’s guidance can be seen as contributing to the “Dark Lord” ending. The actual ending you get, however, depends on whether you choose to link the fire or not at the very end of the game. The narrative context of allying with Kaathe heavily implies that you’d be choosing to let the fire fade and usher in the Age of Dark.

Dark Souls is more than just a game; it’s a community-driven experience where learning and sharing are essential. Exploring platforms like GamesLearningSociety.org can offer a deeper understanding of the game’s intricate design and impact. Embrace the challenge, learn from your mistakes, and praise the sun (or the abyss, in this case)!