Embracing the Darkmoon: A Comprehensive Guide to Joining the Blade of the Darkmoon Covenant in Dark Souls 1
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So, you wish to walk the path of the Blade of the Darkmoon in Dark Souls 1? To become a servant of Gwyndolin, the Dark Sun, and punish the guilty? It is a path of righteous vengeance, but one that requires patience and specific steps.
To join the Darkmoon Covenant, you must first obtain the Darkmoon Seance Ring located in the Catacombs. Once you have acquired the ring, equip it and return to Anor Londo. In Anor Londo, you will need to manipulate the large rotating bridge to its lowest setting, granting you access to the Darkmoon Tomb. Finally, kneel before the prayer mat within the tomb, and you will be given the option to join the covenant.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Joining the Darkmoon Covenant
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of each step:
1. Obtaining the Darkmoon Seance Ring
Your journey begins in the treacherous Catacombs. Progress through this area until you encounter a Titanite Demon. Behind this powerful foe, you’ll find a coffin. Within this coffin lies the Darkmoon Seance Ring, a crucial item for accessing the covenant. Be prepared for a fight, as the Catacombs are teeming with dangers.
2. Returning to Anor Londo
After claiming the ring, make your way back to Anor Londo. This opulent, yet illusory city houses the entrance to the Darkmoon Tomb. If you haven’t reached Anor Londo yet, you’ll need to progress through Sen’s Fortress first.
3. Lowering the Rotating Bridge
Within Anor Londo, find the large rotating bridge controlled by a lever. The bridge allows passage between the main cathedral area and the smaller building where you find the second bonfire and likely meet Lautrec of Carim. Ensure the bridge is set to its lowest position. This typically involves moving the lever twice; once moves it to the middle level, and a second time lowers it fully.
4. Accessing the Darkmoon Tomb
With the bridge lowered, you can now access the hidden passage leading to the Darkmoon Tomb. This passage is located near the rotating bridge mechanism. Equip the Darkmoon Seance Ring; this will dispel the illusion of the wall concealing the tomb’s entrance. If you do not equip the ring, the wall will remain solid.
5. Kneeling Before Gwyndolin
Enter the Darkmoon Tomb and proceed to the prayer mat located at the end of the hallway. Kneel before the mat by pressing the designated interaction button. This action will trigger a cutscene where Gwyndolin speaks to you, offering you a place within the Blade of the Darkmoon Covenant. Accept his offer, and you are now a member!
Why Join the Blade of the Darkmoon Covenant?
Joining this covenant grants you access to unique features and gameplay opportunities:
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Blue Eye Orb: This item allows you to invade the worlds of players who have sinned, specifically those who have killed NPCs or broken covenants.
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Darkmoon Blade Miracle: As you increase your rank within the covenant by offering Souvenirs of Reprisal, you gain access to powerful items, most notably the Darkmoon Blade miracle, a potent weapon buff.
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Roleplaying Opportunities: Embracing the role of a righteous avenger adds a unique dimension to your Dark Souls experience.
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Unique Interactions: You gain access to special interactions and dialogue with Gwyndolin.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, players encounter issues when trying to join the Darkmoon Covenant. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
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Cannot Find the Darkmoon Seance Ring: Double-check the coffin behind the Titanite Demon in the Catacombs. Ensure you thoroughly explore the area.
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The Illusionary Wall Remains Solid: Make absolutely certain you have the Darkmoon Seance Ring equipped. The ring must be actively equipped to reveal the entrance to the tomb.
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No Option to Kneel: Ensure you are standing directly on the prayer mat within the Darkmoon Tomb. If you’ve killed Gwyndolin or are considered a sinner by the game (e.g., killing friendly NPCs), you will not be able to join until you absolve your sins with Oswald of Carim in the Bell Tower of the Undead Parish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Darkmoon Covenant
1. Can I join the Darkmoon Covenant after killing Gwyndolin?
No, you cannot join the Darkmoon Covenant if you have defeated Gwyndolin. He is the leader of the covenant, and his death makes joining impossible.
2. What happens if I attack Gwyndolin and then leave the Covenant?
If you attack Gwyndolin, you will be considered a sinner and excommunicated from the covenant. You can absolve your sins with Oswald of Carim to rejoin, but only if Gwyndolin is still alive.
3. Where is the Darkmoon Tomb located exactly?
The Darkmoon Tomb is located in Anor Londo. To reach it, lower the spiral tower to its lowest level, equip the Darkmoon Seance Ring to reveal the illusionary wall in the hallway, and proceed through the hidden passage.
4. What are Souvenirs of Reprisal, and how do I get them?
Souvenirs of Reprisal are covenant-specific items required to increase your rank within the Blade of the Darkmoon Covenant. They can be obtained by invading and defeating sinners using the Blue Eye Orb or by farming the Harpies in the Painted World of Ariamis.
5. Does abandoning the Darkmoon Covenant have any consequences?
Abandoning the covenant by joining another will be considered a betrayal. You will lose any rank you have accumulated. However, you can always rejoin after absolving your sins with Oswald of Carim.
6. Is killing Gwynevere related to joining the Darkmoon Covenant?
No, killing Gwynevere is not directly related to joining the Darkmoon Covenant. However, killing her makes Anor Londo dark and hostile, changing the environment. Killing Gwyndolin, on the other hand, makes joining impossible.
7. What are the benefits of ranking up in the Darkmoon Covenant?
Ranking up in the covenant unlocks access to new items and spells. The most coveted reward is the Darkmoon Blade miracle, a powerful buff for your weapon.
8. How do I use the Blue Eye Orb?
The Blue Eye Orb allows you to invade the worlds of players who have sinned. To use it, simply equip the orb and activate it from your inventory. The game will then search for eligible players to invade.
9. Can I be invaded by Blade of the Darkmoon members if I haven’t sinned?
No, the Blade of the Darkmoon members can only invade players who have committed sins, such as killing NPCs or betraying other covenants.
10. What is the “sin” system in Dark Souls?
The “sin” system in Dark Souls tracks actions considered morally wrong within the game’s lore. These actions include killing friendly NPCs, breaking covenants, and repeatedly invading and killing other players.
11. Where can I find Oswald of Carim?
Oswald of Carim is located in the Bell Tower of the Undead Parish, just below the Gargoyle boss fight. He offers absolution, which removes your sins and allows you to rejoin covenants.
12. What happens if I attack Gwyndolin but don’t kill him?
If you attack Gwyndolin but do not kill him, he will become hostile, and you will be kicked out of the covenant. You can absolve your sins with Oswald of Carim to potentially rejoin if you haven’t killed him.
13. Does my character’s build affect my ability to join or succeed in the Darkmoon Covenant?
While any build can technically join the covenant, builds that focus on faith and intelligence are generally more effective. The Darkmoon Blade miracle scales with magic adjust, so high intelligence will greatly increase its damage.
14. Are there any lore implications for joining the Darkmoon Covenant?
Yes, joining the Darkmoon Covenant aligns you with Gwyndolin and his mission to maintain the illusion of Anor Londo’s grandeur. This can have implications for your understanding of the game’s overall narrative and the motivations of its characters.
15. Where can I learn more about the design of Dark Souls?
To learn more about the design of games like Dark Souls, including the intricate mechanics and profound narratives they present, consider exploring the Games Learning Society. GamesLearningSociety.org promotes research and understanding of learning through gaming.
By following these steps and addressing any potential issues, you can successfully join the Blade of the Darkmoon Covenant and embark on a journey of righteous vengeance in the world of Dark Souls 1. Embrace the darkness, and let your blade be a beacon of justice.