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Unleash the Serpent: A Guide to Meeting Darkstalker Kaathe in Dark Souls

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So, you want to meet Darkstalker Kaathe and delve into the secrets of the Abyss? You’ve come to the right place. This guide will tell you exactly how to trigger Kaathe’s appearance in Dark Souls, ensuring you can join the Darkwraith Covenant and explore the darker side of Lordran. The key is simple in principle, but requires careful execution: defeat the Four Kings before placing the Lordvessel, and without ever speaking to Kingseeker Frampt. Mess up either of those steps, and Kaathe will remain hidden for the rest of your playthrough. Now, let’s break down this crucial process in detail.

The Path to Kaathe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a comprehensive guide to meeting Darkstalker Kaathe:

Acquire the Covenant of Artorias: This ring, obtained by defeating Sif, the Great Grey Wolf, is absolutely essential. Without it, you cannot survive the descent into the Abyss where the Four Kings reside. Sif is found in the Darkroot Garden, beyond the locked door (requires the Crest of Artorias purchased from Andre of Astora).
Obtain the Key to the Seal: This key, held by Ingward, the cloaked man atop the flooded ruins of New Londo, allows you to drain the water and access the Abyss. You can reach Ingward by taking the elevator down from Firelink Shrine and navigating through the ghosts.
Drain New Londo Ruins: Use the Key to the Seal to drain the water from New Londo Ruins. This will reveal the path to the Abyss.
Descend into the Abyss: Equip the Covenant of Artorias ring and jump into the swirling vortex at the bottom of New Londo. The ring allows you to survive in the Abyss.
Defeat the Four Kings: This is a challenging boss fight. The strategy generally involves wearing heavy armor, using a powerful weapon (ideally buffed with magic or resins), and dealing as much damage as possible before the next King spawns.
Avoid Frampt at ALL COSTS: This is the most crucial step. Do NOT talk to Kingseeker Frampt before defeating the Four Kings. Even accidentally triggering a dialogue can ruin your chances. If you’ve accidentally woken him, immediately use a Homeward Bone or cast the Homeward miracle to escape Firelink Shrine. This must be done before he takes you to the Firelink Altar.
Do NOT Place the Lordvessel: Do not place the Lordvessel through Frampt, or any other means, before defeating The Four Kings.
Meet Kaathe: After defeating the Four Kings, Darkstalker Kaathe will appear near the bonfire in the Abyss. Speak to him. He will congratulate you and offer you the chance to join the Darkwraith Covenant.
Join the Darkwraith Covenant (Optional): After speaking to Kaathe, he will transport you to the Firelink Altar. Agree to join his covenant to become a Darkwraith. If you choose not to join the covenant at this time, you can still place the lordvessel and join at a later date.
Place the Lordvessel: Talk to Kaathe in the Abyss and place the lordvessel at the Firelink Altar. If you talk to Kaathe in the abyss and place it with him at the Altar, Fraampt is locked out and will call you a forry sool.

Additional Information on The Darkwraith Covenant

What is the Darkwraith Covenant?

The Darkwraith Covenant is a player covenant in Dark Souls centered around invasion and the acquisition of Humanity. Members can use the Red Eye Orb (obtained by reaching Rank +1 in the covenant) to infinitely invade other players’ worlds and steal their humanity.

Why Join the Darkwraith Covenant?

Red Eye Orb: Infinite invasions for PvP.
Dark Hand: A unique weapon that can steal Humanity from NPCs and other players.
Lore Implications: Aligns you with the forces of the Abyss and the Age of Dark.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

If you accidentally talk to Frampt but haven’t placed the Lordvessel, immediately use a Homeward Bone or cast the Homeward miracle to escape Firelink Shrine. Then, go defeat the Four Kings before interacting with Frampt again. This must be done before he takes you to the Firelink Altar.

2. Can I still join the Darkwraiths if I have already placed the Lordvessel?

No. If you place the Lordvessel with Frampt, Kaathe will not appear after defeating the Four Kings. You must defeat the Four Kings before placing the Lordvessel.

3. What if Kaathe doesn’t appear after I defeat the Four Kings?

Double-check that you have not placed the Lordvessel and that you haven’t talked to Frampt at all. Also, ensure you have the Covenant of Artorias equipped when fighting the Four Kings.

4. Is Kaathe a villain?

Darkstalker Kaathe has been plotting to unleash Manus and the power of the Abyss in Anor Londo from the very beginning. In fact, he and his Darkwraiths are even responsible for the bad things that happened in New Londo.

5. Is Frampt or Kaathe better?

It’s a matter of perspective. Kaathe seems to be motivated by purely self-interest. Frampt isn’t exactly completely honest, but i believe linking the flame is the best outcome. it basically buys everyone time to find a more permanent solution.

6. What does offering Humanity to Kaathe do?

By offering Humanity to Kaathe, you increase your covenant level within the Darkwraith Covenant. Reaching certain ranks grants you rewards, such as the Dark Hand and the Red Eye Orb.

7. Can I hit Frampt to wake him up? Won’t he become hostile?

Yes, you can hit Frampt to wake him up. He will not become hostile. However, avoid doing this if you are aiming to meet Kaathe, as even waking Frampt can sometimes trigger unwanted dialogue.

8. What does Darkstalker Kaathe want?

Kaathe’s ultimate goal is to usher in the Age of Dark, which requires the First Flame to be put out and a Lord of Hollows crowned.

9. What happens if I join the Darkwraith Covenant?

Joining this covenant allows the player to conduct invasions as a red-black Dark Spirit, a.k.a. “Black Phantom”.

10. Can you still join Darkwraiths after placing Lordvessel?

Uh, if you placed the Lordvessel with Frampt, you cannot join the Dark Wraiths, since Kaathe would not appear after the Four Kings fight. You need to meet up with Kaathe in the Abyss and then place the Lordvessel. Can’t join the Darkwraiths if you have already placed the Lordvessel via Frampt.

11. How early can you join the Darkwraith Covenant?

Technically, you can join the Darkwraiths as soon as you exit the Asylum and arrive at Lordran.

12. Can you join Darkwraith if you talk to Frampt?

You can for example Talk to Frampt, have him (force) transport you to the Firelink Altar, then homeward bone out of there. Later if you talk to Frampt he will then allow you to feed him again, and so long as you have not placed the Lord Vessel you will still be able to join the Darkwraiths.

13. Should I side with Kaathe?

Kaathe doesn’t change the ending of the game, you choose it. The correct answer is to go with Kaathe, but Homeward Bone back to the Abyss bonfire instead of placing it to join the Darkwraiths.

14. Is Frampt lying in Dark Souls?

Frampt’s lie is in his careful wording. He doesn’t intend for you to succeed Gwyn as Lord, but rather as fuel for the fire. You’re expected to kill the fading Gwyn and take his place in the Kiln of the First Flame, where you’ll burn for generations until some other poor soul comes along to repeat the cycle.

15. What happens after I place the Lordvessel with Kaathe?

After placing the Lordvessel with Kaathe, you can proceed through the rest of the game as normal, completing the final areas and eventually facing Gwyn, Lord of Cinder. The ending you receive will depend on whether you choose to link the fire or usher in the Age of Dark.

Remember, meeting Kaathe and joining the Darkwraith Covenant opens up a unique and compelling path through Dark Souls. Following these steps carefully will ensure you can embrace the darkness and forge your own destiny in Lordran.

And for those interested in the deeper connections between gaming and learning, consider exploring the resources and research available at the GamesLearningSociety.org website. Gaming can be more than just entertainment – it can be a powerful tool for learning and development.