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How to Embrace the Abyss: A Guide to Siding with Darkstalker Kaathe in Dark Souls

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So, you’re drawn to the allure of the Dark Soul, the whispers of the Abyss, and the promises of Darkstalker Kaathe? You want to side with the serpent who seeks to usher in the Age of Dark? Fear not, Chosen Undead, for this guide will illuminate the path to becoming a servant of Kaathe and a member of the infamous Darkwraith covenant. Siding with Kaathe is a nuanced choice that locks you out of Frampt’s storyline, but opens up unique opportunities for both gameplay and lore exploration. Let’s delve into the specifics.

The Path to the Abyss: A Step-by-Step Guide

To successfully side with Kaathe, you must adhere to a specific sequence of actions, deviating from the path laid out by Frampt, the primordial serpent of light. Here’s how to do it:

Avoid Talking to Frampt: This is paramount. Do not speak to Frampt at Firelink Shrine after ringing the two Bells of Awakening. Engaging in dialogue with Frampt immediately aligns you with his agenda and locks you out of Kaathe’s questline. If you have spoken to Frampt, you’ll need to start a new game or playthrough.
Acquire the Covenant of Artorias: This ring, obtained by defeating Sif, the Great Grey Wolf, in Darkroot Garden, is essential. It allows you to traverse the Abyss.
Obtain the Key to the Seal: Acquire this key from Ingward, the Seal Keeper in New Londo Ruins. Drain the water in New Londo to access him.
Defeat the Four Kings: Using the Covenant of Artorias, descend into the Abyss and defeat the Four Kings boss. This fight is challenging, so consider summoning help or using powerful equipment.
Speak to Kaathe: After defeating the Four Kings, Darkstalker Kaathe will appear near the Abyss bonfire. He will offer you an explanation of the world and his intentions, and then present you with the option to join his covenant. Accept his offer.
Place the Lordvessel (with Kaathe): Kaathe will transport you to the Firelink Altar. Place the Lordvessel on the altar. This act seals your commitment to Kaathe’s path and prevents Frampt from further interaction.
(Optional) Embrace the Darkwraith Covenant: After placing the Lordvessel, return to the Abyss and speak to Kaathe again. He will now formally induct you into the Darkwraith covenant, granting you the Dark Hand and allowing you to level up within the covenant by offering Humanity. Alternatively, after Kaathe warps you to the Firelink Altar, use a Homeward Bone to return to the Abyss. Talk to Kaathe here, and he’ll initiate you as a Darkwraith.

Consequences and Rewards

Siding with Kaathe offers both unique rewards and significant consequences. Understanding these will help you determine if this path is right for you.

Darkwraith Covenant: Joining the Darkwraiths grants you the Red Eye Orb, allowing for unlimited invasions of other players’ worlds. You can also steal Humanity from other players using the Dark Hand.
Altered Ending: While Kaathe doesn’t dictate the ending, siding with him sets you on a path towards the “Age of Dark” ending. You are given the option to link the flame, but Kaathe’s storyline emphasizes the hollowness of that choice, positioning you to embrace your role as the Dark Lord.
Exclusion from Frampt’s Questline: Choosing Kaathe completely locks you out of Frampt’s storyline. You cannot receive his advice, sell items to him, or pursue his prescribed path of linking the fire.
Unique Dialogue and Lore: Kaathe provides a different perspective on the lore of Dark Souls, offering insights into the nature of the Dark Soul and the true history of Lord Gwyn.

Why Choose Kaathe?

Choosing Kaathe is about embracing a different philosophy. It’s about questioning the established order and considering the alternative – the Age of Dark. While Frampt encourages perpetuating the cycle of fire, Kaathe advocates for allowing the flame to fade, ushering in an era ruled by humanity and the power of the Dark Soul. It’s not necessarily about being “evil,” but about challenging the accepted narrative and forging your own destiny. You can find other viewpoints on gaming at the Games Learning Society website. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding siding with Kaathe, providing further clarification and addressing common concerns:

1. Can you side with Kaathe after talking to Frampt?

No. Speaking to Frampt before meeting Kaathe locks you into Frampt’s questline. Kaathe will not appear after the Four Kings fight if Frampt has already guided you.

2. Is it possible to side with both Frampt and Kaathe?

No. They represent opposing ideologies, and the game mechanics prevent aligning with both. Choosing one automatically excludes you from the other’s questline.

3. Does siding with Kaathe change the ending of the game?

Not directly. You still make the final choice at the Kiln of the First Flame – either link the fire or walk away. However, Kaathe’s influence and the knowledge he imparts may sway your decision.

4. What happens if I offer Humanity to Kaathe?

Offering Humanity to Kaathe increases your rank within the Darkwraith covenant. Higher ranks unlock rewards, such as the Red Eye Orb and the Dark Armor set.

5. Is Frampt lying in Dark Souls?

Frampt’s words are carefully chosen to serve Gwyn’s agenda. While he presents the linking of the fire as a noble act, it’s ultimately a cycle of sacrifice that perpetuates the Age of Fire and prolongs the suffering of the undead. Some argue that this constitutes a form of deception.

6. Is Kaathe a villain?

Whether Kaathe is a villain is a matter of perspective. He seeks to usher in the Age of Dark, which some view as a destructive force. However, he also presents an alternative to the cycle of fire, offering humanity a chance to claim its own destiny. His methods, involving manipulation and the encouragement of invasion, are morally questionable.

7. What happens if I join the Darkwraith covenant?

Joining the Darkwraith covenant grants you the Red Eye Orb for infinite invasions, allows you to steal humanity with the Dark Hand, and provides unique covenant rewards as you rank up.

8. Are Frampt and Kaathe connected?

The exact relationship between Frampt and Kaathe is a subject of much debate. Some theories suggest they are the same being, or at least work towards a shared, long-term goal. However, in Dark Souls 1, they are presented as opposing forces with distinct ideologies.

9. Can you side with Kaathe after placing the Lordvessel with Frampt?

No. Once the Lordvessel is placed with Frampt’s guidance, you are locked out of Kaathe’s questline.

10. How do you become a Darkwraith without placing the Lordvessel at all?

Defeat the Four Kings, speak to Kaathe, and then allow Kaathe to transport you to the Firelink Altar. Instead of placing the Lordvessel, use a Homeward Bone or the Homeward miracle to return to the Abyss bonfire. Speak to Kaathe again, and he will induct you into the Darkwraith covenant.

11. What does Darkstalker Kaathe want?

Kaathe desires to usher in the Age of Dark by extinguishing the First Flame. He believes humanity, empowered by the Dark Soul, should rule the world.

12. What are the benefits of joining the Darkwraith Covenant?

The primary benefit is the Red Eye Orb, allowing for unlimited invasions. You also gain access to the Dark Hand and the ability to steal Humanity from other players. Ranking up in the covenant unlocks unique rewards like the Dark Armor set.

13. What are the downsides of joining the Darkwraith Covenant?

Other players may view you as a hostile invader, and you will likely face resistance from those who defend themselves. Joining the covenant also means you’re actively working against the established order and potentially contributing to the downfall of the world.

14. What stats are best for a Darkwraith build?

A Darkwraith build typically focuses on Strength, Dexterity, and Vitality. Strength and Dexterity are needed for effective weapon usage, while Vitality provides the necessary health to survive invasions. Endurance for stamina is also crucial.

15. Is Gwyn evil?

Gwyn’s actions led to the Undead Curse and the perpetuation of the Age of Fire, some consider him the true main antagonist of the Dark Souls franchise. His fear of the Dark Soul and his efforts to control the flame resulted in immense suffering and the stagnation of the world. His motivations are complex, driven by a desire to preserve his kingdom, it doesn’t excuse the harm he inflicted.

Choosing to side with Kaathe in Dark Souls is a decision that carries significant weight, influencing not only your gameplay experience but also your understanding of the game’s lore and themes. Whether you embrace the Age of Dark is ultimately up to you, Chosen Undead. Choose wisely.