Unveiling the Secrets of Humanity: A Deep Dive into Kaathe and the Darkwraith Covenant
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Offering humanity to Darkstalker Kaathe in Dark Souls is the key to progressing within the Darkwraith covenant. By sacrificing humanity, you increase your rank in the covenant, unlocking powerful rewards and solidifying your allegiance to the Age of Dark. This act empowers you to invade other players’ worlds, furthering Kaathe’s agenda and reaping unique benefits.
The Dark Embrace: Joining and Ranking Up
How to Offer Humanity to Kaathe
To offer humanity to Kaathe, you must first join the Darkwraith covenant. This requires the following steps:
- Defeat the Four Kings in New Londo Ruins.
- Before placing the Lordvessel, Kaathe will appear in the Abyss.
- Speak to Kaathe and agree to join the Darkwraith covenant.
Once a member, you can offer humanity to Kaathe by interacting with him in the Abyss. Each offering increases your covenant rank, unlocking specific rewards. This is the only way to receive them.
Ranks and Rewards
The Darkwraith covenant has three ranks, each requiring a specific amount of humanity offered to Kaathe:
- Rank 0 (Initial): Starting rank upon joining the covenant.
- Rank 1: Requires offering 10 humanity. This unlocks the Dark Hand weapon if you don’t already have it, and the coveted Red Eye Orb.
- Rank 2: Requires offering 30 humanity. Rewards are usually dialogue-related.
- Rank 3: Requires offering 80 humanity. Rewards are usually dialogue-related.
The Allure of the Red Eye Orb
The Red Eye Orb is arguably the most significant reward for offering humanity to Kaathe. Unlike the Cracked Red Eye Orb, the Red Eye Orb is an unbreakable item that allows for unlimited invasions of other players’ worlds. This makes it an invaluable tool for PvP and for spreading the influence of the Darkwraiths. With the Red Eye Orb, you become a constant threat to other players, embodying the chaotic nature of the Age of Dark.
The Consequences of Covenant Allegiance
The Price of Power
While the rewards of the Darkwraith covenant are enticing, they come at a cost. Siding with Kaathe places you in direct opposition to Kingseeker Frampt, another primordial serpent. Choosing Kaathe locks you out of Frampt’s questline, preventing you from placing the Lordvessel on the Firelink Altar through him. This influences the ending of the game, aligning you with the Age of Dark and potentially against the established order. The player’s motivations and choices heavily influence the narrative, as discussed in research on video game narrative design showcased by the Games Learning Society.
Is Kaathe a Villain?
The morality of Kaathe’s actions is a subject of debate among Dark Souls fans. He is undeniably manipulative, exploiting the player’s ambition to further his own agenda. However, some argue that he is merely offering an alternative to the seemingly endless cycle of the Age of Fire, presenting a potentially necessary, albeit drastic, solution. Ultimately, whether Kaathe is a villain depends on your perspective and your interpretation of the events in Dark Souls.
Humanity as a Resource
Humanity is a precious resource in Dark Souls, used for various purposes, including restoring health, reversing hollowing, and kindling bonfires. Offering it to Kaathe is a strategic decision, weighing the benefits of covenant progression against the loss of a valuable item. Players must carefully consider their needs and priorities before committing to the Darkwraith covenant and sacrificing their humanity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Kaathe and Humanity
Q1: What exactly does Kaathe want?
Kaathe’s ultimate goal is to usher in the Age of Dark, which requires the First Flame to be extinguished. He believes that humanity, not the gods, should rule the world, and he seeks a Lord of Hollows to lead this new era.
Q2: Can I join the Darkwraith covenant after placing the Lordvessel with Frampt?
No, if you place the Lordvessel with Frampt, Kaathe will not appear in the Abyss, preventing you from joining the Darkwraith covenant. You must meet Kaathe first.
Q3: What happens if I talk to Frampt after talking to Kaathe?
Frampt will recognize your allegiance to Kaathe and call you a “forry sool” (foolish soul). He will not allow you to place the Lordvessel with him.
Q4: Is Gwyn evil for linking the Fire?
Whether Gwyn is “evil” is a complex question. His decision to link the First Flame prolonged the Age of Fire, but also perpetuated a cycle of sacrifice and suffering. Some argue that he acted out of fear and self-preservation, while others believe he was trying to protect humanity from the Abyss.
Q5: Are Frampt and Kaathe connected?
There are theories suggesting that Frampt and Kaathe are two sides of the same coin or even aspects of the same being. While they appear to have opposing goals, some believe they are both working towards a long-term plan that ultimately benefits humanity.
Q6: What happens if you leave the Darkwraith covenant?
Leaving the Darkwraith covenant will result in a loss of half of your rank progress. However, you can rejoin the covenant later, although you will have to regain your lost rank.
Q7: Is it possible to get locked out of joining the Darkwraiths?
Yes, you can get locked out of joining the Darkwraiths. If you place the Lordvessel with Frampt, you will not be able to meet Kaathe and join the covenant.
Q8: Is the Red Eye Orb the only way to invade in Dark Souls?
No, there are other ways to invade in Dark Souls, such as using Cracked Red Eye Orbs. However, the Red Eye Orb is unique because it is unbreakable and allows for unlimited invasions.
Q9: Does offering humanity to Kaathe affect my stats?
No, offering humanity to Kaathe does not directly affect your character’s stats. It only affects your rank within the Darkwraith covenant.
Q10: How many humanity do I need to max out the Darkwraith Covenant?
You need to offer a total of 120 humanity to reach the maximum rank (Rank 3) in the Darkwraith covenant.
Q11: What are the pros and cons of joining the Darkwraith covenant?
- Pros: Access to the Red Eye Orb for unlimited invasions, unique Dark Hand weapon, and alignment with the Age of Dark.
- Cons: Loss of valuable humanity, opposition to Frampt and the established order, and potential negative consequences for your game ending.
Q12: Are there other primordial serpents besides Frampt and Kaathe?
Yes, the lore suggests that there are at least eight primordial serpents, although we only encounter Frampt and Kaathe in the game.
Q13: Is Frampt lying to me?
Yes, Frampt is often accused of misleading the player. He encourages you to link the First Flame, perpetuating the cycle of sacrifice and potentially preventing the rise of humanity.
Q14: What is the best class for joining the Darkwraith covenant?
Any class can join the Darkwraith covenant. The best class depends on your preferred playstyle and build. However, classes with high strength or dexterity are often favored for PvP.
Q15: Where can I learn more about game narrative and design?
You can learn more about game narrative and design from various sources, including books, articles, and online courses. A great resource for academic research and discussions is the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
By understanding the implications of offering humanity to Kaathe and the nature of the Darkwraith covenant, players can make informed decisions that shape their Dark Souls experience and determine the fate of Lordran.