Darkwraiths

Lore & Background

When Gwyn sealed away his own darkness in himself, he created a duality that would eventually fracture. The Darkwraiths emerged as agents of this suppressed shadow, believing that the light is merely a temporary illusion. They view the linking of the fire not as a duty, but as an unnatural prolongation of decay. Kaathe serves as their guiding voice, appearing in the Darkroot Garden to those who have slain Frampt, granting them the Dark Sigil and teaching them that humanity belongs in the dark. He reveals that stealing humanity from others is necessary for survival, a philosophy that positions them directly against the Fire Keepers and the Chosen Undead. This creates a conflict between those who wish to preserve the flame and those who wish to let it fade naturally. Their existence highlights the cyclical nature of Lordran’s history. As the fire weakens, their influence grows stronger, manifesting as invaders in other worlds. They are not merely enemies but symbols of the inevitable end that awaits all things when the light finally succumbs to shadow.

In Their Own Story

The cold air bit at your skin as you descended into Sen's Fortress. The torchlight flickered, casting long shadows against the stone walls. Suddenly, a figure materialized from the gloom, clad in dark armor that seemed to absorb the surrounding light. There was no warning shout, only the sound of steel sliding from a sheath. The intruder moved with silent grace, eyes glowing faintly red within the hood. You felt a sudden chill, not from the air, but from your very soul—a sensation of something being pulled away. The Darkwraith raised a hand inscribed with cursed runes, and you knew too late that this was no ordinary duel. It was a harvest.

Reader's Guide

The Darkwraiths operate as a shadowy faction within Lordran, dedicated to opposing the cycle of linking the First Flame. Unlike the Chosen Undead, who seek to prolong the Age of Fire, these hunters embrace the inevitable return of darkness. Their primary objective is to track down bearers of the Dark Sigil and harvest their humanity using the cursed Dark Hand. Led by the mysterious figure known as Kaathe, they believe that the light is a lie and that humanity belongs in the dark. They are often found patrolling high-security areas like Sen's Fortress or lurking within the deep roots of the world. In gameplay terms, they represent an invasive force, entering other Undead worlds to steal resources and challenge their resolve. While initially hostile, understanding their purpose reveals a deeper truth about the world’s cycle. They are not merely monsters but agents of change who seek to end Gwyn's age of artificial light. Joining them offers an alternative path, allowing one to embrace the hollow state and usher in a new era where humanity reigns supreme once more.

Did You Know?

• They are the only faction that actively invades player worlds specifically to steal humanity.
• Unlike later titles, there is no specific 'Darkwraith Armor Set' in Dark Souls 1; NPC invaders wear varied gear while players don their own equipment.
• They are intrinsically linked to the Dark Sigil curse found on certain Undead.
• Kaathe appears in the Darkroot Garden only if Frampt is killed, offering the path of the Darkwraith rather than waiting for those who already possess the curse.