Covenants

Covenants are factions within Dark Souls that players may join. Covenants can be joined by making an oath with an NPC, who is also often the covenant leader. Players are rewarded for following the rules of the covenant and punished if they break them.

Which covenant players choose to join can affect on their online experience. If a player breaks the rules of their covenant, it will count as a sin.

Blade of the Darkmoon

The Blades of the Darkmoon, a PvP-focused covenant, are the disciples of Dark Sun Gwyndolin who hunt sinners as blue phantoms.


Blade of the Darkmoon

The Blades of the Darkmoon, a PvP-focused covenant, are the disciples of Dark Sun Gwyndolin who hunt sinners as blue phantoms.

Overview

The Blade of the Darkmoon covenant is found within a secret passage in the Darkmoon Tomb of Anor Londo. Members of this covenant use the powers of Gwyndolin to invade the worlds of guilty or indicted players as blue phantoms known as Spirits of Vengeance. The Book of the Guilty, sold by Oswald of Carim, lists players who can be invaded by Blades of the Darkmoon. There are two methods of invasion:

A successful invasion rewards the invader with a Souvenir of Reprisal that can be used to increase one's rank within the covenant. Unlike the Darkwraith and Forest Hunter covenants, Blade of the Darkmoon members cannot be indicted for their invasions.

Benefits

Joining

To become a Blade of the Darkmoon:

  1. Before accessing the covenant, the player must be able to remove an illusory statue of Lord Gwyn that blocks the path to Gwyndolin. There are two different ways to remove the statue:
    • Equipping the Darkmoon Seance Ring, found in The Catacombs.
    • Killing Gwynevere, but Gwyndolin will be hostile to the player until they receive absolution.
  2. The covenant is located in the Darkmoon Tomb, reached by lowering the spiral tower in Anor Londo to the lowest level. Approaching the Gwyn statue with either of the two previous conditions met reveals the path.
  3. As long as Gwyndolin is alive and non-hostile, kneeling on the mat in front of the fog gate will have Gwyndolin give the choice of joining the covenant.

Covenant Rank

Offer a Souvenir of Reprisal to Gwyndolin to level up in the covenant.
Rank Offerings Reward(s)*
+0 0 Blue Eye Orb and Darkmoon Blade Covenant Ring
+1 10 Darkmoon Blade and Darkmoon Talisman
+2 30 Stronger damage buff from Darkmoon Blade
+3 80 Stronger damage buff from Darkmoon Blade

*Each reward can only be granted once per character.

Abandoning

If the player abandons the covenant, the number of offerings made to the covenant will be halved (lowering their rank within the covenant appropriately). The Blue Eye Orb and Darkmoon Blade cannot be used until rejoining the covenant.

If the player enters Gwyndolin's fog gate, they will be expelled from the covenant (acquiring PvP sin) and receive all the consequences of abandoning the covenant as well.

Killing Gwynevere or the Lady of the Darkling while being a member of the covenant will not count as betrayal. However, killing Gwynevere makes Gwyndolin hostile and unable to be spoken with until the player receives absolution.

Notes

Chaos Servant

This covenant is mostly for PvE and role-playing purposes. For PvE, this is the only covenant that can open a shortcut to access a part of the game earlier and can save Solaire of Astora on his quest, making him available to summon in the final boss fight.

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Quelaag's Sister

Description

After the Bed of Chaos incident, the daughters of the Witch of Izalith are scattered. Quelaag and one of her sisters came to Blighttown and settled there. The natives who serve them are called the Chaos Servants. The natives were infected with the Blight pus, but Quelaag's Sister swallowed it all, even though Quelaag ordered her not to, making her sick in the process. She was made Firekeeper to keep her alive and the Chaos Servants help their Fair Lady by feeding her humanity to alleviate the pain.

Overview

This covenant is mostly for PvE and role-playing purposes. For PvE, this is the only covenant that can open a shortcut to access a part of the game earlier and can save an NPC on his quest, making him available to summon in the final boss fight. Joining this covenant and ranking up in it also makes some Chaos Pyromancies available, in addition to the shortcut between Demon Ruins and Lost Izalith. For role-playing purposes, giving Humanities to the Fair Lady makes her healthier (this is only a cosmetic effect). The game even tracks the Humanity given to the Fair Lady as a kind of game score, available to see with the Servant Roster.

Requirements

Quelaag's Sister is still alive.

How to Join

  1. Proceed to Quelaag's Domain, pass the Chaos Witch Quelaag boss area, and go down the stairs
  2. Pass the lever for the second bell and proceed down another set of stairs
  3. Once down those, walk almost directly across the room, over the green plate, and to an illusory wall. Hit the wall to reveal a hidden passage. Seek Guidance can be used to show a developer message pointing at the wall
  4. Go through the passage and either kill or talk to the Egg Carrier NPC called Eingyi who is blocking the path; covenant membership will not be affected by his demise, but he can prove a useful vendor. Answer with "Yes" to his question, and he will move out of the way. Reloading the game will make him pose the question again, should you accidentally answer "No"
  5. Talk to Quelaag's Sister. Note that the Old Witch's Ring is not needed to access the covenant, although she will only say "…?"

Benefits

Covenant Level

Exchange Humanity (stat) to level up in the covenant

Level Required humanities Reward
+0 0 Great Chaos Fireball
+1 10 None
+2 30 Chaos Storm and Shortcut from Demon Ruins to Lost Izalith
+3 80 none

Betrayal Penalties

Notes

Bugs

Darkwraith

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

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Darkwraith Covenant

Covenant - not to be confused with the Darkwraith Enemy

Description

Darkwraiths harness the power of the Dark Soul found in each human. Continuing the plan of the Furtive Pygmy and led by Darkstalker Kaathe, members of the Darkwraith covenant aim to be the new Dark Lord, to herald the Age of Dark.

Overview

Joining this covenant allows the player to conduct invasions as a red-black Dark Spirit, a.k.a. "Black Phantom". Restricted to Darkwraiths, the Red Eye Orb allows for infinite invasions in every multiplayer area of the game, making it a very desirable item for PvP. An infinite supply of single-use invasion items (Cracked Red Eye Orbs) will also become available for purchase, which can be used by any player regardless of covenant. An armor set and weapons are also obtained by joining and ranking up.

Requirements

Darkstalker Kaathe is available and not hostile. To gain access to Kaathe:

How to Join

  1. Acquire the Covenant of Artorias
  2. Acquire the Key to the Seal:
  3. Open the floodgate, then proceed to fight The Four Kings in The Abyss. Equip the Covenant of Artorias
  4. Talk to Darkstalker Kaathe. The option to join the covenant becomes available if the player does not currently possess Lordvessel. If the Lordvessel has been acquired, Kaathe will take the player to Firelink Altar to place it before offering to join the covenant. Don't forget to rest at the bonfire.
  5. At this point in the Firelink Altar, there are two options:
  6. Talk to Darkstalker Kaathe again, he'll offer an entry to the covenant

Benefits

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Covenant Level

Exchange Humanity (stat) to level up in the covenant.

Level Humanity Offered Reward Dark Hand absorb efficiency
+0 0 Dark Hand Up to 1 Humanity per use
+1 10 Red Eye Orb Up to 3 Humanities per use
+2 30 Dark Sword and Dark Set Up to 5 Humanities per use
+3 80 - Up to 10 Humanities per use

Betrayal Penalties

Notes

When joined through the Homeward trick, Kingseeker Frampt will remain available, however placing the Lordvessel for Frampt will make Darkstalker Kaathe leave for the current playthrough without breaking the covenant. Keep invading with Red Eye Orb or make sure to stock up on Cracked Red Eye Orbs before Kaathe leaves.

Forest Hunter

The Forest Hunters, led by Alvina, protect the grave of Sir Artorias and the surrounding forest graves.

Alvina
 

Description

The Forest Hunters, led by Alvina, protect the grave of Sir Artorias and the surrounding forest graves. They do it by invading the intruder's own world and hunting them down. Members are like family, betraying one of them means betraying the entire family. Their organization seems to be divided by clans. Shiva is a captain of one of such clans.

Overview

This covenant is focused for players who want group PvP. Joining the covenant allows players to invade others in the Forest area of Darkroot Garden by using the Cat Covenant Ring. Two Forest Hunter members may invade at the same time and team up to battle the world's host and their summoned phantoms.1 The fixed invasion area and easy, early-game access results in a high concentration of online players and frequent multiplayer activity. Successfully killing an intruding host will award a random upgrade materials and a couple miscellaneous items. A merchant and a couple items from Alvina will become accessible to members of the covenant as well.

Requirements

Alvina is accessible and not hostile.

How to Join

  1. Gain access to Alvina's location in Darkroot Garden:
  2. Talk to Alvina and answer "Yes" to all of her questions to join the covenant.

Benefits

Covenant Level

Level up in the covenant by killing the intruders of Alvina's forest
Level Number of Invaders Killed Reward
+0 0 Cat Covenant Ring
+0 1 Divine Blessing
+0 3 Ring of Fog
+1 10 None
+2 30 None
+3 80 None

Betrayal Penalties

Notes

Gravelord Servant

Servants of Gravelord Nito, the First of the Dead. They serve their master by spreading disaster to their neighboring worlds through the use of Eyes of Death.

Description

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Gravelord Servant

The Gravelord Servant covenant is under the dominion of Gravelord Nito, the First of the Dead. They serve their master by spreading disaster to their neighboring worlds through the use of Eyes of Death.

Overview

The purpose of this covenant is to infect other players' worlds with extra enemies, known as Gravelord Black Phantoms, while also inviting those players to invade the Gravelord Servant's world.

This works by enabling the use of the Eye of Death after joining the covenant. Upon use, an Eye of Death will send a Gravelord soul sign to three other players within co-op range whose worlds are connected to the host's.
The infected world will spawn numerous Gravelord Black Phantoms, but only in NG+ or beyond.
Up to three infected players can use the soul sign to invade the Gravelord Servant as Spirits of Vengeance. Killing the Servant removes the extra enemies from all affected players' worlds.
A weapon and miracles are also available from the covenant.

Requirements

Gravelord Nito must still be alive for joining. To access his coffin, the possession of at least one Eye of Death is needed.

How to Join

  1. Have at least one Eye of Death. Three Eyes of Death can be found behind the Prowling Demon in The Catacombs
  2. Near the same Prowling Demon, there's a coffin which can be interacted with. Nestle in the coffin and a cutscene will start after waiting for about 30 seconds1
  3. Upon arrival in the Tomb of the Giants, look for Gravelord Nito's sarcophagus.2
  4. Interact with it to join the covenant.

Benefits

Covenant Level

Exchange Eye of Death to level up in the covenant.
Level Required Eyes of Death Reward Gravelord Miracles' strength
+0 0 Gravelord Sword, Gravelord Sword Dance +0
+1 10 Gravelord Greatsword Dance +0.1*MagAdjust
+2 30 Increases Gravelord miracles' damage +0.2*MagAdjust
+3 80 Increases Gravelord miracles' damage +0.3*MagAdjust

Betrayal Penalties

Notes

Path of The Dragon

Covenant of apostles worshipping the ancient dragons. They seek Dragon Scales to present to the last Everlasting Dragon for the purpose of transcending life itself.

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Path of the Dragon

Description

Covenant of apostles worshipping the ancient dragons. They seek Dragon Scales scattered across the world and present them to the sole surviving descendant of the Everlasting Dragons for the purpose of transcending life itself, supposedly attainable by transforming into an ancient dragon.

Overview

This covenant is mostly useful for collecting Dragon Scales to upgrade dragon weapons while enjoying PvP duels, and for obtaining and strengthening unique dragon metamorphosis items. Members are provided with a PvP item that allows them to challenge other players to duels, with Dragon Scales being awarded to the winner.

Requirements

There are no requirements for joining.

How to Join

Pray to the Stone Dragon at the end of the long path in Ash Lake. — Video Guide

Benefits

Covenant Level

Exchange Dragon Scales to level up in this covenant
Level Required Dragon Scales Reward
+0 0 Dragon Eye, Dragon Head Stone
+1 10 Stronger flame for Dragon Head Stone
+2 30 Dragon Torso Stone, stronger flame for Dragon Head Stone
+3 80 Stronger flame for Dragon Head Stone, Stronger buff for Dragon Torso Stone

Duel Rules

For members

For non-members

Unofficial Gathering Place

Although the Dragon Eye can be placed in various places, the areas most people place it in are:

Princess's Guard

The guardians of Gwynevere, Princess of Sunlight. They have received blessings from the princess herself, so that they may aid each other.

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Princess's Guard

Description

The guardians of Gwynevere, Princess of Sunlight. They have received blessings from the princess herself, so that they may aid each other.

Overview

This covenant is mostly for co-op purposes, with an additional focus on support miracles (in contrast to the Warrior of Sunlight covenant). Joining the Princess's Guard will allow the player to use two unique defensive miracles. The player will also receive a ring that boosts miracle synergy.

Requirements

Gwynevere, Princess of Sunlight is still alive

How to Join

After defeating Dragon Slayer Ornstein & Executioner Smough, proceed to the bonfire above the boss room and talk to Gwynevere, Princess of Sunlight, who can be found behind the closed doors next to the bonfire.

Benefits

Covenant Level

There are no levels in this covenant

Betrayal Penalties

Notes

Warrior of Sunlight

The Warriors of Sunlight are the followers of the firstborn of the Great Lord Gwyn. They harness the power of sunlight, manifested as lightning powers.

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Warrior of Sunlight

Description

The Warriors of Sunlight are the followers of the firstborn of the Great Lord Gwyn. They harness the power of sunlight, manifested as lightning powers.

Overview

This covenant is mostly for co-op purposes, with an additional focus on attack Miracles (contrast the Princess's Guard). Joining this covenant allows the player to be summoned as a Gold Phantom for cooperative play. Joining and ranking up will give the player access to several offensive miracles. Higher priority matchmaking on the network also facilitates a higher success rate of co-op summons, and a reduced risk of invasions.

Requirements

25 Faith is required for joining. The requirement, however, can be lowered by 5 for each area boss cleared while being summoned as a white phantom.

For example, if 4 bosses are defeated as white phantom, only 5 Faith will be the new requirement (25 - (4x5)) to join the Warrior of Sunlight.

How to Join

Pray at the Altar of Sunlight, which is located next to the bonfire below the Hellkite Dragon in the Undead Parish.

Benefits

Covenant Level

Exchange Sunlight Medals at the Altar of Sunlight to level up in the covenant

Level Medals Reward
+0 0 Lightning Spear
+1 10 Great Lightning Spear, can offer Soul of Gwyn for Sunlight Spear
+2 30
+3 80

Betrayal Penalties

Notes

Way of White

Members of the Way of White are the followers of Great Lord Gwyn, and seek to kindle bonfires in order to sustain the power of the gods.

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Way of White

Description

Members of the Way of White are the followers of Great Lord Gwyn, and seek to kindle bonfires in order to sustain the power of the gods.

Overview

This covenant is primarily designed for new players, as joining this covenant is possible as soon as they arrive in Firelink Shrine. Members are drawn closer to each other on the network, which results in a lower chance of invasions and an increased chance of co-op. The Knight and Cleric classes are pre-aligned to this covenant.

Requirements

Petrus of Thorolund or Rhea of Thorolund is still alive and not hostile

How to Join

Talk to Petrus of Thorolund in Firelink Shrine

or

Talk to Rhea of Thorolund in front of the altar in Undead Parish after she has been rescued from Tomb of the Giants

Benefits

Covenant Level

There are no levels in this covenant

Betrayal Penalties

There are no betrayal penalties

Notes

Convenants

Covenant Betrayals

There are two different ways to be punished for leaving or breaking a covenant. One is less severe and merely halves your offerings to that covenant. Even when that occurs, you can freely rejoin that covenant without issue.1

Action Betrayal Type Penalty Sin
Leaving a Covenant
(with or without Oswald)
Soft Betrayal Covenant offerings are halved, and rank is reduced accordingly Not a sin
Getting kicked out of a Covenant Hard Betrayal Covenant offerings are eradicated to 0 1 point of PvP Sin obtained (identical to being indicted once)
Also toggles PvE Sin to the "on" position, Absolution will fix if covenant leader is still available

It is only possible to be kicked out of four specific covenants: The Blade of the Darkmoon, Chaos Servant, Forest Hunter, and Princess's Guard covenants.

Covenant Restricted Items

Some items obtained from (or relating to) covenants can be used regardless of your current membership. The following, however, require an active membership to use:

Item Covenant Required
Blue Eye Orb Blade of the Darkmoon
Darkmoon Blade Covenant Ring Blade of the Darkmoon
Darkmoon Blade Blade of the Darkmoon
Cat Covenant Ring Forest Hunter
Eye of Death Gravelord Servant
Red Eye Orb Darkwraith
Bountiful Sunlight Princess's Guard
Soothing Sunlight Princess's Guard
Sunlight Spear Warrior of Sunlight

Notes