Question About Thorned Armor

I read that in order to get Kirk to appear as a black phantom in Demon Ruins, you have to give the lord vessel to Kingseeker Frampt. That is a problem for me, considering I'd like to become a Darkwraith, and therefore, I'd need to give it to Kaathe.

Can anyone confirm that giving the lordvessel to Kaathe would also trigger Kirk to appear in Demon Ruins?

I've fought him as a darkwraith so I don't think frampt and kaathe have anything to do with it. Just be human and head into demon ruins after taking him out in the depths he should appear! =D

Alright, thanks. : D

The thorn armor is imperative to my current build, and I'd hate to screw up my character of something as silly as that.

Double D! Sorry just like your avatar

What rooster said! man nostalgia is a heady brew....
I think all that is significant is that you have handed in the lordsvessel. (and im not even 100% that that is needed)

I can say that one my NG++ (latest playthrough), he did not appear until I had placed the Lordvessel, so that part is probably essential. He also definitely appeared there when I gave the Lordvessel to Kaathe (which was a NG), so you're safe: you just need to beat the Four Kings.

Frampt is not required, if you can reach the area human he can invade you. Provided the boss is alive of course. So get your Ddark Wraith on Double D.

All that is required is that you've lifted the gold fog gates by placing the Lordvessel. You can reach the area where he spawns before having placed the vessel, but he won't show up (same for Leeroy in the Tomb of Giants, by the way). Doesn't have to be with either serpent specifically, can even be neither if you just jump down the hole, but you need to have placed the Lordvessel. So, in your case, go kill the 4 Kings now, place the Lordvessel with Kaathe, then return to the Demon Ruins (in human form) and he'll show up.

You die if you just jump down without speaking to frampt i thought? This was a problem for me my second playthrough, i just had to defeat the 4kings and place the lord vessal that way.

You don't die. Maybe you die if you jump down before you have the vessel? I usually go through Kaathe, but when I speed run I just jump right down, never had any problems.