DEF SK Ring of 'The Dead' factioning

[TrevarianX]

As a current 52 Dark Elf Shadow Knight on Green, I've set upon raising faction with 'The Dead' in order to recharge 'The Ring of the Dead' through Xantis Ixtax in Neriak. After reading up on threads here and wiki, I began slaughtering Hondo Hyzill the Gnome outside Ak'Anon. I do receive faction increase messages each time from The Dead, but after intermittently checking in with Xantis, and beginning with Amiable faction, well over 100 kills has yet to improve faction standing to even Kindly. Even if Zondo is only worth a +5 faction, based upon the wiki mechanics, I should have broken through Amiable.

Is there perhaps a DEF SK or other Race/Class that has achieved Warmly faction standing with The Dead that can provide insight? Should I continue this course or try another route? I may provide updates here if my faction quest progresses. Thanks in advance!

Hergar