Dark Souls (Project Dark) - October 4, 2011

[quote name='io']Wait, I need to do that. You saying you need the 20,000 to get into that area? Is this the "hidden" bonfire by that locked door with the blue glowing dealie in it? Is that what you open with the 20,000? I was confused because earlier people were talking about joining some covenant to get access to a door and I thought that was it.

Plus, also there's a path beyond the bonfire and I haven't gone down there yet (there's a white mist there, with the 4 plant guys that jump you in the little side room with a treasure). What's down in that white mist area? Is that where the crystal golem things are and something off in the distance that shoots magic at you? The Hydra maybe? I saw it up close in Ash Lake (from swamp -> Hollow). I take ie the hydra is in two places then - or at least you see it from two different areas.

I gave up on the Cloranthy ring because I didn't find it in the Hollow (found lots of shards though). I got cursed so easily there and not only did I lose a lot of souls and humanity, I had to make my way all the way back to the bell tower and grind for 3000 to get the curse removed.

I guess I can grind the plant guys for a while near that door - I used quite a few of the purple mosses they drop when I was down in the swamps, and I'll have to go back there again for Quelaag. I'd also like to get my faith limit reduced for Solaire's covenant. So far I've helped on 2 bosses, so I'm at 40. But my faith is only 14...

As for weapons, I have taken to switching to swords occasionally but I can only use Astora's right now. I'll have to grind some levels to get my strength to 16 for Drake I guess. That takes like 6000-7000 now, though. So I suppose I should get the 20K first, then get to where I can farm the 7K per shot, then level up some more. I take it that Flash Sweat spell will help against Quelaag, too, right? How does the effect work - is it on constantly (till you die or rest), or does it wear off after a while?[/QUOTE]

Ok, so the first thing you can do is go to "Oswald of Carim." He is on the top of the tower where the Bell Gargoyles were. He sells a Purging Stone that will cure curse. Next, go to Firelink Shrine, through the Undead Burg, and go into the last tower that leads up/down. Go to the very bottom where you fought that fat guy in that heavy armor (Havel). Out that door is where there are 4 crystal Golems and a huge Hydra in that lake. Go down to your left and go down to that small cave where the black knight was; there's a bonfire there. If you need humanity, I found that you can do the trick where you run up to the stairs from the bonfire to that red dragon, and just run out about 2 feet (2 inches on your screen) and then go back down the stairs--that will trigger the dragon to breathe his fire and kill the zombies. Sometimes this gives you humanity. Once you save up 2, you can kindle the fire in the Gollumn Area (called Darkroot Basin). From there, I would run around there and make the golems go into the path of the Hydra's blast. It's tricky and you get hurt a lot, but you can normally get all 4 golems killed and gain 800 souls for all 4. If you die, no biggy, just run and grab them fast before you try to kill the golems.

Once you have 20K souls, be very careful not to die and lose them. Make your way back to firelink, then go up past the Saint guy to the elevator. Run straight out of the elevator and go down the stairs in the tower at the end of that long walkway (there'll be some zombies there, kill them). Go down to the blacksmith and buy the amulet for 20K souls. Next, go down the stairs where that Tritanite demon was, and out into that are with the tree guys.

Go down to that area with the huge door with the glowing white ball. You can now open it. Immediately to your left, there's a breakable wall with a bonfire. You can kindle this if you have enough humanity (just told you where to farm that). Inside that large door by the bonfire, there's the area called Darkroot Garden. Run around the woods to your left (remember where you came out, you need to eventually end up back at those stairs). Run around the woods and make the guys chase you back to the stairs; run just to the right of the stairs and wait there. The AI is really stupid and will run up the stairs and jump off, over you, to their death. Sometimes they land on the little ledge with you, so be prepared to lock on and possibly hit back. Sometimes you need to simply hold your shield and they will hit you and bounce off and fall to their death. If you die there, don't panic, you'll spawn back at the bonfire and you'll be able to retrieve your souls with no problem.

As for that smoke area further to the left of the large door and bonfire, I don't know yet--I didn't go that far :)

EDIT: Sorry for not answering some of your other questions. I pretty much just killed the Bell Gargoyles, plus the Capra Demon, and have been trying to grind up a little so the rest won't be too painful. I also want to try to join some fights and try to get some of theses Covenents out of the way.
 
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Decent night although it didn't start that way. Had 2 with me in Anor's tower; got invaded & killed the person as the got off their last fireball and killed me. Smooth sailing after that though. That boss battle is definitely easier with 2 or 3 people.

Just curious, but where is the white light in Anor's for summoning?
 
So that's where that door comes out by Havel, I went out once while Havel was chasing me and saw that I was in the Garden, but he killed me really quick and I hadn't been back.

I just did the dragon's fire kill trick (pop up, pop down and the dragon burns them) until I had 20K souls.
 
[quote name='guardian_owl']I just did the dragon's fire kill trick (pop up, pop down and the dragon burns them) until I had 20K souls.[/QUOTE]

That is f'n painful. I was doing that, killing the knights and anything else that was in my way - rats, other undead, etc....far too tedious. That and simply running from the firelink in front of Sens down to the garden yields 400 if you kill the plants. If you start there I found you can get more by killing all the knights (and faster) than doing the dragon run, but you can add that in there as well. At least 2k per run.
 
[quote name='jmbreci']That is f'n painful. I was doing that, killing the knights and anything else that was in my way - rats, other undead, etc....far too tedious. That and simply running from the firelink in front of Sens down to the garden yields 400 if you kill the plants. If you start there I found you can get more by killing all the knights (and faster) than doing the dragon run, but you can add that in there as well. At least 2k per run.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I find the dragon roasting pretty tedious. I think I'll grind out my 20K by just doing the plants in Darkroot Garden. There's that hidden bonfire that is really convenient, plus the plants drop lots of poison healing items, so there's that bonus. I could never get the things dropped by the guys on the bridge because they'd be too far out where the dragon could get you on a second pass.

I also have a few large souls of Proud Knights or something like that from my trips down to lower Blighttown. I'm not sure how much they are worth, but after I get 10K or so, maybe I'll just cash those in. None of those regular souls are good for anything other than consuming, right?
 
[quote name='io']Yeah, I find the dragon roasting pretty tedious. I think I'll grind out my 20K by just doing the plants in Darkroot Garden. There's that hidden bonfire that is really convenient, plus the plants drop lots of poison healing items, so there's that bonus. I could never get the things dropped by the guys on the bridge because they'd be too far out where the dragon could get you on a second pass.

I also have a few large souls of Proud Knights or something like that from my trips down to lower Blighttown. I'm not sure how much they are worth, but after I get 10K or so, maybe I'll just cash those in. None of those regular souls are good for anything other than consuming, right?[/QUOTE]

Well, you do need them for upgrading weapons and armor... But since I got the 20K souls and got to the farming area, I'm up to level 44 now. This darkroot garden really is the sweet spot. I'm trying to get enough souls to buy all the stuff from the mage now. I got all the spells and I'm going to buy those two rings he has. Then I'm off to the catacombs to try to find that chick.
 
[quote name='jh6269']Well, you do need them for upgrading weapons and armor... But since I got the 20K souls and got to the farming area, I'm up to level 44 now. This darkroot garden really is the sweet spot. I'm trying to get enough souls to buy all the stuff from the mage now. I got all the spells and I'm going to buy those two rings he has. Then I'm off to the catacombs to try to find that chick.[/QUOTE]

Wait, you use the "proud knight" souls and stuff for upgrading!? That's a huge change from Demon's Souls then - you only used bosses souls to get spells and such (with maybe one or two exceptions for weapons).

I mean, I know you pay some souls for all upgrades, but do you actually need to use the souls you find for them? I thought it was just shards + some money (ie, souls). But not the actual "proud knight" and "nameless soldier" and all that... I thought those were just for cashing in for souls when needed.
 
[quote name='io']Wait, you use the "proud knight" souls and stuff for upgrading!? That's a huge change from Demon's Souls then - you only used bosses souls to get spells and such (with maybe one or two exceptions for weapons).

I mean, I know you pay some souls for all upgrades, but do you actually need to use the souls you find for them? I thought it was just shards + some money (ie, souls). But not the actual "proud knight" and "nameless soldier" and all that... I thought those were just for cashing in for souls when needed.[/QUOTE]

Only souls you use for upgrading are boss souls.

The rest are consumed for currency.
 
[quote name='io']Wait, you use the "proud knight" souls and stuff for upgrading!? That's a huge change from Demon's Souls then - you only used bosses souls to get spells and such (with maybe one or two exceptions for weapons).

I mean, I know you pay some souls for all upgrades, but do you actually need to use the souls you find for them? I thought it was just shards + some money (ie, souls). But not the actual "proud knight" and "nameless soldier" and all that... I thought those were just for cashing in for souls when needed.[/QUOTE]

Sorry, I read your post wrong.... I thought you meant regular souls are only for upgrading your level. It's the same as Demon's Souls, you use boss souls for weapon upgrades, and those nameless souls and stuff are basically for keeping a stock of souls that you won't lose when you die.
 
[quote name='jh6269']Sorry, I read your post wrong.... I thought you meant regular souls are only for upgrading your level. It's the same as Demon's Souls, you use boss souls for weapon upgrades, and those nameless souls and stuff are basically for keeping a stock of souls that you won't lose when you die.[/QUOTE]

Right, which is why I tend to not use them - want to save them for when I might get stuck somewhere and need a quick upgrade. However, to unlock that 7K per shot area quickly I may consume a few to get the 20K for the door faster. I think I'm going to do this now, actually.
 
[quote name='io']Right, which is why I tend to not use them - want to save them for when I might get stuck somewhere and need a quick upgrade. However, to unlock that 7K per shot area quickly I may consume a few to get the 20K for the door faster. I think I'm going to do this now, actually.[/QUOTE]
Yeah dude, you'll be giggling like a school girl in there with how fast levels come. There is no better grind spot in the game period and I'm shocked three of them drop 2k souls because that's more than most tough enemies later on, including Black Knights. Here's a good tutorial:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9FvnipR5XI
 
[quote name='io']
Plus, also there's a path beyond the bonfire and I haven't gone down there yet (there's a white mist there, with the 4 plant guys that jump you in the little side room with a treasure). What's down in that white mist area? [/QUOTE]

If you see a path you haven't tried, just try it! That's where the fun of the game is. As long as you're not carrying a bunch of souls, what do you have to lose? (The curse basilisks only live in the Depths and the Hollow and Ash Lake as far as I know so don't worry about that.)

FYI, there's some good stuff down that path, so just go for it! Yeah you'll probably die a few times, but that hidden bonfire is right there so you won't really even have to waste time when you try again.
 
[quote name='Jodou']Yeah dude, you'll be giggling like a school girl in there with how fast levels come. There is no better grind spot in the game period and I'm shocked three of them drop 2k souls because that's more than most tough enemies later on, including Black Knights. Here's a good tutorial:

[/QUOTE]

I farmed there some last night, but I actually kill the mobs. I'll try making them suicide tonight :)

BTW, the first time I went through the forest, I think I killed more than 4 of the guardians. Pretty sure there were 2 using the fog ring. I did go the long way around since I hadn't opened the 20k door (didn't know that's where I was going at the time; I try to only look up info on areas I've already explored). Was the extra one Shiva? And he's gone now that I joined the convenant and then left it again? Also, which one is Pharis? Don't think I've seen one with a bow, so I can't get that drop...
 
[quote name='Jodou']So hey, anyone getting use out of my guide? Anything you would improve or feel needs work?[/QUOTE]

Well, I haven't read the whole thing. I'm kind of trying to fly as blind as I can through this first playthrough, then I'm probably going to hit that guide to try to get the platinum. One thing though, I skimmed it (so it may already be there), and I would like some more info on which weapons to upgrade and where to get the stuff.

Anyway, your tips about Astora's Sword and that dragon shield (then later the Drake Sword) saved me a heck of a lot of pain and suffering, so thanks! :applause:
 
[quote name='Backlash']If you see a path you haven't tried, just try it! That's where the fun of the game is. As long as you're not carrying a bunch of souls, what do you have to lose? (The curse basilisks only live in the Depths and the Hollow and Ash Lake as far as I know so don't worry about that.)

FYI, there's some good stuff down that path, so just go for it! Yeah you'll probably die a few times, but that hidden bonfire is right there so you won't really even have to waste time when you try again.[/QUOTE]

This is exactly what I love about these games; they actually make you anxious and afraid about going through a door :lol:

I really want that gold armor that Knight Lautrec of Carim has, so I'm going to try to do the quest that gets that.

Also, is Endurance what you need to upgrade to move faster in heavy armor?
 
[quote name='Backlash']BTW, the first time I went through the forest, I think I killed more than 4 of the guardians. Pretty sure there were 2 using the fog ring. I did go the long way around since I hadn't opened the 20k door (didn't know that's where I was going at the time; I try to only look up info on areas I've already explored). Was the extra one Shiva? And he's gone now that I joined the convenant and then left it again? Also, which one is Pharis? Don't think I've seen one with a bow, so I can't get that drop...[/QUOTE]
The knight is a one time deal and I've heard he's the one that drops the bow. Shiva doesn't arrive until you join Forest Hunters, but don't do that until you're done farming. My guide covers all of this BTW.[quote name='jh6269']Also, is Endurance what you need to upgrade to move faster in heavy armor?[/QUOTE]
Yes.

Also, my guide doesn't really cover upgrading weapons because it's more of a wrap-up item and the wikis cover it just fine. You can revisit any areas for farming, so it's not possible to miss anything which is the point of the guide. By my own admission, I probably added a few too many items on there that aren't really necessary for what the guide tries to accomplish. They're more like helpful hints than anything.
 
Jodou - I'll probably check it out again now that I have wrapped up Anor. That's a pain in the @ss when you throw in the Painted World as well. I need to go back and grab some items from Sen's Fortress that I left behind, including Big Hat.
 
[quote name='io']

Plus, also there's a path beyond the bonfire and I haven't gone down there yet (there's a white mist there, with the 4 plant guys that jump you in the little side room with a treasure). What's down in that white mist area? Is that where the crystal golem things are and something off in the distance that shoots magic at you? The Hydra maybe? I saw it up close in Ash Lake (from swamp -> Hollow). I take ie the hydra is in two places then - or at least you see it from two different areas.
[/QUOTE]

That white mist leads to an open area with more tree enemies and stone giants (the giants cast tranquil walk of peace, so it's best to take them out fast and alone, magic is a good things here). And that area leads to the Moonlight Butterfly boss (one of the easier bosses). There is also a ring around there somewhere, I think after the butterfly.

The path to the Hydra is actually closer to the entrance, and it's difficult to see if you aren't looking for it. Once you enter the forest and pass the first tree enemy, start looking to your right, you'll see a path. Also, the second tree enemy will come for you when you get near it, so be on the look out for that. There is no white mist that leads to the hydra. There's also a black knight and crystal gecko in that area.
 
[quote name='Jodou']The knight is a one time deal and I've heard he's the one that drops the bow. Shiva doesn't arrive until you join Forest Hunters, but don't do that until you're done farming.
[/QUOTE]

You can join, abandon and re-join the forest hunters. I joined, went down the hollow and joined the dragon covenant, and was able to farm forest guardians, and re-join the forest hunters later. Just don't attack the guardians WHILE in the covenant and you'll be fine.
 
[quote name='mang9432']You can join, abandon and re-join the forest hunters. I joined, went down the hollow and joined the dragon covenant, and was able to farm forest guardians, and re-join the forest hunters later. Just don't attack the guardians WHILE in the covenant and you'll be fine.[/QUOTE]
That lying bitch. . .I thought if you left she'd never accept you again due to their 'rules'. Good to know.
 
Yep, I already joined and then left so I could farm. Planning to rejoin at some point to get get the gift for that covenant though. If I kill players as part of being summoned for the covenant, do I get humanity from them?
 
[quote name='Backlash']If you see a path you haven't tried, just try it! That's where the fun of the game is. As long as you're not carrying a bunch of souls, what do you have to lose? (The curse basilisks only live in the Depths and the Hollow and Ash Lake as far as I know so don't worry about that.)

FYI, there's some good stuff down that path, so just go for it! Yeah you'll probably die a few times, but that hidden bonfire is right there so you won't really even have to waste time when you try again.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, those big sleeping guys are down there and they cast this spell that makes it hard to move and thus impossible to beat. Without that spell I could handle them, but with it, no way...

[quote name='ChibiJosh']That white mist leads to an open area with more tree enemies and stone giants (the giants cast tranquil walk of peace, so it's best to take them out fast and alone, magic is a good things here). And that area leads to the Moonlight Butterfly boss (one of the easier bosses). There is also a ring around there somewhere, I think after the butterfly.

The path to the Hydra is actually closer to the entrance, and it's difficult to see if you aren't looking for it. Once you enter the forest and pass the first tree enemy, start looking to your right, you'll see a path. Also, the second tree enemy will come for you when you get near it, so be on the look out for that. There is no white mist that leads to the hydra. There's also a black knight and crystal gecko in that area.[/QUOTE]

Yep, found this out last night. The thing is, no way can I take them out before they cast that spell. I can get maybe 1/10 of their HP down before they cast it. I tried magic from range too and they still slow you from there.

I had forgotten how I got to the hydra/crystal golems. But yeah, I went down that path with the gecko and knight (who I beat) a few days ago.

I was able to farm the hunter guys fairly easily, though it took me a while to figure out how far to run out. Often the magic user would stop and fire soul arrows at me while I was in the corner waiting for him to run off. But he's pretty easy to just beat up anyway so I'd just go fight him. I think I got 3 levels out of it and several spells just in 45 minutes or so last night.

Then I tried to go back to The Depths to help out with the Gaping Dragon. That actually isn't a bad soul farming area while you are waiting to be summoned - just killing rats and poison frogs. I got 2 humanity from the rats (and I don't have that ring yet and was hollow with 0 humanity banked at the time - so lowest drop rates possible). And the frogs give a lot of souls. I could fry 2 at once with fire orb and get close to 500. For some reason I get a bonus when using that. They are 200 each if I kill them with a sword but I get 482 or so if I kill 2 with a fire orb. Is there a general pyromancy soul bonus? I think I got more than 200 when just killing 1, so it isn't (just) a multiple kill bonus.

I got summoned once and I don't know how it happened but I got one-shot killed just sitting behind the dragon when it didn't even do anything. I don't know WTF that was all about. Then I didn't get summoned again. I think I need to try coop earlier in the evening so it happens more often - it was like 3am Pacific when I did it ;). Then as soon as I revive, I'm going to disconnect my Internet so I can go kindle some of the bonfires without getting invaded. It looks like you need 30 souls on hand for one of the covenants, so I'm going to stop using humanity items until I have all of those saved up.
 
[quote name='io']Yeah, those big sleeping guys are down there and they cast this spell that makes it hard to move and thus impossible to beat. Without that spell I could handle them, but with it, no way...
[/QUOTE]

As long as you're careful to pull them and fight one at a time it's not too bad. The slowness spell (Tranquil Walk of Peace) takes forever for them to cast, so you can see it coming. If they're almost dead, wail on them while they cast and they'll die before it's over. If they're not almost dead, just back out of range of the spell (it has a good range, though).

Regarding the souls earned, I heard you get a bonus for "overkilling" enemies, so if you do way more damage than needed to kill them you get a little bonus.
 
[quote name='Backlash']As long as you're careful to pull them and fight one at a time it's not too bad. The slowness spell (Tranquil Walk of Peace) takes forever for them to cast, so you can see it coming. If they're almost dead, wail on them while they cast and they'll die before it's over. If they're not almost dead, just back out of range of the spell (it has a good range, though).

Regarding the souls earned, I heard you get a bonus for "overkilling" enemies, so if you do way more damage than needed to kill them you get a little bonus.[/QUOTE]

Ah, it must be the overkilling - first time I've seen this since I just got fire orb and my pyro flame is around +6. I need to farm to get that to +10 and then buy the stuff from that person down in the swamps.

As for those knights, yeah, like I said I can knock them down maybe 1/10 - 1/5 so they are nowhere near dead when they cast. I thought it had unlimited range, though, because I got really far away and it still hit me. I even survived a whole slowness spell one time and was able to beat on him some more but then he just cast it again and I only got him to maybe half his health. Considering that I'd have to survive 2-3 more spells that just didn't seem worth the trouble. Maybe I'll try it again tonight with the Drake sword as I just got my strength to 16 via the Hunter farming. I think the problem I had before was that when battling with a spear he tends to block everything until he's opened up for an attack. And I could only get a couple "open" hits like that before he'd cast the spell. You can't go wailing on something when you fight with a spear as you have to be patient and time your attacks.
 
[quote name='io']
Maybe I'll try it again tonight with the Drake sword as I just got my strength to 16 via the Hunter farming. I think the problem I had before was that when battling with a spear he tends to block everything until he's opened up for an attack. And I could only get a couple "open" hits like that before he'd cast the spell. You can't go wailing on something when you fight with a spear as you have to be patient and time your attacks.[/QUOTE]

It will be MUCH easier with the Drake Sword. My Lightning Spear generally does more damage per hit than my main sword, but I often find myself using the sword just so I can get in more hits more quickly against enemies.

Just don't forget you can't block and hit at the same time with the sword. After I've used a spear for awhile I always take damage my first few swings with a sword until I retrain myself to actually use dodging and timing :)
 
[quote name='Backlash']It will be MUCH easier with the Drake Sword. My Lightning Spear generally does more damage per hit than my main sword, but I often find myself using the sword just so I can get in more hits more quickly against enemies.

Just don't forget you can't block and hit at the same time with the sword. After I've used a spear for awhile I always take damage my first few swings with a sword until I retrain myself to actually use dodging and timing :)[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I was having that problem too last night ;). It's almost like you might as well forget about the shield entirely and go two-handed. Doesn't the Drake get some sort of bonus that way anyway? I'm just so used to attacking with shield up though. I need to get me that lightning spear.

But I take it that means getting through Quelaag and I got so destroyed on my one attempt there I figured I was nowhere near taking that on yet.
 
[quote name='io']Yeah, I was having that problem too last night ;). It's almost like you might as well forget about the shield entirely and go two-handed. Doesn't the Drake get some sort of bonus that way anyway? I'm just so used to attacking with shield up though. I need to get me that lightning spear.

But I take it that means getting through Quelaag and I got so destroyed on my one attempt there I figured I was nowhere near taking that on yet.[/QUOTE]

All weapons get a bonus for 2-handing. It's still useful to have a shield to block with, you just have to remember to only attack when the right opportunity is there.

I'm sure you're fine to fight Quelaag since you have the Drake sword. (You might consider 2-handing it against her since you can't really block most of her attacks, btw.) Don't judge whether you're ready to fight a boss based on how quick you die; judge it on how much damage you do. If you hit the boss 10 or 12 times and only take off 5% of the health, you might not be ready. I've died instantly on so many bosses but beat them after several attempts at the same level. It's just like old-school games: you have to learn their patterns so you can dodge and live, then counter-attack.
 
Yeah general boss strategy. Run around them to hit their back. Works really well on big bosses, like Quelaag, Asylum Demon, Seath, Nito, etc.
 
Backlash - yeah, I had barely even dented her health bar before dying - and that was despite getting several hits in. I mean, I literally couldn't tell if any of it was missing, though I did see some numbers pop up so I know I was hitting.

[quote name='IRHari']Yeah general boss strategy. Run around them to hit their back. Works really well on big bosses, like Quelaag, Asylum Demon, Seath, Nito, etc.[/QUOTE]

Everything I've read said don't do that on Quelaag, though - instead, you are supposed to stand between the head and legs in the front or something. So which is it?? Clearly the back method works for Gaping Dragon though.

I guess I'll go back in there and use Flash Sweat (which I didn't have before), all my best fire resistant stuff, and the Drake Sword and see what happens. Do spell effects like Flash Sweat wear off after a short time? I'm just wondering how often I'll have to be casting it as, of course, any pauses for spells usually mean getting pummeled.
 
There is an NPC phantom you can summon for Quelaag. You have to beat the black phantom version of her first, to find her you pretty much go straight out from the waterwheel and after you defeat her, her summon sign will be right in front of the boss door.
 
You keep running around her, and eventually she'll stop rotating so she can swing at you or fire some lava or something. You could hit the side of her legs or something. Now that I think about it yeah I don't think I ever went fully behind her, just swung at the legs and that seemed to work.

I'd never really suggest phantoms, just because there may be cases where the person who needs help has NO humanity and therefore can't summon anyone since they're stuck hollowed. But yeah do flash sweat so you woin't take as much damage, and swing for the legs when she stops rotating to try to face you.

And if you can, try and do the infinite twinkling twilight/dragon scale glitch. I just started NG+, I'm doing it right now. 99 in stash, getting 99 in inventory right now.

Keep in mind you should have like 99 of the blooming purple clump or the regular purple clump, so you can do it tilll you're full of twilight:

Drop moss clump at Snuggly's nest.
Quit & Load
Drop ANOTHER moss clump
Pick up item, you'll pick up the twilight from the 1st drop
Quit & Load
Drop ANOTHER moss clump
Pick up item, you'll pick up twilight form the 2nd drop
Quit & Load
Repeat

If you want to end the cycle, get up to Quit & Load, Drop another moss clump, pick up your twilight, then pick up the original moss clump and you can come back later and the game thinks you still haven't done the trade. In case you need more moss clump or you want to use up the twilight.
 
^ Out of curiosity, is this something that will help with Quelaag in some way? A specific weapon upgrade perhaps - or are you saying to do that in general? I do have a fair amount of the regular purple clumps just from fighting those plant things to grind for the 20K souls to open the door. But I was planning on burning through those in the Swamps as I used quite a few when I was down there before, despite equipping my best poison resistant stuff.
 
It upgrades the unique weapons like Black Knight Sword. More dmg I guess if it helps. Just suggesting it in general if youre still having trouble.
 
[quote name='Backlash']Regarding the souls earned, I heard you get a bonus for "overkilling" enemies, so if you do way more damage than needed to kill them you get a little bonus.[/QUOTE]
Yep, I can confirm this because it mostly triggers from backstabs. If you one-shot something like a Silver Knight, I was getting maybe a 500 soul bonus. It's pretty nice.[quote name='io']Everything I've read said don't do that on Quelaag, though - instead, you are supposed to stand between the head and legs in the front or something. So which is it??[/QUOTE]Funny you mention that because I thought she was a complete joke until my second game where I didn't circle strafe her. She's much, much harder if you don't keep to her flank. Just keep spinning her like a top until she spews and that's when you can get your licks in. I had no idea what to do my first game, but I did that and she died so easy I was like what a joke.

And I actually don't recommend phantoms lol. Maybe it's I'm just used to the challenge but by them taking aggro can really mess up your attack plan. I like consistency and the AI can make things more difficult.
 
Just went into the depths tonight. Killed that giant rat, but then fell down some hole and couldn't find my way back to the big rats soul left lying there. Kindled fire then died. Eventually made it back to where big rat was but obviously his souls is gone. What was his drop? Please tell me it was a broken sword :)
 
[quote name='snowsquirrel']Just went into the depths tonight. Killed that giant rat, but then fell down some hole and couldn't find my way back to the big rats soul left lying there. Kindled fire then died. Eventually made it back to where big rat was but obviously his souls is gone. What was his drop? Please tell me it was a broken sword :)[/QUOTE]

The rats drop Humanity. I just mentioned that a few posts back ;).

Jodou - so lock on and circle strafe? That's how I would have handled it but that stupid Gamespot guide said not to do that - it would get you killed and that you should stand almost right in front of her (and don't back off either or she'll shoot something at you).

I dunno, when I was there, she was spewing lava all over the place so I really don't see how it can be avoided.
 
Glad to read of the progress you've made so far io. I haven't played Dark Souls in a few days because of RL stuff... but also because I'm still a little salty about New Londo Ruins lol. Been wondering pretty hard if there is any way to defend myself better in that place, but I'm starting to think shields won't help me at all. I'll probably do some heavy testing next time I play. :)

For everyone: Don't take New Londo Ruins lightly, even if you think you are strong lol. Be cautious!, but at the same time, quick on your toes because you really don't want to get outnumbered! Oh and watch your step, kinda like most areas, lol
 
Well, I beat Qualaag after about 6 tries, so that wasn't too bad.

First, since I had some banked humanity that I knew I would lose when I went in there, I revived and kindled the bonfire in the swamp. Ah, but first I disconnected my Internet so I wouldn't be griefed during all this... It sucks not having messages but that was a decent trade-off. Then I figured I might as well give that Mildred a shot. It is well worth it as she is super-easy to beat and provides you 10K souls, a weapon (a dagger of some sort maybe?), 1 banked humanity, and 3 humanity items. So far that's been the easiest loot I've gotten (barring glitches - though this was even easier than the 7K from the forest). If you are at the bonfire, just head out and she will invade. Simply back into the sewer again (so you don't have to deal with frogs, bugs, and poison) and fight her in there. A couple of bugs did get in and made it a little hairy for a second (I hate those stupid respawning/worth nothing headaches).

The 10K got me one of the pyromancies from the person in the swamp. Then I headed over to Quelaag and summoned Mildred. Mildred actually kept her pretty busy and I got her down to 1/2 in just a minute or so. But then I forgot about the rearing up attack Quelaag does so that did me in. Unfortunately that means death and thus no more summoning. So I had to go it alone and did pretty well except for I kept not evading the rearing up attack. The problem is that I was so close in attacking that I often couldn't see that happening. If you get in there quick and attack she does less of the lava spewing which is also what did me in. A few times even though I was mashing square I didn't drink the Estus flask. Sometimes the game is pretty unfair about that - once I was stanging perfectly still (so no animation was trying to finish) and my char just wouldn't drink even though I was pressing square furiously. Another time I literally had her down to one or two more hits and got wiped out - that was pretty frustrating. But just like all the reviews say, when you finally do beat a tough boss in this game you really feel like you accomplished something. Now I guess I have to look forward to that Asylum Demon :roll:.

I also was using Flash Sweat, but it is pretty useless. It wears off almost immediately and I never had time to reapply it. So I just started off with it to get a good run at her but then couldn't depend on it after that.

In any case, I'm glad I got that done. Then I finally snagged a few trophies (Chaos covenant and the second bell).

Jodou - one minor correction for your guide is that the Poison Mist pyromancy is available in the swamp on a corpse along with some pretty good armor (the Tattered set) - actually what I think is the best for dealing with the swamp itself (higher poison resistance than the black armor set which I had been using). It was over where the slug things are. But getting that pyro in the swamp saves spending 10,000 souls at the egg-head dude ;). I just stumbled upon that when I went over to the Hollow again to kindle that bonfire (with the extra banked humanity I got from Mildred).

But you were spot on with the gold-hemmed armor set. In your guide you make it sound pretty ominous to go get that but really it was pretty easy. There are no enemies along the way. At first I thought I was out of luck because Ceaseless Discharge followed me all the way back and then attacked, but got stuck right by the door. I sat there for a minute or two and he didn't continue though - he was just stuck. I started pelting him with soul arrow and finally I guess I dislodged him and he fell to his death - awesome! So, anyway, I would recommend going into that with at least some sort of ranged attack to use in case that happens.
 
[quote name='io']But you were spot on with the gold-hemmed armor set. In your guide you make it sound pretty ominous to go get that but really it was pretty easy. There are no enemies along the way. At first I thought I was out of luck because Ceaseless Discharge followed me all the way back and then attacked, but got stuck right by the door. I sat there for a minute or two and he didn't continue though - he was just stuck. I started pelting him with soul arrow and finally I guess I dislodged him and he fell to his death - awesome! So, anyway, I would recommend going into that with at least some sort of ranged attack to use in case that happens.[/QUOTE]
Yeah man, he's super easy and you don't need ranged; stop being a pussy and go melee his fist next time! :lol:
 
How to ruin your night: invade the world of the guy who killed the FL Shrine Soul Keeper, defeat him & his pack of merry men, then accidentally use the soul instead of a humanity because you are almost asleep. Way to ruin a play through. :headache:
 
[quote name='jmbreci']How to ruin your night: invade the world of the guy who killed the FL Shrine Soul Keeper, defeat him & his pack of merry men, then accidentally use the soul instead of a humanity because you are almost asleep. Way to ruin a play through. :headache:[/QUOTE]
It's really not that big of a deal heh. Her soul is just to light the fire again or be used to reinforce restus. I chose the latter and didn't miss her one bit.
 
[quote name='Jodou']Yeah man, he's super easy and you don't need ranged; stop being a pussy and go melee his fist next time! :lol:[/QUOTE]

Well, from your guide I just assumed he was way over my level so I didn't want to get right up on him in case he attacked again. I thought it was a glitch on the glitch that he got stuck there, so I'd better range him if I didn't want to get one-shot killed. Plus I had removed all my equipment since I thought that was the boss that destroyed it and I didn't want to risk pausing to put everything on in case he got loose and attacked.
 
[quote name='io']Well, from your guide I just assumed he was way over my level so I didn't want to get right up on him in case he attacked again. I thought it was a glitch on the glitch that he got stuck there, so I'd better range him if I didn't want to get one-shot killed. Plus I had removed all my equipment since I thought that was the boss that destroyed it and I didn't want to risk pausing to put everything on in case he got loose and attacked.[/QUOTE]
This is why I need to stop updating just the post and only my working copy because I had fixed that wording before. Sigh, you're right it wasn't explained like I had it before. Fixed now.
 
[quote name='Jodou']This is why I need to stop updating just the post and only my working copy because I had fixed that wording before. Sigh, you're right it wasn't explained like I had it before. Fixed now.[/QUOTE]

Well, I cut and pasted your stuff intoa Word doc so I could find it easier so I haven't seen any changes you've made in 1-2 weeks ;).

So, after Quelaag/2nd bell, I should head back to the Undead Asylum?
 
I finally beat the stupid Stray demon in the Asylum. That boss caused so much rage for me. Only good thing about it is that it's right next to a bonfire so you don't waste any time between attempts. Of course when I finally beat it the battle went smooth as silk and I didn't get touched. The other dozen attempts (at least) it killed me almost instantly as soon as I landed, or just got me into a corner and used the pink blast over and over or some other bullshit. I would not recommend killing it until much later. It doesn't really help you in any way immediately and just gives you a slab that you'd need to upgrade a weapon if you're going for platinum.
 
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