You can take cover behind the numerous trees within the lake, but before you do any exploring, you can use the ballista's giant arrows to unlock a hidden entrance that leads to the Old King's Antechamber bonfire - and the Speckled Stoneplate Ring.Įnter Smouldering Lake from the Abandoned Tomb bonfire, but don't walk into the water. Once you reach Smouldering Lake, there will be a ballista raining arrows down onto you. The hanging bridge becomes a ladder that leads to Smouldering Lake, just beyond the Abandoned Tomb bonfire. If the bridge didn't collapse under the weight of the skeletons that chase you onto it, you can cut it down with a swing of your weapon. In the Catacombs of Carthus, there's a creaking wooden bridge that leads to the High Lord Wolnir boss fight.
There's also a Crystal Lizard on the path you'll take out of here, to your left if you're facing the dragon at the end of the bridge. When you arrive on the far side of the bridge, you'll see Crystal Lizards in the distance, as well as some souls to pillage. Follow that around, and you'll find a hidden area filled with goodies (and a few enemies). Instead, walk off a broken patch of railing that abuts the tower.
The hidden areaįrom the bridge where you fight the Stray Demon, head back as if you were returning to the bonfire. There's a hidden area where you can grab more items just on the other side of the bridge. Give the latter to Ludleth of Courland in Firelink Shrine to create Havel's Ring, which boosts your equip load, or Boulder Heave, a pyromancy that, well, lets you puke boulders.ĭon't return to where you came from just yet. Then get in, swing away and get the heck out of there.ĭefeat the Stray Demon, and you'll earn 5,000 souls and the Soul of a Stray Demon. If you have ranged weapons, they come in particularly handy against this boss, because they allow you to stay far away from his giant club.Įither way you fight the Stray Demon, stay away from it unless and until it's time to strike. He's huge, and he's a monster, but if you time your rolls right, you can roll right into (and therefore through) many of his attacks. Back in the room with the Old Wolf of Farron and the bonfire, take the elevator up and prepare for a fight with the Stray Demon, an optional boss.