I'm loving having to work everything out, it feels really good to poke around.

Useful.  Is that before or after the boss is done though, I've seen one like that after killing it?

Anyway, I've started drawing a map (!) and have explored a few more corners, with a few points I can't get through cos gates and whatnot.  I've got a which I don't know what it opens (is there a way to see which keys you're holding?), but basically think I've got to beat a boss that's basically whooping my ass (struggling to even get him half way down).  So that's all a bit sad.  Not quite sure how to handle him.

(Aha - just had thought on the key.  And may attempt range rather than melee...)

acemuzzy wrote:

Useful.  Is that before or after the boss is done though, I've seen one like that after killing it?

On that vid I posted it's on the right of the screen in the first couple of seconds. I'm pretty sure I've seen them just before other bosses too.

Gah had him quite low, but no cigar.  Learning his tells is the key, but even then it's pretty hard.  Hmmmmmm.

JonB wrote:

I realise now how you can tell when you're about to walk into a boss encounter, so probably always looking nearby for a sanctuary first.

Spoiler:

Those candelabra with candles that are half lit.

To add to the spoiler, the more red candles are lit the more you should run away for now.

So yes, this candle thing is quite a smart system.

Went back to QoS and only 3 candles lit now - it was pretty easy.

I reckon if half the candles are lit you're about the right level, any more than that and it's probably best to leave it till later.

Might try boosting my defence a bit as I'm only using light armour. Used all my black pearls though. Got one of the other type of pearl too but no idea how it comes into play!

I just managed to find my way into a new area: but got my arse kicked pretty swiftly and lost quite a lot of souls salt.

JonB wrote:

You need those to erase skills and re-select them.

As for changing gods in the sanctuaries.

Spoiler:

There is at least an item that allows you to change other sanctuaries to fit your current alignment, although I still don't know how you can change your alignment back.

JonB wrote:

Yes, I got that impression. Just saw one with all the candles lit and thought better of it.

3rd boss down this morning. Here it is:

Spoiler:

Realised I need to pay more attention to equip load from now on - I've been rolling heavy, which is probably why I'm struggling with the timing on those dodges.

Also, the key from that boss has led to something interesting:

Spoiler:

the obelisks are now in play.

I've killed that guy but no obelisk action yet, need to explore that. Also do we know what levelling up your religio does? The Three for life.

I think I'll get this for the weekend. Looks and sounds delightful.

So anyway I'm at a tough boss, which is probably the one you were talking about earlier @acemuzzy:

Candles lit = more people have completed the boss = easier. Saw that in the 20 minutes of gameplay that sold this to me.

As much as this game nicks from Dark Souls (and some of it is basically plagiarism), quite a few of the best ideas are its own. The candle thing, for one, but also the sanctuaries, and the skill tree, which is a more interesting way of leveling up than in Souls IMO. I also like the little touch with the bosses where it marks on their health bar your previous best attempt, so you can see when you've done better.

acemuzzy wrote:

I thought that was making we you reclaim you salt?

Maybe that as well? I dunno, I'm pretty sure the mark was my last attempt went south.