Can You Summon Knight Lautrec in Dark Souls? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you absolutely can summon Knight Lautrec of Carim in Dark Souls, but only for specific boss fights and under precise conditions. His availability as a summon hinges on your actions early in the game, specifically how you interact with him in the Undead Parish. Failing to meet these requirements will lock you out of summoning him entirely. Let’s dive deep into the specifics of summoning this enigmatic character.
Understanding Lautrec’s Summon Availability
The possibility of summoning Lautrec is tied directly to his questline and your choices. Here’s a breakdown:
Prerequisites for Summoning Lautrec
- Freeing Lautrec: You must first free Lautrec from his cell in the Undead Parish. The key is found near the female Undead Merchant.
- Speaking to Lautrec at Firelink Shrine: After freeing him, return to Firelink Shrine and speak to him. This triggers his move to the shrine and sets his summon sign availability.
- Maintaining Human Form: You must be in human form to see summon signs. Use a Humanity item and then reverse hollowing at a bonfire.
- Boss Must Be Alive: The boss you intend to summon him for must still be alive. Once the boss is defeated, summon signs disappear.
Where Can You Summon Lautrec?
Lautrec can be summoned for the following boss battles:
- Bell Gargoyles: His summon sign is located near Solaire of Astora’s, on a platform behind the ladders you climb up to reach Solaire’s sign. This is the most common and arguably most useful summoning opportunity for Lautrec.
- Gaping Dragon: Lautrec can be summoned alongside Solaire for the Gaping Dragon fight in the Depths, if you can manage to keep him alive long enough to make him help, you can make the fight much easier.
Consequences of Failing to Meet the Requirements
- Killing Lautrec Prematurely: If you kill Lautrec before talking to him at Firelink Shrine, you forfeit the chance to summon him.
- Ignoring Lautrec’s Cell: If you don’t free him, he will free himself after you defeat the Bell Gargoyles, but you will have missed the opportunity to speak to him at the Firelink Shrine.
- Accidentally Locking the Cell: If you kill Lautrec in the Undead Parish without talking to him, the cell door will be permanently locked.
Lautrec’s Role in the Game
Lautrec isn’t just a summon; he’s an integral part of the game’s narrative. After you rescue him, he repays you with a Sunlight Medal, a token of the Warrior of Sunlight Covenant. However, his story takes a dark turn when he eventually murders Anastacia of Astora, the Fire Keeper at Firelink Shrine. This act sets you on a path to avenge her, leading to an invasion of his world in Anor Londo.
The Invasion in Anor Londo
The Black Eye Orb, found in Anor Londo, vibrates in the large room before the Ornstein and Smough boss fight, indicating Lautrec’s presence. Using the orb allows you to invade his world and confront him alongside his allies. Defeating him rewards you with the Fire Keeper Soul and unlocks the ability to retrieve his armor later on.
Summoning Lautrec: Pros and Cons
Summoning Lautrec can be a double-edged sword. While he can provide valuable assistance in boss battles, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons:
Advantages:
- Increased Damage Output: Having an extra fighter can significantly boost your damage output, making tough boss fights easier.
- Distraction: Lautrec can draw the boss’s attention, giving you opportunities to heal or deal damage safely.
- Experience: Successfully summoning and keeping alive helps to improve your co-operative gameplay skills.
Disadvantages:
- Increased Boss Health: Summoning any NPC or player increases the boss’s health pool, potentially prolonging the fight.
- AI Inconsistencies: Lautrec’s AI can be unpredictable, sometimes leading to him making questionable decisions during the fight.
- Moral Implications: Some players may feel conflicted about summoning a character who will later commit a heinous act.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Summoning Lautrec
Here are some frequently asked questions about summoning Knight Lautrec in Dark Souls, designed to provide even more clarity and detail:
1. Can I summon both Solaire and Lautrec for the Bell Gargoyles?
Yes, you can! If you’ve met the prerequisites for both, their summon signs will appear near each other before the Bell Gargoyles boss fight. Solaire’s is in the tower before the boss gate and Lautrec’s is located behind the ladder.
2. What happens if I don’t free Lautrec from his cell?
If you don’t free Lautrec, he will free himself after you defeat the Bell Gargoyles. He will appear at Firelink Shrine; however, the player cannot talk to him and receive the Sunlight Medal if he escapes on his own.
3. Can I revive Anastacia after Lautrec kills her?
Yes, you can revive Anastacia. After invading and defeating Lautrec in Anor Londo, you retrieve her soul. Return to her cell at Firelink Shrine and use the soul to revive her.
4. Does Lautrec’s armor have any special properties?
Lautrec’s armor, the Armor of Favor, is notable for its light weight and decent defense. Its set bonus provides increased equip load, allowing you to carry heavier equipment without being encumbered.
5. Is Lautrec a “good” or “bad” guy in Dark Souls?
Lautrec is generally considered a supporting antagonist. While he initially appears to be a grateful and helpful character, his actions later in the game reveal his darker nature, leading to his role as an antagonist.
6. Can I fight Lautrec offline?
Yes, you can fight Lautrec offline. The invasion using the Black Eye Orb is an NPC invasion and isn’t dependent on being connected to the internet.
7. What is the purpose of the Sunlight Medal Lautrec gives me?
The Sunlight Medal is a covenant item used to increase your rank within the Warrior of Sunlight Covenant. Offering Sunlight Medals to the altar in the covenant area unlocks rewards, including miracles.
8. If I accidentally hit Lautrec at Firelink Shrine, will he become hostile?
Yes, if you attack Lautrec at Firelink Shrine, he will become hostile. You can absolve your sins with Oswald of Carim in the Undead Parish bell tower to make him non-hostile again.
9. Can I summon Lautrec for any other boss fights besides the Gargoyles and Gaping Dragon?
No, Lautrec’s summon sign is only available for the Bell Gargoyles and Gaping Dragon boss fights.
10. What are some strategies for defeating Lautrec in Anor Londo?
Defeating Lautrec in Anor Londo can be challenging due to the presence of his allies. Focus on isolating him if possible and utilizing backstabs and parries. Lightning damage is effective against his armor.
11. Does summoning Lautrec affect my character’s world tendency (if that applies to Dark Souls)?
World Tendency is not a mechanic in Dark Souls. It was primarily featured in Demon’s Souls.
12. What happens if I invade Lautrec but fail to defeat him?
The Black Eye Orb can be used multiple times, even if you fail to defeat Lautrec on your first attempt. Simply return to the large room in Anor Londo and use the orb again.
13. Does freeing Lautrec and summoning him affect Solaire’s questline in any way?
Freeing Lautrec and summoning him does not directly affect Solaire’s questline. However, failing to progress Solaire’s questline properly can lead to his tragic fate.
14. Where can I find the key to Lautrec’s cell in the Undead Parish?
The key to Lautrec’s cell can be found on a corpse near the Undead Merchant (Female) in the Undead Parish.
15. What is the significance of Lautrec’s connection to Carim?
Lautrec’s title, “Knight Lautrec of Carim,” suggests a background tied to the region of Carim. Carim is known for its complex religious and political landscape, and characters from Carim often have hidden agendas and dark secrets. For more insights into the educational aspects of gaming and its impact on learning and behavior, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
In conclusion, summoning Knight Lautrec adds a layer of complexity to your Dark Souls experience. By understanding the requirements and consequences, you can make informed decisions that shape your playthrough. Just remember, every choice has its price in the unforgiving world of Lordran.