Unlocking the Secrets of Shaded Ruins: A Comprehensive Guide to Opening That Door
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The mysterious door in the Shaded Ruins of Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin has perplexed many a player. It guards access to the enigmatic Weaponsmith Ornifex, a crucial NPC for weapon modification and boss soul trading. If you’ve been banging your head against this wooden obstacle, fret no more. The solution lies in a specific key, the Fang Key, and here’s how you obtain it.
The Path to the Fang Key
The process of opening the door in the Shaded Ruins involves a few key steps, primarily focused on obtaining the Fang Key:
- Locate the Shaded Ruins Bonfire: First, travel to the Shaded Ruins bonfire. This bonfire is the closest one to the locked door, serving as your crucial starting point.
- Identify the Petrified Lion Warrior: Immediately adjacent to this bonfire, you’ll find a petrified Lion Clan Warrior. He’s hard to miss, being a prominent statue-like figure.
- Acquire a Fragrant Branch of Yore: This is a vital item for unpetrifying the Lion Warrior. These Fragrant Branches of Yore are relatively scarce, but several locations offer them.
- Merchant Hag Melentia: One branch can be purchased from Merchant Hag Melentia for 12,000 souls. She can be found initially in the Forest of Fallen Giants and later moves to Majula.
- No-Man’s Wharf: Another branch can be found in a chest within the house filled with jars in No-Man’s Wharf.
- Lost Bastille: A third is located in a chest at the very start of the Lost Bastille.
- Unpetrify and Defeat the Lion Warrior: Use a Fragrant Branch of Yore on the petrified warrior. He will awaken, and you will need to defeat him. He’s a formidable foe, so be prepared for a fight. Upon his defeat, he will drop the Fang Key.
- Open the Door: With the Fang Key in hand, head to the wooden door beneath the floor trap on the right side of the area where you fought the mega basilisk. This is the door that was previously locked, now ready to be opened.
- Meet Ornifex: Inside, you’ll finally find Ornifex, the bird-like blacksmith, ready to assist you with crafting and exchanging boss weapons.
Key Takeaways:
- The Fang Key is essential to unlock the door in the Shaded Ruins.
- The Fang Key is obtained by unpetrifying and defeating the Lion Clan Warrior near the Shaded Ruins bonfire.
- A Fragrant Branch of Yore is necessary to unpetrify the Lion Warrior.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where can I find more Fragrant Branches of Yore?
Besides the locations mentioned previously (Merchant Hag Melentia, No-Man’s Wharf, and the Lost Bastille), a few other locations in Dark Souls 2 may offer Fragrant Branches of Yore, though these might be less accessible early in the game. Explore thoroughly and keep an eye out for chests and secret areas.
2. What exactly does Ornifex do?
Ornifex is a unique NPC in Dark Souls 2 who crafts boss weapons and modifies equipment. She can convert the souls of powerful bosses into potent weapons and allows you to infuse weapons with elements.
3. Is it worth it to get to Ornifex early?
Absolutely. Access to Ornifex allows you to craft and infuse weapons from boss souls, making your character more powerful. She also provides a useful service for players who enjoy experimenting with different weapon types.
4. What is the best way to defeat the Lion Clan Warrior?
The Lion Clan Warrior is a challenging opponent. Using a weapon with good reach and avoiding his powerful attacks are crucial. Parrying his attacks can also create openings for damage. Be patient, observe his attack patterns, and use your environment to your advantage.
5. What if I run out of Fragrant Branches of Yore?
If you use all your Fragrant Branches of Yore for a specific quest and need more, don’t worry. You can obtain more in later areas or from certain merchants. However, resources are limited so it may be best to consult guides to determine the most important areas to unpetrify before you use your limited supply.
6. What other notable items can I find in the Shaded Ruins?
Besides access to Ornifex, the Shaded Ruins also contain a few valuable items and optional encounters. Exploring the area thoroughly, such as the area where the mega basilisk is, can reward you with useful loot.
7. Can I be invaded in Shaded Ruins?
Yes, you can be invaded by other players in the Shaded Ruins, particularly if you are online and have used an effigy. Be cautious while exploring, especially if you are human and not hollow.
8. How do I get to the Shaded Woods?
The Shaded Woods is accessed from the path leading away from Majula, after leaving the forest areas. Follow the main path, and you will eventually come to this area. The game will not allow you to proceed to the shaded ruins until you have progressed far enough in the game to obtain certain essential items.
9. What are the dangers of the Shaded Woods?
The Shaded Woods is filled with mist and enemies that can be tricky to spot. Watch out for ambushes and stay alert. Following the left wall as you go through the fog is one reliable way to reach your destination.
10. Can I summon help in the Shaded Woods?
Yes, you can summon help in the Shaded Woods at the third bonfire. The first two bonfires in the area do not allow summoning. Once you get past the foggy areas you will be able to summon other players into your world.
11. How do I clear the fog in Shaded Woods?
The fog in the Shaded Woods cannot be completely cleared. However, sticking to the left wall will guide you through the area, and you’ll reach a staircase that leads you out of the fog.
12. Who is the boss at the end of the Shaded Woods?
The boss at the end of the Shaded Woods is Scorpioness Najka. She is a challenging opponent who uses both melee attacks and magic.
13. Is there another boss in the Shaded Castle area?
Yes, there is a boss in the Shaded Castle called Elemer of the Briar. He is a recurring boss who is stronger in this area than in others.
14. What is the Ring of Whispers and where do I get it?
The Ring of Whispers emits a sound when an enemy is nearby. It’s useful for detecting hidden enemies, but it’s a different item from another game and not obtainable in Dark Souls 2.
15. What does being cursed do in Dark Souls 2?
Being cursed in Dark Souls 2 reduces your maximum health by an amount equivalent to one death (5%) and causes hollowing, if you are not already. Once your maximum health is reduced to half, curse effects stop.
By following these steps and understanding the various aspects of the Shaded Ruins, you will be able to unlock the door, access Ornifex, and further your progress in Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin. Good luck, and may the flames guide thee!