Who is the NPC After Gargoyles in Dark Souls 1? Your Definitive Guide

The NPC you encounter immediately after defeating the Bell Gargoyles in Dark Souls 1 is Oswald of Carim. He appears on the bottom floor of the Undead Parish Bell Tower after you ring the Bell of Awakening. Oswald is a key NPC for several reasons, primarily offering absolution to players who have incurred the wrath of other NPCs due to accidental or intentional aggression, and for selling valuable items.

Meeting Oswald: A Grim Encounter

Oswald’s presence is tied directly to your success in the Undead Parish. After the arduous fight against the Bell Gargoyles, and after scaling the tower to ring the bell, descending back down reveals Oswald standing near the entrance. His somber demeanor and attire mark him as a figure of authority and atonement. He’s there to offer a very specific service, and his presence is one that many players, especially those new to the game, will find invaluable.

Why Oswald is Important

• Absolution: His primary function is to offer absolution for sins. In Dark Souls, attacking an NPC can turn them hostile, preventing you from interacting with them for quests or services. Oswald allows you to “reset” their aggression for a fee of souls, enabling you to resume normal interactions.
• Curse Removal: He sells a Purging Stone, which removes curse status. At 3000 souls, it’s a considerable cost early in the game but a lifesaver in many instances.
• Item Sales: Oswald also offers other items, including the Book of the Guilty, which allows players to track other players who have committed sins in their world.
• Lore Significance: Oswald’s dialogue and presence contribute to the overall bleak and morally ambiguous atmosphere of Dark Souls. He embodies the game’s themes of sin, punishment, and the possibility (however slim) of redemption.

The Broader Context: What Happens After the Gargoyles?

Defeating the Bell Gargoyles and encountering Oswald of Carim is a pivotal moment in Dark Souls 1, but it’s just the beginning. The game world opens up considerably, offering multiple paths forward. Here are a few common routes:

• Lower Undead Burg: This path leads to the Capra Demon boss fight. Defeating the Capra Demon unlocks the Depths, a labyrinthine sewer area.
• The Depths & Blighttown: The Depths are home to the Gaping Dragon. Proceeding through this area leads to the notoriously difficult Blighttown.
• Darkroot Garden: Another optional but rewarding path is accessible via a key bought from Andrei the Blacksmith. This area leads to challenging encounters and valuable items.

Frequently Asked Questions About Post-Gargoyle Encounters

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further illuminate the events and possibilities that follow the Bell Gargoyle encounter:

1. What should I do immediately after defeating the Bell Gargoyles?

After ringing the Bell of Awakening, return to the bottom of the tower and speak with Oswald of Carim. Explore the newly opened paths, such as Lower Undead Burg or Darkroot Garden.

2. Who is Knight Lautrec, and where can I find him?

Knight Lautrec of Carim is another NPC found in the Undead Parish, locked in a cell upstairs, past a breakable wall. Freeing him has consequences later in the game.

3. Is Lautrec a good or bad character?

Lautrec is a morally ambiguous character. While he initially appears helpful, he eventually commits a heinous act, killing the Fire Keeper Anastacia of Astora.

4. What happens if I don’t free Lautrec?

If you don’t free Lautrec, he will eventually escape on his own after you defeat the Bell Gargoyles. You’ll still find him at Firelink Shrine, but it might change the timing of his later actions.

5. Where do I go after defeating the Bell Gargoyles?

You can choose between Lower Undead Burg, leading to The Depths and Blighttown, or exploring Darkroot Garden.

6. Can I summon Solaire for the Bell Gargoyles fight?

Yes, you can summon Solaire of Astora for the Bell Gargoyles fight. His summon sign is located near the fog gate, but you must speak with him earlier near the Hellkite Dragon bridge.

7. Why can’t I summon Solaire?

Make sure you are in human form. If you still can’t see his sign, try quitting and reloading the game, as summon signs can sometimes be buggy.

8. What level should I be for the Bell Gargoyles fight?

Most players are around level 15-20 when they face the Bell Gargoyles.

9. What is Oswald of Carim’s main purpose?

Oswald’s main purpose is to offer absolution for sins, allowing players to reconcile with hostile NPCs. He also sells Purging Stones to cure curse.

10. Who is the Fire Keeper, and why is she important?

The Fire Keeper at Firelink Shrine, Anastacia of Astora, maintains the bonfire. Her death prevents you from kindling the bonfire to get more estus flasks.

11. What God does Lautrec worship?

Lautrec worships the goddess Fina.

12. Should I save Knight Lautrec?

Saving Lautrec has consequences. Letting him live leads to the death of Anastacia. However, you can later invade his world in Anor Londo to avenge her and obtain his armor.

13. Where is Lautrec’s armor located?

Lautrec’s armor is found on a corpse outside the chamber of the princess in Anor Londo after you invade and defeat him.

14. Can I revive the Fire Keeper?

Yes, you can revive Anastacia using her Fire Keeper Soul obtained by defeating Lautrec in Anor Londo.

15. Who is the final boss of Dark Souls 1?

The final boss of Dark Souls 1 is Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, located in the Kiln of the First Flame.

Mastering the Early Game and Beyond

The area after the Bell Gargoyles in Dark Souls 1 is filled with both danger and opportunity. Understanding the roles of key NPCs like Oswald of Carim and Lautrec, along with the various paths available, will set you on the right track for tackling the challenges that lie ahead. Remember that Dark Souls rewards patience, exploration, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different builds, weapons, and strategies as you delve deeper into the world of Lordran. Also, consider how video games can impact learning – the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org discusses the role of games in education and how they impact society. Good luck, and praise the sun!