Who Is the Two-Headed Dragon in Crumbling Farum Azula?
The two-headed dragon in Crumbling Farum Azula is Dragonlord Placidusax, an optional boss in Elden Ring and the former Elden Lord before the Erdtree and the reign of the Golden Order. He waits in a hidden arena, accessible only by finding a specific prone position on a floating platform and triggering a teleport.
Dragonlord Placidusax: Lore and Significance
Dragonlord Placidusax is not just another dragon boss in Elden Ring; he is a pivotal figure in the game’s lore. His existence predates the Erdtree and the Golden Order, representing an era when dragons ruled and had their own distinct form of worship. Understanding his background sheds light on the complex history of the Lands Between.
A Ruler of a Bygone Era
Placidusax reigned as Elden Lord during the time of the Dragon God. This deity is now lost to time, but it was believed to be a powerful entity worshipped by the ancient dragons. This period represents a drastically different power structure from what players see in the current game, highlighting the rise and fall of different ideologies and rulers.
The Shattering and Its Impact
The game’s lore suggests that Placidusax’s reign ended due to a catastrophic event. While the exact details are vague, it’s believed his god fled or was lost, leading to the shattering of his Elden Lordship. This fall from grace and the loss of his god explains why he resides in the dilapidated and time-ravaged ruins of Farum Azula. He is essentially waiting, hoping for the return of his lost god.
The Power of Two Heads
Placidusax’s two heads are not merely a visual quirk. They symbolize his connection to the Dragon God and the dual nature of his power. Some theories suggest one head represents temporal power (his reign as Elden Lord), while the other signifies spiritual authority (his link to the Dragon God). The damage to one of his heads might also be symbolic of the loss or abandonment of the Dragon God.
Time Manipulation and Abilities
One of Placidusax’s most notable abilities is his manipulation of time. He can vanish and reappear in bursts of lightning, and some of his attacks involve slowing or warping time around the player. This control over time might be a remnant of his connection to his Dragon God, hinting at the potential power of the beings the ancient dragons worshipped. This also adds to the mystery behind Crumbling Farum Azula and its unique time-distorted environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to delve even deeper into the mysteries surrounding Dragonlord Placidusax:
1. How do I find Dragonlord Placidusax?
To reach Placidusax, you need to go to Crumbling Farum Azula. From the “Beside the Great Bridge” Site of Grace, backtrack down the bridge and take the elevator down. As you progress you will see a place you can drop down, do this and continue forward. Keep progressing until you come to a place you can lie down in the debris, this prompt will teleport you to the boss arena.
2. Is Dragonlord Placidusax a mandatory boss?
No, Dragonlord Placidusax is an optional boss. You don’t need to defeat him to progress the main story. However, defeating him grants a Remembrance that can be exchanged for powerful items and weapons.
3. What level should I be to fight Dragonlord Placidusax?
It’s recommended to be at least level 120 or higher to face Dragonlord Placidusax. He hits very hard, and his health pool is substantial. A well-upgraded weapon (+22 or higher) is also highly recommended.
4. What are Dragonlord Placidusax’s weaknesses?
Dragonlord Placidusax doesn’t have any significant elemental weaknesses. However, he is vulnerable to critical hits after being staggered. Utilizing jump attacks or weapons with high stagger potential can be effective. Also, he is more vulnerable during his lightning attacks, giving you windows to punish him.
5. What rewards do I get for defeating Dragonlord Placidusax?
Defeating Dragonlord Placidusax rewards you with a Remembrance of the Dragonlord, which can be exchanged for either the Dragon King’s Cragblade (a unique heavy thrusting sword) or Placidusax’s Ruin (an incantation that unleashes a dragon-like attack). You also receive a substantial amount of Runes.
6. What is the significance of Crumbling Farum Azula?
Crumbling Farum Azula is a floating, time-displaced city that is constantly being ravaged by storms and seemingly caught in a loop of destruction. It is heavily tied to the dragons and their ancient civilization, serving as a testament to the power and eventual decay of their era. It’s also the only place where the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones can be found, necessary for maxing out unique armaments.
7. Why does Dragonlord Placidusax have two heads?
The two heads likely symbolize his connection to the Dragon God, representing a dual aspect of power – both temporal (ruler) and spiritual (religious). The Dragon God is now lost to time, implying Placidusax’s power and connection to his deity have diminished.
8. What is the Dragon God that Placidusax served?
The Dragon God is a mysterious figure whose identity and true nature remain largely unknown. The game’s lore hints that it was an incredibly powerful entity worshipped by the ancient dragons, but it has since vanished, leading to the decline of their civilization and Placidusax’s fall from grace.
9. What is the best strategy for defeating Dragonlord Placidusax?
A popular strategy involves using Spirit Ashes to draw his aggro while you attack from behind. Ranged attacks and spells are also effective, but be mindful of his lightning attacks and teleportation. Focus on dodging his powerful attacks and punishing him during his openings.
10. How does Dragonlord Placidusax manipulate time?
Placidusax’s ability to manipulate time is demonstrated through his teleportation, lightning strikes, and certain attacks that seem to slow down or warp the space around him. This is likely a remnant of his connection to his Dragon God, who may have possessed even greater control over time and space.
11. Does Dragonlord Placidusax have any connection to the other dragons in Elden Ring?
Yes, Placidusax is connected to the other dragons, particularly the Ancient Dragons, through his shared lineage and worship of the Dragon God. He represents a more ancient and powerful form of draconic existence compared to the more common dragons found throughout the Lands Between.
12. What is the lore behind the Dragon King’s Cragblade?
The Dragon King’s Cragblade, obtained by trading the Remembrance of the Dragonlord, is a weapon said to embody Placidusax’s power and former glory. Its weapon skill allows you to unleash a lightning strike, further showcasing the dragon’s ability to manipulate time and energy. It is also implied that the weapon once belonged to Placidusax, but was destroyed during a war.
13. Why is Crumbling Farum Azula constantly being destroyed?
The constant destruction of Crumbling Farum Azula is likely due to a combination of factors, including the loss of its Dragon God, the ravages of time, and the disruptive influence of the storms that plague the city. It is speculated that the city is caught in a time loop, perpetually repeating its cycle of destruction and rebuilding.
14. Is Dragonlord Placidusax related to the other Elden Lords?
Yes, Placidusax was an Elden Lord before the Erdtree and the Golden Order existed. He represents a period when dragons ruled and had their own form of power and worship. He is essentially a predecessor to figures like Godfrey and Radagon.
15. What are some hidden details about Dragonlord Placidusax I might have missed?
Pay close attention to the arena where you fight Placidusax. The environment is filled with remnants of a once-grand civilization, providing clues about the ancient dragons and their society. Also, listen carefully to the music during the fight; it is unique to this boss and evokes a sense of ancient power and sorrow. Many players are also unaware that you can see other dead dragons around the arena as well, further emphasizing his importance to the community.