First playthrough, and I still can't believe I beat Lady Butterfly second try! The game's just about starting to click. After getting thoroughly thrashed many times by Yamauchi and his gang, I've started to get the hang of the dance that is clashing blades. Drunk guy was harder than Gyoubu and Lady Butterfly for me just because enemy mobs and stealth are still not my forte. However, I really like how these bosses are designed to teach a specific lesson to the player (i.e. spacing and grappling attacks for Gyoubu and constant aggression mixed with well-timed parries for Lady Butterfly). Still not really a fan of the stealth mechanics, but I'm really enjoying the combat so far.

Brand new here and a first-time DS1 player. Solaire has quickly become a comfort character for me just for his mere presence by the bonfire, companionship during the toughest fights, and his encouraging spirit. But upon arriving in Lost Izalith, he seems be falling into despair himself. Despite helping others across their journeys, he isn't finding what he's looking for. He desperately seeks his sun, but is losing hope in finding it. It reminds me too much of myself. I still haven't gotten over finishing college nearly two years later. There were dreams and goals that I chased. I studied to become a musician. I made friends and acquaintances with a number of people. And one day, it was all gone. Everyone moved their separate ways. I went back home, and without realizing, moved forward in life with no ambition to drive my decisions. I settled for a steady job that works fine for me, but rewards no fulfillment. Having lost those people and opportunities has ended up consuming me with apathy and a lack of direction. It's made me extremely lonely. I still live with my parents just living day to day without even the desire to tell them these things. I'm terrified of disappointing the people I love, which only fuels this cruel cycle of isolation. I feel exiled from everything I once had. I don't enjoy writing music anymore. Much like Solaire, I feel like I've spent so much time pursuing a sun out of reach, that I don't know what to chase anymore. I know in the past I even was a great source of help, humor, inspiration, and comfort to others on their own paths, but feel like I too am succumbing to madness through losing myself in the process. Does anyone else relate?