The Sunken Keep — Salt and Sanctuary Walkthrough

The Sunken Keep

The Sunken Keep is a treacherous area filled with water hazards, dangerous enemies, and valuable loot. Prepare for platforming challenges and consider equipping lightning-resistant gear.

Entering the Keep

From the Hager's Cavern Sanctuary, head right. You'll encounter a series of platforms and enemies. Continue right, dropping down carefully to avoid damage. You'll soon reach the entrance to the Sunken Keep.

Upper Levels Exploration

1. Initial Descent: Upon entering, proceed downwards. You'll face several Drowned Porcelains. These enemies are slow but hit hard; parrying or dodging their attacks is key.
2. First Branch: At the bottom of the initial descent, you'll find a path leading left and another leading right.
   • Left Path: Take the left path first. You'll encounter more Drowned Porcelains and possibly a Drowned Soldier. This path leads to a chest containing a Stone Mage's Ring, which boosts magic damage.
   • Right Path: Return and take the right path. This route involves more platforming over water. Be wary of Drowned Peasants that can ambush you from the water.
3. Lever and Gate: Continue along the right path. You'll eventually come to a lever. Pull it to open a gate, creating a shortcut back to an earlier part of the Keep. This is a good opportunity to return to the Sanctuary if you need to rest or level up.
4. Hidden Chest: Before proceeding further right from the lever, look for a hidden ledge above. Jump up to find a chest containing a Lightning Bolt spell (if you're a magic user) or a Lightning Charm.

Lower Levels and Waterways

The lower sections of the Sunken Keep are characterized by submerged passages and more aggressive enemies.

1. Descent into Water: You'll need to drop into a large body of water. Be prepared for Drowned Thieves, which are fast and can inflict poison. Melee characters should consider using a weapon with good reach.
2. Underwater Passages: Navigate the underwater sections carefully. There are often hidden ledges or pathways. Look for glowing items to find loot.
   • Item: In one of the deeper underwater sections, you can find a Mossy Key. This key is crucial for unlocking a later area.
   • Item: Another underwater alcove holds a Drowned Tome, a valuable crafting material.
3. Platforming Challenge: After the main water section, you'll face a series of challenging jumps over gaps filled with water, often guarded by Drowned Porcelains. Take your time and observe enemy patterns.

The Sanctuary and Beyond

Eventually, you will reach a new Sanctuary within the Sunken Keep. This is an excellent place to replenish your Flasks, level up, and prepare for the next challenge.

• Sanctuary Offerings: Consider offering a Stone Altar to establish a new creed or enhance your current one.
• Path Forward: From the Sanctuary, the path generally leads upwards and to the right, towards the boss of this area.

Key Items and Enemies to Watch For:

• Enemies:
  • Drowned Porcelain: Slow, heavy hitters.
  • Drowned Soldier: Armored, can block attacks.
  • Drowned Peasant: Ambushes from water.
  • Drowned Thief: Fast, inflicts poison.
• Items:
  • Stone Mage's Ring: Found in a chest on the upper left path.
  • Lightning Bolt/Charm: Found in a hidden chest above the lever.
  • Mossy Key: Found in a deeper underwater section.
  • Drowned Tome: Found in an underwater alcove.

Stay vigilant, manage your stamina, and utilize your ranged attacks or magic when dealing with enemies in the water. The Sunken Keep demands patience and careful movement.