Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC finally unveils the fate of Dragonlord Placidusax, a long-standing mystery. The expansion reveals the source of the formidable boss's missing body parts—two of his three missing heads are found embedded in the neck of Bayle the Dread, a testament to their epic clash. This discovery, highlighted by Reddit user Matrix_030, adds a significant layer to the already rich lore of Elden Ring.
Spoiler Alert: Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree lore and boss details discussed below.
Placidusax, a notoriously difficult secret boss located in Crumbling Farum Azula, is encountered in a significantly weakened state, missing three heads and a wing. The expansion's narrative strongly implies that this damage was inflicted during a brutal battle with Bayle the Dread.
The Talisman of the Dread, found in Elder's Hovel, provides further context. Its description details a challenge issued by Bayle to the ancient Dragonlord, resulting in "grievous mutual injury." This confirms the intense and destructive nature of their encounter.
Despite their grievous wounds, both Bayle and Placidusax remain formidable foes, boasting immense health pools and complex, challenging attack patterns. Bayle's particularly aggressive fighting style makes summoning Spirit Ashes difficult at the start of the battle, demanding careful strategy from players.
While the location of Placidusax's third missing head remains unknown, the evidence strongly suggests Bayle's involvement. The Elden Ring community largely agrees on this conclusion, adding another fascinating piece to the game's intricate narrative puzzle. The expansion successfully resolves a significant portion of the mystery surrounding Placidusax's condition, enriching the overall Elden Ring experience.
