Talk:Pharros' Lockstone/@comment-184.223.97.138-20180106173750

Pharros Lockstones also unlock healing water pools. 2 are in Iron keep. 1 in the Frozen Outskirts. 1 in Earthen Peak (produces poison unless windmill is first burned). These pools regenerate health, cure poison, and massively increase fire resistance while simultaneously massively decreasing lightning resist for several minutes. The one in Iron keep near the Smelter Boss is useful in acquiring the items on the lava platforms. Rolling through water vases has the same effect, without the health regen.

RatBros will use up all the contraptions in both Saints Grave and Doors of Pharros, with one exception, depending on your strategy. In the grave, there are two bridges lowered with lockstones, but the smart (IMO) player activates only the second story one. This secondary room can be utilized to recon an invading grey for gear, while remaining rather well hidden. Then, quickly make your way to the bridge and decide your next move. It takes some practice, but in no time you can learn how to land a jump down to the first story from either side of the bridge, depending on how you want to handle things. Or you can wait on the second story for the invader to use the ladder. My first go as a RatBro, I opened both bridges, which every invader would use, and would just be a race to the top. DON'T open the first story bridge, or at least don't open both. The second story one makes a much better launching (pun intended) area for a surprise attack

And to all the RatBro haters, I think it adds a great element of fun to the game, and if you think about it, there is little difference between an invading red spirit in your PvE versus facing PvE and a RatBro in The Grave or Doors. I personally will light the sconces in my Doors, so that when an invader is arriving, I can light a torch to welcome him/her. Then bow.

I like the challenge of overcoming a RatBro, so I pay it forward, but I mostly go Blue Sents and invade as an arbiter spirit. I might start using the red sign soapst because it doesn't give you sin to use it, and you can get summoned into the looking glass knight fight if you use it in Drangleic castle.