The Silent Chambers

A single entrance in the north brings you down from Cells of the Forgotten, and this level is small compared with the two above. Crimson Sleepers hold both halls, and outside the fighting there are only a handful of finds: an alcove with a Potion of Stamina, a Wardstone Elixir and a Potion of Poison, a second with a Bug Mandible, Crimsonspire Berries and a Dagger, and a chest by the western wall holding the Whispering Gloves with the recipes for Potion of Minor Mana and Potion of Frostvein. The eastern sarcophagus contains a Ring of Bull, but opening it releases a Corrupted One, so save it for a moment when the hall is clear. Beside it stands a chopping block with a bloody axe and Ash on the floor.

A red door in the middle of the level leads into the laboratory, and it locks behind the party until Zerethic is dead. Top up health and supplies before you step through.

Zerethic the Heart Eater regenerates strongly for as long as the six blood coffins around him stand untouched. Each coffin you open cuts that regeneration, but it also releases a Fallen Swordsman, so choose when you crack each one and don't let them surround you. Work through all six, clear out their occupants, then finish him off. Watch for Burn as well as his Health regeneration. He leaves the Golden Key of Zerethic, the Staff of Fireball and a Crimson Ring – the third of the three keys for the Source Gate.

The laboratory itself restocks you: a Potion of Mega Healing on the table by the coffins, a Thunderwake Draught and two Potion of Minor Mana on the southern tables, and Mimic Heart, Caerlin Essence, Ectoplasm and a Bug Mandible in the barrels.

With Zerethic dead, the western door opens, and beyond it another door leads to the Blood Golem's room. This is an optional detour; the golem regenerates, so either commit to the fight or leave it be and move on. The loot around here is a Spike Cloak on the floor, a Ruby in the western urns, and Brass Knuckles, a Potion of Poison and 4 coins in the barrel and urns near the golem's room.

When you're done, head back north into Cells of the Forgotten and use the three named Golden Keys in the locks of the Source Gate.