Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree expansion finally reveals the fate of Dragonlord Placidusax, a long-standing mystery. The expansion explains the absence of two of the three missing heads from this formidable boss.
Spoiler Alert: Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree lore and boss details follow.
Dragonlord Placidusax, a notoriously difficult secret boss found in Crumbling Farum Azula, is encountered in a weakened state, missing three heads and a wing. The new expansion reveals a significant clue to his condition.
Placidusax's Missing Heads: A Battle with Bayle the Dread
Reddit user Matrix_030 discovered that two of Placidusax's missing heads are embedded in the neck of Bayle the Dread, another challenging dragon boss. Bayle himself is also severely damaged, missing wings and limbs, suggesting a brutal, mutually destructive battle.
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."
Despite their injuries, both dragons remain incredibly powerful bosses in Elden Ring, boasting massive health pools and complex, difficult-to-dodge attacks. Bayle's initial aggression makes summoning Spirit Ashes challenging, requiring strategic use of effects like the Opaline Bubble Tear in a Wondrous Physick.
The location of Placidusax's third missing head remains unknown, though many players suspect Bayle is also responsible for its removal.
