The Citadel of Penance, a dense sub-region northwest of Fainweald in Mortal Shell 2, is teeming with various Brigands. This walkthrough will guide you through its entirety, from activating beacons to defeating its central boss, The Warden, and ultimately unlocking the Eredrim Shell.
Entering the Citadel
Begin at the Gloomshade Grove Beacon and proceed through the adjacent cave to the Citadel Gate. If you haven't already, use the Citadel Gate Lever, acquired from the Bloodcursed Lithopod, to open the gate. Immediately after passing through, turn right and defeat the five Wretches. Continue past them through the archways under the bridge. A chest before you contains the Grudge Stone Tarstone, which pairs well with fast weapons like the Axe and Dagger. Collect the two 250x Coin Pouches, one on a nearby cart and another behind the Citadel of Penance Beacon. Activate this beacon to receive a Glimpse automatically, as it does not require cleansing.
Navigating Fainweald
After resting at the beacon if necessary, backtrack towards the Citadel Gate. This time, take the path to the left of the gate. Past the first archway, you will encounter an Armed Knave and two Brigands. Further ahead, to the right, Ruk's map statue holds the Map of Fainweald [2], which reveals the Citadel's layout.
Acquiring the Bulwark Stone
Turn around from the map statue to find a closed gate. Use the adjacent lever to open it. Collect the 350x Coin Pouch to your left. Proceed onto the bridge, where you will face two Armed Knaves and two Stoners. A strategic approach can utilize the Stoners' rock projectiles to hit the Knaves. At the end of the bridge, a chest contains the Bulwark Stone Tarstone.
Exploring the Lower Levels
Return to the front of the Citadel Gate. Partially descend the slope directly ahead, but halt before dropping into the chasm. Turn left and follow the circular path. Ambushes by Brigands await at each archway; the first Brigand guards a Ventrium. Another Ventrium can be found on a wooden platform further along. Defeat the Knave at the path's end, then drop into the hole behind him to reach the bottom layer. Complete another circuit of the circular path, defeating all enemies, including another Stoner. Note the elevators on the north and south sides, but do not use them yet. Search side paths for a 250x Coin Pouch.
Defeating The Warden
Once the lower levels are fully explored, use either elevator to ascend to the top. You will arrive on a stone circular platform. Approaching the fake coin pouch at its center triggers the floor to crumble, dropping you into The Warden's boss arena. The Warden, a formidable foe resembling a supercharged Headsman, attacks with aggressive combos and an unblockable flaming executioner's axe. Learning to dodge its jumping strikes to the side is key. The Warden's timings are similar to a Headsman and it is susceptible to parrying. After a successful Riposte, use ranged attacks with your Sidearm. Vigilance against the red unblockable icon is advised.
Unlocking the Eredrim Shell
Upon defeating The Warden, you will receive approximately 6,500x Gloom. In the center of the arena, a new Shell awaits. Interacting with it unlocks the Eredrim Shell. This Shell is a strong contender for the best in the game, boasting two active abilities that inflict significant Break damage, creating more opportunities for Ripostes. Its Slaughterer effect also makes it highly effective against groups of smaller enemies. After unlocking Eredrim, you will automatically enter its first Memory, 'The Choice,' a brief sequence of prompts and a conversation. Once completed, you can equip Eredrim and utilize its unique abilities. 