Belurat Gaol stands as one of the most atmospheric and mechanically dense optional dungeons in the Gravesite Plain of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. Located beneath the shadows of the Belurat Tower Settlement, this subterranean prison is not merely a gauntlet of enemies but a critical hub for players looking to expand their crafting capabilities, specifically through the acquisition of Hefty Cracked Pots. The dungeon introduces players to the horrific reality of the "jarring" process, combining environmental storytelling with tight, vertical platforming and a high-speed boss encounter.

Finding the Entrance to Belurat Gaol

Locating Belurat Gaol requires a bit of off-road exploration in the northern reaches of the Gravesite Plain. From the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace, head north past the Scorched Ruins toward the lake where a Ghostflame Dragon typically rests. Instead of engaging the dragon, skirt the western edge of the water. You will notice a transition in the environment where metal cages and dilapidated wooden structures begin to litter the landscape.

Follow the path westward from the Abandoned Ailing Village area. The entrance is a cavernous maw set into the cliffside, surrounded by piles of rusted cages. Upon entering, the Belurat Gaol Site of Grace provides a much-needed checkpoint. The atmosphere here shifts immediately from the open fields of the plain to a damp, claustrophobic prison filled with the moans of the "condemned."

The Upper Prison: Ambushes and Collapsing Paths

As you move past the Site of Grace, the path descends into the prison proper. The initial corridors are designed to punish players who rush blindly. A Shadow Undead waits in a small alcove to the left; it will leap out as you pass the first doorway. Dispatching it allows access to a room containing Frozen Maggots, a key crafting ingredient found throughout this dungeon.

Continuing down the main stairs leads to the first environmental hazard. The stone steps are structurally unsound and will collapse as you reach the midpoint. There is no way to avoid this fall, but it does not deal damage. You land in a lower pit surrounded by three Shadow Undead. Once they are cleared, check the side room to the southwest for a Silver Horn Tender.

The path forward involves crossing a narrow stone bridge. Two Shadow Undead marksmen will target you from the far side. It is advisable to use a shield or ranged options here, as the fall from the bridge is lethal. On the other side, the dungeon opens up into a storeroom filled with jars.

Navigating the Hanging Jars

One of the most distinct features of Belurat Gaol is its verticality. After passing through a room where a ghost laments the fate of those put into jars, you reach a massive open shaft. Large jars are suspended by heavy chains over a seemingly bottomless pit.

To progress, you must use these hanging jars as platforms. The jump detection in this area can be finicky, so aim for the center of the jars rather than the edges.

  1. Drop onto the first hanging jar directly below the ledge.
  2. Look for a jar slightly to the west; jumping here leads to a wooden platform. This platform is guarded by a Jar Innard—a grotesque, fleshy enemy that has burst from its container. On this platform, you will find a chest containing the first Hefty Cracked Pot. These are essential for crafting the powerful Hefty Pots introduced in the DLC.
  3. Continue dropping from jar to jar. On one of the mid-level jars, a corpse holds a Glass Shard.

Once you reach the solid ground at the bottom of the shaft, you will encounter multiple Living Jars and a Large Living Jar. The Large Living Jar has a high health pool and can deal significant damage with its spin attack. It is best to bait its slam, dodge behind it, and use heavy attacks to break its stance.

The Jar Labyrinth and Hidden Secrets

The lower section of the dungeon transitions into a labyrinth of oversized pots. This area is heavily populated by Jar Innards. These enemies are deceptive; they often hide inside broken pots or lie prone on the ground, appearing as inanimate assets until you are within grabbing range. Their grab attack is particularly dangerous, as it deals multi-hit damage and can easily kill a player with low Vigor.

In this maze, there are several high-value items to collect:

  • Greater Potentate's Cookbook [11]: Found on a corpse in the northern section of the maze. This cookbook allows the crafting of Hefty Freezing Pots.
  • Lost Ashes of War: Located in a dead-end corner guarded by two Jar Innards.
  • Smithing Stones: Various Smithing Stone [6] and [3] are scattered on corpses throughout the maze.

Accessing the Great Jar Helm

Many players overlook a crucial secret in the maze. In the western part of the labyrinth, look for a single large jar that is not chained but appears to be sitting on a mechanical lift. Standing on this jar will trigger it to rise, acting as an elevator.

This lift takes you to an upper gallery that is otherwise inaccessible. Follow the stone walkway to the end to find the Great Jar helm resting on an altar. This armor piece provides excellent physical defense and is a nostalgic nod to the Jar-related lore of the base game. After collecting it, you can drop back down into the maze safely.

Final Descent to the Fog Gate

Exiting the maze leads to a final bridge. Similar to the first stairs, this bridge will collapse when you reach the center. You land in the lowest pit of the gaol. From here, the path is linear. You will pass through a corridor where several Jar Innards are praying or mourning. While they are passive initially, they will turn aggressive if you linger too long.

Ahead, a series of broken pillars and hanging jars lead further down. Jump across the gaps carefully. The final platform before the fog gate is guarded by three Shadow Undead. Clear them out and take a moment to prepare for the boss encounter.

Boss Guide: Demi-Human Swordmaster Onze

Demi-Human Swordmaster Onze is a striking departure from the slow, lumbering enemies found earlier in the gaol. He is a master of the Star-Lined Sword, utilizing a moveset that emphasizes speed, teleportation, and magical slashes.

Moveset Analysis

  • Smoke Teleportation: Onze frequently vanishes in a puff of smoke. He will reappear either behind you for a backstab or above you for a plunging slam. When you see the smoke, do not panic roll. Wait for the sound cue or his visual reappearance before dodging.
  • Magical Flurry: Onze will wind up his sword, which begins to glow with blue glintstone energy. He then performs a multi-hit spinning combo. This move has surprisingly long reach. If you are caught in the first hit, it is difficult to escape the rest. Backing away is safer than rolling through it.
  • Frostbite Buildup: His weapon deals innate Frostbite. Ensure your Robustness is at a decent level, or have Thawfrost Boluses ready in your quick slot.
  • Leaping Slam: A standard move where he jumps high and slams his sword down. This is his most vulnerable window. If you dodge to his side, you can land a heavy attack or a backstab.

Strategy and Weaknesses

Onze is a "glass cannon" boss. While his damage output is high, his poise is incredibly low.

  1. Aggression is Key: Using heavy weapons (Greatswords, Colossal Swords) or weapons with high impact (Morning Stars) will consistently stagger him. You can effectively "lock" him into a stagger cycle if you time your heavy attacks correctly.
  2. Fire Damage: As a Demi-Human, Onze has a natural weakness to Fire. Using Flame Grant Me Strength or coating your weapon in Fire Grease will significantly shorten the fight.
  3. Spirit Ashes: If you are struggling with his speed, summons that can tank hits or provide distraction—like the Greatshield Soldiers or a leveled-up Mimic Tear—work well. However, because Onze is small and fast, spirits with wide area-of-effect attacks are more likely to land hits.
  4. Parrying: For advanced players, Onze’s physical sword strikes are parriable. The timing is tight due to his speed, but a successful parry opens him up for a critical hit that deals massive damage given his low HP pool.

Upon defeat, Demi-Human Swordmaster Onze drops 80,000 Runes and the Demi-Human Swordsman Yosh Spirit Ash. Yosh is a powerful summon who utilizes the same teleportation and sword skills as Onze, making him an excellent ally for future encounters against fast-moving bosses.

Conclusion and Completion Checklist

Before leaving the Belurat Gaol via the return portal, ensure you have checked off the following items to avoid a return trip:

  • Hefty Cracked Pot (1): Found on the wooden platform during the jar-jumping section.
  • Hefty Cracked Pot (2): Found in the jar labyrinth on a corpse atop a pile of pots.
  • Hefty Cracked Pot (3): Found near the exit of the labyrinth area.
  • Greater Potentate's Cookbook [11]: Essential for Frost-based throwables.
  • Great Jar Helm: The secret reward via the jar elevator.
  • Lost Ashes of War: For duplicating your favorite weapon skills.
  • Demi-Human Swordsman Yosh: Reward for defeating the boss.

Belurat Gaol is more than a simple side dungeon; it is a masterclass in environmental tension and rewarding exploration. The Hefty Pots found here will serve you well throughout the rest of your journey in the Land of Shadow, especially when dealing with the massive Furnace Golems that roam the plains.