Two Watchdogs share the chamber beneath Caelid’s western Minor Erdtree. One uses a sword and the other a staff, so the ranged enemy remains dangerous while you fight up close.
From Smoldering Church, ride east to the first Minor Erdtree in northwestern Caelid. Circle to the right of its trunk to find the catacomb doors. The Putrid Avatar outside is optional.
Inside, take the lift down. Follow the western passage through the imp ambushes to the lever room and pull the lever.
Return to the lift, send it up while staying below and drop into the newly exposed space beneath it. Kill the imp waiting there.
Follow the lower passage through the Scarlet Rot pool to the boss door. Avoid rolling in the rot and bring Preserving Boluses if you have them.
Defeat both Erdtree Burial Watchdogs to receive the ashes. These are the dungeon bosses, not a pair of Pumpkin Heads.
HP and damage negation
Values below are for solo play on the first playthrough. HP is maximum health. Temporary protection and other state changes are explained in the notes.
Erdtree Burial Watchdog (Staff)
Solo, first playthrough
HP
2,531
Damage type
Damage negation
Standard
35%
Strike
10%
Slash
35%
Pierce
35%
Magic
40%
Fire
40%
Lightning
40%
Holy
40%
Erdtree Burial Watchdog (Sword)
Solo, first playthrough
HP
2,531
Damage type
Damage negation
Standard
35%
Strike
10%
Slash
35%
Pierce
35%
Magic
40%
Fire
40%
Lightning
40%
Holy
40%
Notes
Both Watchdogs must be defeated to receive Mad Pumpkin Head Ashes. The Putrid Avatar outside the dungeon is a separate optional fight.
Crystal Darts can make one Watchdog malfunction after repeated hits. It may then attack the other, but you remain a valid target and still need to avoid both movesets.
Keep the staff user in view while attacking the sword user. Its Magic projectiles can arrive during the recovery from a melee dodge.
A summon can help split their attention. Work on one opponent when possible instead of leaving both alive and repeatedly crossing between them.
The sword and staff enemies both use the rigid hovering slam. One landing can hide the other enemy’s next attack, so leave room to see around them.
The lower route crosses Scarlet Rot. Bring a way to manage buildup if you have one, and avoid rolling in the pool before entering the arena.
After using the upper lever, send the entrance lift upward without riding it and descend beneath it. Returning only to the lift’s ordinary landing misses the boss route.