Didn't beat the game yet, but really REALLY wanted to start my Pyromancing Sorcerer playthrough. Killed the pursuer when you first encounter him when you go up the ladder. Having that big open space made it sooo much easier. Also, being able to do ~100 damage from the Soul Arrows at long range made the fight a breeze. Was hoping you'd get something special for beating him early, but you get the same 2 things you get normally. However, getting the ring of blades that early does help out, since eventhough I'm a sorcerer, I'm using the heide knight sword as a back up.
Finally figured out that the area above where you get that flame sword is an end game area you can't access yet. Looked everywhere in game and tried to research on the interwebs but couldn't find shit about it. In one of ENB's vids he mentions it's an end game area, so yeah. Anyway, figured out you can jump down to those flame toads with the cat ring that reduces fall damage. There's a certain place you can jump down and survive, and then attempt to pick up all the items. I killed the fire toad to the left before I jumped down with soul arrows. Since he's so far down, you can't lock on to him but you can still hit him if you manually aim. The one to the right you have to kill while you're down there, but you can just go the right, and not get too close and just spam souls arrows to take him out. Just did them same in the lower area. I know you can come back later and open the door before the giant tree boss but if you're a sorcerer, I'd advise you do it asap just so you don't have to come back later.
Speaking of hidden things, found out some other stuff in the tutorial area. Like there being an item behind the waterfall and a hungry hippo in that area too that drops a stone ring. Also found that once you complete the tutorial, you can go back to the witches and talk to one of them and she'll give you something.
. Yeah, I think it's the second part of his walkthrough, goes through the new stats and what they do
