[King Lycan]

Originally Posted by Stiletto

Would you like a shortcut through that mess?

Spoiler for Blighttown shortcut:

You can access the end path rather earlier in fact, all you need to do is know the way around. Exploration yields quite an amazing breadth of pathfinding.

The way is through Darkroot Garden, onward to the Valley of Drakes. You'll need to pass the undead dragon-- pick up the dragon crest shield, you'll need a shield with good fire reduction for the fight with Quelaag. (Although if you are of the speedy sort you can simply duck around its neck when she's swinging her sword)

Running past the dung giants, and there should be a treasure chest on the floor or on the floor below you. It contains the key to New Londo ruins, which you can then access to sue as a shortcut back to firelink.

Firelink is good because it gives you 10 estus; but more importantly it interlinks to the undead asylum. You should get the rusted iron ring from there and the crest shield to make the swamp easier. Rusted iron ring removes the penalty reduction fo the swamp. And if you choose this route you can also farm purple and blooming purple moss clomps without having to go out of your way.

Everyone hates Blighttown. So I hope this is helpful. Although I wonder if you've made it through already?

I haven't had time to play because of work but I will this weekend I will try the shortcut.