First half an hour... Man I was thrilled! That strange unease feeling got back as soon as I enter portal with my shield up. Can't really remember when I entered some area this carefully and then fog gates appeared. Hahaha, for sure I haven't expect boss!!
Since I avoided all possible spoilers I had no clue about tactics nor tail cut mentioned in OP but I'm so glad I entered fight like a virgin
Was using my NG++ SL120, with full humanity and few million souls from PVP. Of course I was owned badly by that combo after circling and circling trying to figure out tactics. So, I tried to look for some help but none came so I entered alone and after few times I manage to bring him to like 1% then died! Hahahah, welcome back Dark Souls!!!
Anyway, beast was down, managed to keep my humanity and souls and then ventured into Sanctuary.
Royal woods
Area looks great but at NG++, that stone thingy hits hards. Was going to the right and get to the elevator shaft which is, of course, deactivated so I ahd to find new way... and.... I died... by stone's thingy fu**** earth ripping hit.
Oooooook, time to get my PVP SL100 NG char.
Killed golem, got pendant, went to portal, lit bonfire... Damn, only 10 flasks!!! Aaaarrggghhh!! Go back to catacombs, rush to Vamos, run to Pinwheel boss, get Secret Rite, homeward back, goooooooooooo. This time I managed to summon friendly fanthom and there we go.
This time, boss was really easy... I figured out his attack patterns on previous char and I had a help (thus it's only NG) so he went down pretty fast.
Gooooooooooo Royal Woods.....
(Fast forward)
Fanthom summoned, went for Artorias, was killed by trying to use the flask by this crazy long rage trust and he was at 20% or so. Damn, bed time, work tommorow! DAMN!
(dreaming killing Artorias and having barbecue in Royal woods)