Mr Dave wrote:
Probably too panicky, but if the curse bar does fill, it's obvious due to the instant death and halving of maximum health until uncursed (being cursed is usually the point at which I do new Londo, given a curse is the only way to kill the ghosts) .
If you haven't killed the big Wolf, you can't have completed new Londo. (can't enter the boss room). Woods are probably the easiest area available. Although I always avoid the area with all the people.
Fire demon, again fire resistance is useful. If he's too much, there is an alternative route at the cost of considerable humanity,which avoids a couple of bosses and some arses.
I went to confront Seath a couple of times, and I certainly didn't die due to curse. I think my natural resistance to curse is fairly high at this point. I remember getting cursed in the sewers and going through New Londo, although I do seem to recall an elevator or something being inaccessible. I do think I opened up a short cut to somewhere else, but I don't remember where, probably in the woods somewhere*.
I also tried (a long time ago) to confront the Fire Sage Demon donning a fire resistant shield and robes, but it was not enough.
*EDIT: I'm not actually sure about opening any short cut.