When my son and I first entered into the swamp on route to the next boss Bonemass, we built a small portal building right on the coast, in the Black Forest where it adjoined the Swamp. We then made a path inwards towards where Bonemass lay, making use of the hoe, placing campfires, about 100 yards apart along the path with torches in between them. This way we always had an easily visible route back to the safety of the coast & Black Forest. The small building containing our portal was surrounded by 2 layers of cheval de frise (wooden ground spikes).

I understand your frustration. Even though we took great care in preparing the area around Bonemass' altar, by raising the ground and surrounding it in corewood fence, with covered campfires along the inside of the fence, mainly to keep us out of miry ground and to keep the adds at bay, as well as offering us a place to dry off and regen stamina. Bonemass was a challenge. My son gave up in frustration after his 12th death, so I went at Bonemass solo after watching a video. I had him down to under half when my son logged on. We then both finished him in short order with no more deaths.

Keep at it. Remember if the women don't find you handsome at least let them find you handy, quando omni flunkus moritati.