In the ever-expanding world of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, players encounter numerous new characters and intricate storylines. One such character is Hornsent, a pivotal NPC whose questline intertwines with the main narrative. As a devoted member of the tower people in the Shadow Realm, Hornsent’s story is rich with themes of loyalty, revenge, and the quest for justice. This guide provides a comprehensive look at Hornsent's quest, detailing where to find him, the critical decisions you’ll face, and the various outcomes of those choices.
Locating Hornsent in Gravesite Plain
Your journey with Hornsent begins in the Shadow Realm at Gravesite Plain, the first Site of Grace you’ll encounter. Heading north from this point, you’ll arrive at the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace, marked by a prominent withered tree. Here, one of Miquella’s Crosses will be glowing brightly, guiding your way.
At this site, you’ll meet two NPCs: Freyja and Hornsent. Freyja will suggest speaking to Hornsent, who holds a map of Miquella’s Crosses. However, Hornsent is initially hostile, expressing distrust towards your kind and emphasizing the enmity between the Erdtree and his people. Through further dialogue, he reveals his oath to Miquella and provides you with a map highlighting the locations of three of Miquella’s Crosses. He warns that you must adhere to Miquella’s path to avoid becoming his enemy.
Advancing the Quest: The Scadu Altus Chapter
After defeating the Divine Beast Dancing Lion, another significant interaction with Hornsent occurs. You must retrieve Scorpion Stew from Hornsent Grandam and present it to Hornsent, who will reward you with 3x Furnace Visage. Attempting to give him more Scorpion Stew results in rejection.
Progressing through Castle Ensis and overcoming Rellana, Twin Moon Knight, Hornsent relocates to the Highroad Cross Site of Grace, accompanied by Needle Knight Leda. Here, you can obtain the Monk’s Missive and the “May the Best Win” gesture, essential for the Dryleaf Dane side quest. Hornsent also provides an updated map with four new cross locations.
Unraveling the Crosses
The new map reveals additional cross sites:
- Highroad Cross Site of Grace: Your current location.
- Pillar Path Site of Grace in Gravesite Plain: Where Thiollier can be found.
- Moorth Ruins in Scadu Altus: Home to Dryleaf Dane.
- Shadow Keep in the northeast of Scadu Altus.
Hornsent explains that Miquella sheds his flesh at each cross, symbolizing his efforts to correct past wrongs against Hornsent’s people. He tasks you with visiting the misshapen tree of Umbra, where you must spill the blood of the Erdtree and your allies to continue his quest.
The Breaking of the Great Rune
A significant plot twist occurs at Shadow Keep when a loud noise signals the breaking of a great rune and a spell. This event profoundly affects the NPCs, including Hornsent. When you next encounter him, he is consumed by vengeance, determined to make Messmer pay for his crimes. He warns you not to impede his quest for revenge, as he prepares to leave the Highroad Cross Site of Grace.
Final Encounter at Shadow Keep
Hornsent reappears at Shadow Keep’s Main Gate Site of Grace, available as a summonable ally for the boss fight against the Golden Hippopotamus. Navigating to the Main Gate Plaza and then to the Storehouse Front, you’ll find two summoning signs: a red one to aid Needle Knight Leda and a golden one to assist Hornsent.
Decision and Consequences
Helping Leda
Choosing to help Leda pits you against Hornsent. Defeating him yields:
- Falx
- Caterpillar Mask
- Braided Cord Robe
- Braided Arm Wraps
- Soiled Loincloth
Afterwards, speaking to Leda rewards you with a Lacerating Crossed-Tree Talisman and marks the start of her new target, Sir Ansbach. This decision halts Hornsent’s questline progression.
Helping Hornsent
Opting to aid Hornsent results in a battle with Leda. Victory grants:
- Ash of War: Swift Slash
- Leda’s Rune (40,000 runes)
This choice removes Leda from the Highroad Cross Site of Grace.
Skipping the Fight
Avoiding the fight allows the questline to continue. Summoning Hornsent during the battle against Messmer enables his storyline to progress, redirecting Leda’s focus to Ansbach.
Hornsent's Ambush
If you previously sided with Hornsent or skipped the Shadow Keep fight, he ambushes you at the Ancient Ruins of Rauh before the Tap to Reveal boss fight. Killing him here drops his weapon and armor. This interaction can be missed by visiting the Ancient Ruins of Rauh prior to fighting Messmer or choosing Leda at Shadow Keep.
Conclusion
Hornsent’s quest in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is a rich narrative of loyalty and vengeance. Navigating his storyline requires strategic decisions, each with significant consequences. Whether you ally with him or stand against him, Hornsent’s story adds depth and complexity to the game, enhancing the immersive experience of the Shadow Realm.
