Hornsent is an NPC featured in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC of Elden Ring, seeking revenge for his people's betrayal by figures like Messmer. His questline unfolds throughout the expansion, with significant ties to the Hornsent Grandam in Belurat, Tower Settlement. Here’s a step-by-step guide to completing Hornsent’s side quest.
First Meeting: Gravesite Plain
You’ll first encounter Hornsent at the Site of Grace called "Three-Path Cross" in Gravesite Plain, near Freyja. This is one of the initial areas you’ll explore in the DLC. After talking to Hornsent, he expresses his animosity toward the Erdtree and reveals that following Miquella could lead to vengeance. If you speak to him again, he’ll reluctantly share a Cross Map marking Miquella's locations, suggesting you can avoid becoming his enemy by walking in Miquella’s footsteps.
Second Meeting: Scadu Altus
After defeating Rellana, the boss in Castle Ensis, Hornsent relocates to "Highroad Cross" in Scadu Altus. Here, he provides you with a New Cross Map, expanding your quest. A second conversation reveals his growing faith in Miquella’s vision of cleansing the Erdtree’s sins. Speak to him again, and he’ll encourage you to continue toward the Erdtree, concluding his dialogue for this location.
At this point, you can also converse with Needle Knight Leda, who shares her thoughts on Hornsent. If you suggest Hornsent as a potential target for her suspicions, she’ll reconsider her approach. Your decision here influences future interactions, but Hornsent will move on regardless of your choice.
Third Meeting: Shadow Keep
As you approach the Shadow Keep, a bell tolls, indicating a significant change. Return to the "Highroad Cross" Site of Grace to find Hornsent, who is now more determined for vengeance against Messmer. After speaking with him, you’ll learn he plans to confront Messmer, and he advises you to stay out of his way if you don't want to face retribution.
Before proceeding, also speak to Needle Knight Leda, who has begun to question the loyalties of her comrades. Depending on your earlier decision about whom to target, she may decide to pursue Hornsent or shift her focus elsewhere.
Fourth Meeting: The Shadow Keep Fights
Hornsent becomes a summonable ally during two major boss encounters in the Shadow Keep. In the fight against the Golden Hippopotamus, you can summon him if you've previously exhausted his dialogue at "Highroad Cross." Regardless of your choice to summon him or not, his questline will proceed.
Next, you encounter Needle Knight Leda. Here, you can choose to help her against Hornsent, help Hornsent against Leda, or skip the fight. Buy Elden Ring Items to get more weapons and items to help you complete the quest line faster!
Helping Leda: Ends Hornsent’s questline as you defeat him, earning his Falx weapon and other items.
Helping Hornsent: Continues his questline while you battle Leda, rewarding you with the Ash of War: Swift Slash and Leda's Rune.
Skipping the fight: Allows both questlines to progress without conflict.
Summoning Hornsent in the fight against Messmer the Impaler also yields significant developments in his storyline. If you help him here, he will avenge his people and express gratitude, but his thirst for revenge only intensifies.
Final Encounter: Ancient Ruins of Rauh
If Hornsent survives the previous encounters, he will invade you at the Ancient Ruins of Rauh before your battle with Romina, Saint of the Bud. Despite his earlier gratitude, he is consumed by rage and challenges you in this encounter. Defeating him yields items like the Flax, Caterpillar Mask, Braided Cord Robe, Braided Arm Wraps, and Soiled Loincloth.
This climactic end for Hornsent, marked by his abrupt turn against you, leaves much to ponder about his state of mind. With his questline concluded you can proceed to defeat Romina, wrapping up this emotional and complex narrative thread in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.
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