Online:Keeper of Bones

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Help an exiled skeleton save his friends. Zone: Grahtwood Objective: Bone Orchard — Help Dringoth investigate the Worm Cult in Bone Orchard. Quest Giver: Dringoth Location(s): Bone Orchard Reward: Barrowbough's Cage Very High Leveled Gold XP Gain: Very High XP ID: 4773

Dringoth is judged

I found a talking skull named Dringoth near the Bone Orchard. He wants me to piece him together so he can help thwart Worm Cultists in the area.

Quick Walkthrough

1. Recover Dringoth's bones.
2. Assemble Dringoth.
3. Investigate the dig site.
4. Talk to Spinner Amariel.
5. Enter the Barrowbough.
6. Talk to Olphras.
7. Repel the Worm Cult.

Detailed Walkthrough

Near the northeast entrance into the Bone Orchard, you will se a skull on the ground who will speak to you:

"Wonderful! Thought I'd be yapping here for eternity. Blasted Wormies only have eyes for the empty ones.
Very well, tie me to your belt and we can get started. No time to lose!"

What are you talking about? And how can you talk?

"How can you breathe? You just do, without thinking much about it. It's the same with me and talking, or Worm Cultists and digging up old bones.
Didn't ask if they belonged to anyone, did they? The Wormies just started making skeletons."

The Worm Cult is creating undead here?

"Yes! Pieces of me are all over the place. It's rather disconcerting!
I'm probably not the first skeleton you've had to reassemble, and I doubt I'll be the last. But once I'm walking again, we can figure out what the Wormies want with the Bone Orchard. Deal?"

All right. I'll help you get your bones back from the Worm Cult

Assembling Dringoth

Roam around the Bone Orchard and kill Skeleton enemies, as they'll drop his body parts in random amounts. Note that the Worm Cult Necromancers do not drop these parts, nor do the skeletons they summon. Once you have all of the pieces, you will be able to reassemble him using the interact button:

"You have no idea how good this feels! To be whole again, and walk with my own two legs. To have legs at all!"

What's next?

"Next? Oh, you mean the Wormies! Can't leave them here, digging up bones that dig up bones."

Do you know why they're digging?

"No idea! That's why we'll need to investigate, yes? That's the thing for us, investigations all around!
Their biggest dig site is nearby. Hard to miss it, really! Unless you're one to miss a hole in the ground."

All right, let's go

"Charging off like Fildenir Blood-Drunk, eh? Don't expect me to lend a hand. Perhaps a rib will do?
Point it at any Wormie skeleton and I'll have it fighting at your side! No, it's no trouble, you can thank me later. Onward to the dig site."

The dig site is northwest section of the orchard. In it is a partially-unearthed dragon skeleton, who Dringoth speaks to:

Dringoth: "Goradir!
Goradir, what have they done?

Goradir: "What does it look like? They dug up my barrow!"

Dringoth: "What? Why?"

Goradir: "Wouldn't stop asking about the roots."

Dringoth: "The roots? Why would they care about the …. Oh no."

Goradir: "Told them they were asking for trouble, but did they listen? Went right to the Barrowbough. Idiots."

Dringoth then calls you over:

"The Wormies must be here for what's under the Barrowbough. With enough of the little skeletons, they'll be able to dig up the big ones.
I knew I shouldn't have said anything to that Ethruin fellow."

Who? What did you tell him?

"The Wormie leader. Told him he'd have no use for the big bones in the ground with the Barrowbough to keep them sleeping.
But if he digs up the Barrowbough's roots, he'll kill it. Then he can build giant Wormie skeletons to stomp around."

What's the Barrowbough?

"You didn't notice it? The enormous tree in the middle of the Bone Orchard?
Nobody takes a moment to look up these days. All this beauty directly above you and you're staring straight at the dirt. Typical."

How can we stop him?

"There are others like Goradir sleeping beneath the Barrowbough. If they knew what the Wormies wanted, they'd help!
But we can't get there without Spinner Amariel's help, and she's not to happy with me."

Where can we find Spinner Amariel?

"She's up on the ridge overlooking the Bone Orchard. Maybe I shouldn't go with you? No, that's silly, I'm sure she'll be happy to see me.
But just to be prudent, I'll let you do the talking."

Meeting Spinner Amariel

Directly north of the Bone Orchard is the cave that Spinner Amariel is residing in. Climb up the ridge and enter the cave, and Dringoth will share light conversation with her:

Dringoth: "Spinner Amariel! We need your help. It's an emergency!"

Spinner Amariel: "Dringoth! Who put you back together? Are you to blame for these Worm Cultists?"

Dringoth: "Not at all! Well, not exactly. I'll let my friend fill you in."

If you talk to Dringoth before the Spinner, he'll have these words to say:

Spinner Amariel doesn't seem to like you.

What's so special about the Barrowbough?

"What's so special about a great tree the size of a sailing ship, sealing the old bones beneath it in eternal slumber?
Not much beyond all that, I suppose."

Why were the bones sealed?

"To keep people out! Why else? Spirits hate disturbances.
And to keep the bones from wandering away. The Barrowbough grew around the oldest skull in the ground, you know."

I didn't see a skull.

"The big hill in the center of the orchard? I suppose it doesn't look much like a skull now. Been buried too long."

Whose skull is it?

"Ha! Heh. Most think it belongs to the god Y'ffre.
His death made the bones of the earth, or so it goes. Depends on who tells the story."

Is it really Y'ffre's skull?

"Ha! No, of course not. Nobody that important."

Whose skull is it, then?

"I, ah, don't know. Yes, it's left me completely.
Wait, did you hear that? Could've sworn it was a Wormie. Ha! Must've been my imagination."

Spinner Amariel doesn't seem to like you.

"We have a history built upon the bedrock of respect and mutual appreciation! We're just having a bit of a spat, that's all."

For how long?

"Thirty or … fifty years, I think? Yes, let's say fifty."

Fifty years?

"Give or take a decade. It's my fault, really. I was insufferable!
Don't know how she put up with me, to be honest. Taking me apart was the best thing for us both!"

So there are no hard feelings between you?

"Not at all! Well … I do wonder how she'd fare buried up to her neck while I sit in a nice, warmly lit cave, but it's a passing fancy.
She used to visit my skull and sing to me, even when we were squabbling. That's true friendship, right there."

Talk to Spinner Amariel:

"Why did you let Dringoth talk you into this? Do you know how much trouble he's brought to the Bone Orchard?
My apologies, his very presence wears at my manners. What do you need?"

Worm Cultists took over the Bone Orchard.

"Yes, their leader Ethruin made vague threats about me remaining inside. He's attempting to raise the old bones beneath the Barrowbough, but there's no way he'll do that before Elden Root sends a patrol, so I'm staying put."

They already dug up Goradir.

"Dug up? But that would take weeks. How did they manage?"

They're raising an army of skeletons.

"Why? Those old bones are useless to them. The Barrowbough shields them from necromancy.
But if they can dig up the Barrowbough's roots …. Oh no. They plan to turn the old bones into an army!"

We need to wake the old bones before the Worm Cult does.

"Here, this is Nirenan's Horn. Head beneath the Barrowbough and sound the horn before the gate. It's the only way inside, unless you want to help the Worm Cult with their digging.
And don't let Dringoth sneak off with that horn!"

Head back to the Orchard and enter the great tree on the southern side of it.

Awakening the Old Bones

When inside the Barrowbough, go down the right path and use Nirenan's Horn outside the Heart of the Barrowbough's door. Upon using it, Nirenan's voice bellows from the other side:

Nirenan: "Who disturbs the Heart of the Barrowbough?"

Dringoth: "Nirenan, enough with the theatrics. You need to let us in!"

Nirenan: "Dringoth? What are you doing here? Who is with you?
And why are there intruders in the roots of the Barrowbough? Dringoth, what have you done?"

Dringoth: "Nothing! I'm trying to help!"

Nirenan: "Once again you bring us suffering. Banmishment is too good for you, this time."

Enter the Heart of the Barrowbough. Upon entering, you will hear the echoes of the other bones:

Ganion: "Dringoth? What have you done?"

Fildenir: "What will you make us lose this time, Dringoth?"

Nothrin: "You should have left, Dringoth."

Urmion: "Olphras will not forgive you again."

Engloseth: "Why, Dringoth? Why return?"

When you approach the altar, the conversation continues:

Olphras: "Dringoth! You were banished, yet you dare return?"

Dringoth: "Olphras, listen to me! We're in danger. Necromancers are trying to kill the Barrowbough!"

Olphras: "You warn of danger. Dringoth, who leveled nations with his girth!
Your restlessness trapped us here in the first place!"

Dringoth: "There are a vast number of Elf bones in the Bone Orchard. If we use them together, we can drive out the invader!"

Olphras: "Together? Since when have you done anything that wasn't for yourself?
Once more you bring danger upon us, then beg for our help to end it. No longer! You'll remain beneath the Barrowbough until the world forgets you!"

Dringoth: "Olphras, wait!"

After that, Olphras will pin Dringoth to the ground. Approach the alter and talk to her:

"We have no quarrel with you, living one. Indeed, we thank you for your part in awakening us. The invaders in the Barrowbough must be stopped!"

Why can't Dringoth help fight the Worm Cult?

"Because we must punish him for his transgressions. The Elf bone shell to which he was banished will no longer suit him. We'll return him to the old skull around which the Barrowbough first grew, the very skull that surrounds this room."

Why do you have to do this now?

"Dringoth's crimes are unforgivable. We once sought a true death in the farthest reaches of the world, but his aimless wanderings led to our imprisonment! Here, we can never die!"

[Persuade] Dringoth wants to stop the Worm Cult. Why not let him help?

"Perhaps we were too hasty.
Very well. Because Dringoth broke his exile only to warn us of so great a threat, we'll allow him to leave us in peace. But only if he aids us in driving out the invaders."

I won't stand in your way. [Dringoth dies]

"Dringoth, we shall return you to the bones that bore you in life. May you sleep and forget yourself in time."

Tell me what he did to you.

"That story is as long as it is old. You would endure the telling?"'

Yes.

"In days long past, our old bones longed for the sun's sweet kiss, for friends we knew in life. But our restless wanderings caused untold suffering. We went far away, to be forgotten by the world. To die.
But Dringoth continued to wander. To destroy."

Why?

"He couldn't bear to stay in one place for long. Yet while he fixed his gaze upon the horizon, he forgot to watch the ground. Whole cities crumbled beneath him.
Amidst this devastation, the Wood Elves of Falinesti saw his wanderlust for what it was."

What did they do?

"They invited him to join the travels of their walking city. His elation gave them time to ensorcel him into slumber. Unaware, he laid down to sleep.
They buried him, and planted a seed in his skull. In time, it became the Barrowbough."

If his bones slept, why do you hate him?

"The Wood Elves of Falinesti feared our fading bones would wander, so they sought us out and carried us to the Bone Orchard. Here they interred us beneath shrines to Y'ffre, ensuring we would never be forgotten.
Because of this, none of us can die."

Did Dringoth ask them to seek you out?

"No. In telling the story, we see he did not.
But his wanderings led to great destruction, and his selfishness led our bones to this prison. He afflicted us with the doom of endlessness, and for this crime he cannot be forgiven."

Actually, I don't think I will. / I have heard enough.

"Good, for the memories alone wear upon us.
It is time for Dringoth to return to his bones. There will he remain until the world forgets. Then, perhaps, he will die."

After hearing her story, you are given the choice again with Dringoth's exile being a third choice:

[Persuade]: He came here to stand with his family against invaders. Is it justice you seek, or vengeance?

"You shame us, outsider. Perhaps we judge him in anger.
Very well. Dringoth will stand with us to keep the Barrowbough from harm. When the invaders are repelled, he is free to decide his own fate."

He deserves exile. [Dringoth lives]

"Perhaps we were too hasty.
Very well. Because Dringoth broke his exile only to warn us of so great a threat, we'll allow him to leave us in peace. But only if he aids us in driving out the invaders."

He deserves your punishment. [Dringoth dies]

"Dringoth, we shall return you to the bones that bore you in life. May you sleep and forget yourself in time."

Regardless of your choice, the Worm Cult will start their invasion on the Barrowbough, and Olphras will order Dringoth and the other old bones to defend. Head out of the exit behind the altar, where you will meet a Flesh Atronach and Ethruin. Note that Ethruin has two forms-- a Necromancer and Skeleton form-- so you will need to dispatch both. After successfully defending the Barrowbough, ^{what happens if you let him die?}, or if you allowed Dringoth to live, head outside to talk to him.

Notes

• The sacks of bones won't exist in the orchard before starting the quest.
• Inspecting the bag of bones in your quest items lists exactly the amount you have acquired.
• Dringoth can be reassembled anywhere in the viscinity of the Bone Orchard, not exclusively in the circle shown on the map.

Bugs

• Dringoth may walk up to you as a fully-assembled skeleton if you approach the great tree, despite not starting the quest. ^?
  • Note that this is only a very temporary visual effect, and does not have any impact on quest completion.
• Upon exiting the Barrowbough after defeating Ethruin, Dringoth will appear twice around you, as a companion still, and as NPC to talk to to complete the objective. ^?

Quest Stages

Keeper of Bones
Finishes Quest	Journal Entry
	Dringoth claims the Worm Cultists are using his bones to assemble a skeletal army. I should help look for his bones. Some of his bones may be in the Worm Cult camps, while others may be incorporated in the risen dead. Objective: Recover Dringoth's Bones from the Worm Cult Hidden Objective: Collect Ulna Hidden Objective: Collect Radius Hidden Objective: Collect Humerus Hidden Objective: Collect Scapula Hidden Objective: Collect Finger Phalanges Hidden Objective: Collect Ribs Hidden Objective: Collect Clavicle Hidden Objective: Collect Vertebrae Hidden Objective: Collect Toe Phalanges Hidden Objective: Collect Pelvis
	I recovered Dringoth's bones. I should be able to reassemble him in the Bone Orchard. Objective: Assemble Dringoth
	Objective: Talk to Dringoth
	Dringoth says we'll find clues about the Worm Cult's plans in the largest dig site. Objective: Investigate Dig Site
	Goradir, a much larger talking skull, informed us that the Worm Cult was asking questions about "the roots". I should see if Dringoth knows what they're after. Objective: Talk to Dringoth.
	Dringoth thinks the Worm Cult plans to kill the great tree at the center of the Bone Orchard in order to raise an army of giant skeletons. He wants to enlist Spinner Amariel's aid. Hidden Objective: Talk to Spinner Amariel
	Spinner Amariel seemed upset that I pieced Dringoth back together, but understand the Worm Cult threat to the Barrowbough. She gave me Nirenan's Horn so I could enter the great tree. Objective: Enter the Barrowbough
	The Worm Cult is already inside the Barrowbough! With luck, they haven't made it too far inside. Objective: Awaken Nirenan
	Sounding the horn opened the heart of the Barrowbough. I should enter before the Worm Cult can follow. Objective: Enter the Heart of the Barrowbough
	It is time to meet whatever lies beneath Bone Orchard. Objective: Witness the Gathering of Old Bones
	Olphras and the other old bones awoke. However, they're very angry with Dringoth. He wants me to speak with Olphras so they understand the Worm Cult threat. Objective: Talk to Olphras
	Olphras will allow Dringoth to stand with the old bones as they defend the Barrowbough, but afterward he must return to his exile in the world above. OR (?) Objective: Repel the Worm Cult
	Hidden Objective: Defeat Ethruin
Finishes quest	With Ethruin defeated, the Worm Cult attack was repelled. I should speak with Dringoth before he heads off to his exile. Objective: Talk to Dringoth Outside
Finishes quest	With Ethruin defeated, the Worm Cult attack was repelled. Text if Dringoth is killed. Objective: (?)

Notes

* Any text displayed in angle brackets (e.g., <Alias=LocationHold>) is dynamically set by the game and will be filled in with the appropriate word(s) when seen in game.

• Not all Journal Entries may appear in your journal; which entries appear and which entries do not depends on the manner in which the quest is done.
• Stages are not always in order of progress. This is usually the case with quests that have multiple possible outcomes or quests where certain tasks may be done in any order. Some stages may therefore repeat objectives seen in other stages.