One of the more interesting and rude NPCs added to Elden Ring’s DLC is Hornsent Grandam. This surly old woman is locked away in a corner of the Land of Shadow, but doesn’t appear to have a quest if you find her right away. However, as expected from FromSoftware, there’s more to this character than meets the eye. It’s a bit tricky to work out, but Grandam does have a hidden quest that can be missed if you progress too far. Here are all the steps and rewards you get for following it through.
Hornsent Grandam is first found in the Storeroom inside Belurat, Tower Settlement, which is locked and can only be opened with the corresponding key. Once you unlock the door and meet her, she will have a few lines of dialogue but otherwise nothing to do just yet.
After defeating the Divine Beast Dancing Lion boss and acquiring the Divine Beast Head as a reward, go back to Hornsent while wearing the headpiece and speak to her again. This should be done before you continue on and beat Messmer the Impaler at Shadow Keep.
After talking to her while wearing the giant lion head, she will gift you the Watchful Spirit spell. Head to any Site of Grace, sit to reset the zone, and then go back to talk to her again to receive the Scorpion Stew. You are now free to defeat Messmer and come back to Hornsent to talk one more time (you don’t need to wear the lion head again) for a Gourmet Scorpion Stew.
