If you have made it to the Horns of the Shadow Keep and caught Keeper Gwylan and his odd duel against the seagulls, then you are in for a delightful and strange questline. This guide details everything you need to know to complete the side quests Irrational Hatred and Eternal War from start to finish, including where to begin, how to construct the needed items, and where to find all the required materials.
Starting the Quest Chain with Gwylan
The side quest Irrational Hatred begins when you talk with Keeper Gwylan, who’s on the bridge of the Horns of the Shadow Keep. This begins a series of quests concerning his continuing feud with some very determined seagulls.
Meet the Gardener: Pumpkin Peril
While you’re on the bridge, don’t forget to meet Eogan, the gardener. Head around to the back of the keep, go uphill, and climb the stairs around the nearby tower. Cross the bridge to another tower, and you’ll find him there.
Eogan’s quest, Pumpkin Peril, starts with him venting about seagulls messing up his garden. He’ll ask for your help in scaring them away.
Visit the Museum for Clues
To assist Eogan, go back to the entrance of the keep, climb up the stairs, and go through the door labeled Captain’s Quarters—a museum. In the rear room, talk to Rhydderic. He will inform you of an object known as the Seaguller’s Mask, which is ideal for frightening the birds away.
How to Craft the Seaguller’s Mask
Before crafting the mask, you need the Leather crafting recipe. If you haven’t unlocked it yet, buy it from Margh at the Hunter’s Camp for 300 gold.
Now head to Osbryht’s blacksmithing area and use the Grindstone. You’ll unlock the recipe for the Seaguller’s Mask, which requires:
- 2 Leather
- 2 Feathers
Where to Find Leather
- Craft it from animal pelts like Deer or Wolf at the Grindstone.
- These animals roam the beach camp, forest north of the keep, and the path to the Shrine of a Forgotten God.
- Or just buy Leather from Osbryht for 30 gold each.
Where to Get Feathers
- Loot them from human enemies who use bows.
- Look in places like the Flooded Mines, The Gallows, or the Abandoned Village.
Finish Irrational Hatred and Get Your Reward
Once the Seaguller’s Mask is ready, return to Gwylan and give it to him. He’ll put it on (yes, seriously), and reward you with:
- EXP
- A Giant Feather (a consumable that permanently raises your max Encumbrance by 5)
You can now talk to him again to unlock the next quest in the chain: Eternal War.
Eternal War: More Seagull Trouble
Gwylan’s not done with the birds yet. In Eternal War, he asks you to make and set traps to drive the seagulls away for good.
Return to the Grindstone near Osbryht’s shop to find a new recipe: Bird Trap.
You’ll need to craft four traps, and each one takes:
- 1 Fish Fillet – Found in crates, sacks, and barrels.
- 2 Wood – Chop at Chopping Spots (like the one near the barrel cart in the keep), loot containers, or get it from enemies during Wyrdnight.
- 1 Bone – Dropped by Undead skeletons. Head to the Forgotten Cemetery and you’ll get plenty of them.
Return to Gwylan: Phase Two Begins
Once all four Bird Traps are placed, return to Gwylan. He’ll reward you with:
- EXP
- 200 Gold
- Progress into part two of Eternal War.
Speak to Fearghas: Time for a Perception Check
Now go to the central floor of the keep and talk to Fearghas about Gwylan’s behavior. During the conversation, you’ll get a Perception check.
Here’s how it works:
- 1 Perception gives you a 25% chance of success.
- 4 or more Perception means it will automatically succeed.
Two Possible Outcomes
- Fail the check: The quest ends here. You still get 100 EXP, and Gwylan stays outside on the wall.
- Pass the check: You get 150 EXP total (100 base + 50 bonus), and Gwylan is moved to the Barracks instead.
Final Thoughts
This side quest chain may seem quirky, but it’s worth completing for the permanent stat boost, extra EXP, and some great world-building. Plus, who doesn’t want to help a bird-obsessed keeper defend his keep from a seagull invasion?
