TL;DR
- Essence of Obscurity requires finding Withered Plumes in Circle of Bones for Every Waking Moment SMG
- Navigate from Sorrow’s Harbor through Hellmouth to Gatehouse then Circle of Bones
- Use strategic pathfinding to avoid common navigation errors in Hive tunnels
- Complete multiple Essence quests simultaneously for efficiency
- Master Lectern of Enchantment crafting for optimal Dreambane gear progression
The lunar landscape of Destiny 2’s Shadowkeep expansion presents unique challenges for Guardians seeking Eris Morn’s specialized arsenal. Beyond simple activity completion, acquiring her distinctive weapons and armor demands strategic engagement with the moon’s haunting environments.
Unlocking the Lectern of Enchantment during your campaign journey opens advanced crafting capabilities, allowing precise gear customization. Each Dreambane equipment piece necessitates defeating specific Nightmare enemies scattered across the moon’s surface—merely the initial phase of acquisition. Vanquishing these Nightmares yields Essence resources, which transform into valuable gear through the crafting system.
Essence of Obscurity typically emerges from lunar chests scattered throughout the destination. Successfully completing this quest chain grants access to the Every Waking Moment submachine gun, a powerful addition to any Guardian’s loadout. Each Essence mission requires locating hidden lunar artifacts, presenting navigation challenges for those unfamiliar with the moon’s complex tunnel networks. For Essence of Obscurity specifically, you must secure the Withered Plumes artifact concealed within the Circle of Bones location.

Strategic tip: Collect multiple Essence quests simultaneously to optimize your lunar exploration time. The Hall of Wisdom contains Necromantic Strand, Chamber of Night holds Horned Wreath, Lunar Battlegrounds conceals Captive Cord, and Catacombs hides Ehrath’Ur’s Horned Wreath—planning efficient routes between these locations can significantly reduce completion time.
Begin your journey at the Sorrow’s Harbor transmat zone, utilizing your sparrow for rapid traversal southward into the Hellmouth region. This initial positioning is crucial for minimizing travel time and avoiding unnecessary combat encounters.
Upon reaching Hellmouth, execute a northern turn toward the prominent Hive structure dominating the area’s northern perimeter. This architectural landmark serves as your primary navigation reference point through the complex terrain.

Descend the staircase system into the subterranean tunnels, maintaining forward momentum through the Gatehouse sector. Continue progressing deeper into the Hive infrastructure, remaining vigilant for environmental clues indicating correct path selection.
Common navigation error: Many Guardians mistakenly explore side tunnels branching from the main path, wasting valuable time. Stay on the primary route marked by distinctive Hive architecture and lighting patterns. Advanced players can utilize vertical mobility abilities to bypass certain terrain obstacles, though this requires precise execution.
The Circle of Bones presents a multi-level chamber with distinct architectural features. Upon entry, focus your search on the elevated platforms and recessed alcoves where Hive artifacts are typically concealed.
Withered Plumes occupies a specific niche within the western sector of the main chamber, partially obscured by environmental details. Thorough scanning of wall formations and platform edges is essential for successful location.
Completion time estimate: Seasoned Guardians typically require 15-20 minutes for the entire navigation and retrieval process, while newcomers should allocate 30-45 minutes accounting for exploration and potential combat engagements.
Pro tip: Equip gear with enhanced radar capabilities or target acquisition mods to streamline the search process. The Every Waking Moment submachine gun obtained through this quest features excellent stability and range for its class, making the effort worthwhile for close-to-mid-range combat specialists.
For comprehensive gear progression strategies, consult our Complete Guide covering advanced gameplay mechanics. Weapon enthusiasts should explore our detailed Weapons Unlock guide for optimal loadout configurations.
Action Checklist
- Activate Sorrow’s Harbor transmat and deploy sparrow for southern Hellmouth traversal
- Navigate to northern Hive structure in Hellmouth, using architecture as visual guide
- Descend staircase system into tunnels, proceeding through Gatehouse to Circle of Bones
- Thoroughly search western sector of Circle of Bones for Withered Plumes artifact
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Destiny 2 Withered Plumes Location Guide: Where Is The Circle Of Bones? Complete guide to locating Circle of Bones and obtaining Withered Plumes for Destiny 2's Essence of Obscurity quest
