@Tarith: You are already facing one of the cocoons as the Gnarled Shepherd's claws seems to hit you, but your anklets save you from potential harm. As you examine the cocoon. You see it's hard to the touch. Its interior seems to be filled with a black fluid. The dryad inside has a myriad of tiny roots that pump its energy towards the large root connecting the Shepherd. As you place your hands on the cocoon, the Dryad opens her eyes and turns her head towards you.

"This keeps him alive! The shroud turned the Shepherd. His life is tied to ours!"