You get the key from defeating the elder. Withered bones are obtained from mining scrap or from chests in crypts.

Originally posted by Bob The Sailor:

You get the key from defeating the elder. Withered bones are obtained from mining scrap or from chests in crypts.

You did not read my post or so it seems.

You only get them in locked crypts and you can't summon the boss without them to get the key.
3 large swamps with many crypts and there all locked and you can't get any bones without the key and you can't get the key with out the bones.

Many times i have been killed and many monsters have fallen and not one of them dropped a bone and and not found any unlocked crypts.

Withered bones are needed for the third boss (in the swamp), but you need to beat the second boss (in the forest) to get the key for exploring the swamp.

Originally posted by Nefrarya:

Withered bones are needed for the third boss (in the swamp), but you need to beat the second boss (in the forest) to get the key for exploring the swamp.

I did already and no key was given.
Strange will go do it again and see whats up with that.
Maybe I just overlooked the drop from the 2nd boss.

Thanks for the info and will now go and look.

I see what you're asking. You need to get Ancient seeds from killing various types of Greydwarves. Black Forest crypts have a chance to contain a tablet that tells you the location of the elder, who you defeat for the key drop. You need to keep the "Swamp Key" with you at all times when you go to these crypts. When inside, use your pickaxe on the mud to venture further and get some sweet loot! The bones should be in there.

Originally posted by Nefrarya:

Withered bones are needed for the third boss (in the swamp), but you need to beat the second boss (in the forest) to get the key for exploring the swamp.

Yes this is the answer to my problem, went back and indeed the key was left at the place I killed the Elder at.

Thank you for your time.

Cool, happy hunting!