Ultimate Western Skyrim Zone Guide
Western Skryim Area Description
Sundered from Eastern Skyrim in years past, High King Svargrim rules the cold and unforgiving land known as Western Skyrim. Consisting of the holds of Haafingar, Karthald, and Hjaalmarch, the realm gives rise to hardy natures, brave warriors, and suspicious townsfolk.
Contents
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What Is A Crafting Set Station?
A crafting set station is a crafting area that allows you to craft a specific set piece of armor. Often there are additional requirements, like a number of traits that must be researched before you can make an item of a specific set. While you can make generic pieces at crafting set stations, these are the only areas where you can the specific set that is listed. There is one exception – attunable crafting tables (which are ‘tuned’ to replicate set stations) can be obtained and placed in houses for use.
On your map, crafting set stations appear with a blackened crafting icon when you are close to a location. Once the set station has been visited, the icon turns white.
Western Skyrim Crafting Set Stations
- Dragon’s Belly – Dragon’s Appetite
- Hunter’s House – Stuhn’s Favor
How To Obtain Overland Set Pieces
Players are rewarded for each boss kill with item/items from that boss’s loot table.
- Delve bosses drop a waist, foot, or another unique item piece.
- Overland World Bosses drop a head, chest, leg, weapon, or unique item piece.
- Public dungeon bosses drop a shoulder, hand, weapon, or unique item piece.
- Chests at Dark Anchors or Dolmens drop a jewelry set piece.
Even with Curated Item Set Drops, bosses with a specific loot table will only drop curated items from their own loot table. Treasure chests have a chance to grant any set piece from the zone they are found in. Click here to learn more about curated set drops.
Western Skyrim Overland Armor Sets
- Winter’s Respite (light armor)
- Venomous Smite (medium armor)
- Eternal Vigor (heavy armor)
What Is A Delve?
A delve in The Elder Scrolls Online is in essence a small dungeon. Delves usually contain a few enemies, at least one ‘boss’, and a skyshard. Delves can generally be completed solo. If you are a new player, you may want to explore delves with a friend. Most delves have an associated quest that you can get just inside or near the entrance. This quest is more a side story to the main quest of the area but does offer rewards for completing it.
On your map, delves appear with a blackened single torch. Once the delve is completed (by defeating the boss or bosses), the delve icon turns white.
Western Skyrim Delves
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There are 4 delves in Western Skyrim.
Chillwind Depths
Rumors concerning the series of caves referred to as Chillwind Depths include such tales as giant insects, lost Reach treasures, and pale-skinned humanoids with a hunger for Nord flesh. The truth of these stories remains to be verified, but few people dare to venture into its interior. |
Poison’s Sting
Hedrynne, sister of Hamvir, has been poisoned by the bite of a giant insect near the cave known as Chillwind Depths. I should see if I can help save her life.
Chillwind Depths Location
Travel south from the Dragon Bridge Wayshrine to find the cave of Chillwind Depths.
Exploring and defeating the boss will reward you with the Chillwind Depths Explorer achievement.
Inside Chillwind Depths
Chillwind Depths is a cave found north of Karthwatch. It is inhabited with chaurus and various spiders. This delve has one level, one boss, and one skyshard as notated on the Map. One musical instrument can also be found in this delve.
Zrem-Zrem and Mother Krkktkk
Zrem-Zrem is the protector of Mother Krkktkk, a large chaurus reaper. She will attack with pinches and spitting poisons. Zrem-Zrem creates magical aoes. Avoid the poison and the aoes when possible. While the battle appears chaotic, it is usually very quick.
Completing Poison’s Sting
You will need to gather Chillwind Mushroom, Deep Lichen, and Unfertilized Chaurus Egg. Speak to Hamvir to complete the quest and be rewarded with gold and the Chillwind Chitinous Gauntlets, part of the Venomous Smite armor set.
Dragonhome
The barrow known as Dragonhome, in the northwestern corner of Karthald Hold, was once inhabited by the Dragon Cult of old. Rumors that a new group of cultists have taken over the area remain largely unsubstantiated.
Spellbound
I found a strange talking doll. The soul trapped inside insists that the Dragon Cult is responsible for imprisoning her. She seems confident that if I help gather her belongings, she can use them to reclaim her body.
Dragonhome Location
Travel southwest from the Gian’s Coast Wayshrine to reach the barrow of Dragonhome.
Exploring and defeating the boss will reward you with the Dragonhome Explorer achievement.
Inside Dragonhome
Dragonhome is occupied by Air Atronachs, Drugar, and Dragon Cult enemies. This delve has one level, one boss, and one skyshard as notated on the map. One musical instrument can also be found inside this delve.
Aspirant Yolstagg
Aspirant Yolstagg is the Nord leader of the enemies at Dragonhome. They are attempting to summon a dragon, but can only summon atronachs. During battle, Aspirant Yolstagg will summons various atronachs to aid him. Keep the adds down but remain focused on Yolstagg. He is easily defeated.
Completing Spellbound
You will need to collect Heiruna’s belongings and bring them to the altar when Heiruna will be restored to human form. Speak to Heiruna to complete the quest and you will be rewarded with gold and the Dragonhome Helm, part of the Eternal Vigor armor set.
Frozen Coast
The ice-encrusted shore of northeastern Hjaalmarch Hold never thaws, hence the name, Frozen Coast. The coastline extends into the territory of the Pale, Hjaalmarch’s neighbors to the east.
The Fate of the Frozen
I found a wounded, former Frostbite Raider named Magreta who asked me to reunite her with her partner, Nelfthea, who is still with their raiding band on the Frozen Coast.
Frozen Coast Location
Travel north from the Frozen Coast Wayshrine to reach the boat along the shoreline that will transport you to the Frozen Coast.
Exploring and defeating the boss will reward you with the Frozen Coast Explorer achievement.
Inside Frozen Coast
The Frozen Coast is an island off the shoreline that is covered in snow year-round. It is inhabited by Frostbite enemies, dire wolves, and snowy sabre cats. This delve has one level, one boss, and one skyshard as notated on the map.
Chief Gruthar
Chief Gruthar is a sea giant. He uses very heavy-hitting melee attacks. He also shouts, which create a cone-shaped aoe that will knock you off your feet. When Chief Cruthar slams his club onto the ground, he will generate a very large and damaging aoe. Avoid the aoes when possible. Ranged attacks work well. He is easily defeated.
Completing The Fate of the Frozen
You will need to search for Nelfthea and ultimately gather proof of her death. Speak to Rafilerrion to complete the quest and you will be rewarded with gold and the Icewalker’s Boots, part of the Venomous Smite armor set.
Shadowgreen
Mountains surround the lush valley of Shadowgreen, protecting it from the harsh weather of Western Skyrim. All manner of creatures take refuge within the valley, including wolves, bears, and spriggans.
Shadowgreen Location
Travel south from the Northern Watch Wayshrine to locate Shadowgreen delve.
The Mountain Bellows
I encountered a wounded High Elf named Rafilerrion who requested my assistance stopping a Reachmen’s ritual in the Shadowgreen that could cause the eruption of the mountain above it.
Exploring and defeating the boss will reward you with the Shadowgreen Explorer achievement.
Inside Shadowgreen
Shadowgreen is a mountainous area with lush caves deep inside the heart of Mount Kilkreath. It is inhabited by Reachman, black bears, an spriggans. This delve has two levels, one boss, and one skyshard as notated on the map.
Ya’intha
Ya’intha is a hargraven located in the center of the second level of this delve. She has multiple ranged fiery attacks including fiery breath and creating fiery aoes. Ya’intha also vanishes briefly by turning into a group of crows. Avoid the aoes when possible. She is easily defeated.
Completing The Mountain Bellows
You will need to locate and destroy four ritual pyres. Speak to Rafilerrion to complete the quest and you will be rewarded with gold the Spirggans Lament, an axe that is part of the Venomous Smite armor set.
What Is A Public Dungeon?
Public dungeons are a type of dungeon that is non-instanced. This means that it can be accessed by anyone at any time. These dungeons are more difficult than delves. Public Dungeons contain at least one skyshard and often a group challenge that rewards a skill point. Each public dungeon also offers its own quests and achievements.
On your map, public dungeons appear with a blackened cave. Once the public dungeon is completed (by defeating the bosses/mini-bosses and all associated quests), the public dungeon icon turns white.
Western Skyrim Public Dungeons
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There is 1 public dungeon in Western Skyrim.
Labyrinthian
Thought to have once been the capital of the Dragon Cult, Labyrinthian and its temple ruin are located in the eastern foothills of Hjaalmarch Hold. Despite being deserted for centuries, locals tend to keep a safe distance from the place.
Labyrinthian Location
Travel southeast from the Morthal Wayshrine to locate the nordic ruin Labyrinthian.
Labyrinthian Quests
There is one quest in Labyrinthian – The Fading Fire.
The Fading Fire
A priestess of Kyne named Yrsild asked me to investigate the ancient ruins of Labyrinthian in order to find her grandfather, Keldnyr, who has gone missing.
Completing The Fading Fire
You will need to find Yrslid’s grandfather and light the three exterior braziers. Speak to Yrslid to complete the quest and you will be rewarded with gold and the Seeker’s Cincture, part of the Winter’s Respite armor set.
Completing this quest will also reward you with the Kyne’s Tablet of Storms memento.
Inside Labyrinthian
Labyrinthian is a nordic ruin found in the mountains of Hjaalmarch. It is occupied by bone flayers, skeletal enemies, and draugrs.
This public dungeon has two levels, one skyshard, and one musical instrument as notated on the maps.
Dungeon Bosses
Labyrinthian has 6 bosses. To complete the dungeon, you will need to complete the quest and defeat all 6 bosses.
Click on the boss name for quick access to that section.
Andumgar
Andumgar is a Draugr.
Mechanics
Amdumgar uses lightning attacks and summons other drugars to aid him in battle. He will spike the ground creating lighting aoes and can also root you in place. Avoid the aoes when possible. He is easily defeated.
Blackmaw
Blackmaw is a giant frost troll.
Mechanics
Blackmaw has heavy-hitting swings. He also stomps the ground causing aoes. Blackmaw will pick up rocks and throw them at you. Avoid the aoes when possible. Ranged attacks work well.
Garneld the Hollow
Garneld the Hollow is a Nord necromancer and is the group event boss for this public dungeon.
Mechanics
Garneld the Hollow uses a staff for ranged attacks. You must first fight three waves of flesh colossus and waves of the undead. The undead, although many, are easily defeated. Remain focused on Garneld. During the battle some adds will channel to him which heals him. Interrupt them. Garneld is easily defeated.
Gralthum the Tormented
Gralthum the Tormented is a wispmother.
Mechanics
Gralthum the Tormened uses ice pillars and magicka attacks. She also summons wisps to aid her in battle. Gralthum will use ice breath creating a deadly cone-shaped aoe. During the battle, she will split into three versions. Keep the adds down and she is easily defeated.
Hjarnnir and Sleeraak
Hjannir is a Draugr spirit and Sleeraak is a frost atronach.
Mechanics
Hjarnnir controls Sleeraak. Sleeraak is slow moving but has very heavy-hitting swipes. Hjarnnir summons ice pillars and uses ranged magical attacks. Focus first on Sleeraak then turn to Hjarnnir. They are easily defeated.
Tulnir
Tulnir is a draugr.
Mechanics
Tulnir uses lightning bolts and aoes. He creates a very large ground aoe during which time he cannot be damaged. Step out of it and block. He is easily defeated.
Achievements
Defeating all the champions in Labyrinthian will reward you with the Labyrinthian Conquerer achievement.
Defeating Garmeld the Hollow will reward you with the Labyrinthian Group Event achievement.
What Is A Group Dungeon?
Group Dungeons are designed to be four-player areas. Dungeons in ESO feature large groups of enemies that are tougher to defeat and have multiple bosses. These bosses pose unique challenges and often feature special mechanics that require teamwork. Each dungeon has a quest with a skill point rewarded for its completion. Dungeons also offer special gear sets that cannot be found in the overland areas of Tamriel. Dungeons can be completed in normal mode, veteran mode, or veteran hardmode. Dungeons completed in any of the veteran modes will reward you with a Monster Helm – a unique piece of armor for the head. You can learn more about Monster sets in the Monster Set Guide and how to obtain the matching shoulder piece in the Undaunted Guide. You can also find a video and a written guide for each dungeon in the All About Mechanics Series.
On your map, dungeons appear with a blackened square-shaped icon with a plus sign. Once the dungeon is completed (by defeating the bosses), the dungeon icon turns white.
Western Skyrim Group Dungeons
- Castle Thorn – click for mechanics guide
“Despite Lady Thorn’s mysterious past, the Ravenwatch never felt the need to deal with her directly. She seemed content to hide away in the mountains, alone in her horrific castle. This one wonders if ignoring her was a terrible mistake.” —Adusa-daro
Castle Thorn Armor Sets
- Lady Thorn (monster set)
- Talfyg’s Treachery (light armor)
- Unleashed Terror (medium armor)
- Crimson Twilight (heavy armor)
What Is A Trial?
Trials (also called raids) are referred to as endgame content for groups of 12 players. They are dungeons of a much larger scale. Trials require area-specific mechanics that require both teamwork and coordination. Players who complete trials are rewarded with items that cannot be obtained anywhere else in the game. Trials have both normal and veteran versions as well as veteran hardmode. Trials also feature a repeatable quest with the reward being a special coffer. Each trial will only reward one coffer per week.
On your map, trials appear with a blackened square icon with a skull and a plus sign. Once the trial is completed (by defeating the bosses), the trial icon turns white.
Western Skyrim Trials
There is 1 trial in Western Skyrim.
- Kyne’s Aegis – click here for the Mechanics Guide
While many Nords attribute the founding of Kyne’s Aegis to Fuldimar Hookhand in 1E 244, Dragon Cult ruins tell a far older—and darker—story.
Kyne’s Aegis Armor Sets
- Kyne’s Wind (light armor)
- Roaring Opportunist (light armor)
- Yandir’s Might (medium armor)
- Vrol’s Command (heavy armor)
- Perfected Kyne’s Wind (light armor)
- Perfected Roaring Opportunist (light armor)
- Perfected Yandir’s Might (medium armor)
- Perfected Vrol’s Command (heavy armor)
What Is A World Boss?
World bosses are powerful enemies often with their own unique abilities. They sometimes require groups of players to overcome. World bosses in DLC zones are significantly harder than other base game bosses.
On your map, world bosses appear with a blackened skull and crossed swords icon. Once the world boss is defeated, the world boss icon turns white.
Western Skyrim World Bosses
There are 4 world bosses in Western Skyrim.
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Skreg the Undefeated at the Circle of Champions
The Circle of Champions can be easily accessed by travelling southwest from the Dragon Bridge Wayshrine or the Deepwood Vale Wayshrine, or by traveling southeast from the Mor Khazgur Wayshrine.
Mechanics Notes
Skreg the Undefeated is a dual-wielding Orc that uses poisons against you. He also places traps on the ground that will root you in place. During the battle, he will summon Skreg’s Lackeys and Archers to aid him. In addition to the poison, there are also barrels of poison that he can use but occasionally you can use them too. If you are susceptible to poisons, this will be a painful battle. Ranged attacks will help keep you away from the poisons and away from Skreg’s melee attacks.
Achievement Earned
The first time you defeat this world boss you will earn the Champion’s Champion achievement.
Hordek, Otal, and Vig at Hordek’s Hunting Grounds
Travel slightly southwest from the Frozen Coast Wayshrine to find the small camp called Hordek’s Hunting Grounds.
Mechanics Notes
Hordek, Otla, and Vig are Nords who use both melee and ranged attacks. Hordek is a dragonknight who creates aoe and uses flames. Otal uses a battleaxe and Vig range attacks with a bow. During the battle as they become wounded, they morph into werewolves. Otal becomes a berserker werewolf and vig summons senche-tigers and dire wolves. Focus on Vig. Not only are the ranged attacks damaging but if he morphs and summons beasts, it will increase the number in which you have to battle. Focus secondly on Otal who has very heavy hits once he morphs into the berserker werevolf.
Achievement Earned
The first time you defeat this world boss you will earn the Hunting the Hunters achievement.
Shademother at Shademother’s Haven
Travel southwest from the Morthal Wayshrine to reach the small island of called Shademother’s Haven.
Mechanics Notes
Shademother is a hargraven. She uses ranged magical attacks. During battle she will summons skeletal direwolves and skeletal bears to aid her. Shademother will also dart around and create a thicket around herself. If you are caught outside the thicket, you cannot penetrate it until you kill her four shadows. The thicket will damage you if you try to cross it. However, if you are near her when the thicket arises, you can still damage her. Stay close to her to ensure you are inside the thicket.
Achievement Earned
The first time you defeat this world boss you will earn the Shades of Gray achievement.
Ysmgar at Ysmgar’s Beach
Travel west from the Northern Watch Wayshrine on the coastline.
Mechanics Notes
Ysmgar is a sea giant. He has heavy hits with a club and stomps the ground. Ysmgar smashes the ground with his club and creates water aoes that can knock you back or down. There are small orbs that travel toward Ysmgar. When they reach him, they will channel to him allowing him to summon a tidal wave. If you do not block through it, the tidal wave will knock you off your feet and stun you. Because Ysmgar causes so much damage with melee attacks. Ranged attacks work well.
Achievement Earned
The first time you defeat this world boss you will earn the Beach Battler achievement.
What Is A Wayshrine?
Wayshrines are shrines that were built to honor the Divines by being a safe haven point where players can revive if you die while adventuring in Tamriel. Once you visit a wayshrine, it becomes available on your map for you to use to fast travel at no cost. You can also travel to any unlocked wayshrine from anywhere in Tamriel for a price paid in gold. This price reduces with time and also can be reduced by champion point allocations. Each zone begins with one available wayshrine.
On your map, wayshrines will appear with a blackened wayshrine icon when you are close to its location. Once the wayshrine has been visited, the icon turns white.
Western Skyrim Wayshrine Locations
There are 11 wayshrines in Western Skyrim.
- Deepwood Vale Wayshirne
- Dragon Bridge Wayshrine
- Frozen Coast Wayshrine
- Giant’s Coast Wayshrine
- Kilkreath Temple Wayshrine
- Mor Khazgur Wayshrine
- Morthal Wayshrine
- Northern Watch Wayshrine
- Solitude Wayshrine
- Solitude Docks Wayshrine
- Southern Watch Wayshrine
What Is A Zone Daily Quest?
Zone daily quests are daily repeatable quests throughout Tamriel. Each zone has its own dailies which are usually given by a NPC. Typically zone dailies include completing activities in delves, killing world bosses, or completing zone-specific tasks.
On your map, zone daily quests appear as blue highlighted arrows. Once completed the arrow disappears until the next day.
Zone Daily Quests In Western Skyrim
There are three types of zone daily quests in Western Skyrim. You can find the NPC quest givers just south of the Solitude Wayshrine in the area marked on the map. You must first find a notice detailing a job offer. This will start a quest titled ‘Soldiers of Fortune and Glory’. After completing this quest, you will be able to speak to each of the quest givers.
Swordthane Jylta will give you a daily zone quest to interrupt a harrowstorm in Western Skyrim or Blackreach.
Hidaver will give you a daily zone quest to defeat one of Western Skyrim’s world bosses.
Tinzen will give you a daily zone quest involving one of Western Skyrim’s delves.
What Is A Skyshard?
Skyshards are glowing crystals that provide you with 1/3 of a skill point. Collecting 3 skyshards grants you 1 skill point which can then be used for abilities and/or passives.
On your map, skyshard will appear with a blackened skyshard icon when you are close to its location. Once the skyshard has been collected, the icon turns white but then disappears from your map.
Once you collect all the skyshard from the zone, you will earn the Auridon Skyshard Hunter achievement.
Western Skyrim Skyshard Locations
There are a total of 11 Skyshards in Western Skyrim.
Skyshard #1 – on top of the ruins
Skyshard #2 – at the top of a ruined watchtower
Skyshard #3 – on top of a cliff above Bleakride Barrow
Skyshard #4 – on top of a large rock above a campsite
Skyshard #5 – behind a tree near Storm-Hawk’s Altar
Skyshard #6 – on a stone dome
One skyshard is also found in each of the delves and one in the public dungeon. Maps with exact locations are provided in those sections.
What Is A World Event?
Western Skyrim introduced a new type of World Events called Harrowstorms. A Harrowstorm is a ritual site and the location of a giant supernatural conflux intended to be a group activity. In addition to waves of enemies, Witches Pikes must be destroyed. Each Harrowstorm has three pikes. The pikes draw to them Lost Souls that will heal the pikes when they reach it. Always destroy the pikes as quickly as possible.
When all the pikes are gone, a final large boss appears. In addition to the boss and other smaller enemies, the ‘storm’ discharges lightning strikes and ground aoes. Once the boss is defeated, a pile of Reliquary Remnants will appear and can be looted.
On your map, world events will appear with a blackened world event icon when you are close to its location. Once the event has been defeated, the icon turns white.
Western Skyrim World Event Locations
There are 6 world events in Western Skyrim.
- Black Morass Ritual Site
- Chilblain Peak Ritual Site
- Giant’s Coast Ritual Site
- Hailstone Valley Ritual Site
- Northern Watch Ritual Site
- Old Karth Ritual Site
On your map, when a world event is active, the crossed swords icon will appear and flash behind the world event icon.
What Is A Lore Book?
Shalidor’s Library is a collection of lore books in Tamriel. Reading lore books within this collection increases your Mages Guild rank.
On your map, lore books will appear in your compass as you near it. Once collected, it will disappear. You can track your collection under the zone guide.
Western Skyrim Lore Book Locations
There are a total of 10 lore books to be found in Western Skryim.
- Lore Book #1 – House Ravenwatch Proclamation – found in random bookshelves within Western Skyrim
- Lore Book #2 – Nords Of Skyrim – near Jarl Morryn’s Hunting Lodge
- Lore Book #3 – Varieties Of Faith: The Nords – In Lightless Hollow in Blackreach: Greymoor Caverns
- Lore Book #4 – The Brothers’ War – in the Blue Palace in Solitude
- Lore Book #5 – Orcs Of Skyrim – inside a house in Mor Khazgur
- Lore Book #6 – The Crown Of Freydis – inside Morthal Barrow
- Lore Book #7 – All About Giants – inside the Frozen Coast
- Lore Book #8 – On Stepping Lightly – inside the Mages Guild on a bookshelf in Solitude
- Lore Book #9 – The Road To Sovngarde – can be found in random bookshelves within Western Skyrim
- Lore Book #10 – The Wandering Skald – inside a tent west of Dark Moon Grotoo in Blackreach: Greymoor Caverns
What Is A Survey Map?
Survey Maps (also called Survey Reports) are maps to a collection of six high-yield harvest nodes that only exist if you have the corresponding survey. Some maps can be sold, some are character bound, and others only allow you to maintain one in your inventory. If you have multiples of the same map, the nodes do respawn but you must go a short distance away for it to do so. If you go away and the nodes do not respawn, then you haven’t traveled far enough.
Survey Map locations do NOT appear on your map. You can slot the maps for quick access to compare your location. The following icons will be used to denote the type of survey on this map.
Alchemy
Clothing
Enchanting
Jewelry
Blacksmithing
Woodworking
Western Skyrim Survey Map Locations
- Alchemy Survey – around a tree near the water
- Blacksmithing Survey – at the base of a cliff
- Clothing Survey – between two running creeks
- Enchanting Survey – at the base of the stairs of the ruins
- Jewelry Survey – in a slight gully at the base of a cliff
- Woodworking Survey – on a hillside northwest from the Hailstone Valley Ritual Site
What Is A Treasure Map?
Treasure Maps are rewards that show the location of special chests that can only be seen when you have the map in your inventory. You must travel to the specific location, dig the dirt mound, and then a chest will appear for you.
Treasure Map locations do NOT appear on your map. You can slot the maps for quick access to compare your location.
This map uses the chest icon to denote the location.
Western Skyrim Treasure Map Locations
- Treasure Map I – near a stone henge
- Treasure Map II – up a hill at the base of a cliff
- Treasure Map III – between two trees on a ledge south of the ritual site
- Treasure Map IV – between the watchtower and a large rock
- Treasure Map CE – beside a skeleton holding a shovel
An Instrumental Triumph
Locate and retrieve all 19 musical instruments and deliver them to the Bards College in Solitude.
An Instrumental Triump achievement is rewarded for collecting all the lost musical instruments that have been scattered across Western Skyrim and Blackreach: Greymoor Caverns.
Visit the Bards College in Solitude and speak to Leiborn. Leiborn is a member of the Bards College and asks for help to recover a famous instrument called Petraloop.
After completing this quest titled ‘Orchestrations’, you will be rewarded with gold and Dancer’s Treble Leggings, part of the Winter’s Respite armor set. Additionally, you will find in your inventory Nel’s Hidden Loves which is a document that contains clues to the remaining missing instruments.
Instruments do not appear on your in-game map. They do, however, glow green to aid you in spotting them.
Begin the Collection
An Instrumental Triump achievement is rewarded for collecting all the lost musical instruments that have been scattered across Western Skyrim and Blackreach: Greymoor Caverns.
Visit the Bards College in Solitude and speak to Leiborn. Leiborn is a member of the Bards College and asks for help to recover a famous instrument called Petraloop.
Western Skyrim Instruments Locations
There are 19 instruments in Western Skyrim.
- Petroloop – found by completing the quest ‘Orchestrations’
- Lute of Blue Longing – in Nchuthnkarst on a rocky platform near a small glowing mushroom east of the Clockwork Criterion
- Chime of the Endless – on a cliff above lava near Greymoor Keep in Blackreach: Greymoor Caverns above a moat on a rock ledge
- Tenderclaw – inside Shadowgreen delve on the side of a waterfall about halfway down its fall near the swingbridge
- Shadow of Rahjin – inside Dragonhome delve up the stairs behind a pillar
- Lilytongue – inside Chillwind Depths in cobwebs near a skeleton
- Sky-Talker – inside Labyrinthian behind some crates
- Long Fire – behind the watchtower in Dragon Bridge in a corner
- Highmourn Dizi – inside the Scraps delve (Blackreach: Greymoor Caverns)
- Jarlsbane – inside a cave south of the Northern Watch Ritual Site
- King Thunder – inside the northern corner of a long house in Mor Khazgur on a barrel
- Jahar Fuso’ja in Sword’s Point Watchtower in a crate
- Pan Flute of Morachellis Hag-Husband – inside Lightless Hollow (Blackreach: Greymoor Caverns) on a cupboard
- Reman War Drum – west of Greymoor Keep Wayshrine on the fungus stair (Blackreach: Greymoor Caverns) in a crate
- Ateian Fife – inside Silversnow Mine up the stairs at a hole in the boards (Blackreach: Greymoor Caverns) under broken boards
- Shrief-of-Silk – inside a house in Morthal on a wardrobe
- Kothringi Leviathan Bugle – inside a wrecked ship south of Silver Cormorant in a crate
- Lodestone – near Windmill in Karthwatch behind crates
- Dozzen Talharpa – south of Shademother’s Heaven behind a gate next to a Dwemer Great Lift
Completing Orchestrations
After completing this quest titled ‘Orchestrations’, you will be rewarded with gold and Dancer’s Treble Leggings, part of the Winter’s Respite armor set. Additionally, you will find in your inventory Nel’s Hidden Loves which is a document that contains clues to the remaining missing instruments.
You will earn An Instrumental Triumph achievement.
Giant Cheese Connoisseur
Find and eat cheese from each of the 6 Giant Camps to earn the Giant Cheese Connoisseur achievement.
There is no associated quest and the cheeses can be sampled in any order.
Western Skyrim Cheese Locations
There are 6 giant camps in Western Skyrim.
- Camp #1 – eat Sharp Mammoth Cheese at the Kilkreath Giant Camp
- Camp #2 – eat Creamy Mammoth Cheese at the Deepwood Giant Camp
- Camp #3 – eat Briny Mammoth Chese at the Coastal Giant Camp
- Camp #4 – eat Sweet Mammoth Cheese at the Karthald Giant Camp
- Camp #5 – eat Moldy Mammoth Cheese at the Highland Giant Camp
- Camp #6 – eat Stinky Mammoth Cheese at the Mor Khazgur Gaint Camp
You will earn the Giant Cheese Connoisseur achievement.
What Is A Great Lift?
Great lifts are large mechanical lifts that take you from Western Skyrim to Blackreach and The Reach.
On your map, great lifts will appear with a blackened lift icon when you are close to its location. Once the great lift has been visited, the icon turns white.
Western Skyrim Great Lift Locations
There are 3 great lifts in Western Skyrim.
- Eastern Great Lift
- Hjaalmarch Great Lift
- Karthald Great Lift
Western Skyrim Summary
In addition to the main quest line, Western Skyrim also offers many side quests, acquire zone-specific armor sets, visit points of interest, and striking locales.
The area of Western Skyrim is a Nordic kingdom ruled by High King Svargrim and is not under the jurisdiction of the Ebonheart Pact. Its capital city is Solitude. Western Skyrim also sits above the Greymoor Caverns and the area known as Blackreach.
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