Tag: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

  • Ansilvund Pillar Puzzle: Complete Guide and Solutions

    Ansilvund Pillar Puzzle: Complete Guide and Solutions

    The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is filled with a variety of puzzles found in its numerous dungeons and tombs. Some of these puzzles are straightforward, while others, like the pillar puzzle in the Ansilvund Excavation, can be a bit tricky. Nestled in the northern reaches of Riften, Ansilvund is an ancient Nordic tomb. Although it’s not part of the main storyline, players will find themselves drawn there due to its connection to various Radiant Quests, including “Family Heirloom” and “Protecting the Bloodline.” It’s also one of the sites where a Stone of Barenziah can be located.

    If you’re playing with a “stealth archer” character build, you’ll have an easier time, as there are plenty of hiding spots in the ruins from which to pick off your foes. Keep in mind that the area is heavily guarded by necromancers, mages, and draugr. Being an excavation, Ansilvund also contains several ore veins throughout its twisting tunnels.

    Skyrim: Ansilvund Puzzle Solution

    Reading For Clues

    Roughly midway through Skyrim’s Ansilvund Excavation, players will face a challenge involving spinning pillars linked to a locked door on a small stone bridge. What complicates this puzzle is the lack of visible clues around; unlike most other pillar puzzles, you won’t find hints scattered nearby. However, the solution to the Ansilvund puzzle might be closer than you think.

    In addition to the lurking enemies, watch your step in Ansilvund, as there are pressure plates and tripwire traps scattered throughout the tunnels.

    There are two ways to solve Skyrim’s pillar puzzle. The first involves reading a book on a table across from the lever. This book, known as Of Fjori and Holgeir, recounts a romantic tale of Fjori and Holgeir, and the key to solving the puzzle lies in the sequence of animal names mentioned in the story.

    Specifically, the names of the animals carved on the pillars can be found within this Elder Scrolls book. Each creature appears in the order needed for the puzzle. Thus, the solution to the puzzle is:

    • “As the Eagle (1) finds…”
    • “But the Snake (2) came…”
    • “A Whale (3) greeted Fjori’s view…”
    • “But the Snake (4) bit Fjori…”

    Alternatively, you can identify the correct left-to-right order of the pillars just below the spinning mechanisms. They may be hidden beneath some underbrush and cobwebs, but with a careful eye, you can find the solution to Skyrim’s Ansilvund puzzle: “Eagle – Snake – Whale – Snake.”

    Getting Out of Ansilvund

    Completing this puzzle is part of the “A Love Beyond Death” quest, which starts automatically upon entering the Ansilvund Excavation. After you solve the puzzle, you’ll reach the final chamber where the boss, Lu’ah Al-Skaven, awaits. Once you defeat her, you’ll have the chance to collect the Ghostblade weapon. Beyond that, there’s also a master-level chest filled with valuable loot.

    Once you’ve dealt with the boss, continue through the unlocked gate. A ramp behind it leads to a ledge where you’ll encounter a Frostbite Spider and another draugr. After leaving the ledge, head left to find the exit and continue your adventures in Ansilvund in Skyrim.

    Location of Ansilvund’s Stone of Barenziah

    Locating The Ansilvund Stone Of Barenziah

    Players may need to navigate the Skyrim Ansilvund pillar puzzle to find the Stone of Barenziah hidden within. This stone is located in the burial chambers of Ansilvund, near the ghost of Fjori.

    Locating The Other Stones of Barenziah

    This quest is part of the “No Stone Unturned” mission, requiring players to discover all 24 Stones of Barenziah, and the stone in Ansilvund is just one of them. Players will have to search across the entirety of Skyrim to find each stone. To assist you, here’s a brief list of where to locate all Stones of Barenziah:

    Location

    Details

    Stony Creek Cave

    Located inside the wizard’s cave, on a table.

    House of Clan Shatter-Shield, Windhelm

    On a shelf in the upstairs bedroom.

    Palace of the Kings, Windhelm

    Found on a table in Wuunferth the Unliving’s quarters.

    Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary

    In Astrid’s personal chamber.

    Pinewatch Bandit’s Sanctuary

    On a shelf within.

    Sunderstone Gorge

    In front of the Word Wall.

    Dainty Sload

    On a table in the rear room, only accessible via the basement.

    Reeking Cave, Thalmor Embassy

    In a nook near the entrance; it might also be found inside one of the embassy’s bedrooms during “Diplomatic Immunity.”

    Blue Palace, Solitude

    In Jarl Elisif’s quarters.

    Proudspire Manor, Solitude

    On a dresser in the bedroom, which comes with the purchase of the manor.

    Rannveig’s Fast

    Located on a table near the exit.

    Dead Crone Rock

    In front of the Word Wall.

    Treasury House, Markarth

    In the master bedroom.

    Dwemer Museum, Understone Keep

    Past the gate.

    Black-Briar Lodge

    In the master bedroom.

    Mistveil Keep

    In the Jarl’s quarters.

    Jarl’s Quarters, Dragonsreach

    In the bedroom.

    Fellglow Keep

    On a table next to the alchemy tools.

    Jorrvaskr Living Quarters

    In Kodlak Whitemane’s chamber.

    Whiterun Hall of the Dead

    Inside a crypt.

    Arch-Mage’s Quarters, College of Winterhold

    On a shelf to the left of the bed.

    Hob’s Fall Cave

    On a shelf next to an alchemy desk.

    Yngvild

    In the throne room.

    The final task in the “No Stone Unturned” quest involves retrieving a crown to return to Vex, which grants a special Perk for locating all 24 Stones of Barenziah. Additionally, Ansilvund features several radiant quest locations, so you might return later as part of a companion quest. Fortunately, you’ll only need to solve the pillar puzzle once during your entire playthrough of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

  • Skyrim Deathbrand Armor: A Guide to Collecting All Pieces

    Skyrim Deathbrand Armor: A Guide to Collecting All Pieces

    The Deathbrand armor set is a light armor collection designed for players who utilize magic or prefer a spell-sword combat style, introduced in the Skyrim Dragonborn DLC. This distinctive armor becomes more powerful as you gather more pieces, which can be acquired by embarking on the associated quest aptly named Deathbrand.

    First, you will need to initiate the quest before searching for the armor pieces. All components can be found in the Solstheim area of Skyrim.

    Table of Contents

    • How to Start the Deathbrand Armor Set Quest?
    • Deathbrand Armor Pieces Locations
    • Deathbrand Armor Stats and Item ID

    How to Start the Deathbrand Armor Set Quest?

    To commence the quest, you need to be at least level 38; if you’re lower than that, you won’t be able to start it. Next, locate and read a copy of the Deathbrand book—this can be found in the Temple at Raven Rock.

    Upon reading the book, you’ll gain the ability to open Ancient Chests. If you’ve previously unlocked any of these chests (typically through lock-picking) before reading the book, they would have been empty.

    Alternatively, you can head directly to Haknir’s Shoal without completing the prior tasks. Take out the pirates and loot the chest where you’ll find the Deathbrand Helm, thus starting the quest. From one of the defeated enemies, likely the leader, you can acquire a map detailing the locations of the remaining armor pieces.

    Deathbrand Armor Pieces Locations

    There are four unique pieces of the Deathbrand Armor, and below is a list of their locations:

    Deathbrand Helmet

    Location: This piece can be found at Haknir’s Shoal, a small island situated north of Solstheim.

    Enchantment: Wearing the full set of Deathbrand Armor grants +100 Armor and allows the wearer to breathe underwater.

    Deathbrand Armor

    Location: You can find the Deathbrand Armor northwest of Raven Rock, guarded by two bandits.

    Enchantment: Wearing any piece of the Deathbrand set grants +15 Stamina for each item equipped.

    Deathbrand Gauntlets

    Location: The gauntlets are located across a waterfall south of Bristleback Cave, near a river.

    Enchantment: They provide a bonus of +10% damage with one-handed weapons for each Deathbrand piece worn.

    Deathbrand Boots

    Location: The final piece of the Deathbrand Armor can be located west of Tel Mithryn in a chest by the riverbank. Be cautious as it is surrounded by Ash Spawn.

    Enchantment: The boots increase carrying capacity by +10 for each Deathbrand item equipped.

    Deathbrand Armor Stats and Item ID

    Below are the stats along with the item IDs for each piece of the Deathbrand Armor in Skyrim:

    Armor Piece Armor Rating Item ID
    Deathbrand Helmet 16.5 XX02401D
    Deathbrand Armor 39 XX02401B
    Deathbrand Gauntlets 11.5 XX02401C
    Deathbrand Boots 11.5 XX02401A

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