[8.A] Dragon Mound: Bilegulch Ridge
Related Quest: Main Quest: Alduin’s Wall
This Dragon Mound is initially sealed. It opens during Main Quest: Alduin’s Wall. If you visit during or after this point in the Main Quest, the mound will be open and empty.
[8.B] Toadstool Ring: Bilegulch Ridge
Whether you’re collecting Bleeding Crown, Namira’s Rot, or White Cap, there’s an abundance of fungi in a strange ring—a perfect place to gather toadstool ingredients for your alchemy.
[8.C] Hunter’s Camp: Sunderstone Gorge
A lone hunter with a slain elk is usually sitting by the fire or hunting the general location of the pathway close to Sunderstone Gorge. The hunter has a chest to steal from, but little else.
- Chest
[8.D] A Peddler’s Misfortune
A peddler lies dead next to the remains of his overturned cart; his horse is just down the road. It looks like some bandits set an ambush here; the cart is stripped clean, though some bear traps still lie in the road.
- Danger! Bear Traps
[8.E] Toppled Tower: Knifepoint Woods
In the shallow grass valley to the north of Knifepoint Ridge are the remains of a small tower, tumbled to the ground years ago. It is now the den for some wild animals. Defeat them before they maul you.
[8.F] Burning Caravan: Evergreen Grove
Due west of Evergreen Grove, the aftermath of a dragon attack reveals two dead horses, burned corpses, and a smoldering caravan. Check the wagon to pry open a chest.
- Chest
[8.G] Shrine of Akatosh: Twilight Valley
On the rocky promontory above the entrance to the Twilight Sepulcher is a ceremonial ledge jutting out to a precarious edge, where the Shrine to Akatosh, a Skill Book, and some offerings can be found. Take what you need, receiving blessings if you wish.
- Skill Book [Enchanting]: A Tragedy in Black
- Shrine of Akatosh [6/6]
[8.H] Fisherman’s Camp: Lake Ilinalta
A Fisherman is sitting on some stones close to his tent and boat, surveying the northwestern corner of Lake Ilinalta. Steal from his knapsack if you wish, and find a Skill Book lying on the ground inside the tent. Watch for Slaughterfish in the water.
- Skill Book [One-Handed]: Fire and Darkness
- Knapsack
[8.I] Sunken Fishing Boat: Lake Ilinalta
Swim southeast from the Fisherman’s Camp, peering underwater at the first clump of rocks on the lake bed that you see. Hidden among the weeds is a sunken fishing boat with a locked chest inside.
- Chest (Locked: Adept)
[8.J] Dark Elf’s Grave
A pauper’s Nordic burial ground—a set of rocks and stones with a fluttering flag in the glade northwest of Half-Moon Mill—has the slumped corpse of a Dark Elf at its base. Steal the nearby purse and dagger if you wish.
[8.K] Alchemist’s Camp: Evergreen Woods
On the higher ground above Evergreen Grove near a small waterfall is a deserted Alchemist’s Camp. Check the Skill Book and read the journal; it gives clues to the whereabouts of the Alchemist: Follow the stream down to a pool where you’ll find his corpse, a second Skill Book, and two Spriggans.
- Skill Book [Alchemy]: De Rerum Dirennis
- Skill Book [Alchemy]: Mannimarco, King of Worms
- Alchemist’s Journal
- Apothecary’s Satchel
[8.L] Dragon Mound: Evergreen Woods
Related Quest: Main Quest: Alduin’s Wall
This Dragon Mound is initially sealed. It opens during Main Quest: Alduin’s Wall. If you visit during or after this point in the Main Quest, the dragon will still be circling the area. Kill! Rend! Destroy!
[8.M] Sacrificial Altar: Evergreen Woods
Necromantic activity is to be expected as you close in on this altar surrounded by standing stones, south of Evergreen Grove. Kill any animated corpses if you must, but their controllers are your primary targets. Don’t forget to read the Skill Book on the altar.
- Skill Book [Conjuration]: 2920, Frostfall, v10
- Apothecary’s Satchel
- Potions
[8.N] Bear Cave: Halldir’s Cairn
On the rocky slopes northwest of Halldir’s Cairn is an alcove where two bears are on the prowl. Defeat them and inspect the dead hunter they’ve brought back to feast on.
[8.O] The Silvermoon: Lake Ilinalta
A sunken trading vessel named Silvermoon has been resting at the bottom of Lake Ilinalta for as long as the inhabitants of Riverwood can remember. Dive down where the mast is jutting out of the water. Among the clams and Nordic barnacle clusters is a chest that’s still intact.
- Chest
- Loose gear
[8.P] Nordic Burial Grove
At the fork in the main road, close to the shore of Lake Ilinalta, is a pauper’s burial stone with six graves surrounded by Nightshade plants. Two skeletons are guarding these unknown graves.
[8.Q] Fisherman’s Island: Lake Ilinalta
Directly south of South Brittleshin Pass on the opposite (south) side of the lake is a small island with a fisherman’s camp. Expect a boat, a tent, and some drying fish, as well as the fisherman, usually resting near the indigenous flowers.
- Knapsack
[8.R] Sunken Barrow: Lake Ilinalta
Southeast of South Brittleshin Pass on the lake’s northern shore are three moss-covered standing stones that just break the lake’s surface. Dive down, and you’ll discover that they surround a submerged barrow with a chest at the bottom.
- Chest
- Loose gear
[8.S] The Indigestible Emerald
Southeast of Anise’s Cabin, on a narrow grassy alcove among the rocky banks of White River, close to a single pine tree, lie the skeletal remains of an elk. It died with an extremely valuable Emerald, which can be picked from behind its rib cage.
[8.T] Riverwood Folly
Perched on the snowy rocks below and east of Bleak Falls Barrow is a dark stone folly, home to a small group of bandits. Access the area via the path from Riverwood or the steps from the north bank of the river. Head to the top for an amazing view and a chest.
- Chest
- Mineable ore (Iron)
[8.U] Wild Animal Den: Pinewatch Outcropping
Below a rocky outcrop facing the main road and lake, northwest of Pinewatch, is a wild animal den. Defeat the creatures and then inspect the den itself. Among the skeletal remains is a disintegrated old cart with a locked chest.
- Chest (Locked: Novice)
[8.V] The Conjurer’s Altar: Lake Ilinalta
A strange mist shrouds this small cluster of standing stones and an altar within. Face down a mage and his familial forces before inspecting the Skill Book on the altar. Travel a handful of paces to the southwest to discover a woodsman who met his end felling trees. His trusty axe is the only of its kind.
- Skill Book [Conjuration]: 2920, Hearth Fire, v9
- Unique Weapon: The Woodsman’s Friend [60/80]
[8.W] Hunter’s Camp: The Guardian Stones
Follow the short path to the river’s edge from the Guardian Stones, and you’ll spot a hunter near a boat, tent, and campfire who’s been hunting and fishing these parts for years. You may elect to steal from the locked chest.
- Chest (Locked: Novice)
- Mineable ore (Iron)
[8.X] Bandit Camp: Ilinalta Foothills
Side Quest: The Great Skyrim Treasure Hunt*
Along the winding road southwest of the Helgen Cave, due south of the Guardian Stones, a short trail leads up the hill to a small bandit camp. Expect attacks from three of these foes, a group of tents with some scattered food, and the following crafting locations and items:
- Crafting: Tanning Rack
- Skill Book [One-Handed]: Night Falls on Sentinel [D2/10]
- Treasure Map I [11/11]
- Satchel
[8.Y] Shrine of Talos: Ilinalta Foothills
Up a short path off the main road that winds down to the lake is a rocky promontory, upon which stands a statue of Talos. Three worshippers have been recently murdered by a Thalmor agent, who also lies dead here, with orders signed by Elenwen.
- Shrine of Talos [15/17]
- Note: Thalmor Orders
- Loose gear
[8.Z] Bandit Camp: Skybound Underhang
Follow the rough path across the snowy foothills toward Riverwood, and take the small switchback to reach a wooden platform with a bandit camp. Face down two foes, and rummage around for a few coins and the following:
- Skill Book [Block]: Warrior
- Chest
[8.AA] Bandit Bridge: Pinewatch
A little farther southwest along the main road from Pinewatch, two bandits stand atop a rickety wooden bridge, attacking you as you approach. Try to pass under the bridge, and they both release falling rocks; it is better to sneak from the east side along the second bridge, or drop them from range with spells or arrows.
- Danger! Rockfall Trap
- Loose gear
[8.AB] Bandit Camp: Pinewatch Heights
A group of bandits has killed a Dark Elf and taken over his camp. Now they come for you! Retaliate, and then search the small tent for a Skill Book.
- Crafting: Tanning Rack
- Skill Book [Alteration]: The Lunar Lorkhan
[8.AC] Hunter’s Camp: Upper Pinewatch Ridge
Farther along the winding path, up into the snow, lies a windswept promontory with a hunter you can barter with. He has a few items that he’s caught or skinned for sale.
- Trader (Food Vendor): Hunter [9/13]
- Food, Misc
- Chest
[8.AD] Prospector’s Shack: Bonechill Ridge
What appears to be a small prospector’s shack is in fact the scene of gruesome carnage; two burned corpses bear witness to a recent dragon attack. Check inside the shack for a necklace and a note, which reveals the location of Ancient’s Ascent.
- Note: Letter to Authorities
- Chest
[8.AE] Bandit Camp: Helgen Cliffs
On the main road west of Helgen is an overhang protecting what appears to be an empty campsite. Among the dead animals, there are a few loose items to steal, a Skill Book, and a locked chest. But be warned: touch the chest, and the bandits who dwell here will ambush you from behind! Watch for a few bear traps in the surrounding foliage.
- Danger! Bear Trap
- Skill Book [Light Armor]: The Refugees
- Chest (Novice)
[8.AF] The Mauled Refugees
Related Quest: Main Quest: Dragon Rising
Once you complete Main Quest: Dragon Rising, this rocky promontory just below and northwest of Helgen becomes a small camp with two dead refugees, a wolf to defeat, and a whole lot of spilled blood.
[8.AG] Khajiit Caravan Massacre
Five Khajiit caravaneers have been murdered on the steep snowy road just south of Orphan Rock. As you approach the fallen tree blocking the path, three or four bandits attack; beware of the bowmen! Massacre them, then gather any loose gear you wish (check the lead wagon). Note that if the Falkreath Stormcloak Camp [8.36] is present, the Stormcloaks have cleared the bandits from the road.
- Skill Book [Speech]: The Buying Game
- Chest
- Loose gear
[8.AH] Wild Animal Den: Orphan’s Tear
Not far from the site of the Falkreath Stormcloak Camp [8.36] is an overhang where two snarling woodland predators (usually wolves) make their den. Their meals include a Nord corpse to loot for items. If the camp is present, the soldiers have driven the animals away, though you can still loot the den for any other loose items.
[6.AI] Dragon Mound: Bloodlet Peaks
Related Quest: Main Quest: Alduin’s Wall
This Dragon Mound is initially sealed. It opens during Main Quest: Alduin’s Wall. If you visit during or after this point in the Main Quest, the mound will be open and empty.
[8.AJ] The Headless Skeleton
North of the Southfringe Sanctum on the freezing rocky slopes is a pine tree overlooking Fort Neugrad. Someone has executed a long-dead Nord with an axe. The headless skeleton is slumped near a chest and Skill Book.
- Skill Book [Conjuration]: The Warrior’s Charge
- Chest
- Loose gear