[DG.12] Forgotten Vale
Related Quests
- Dawnguard Main Quest: Touching the Sky
- Regional Activity: Ancient Falmer Tomes*
- Regional Activity: Paragon of the Frost Giants*
Recommended Level: 18
Faction: Falmer
- Ancient Frost Atronach
- Arch-Curate Vyrthur
- Chaurus
- Chaurus Hunter Fledgling
- Falmer
- Falmer Shaman
- Frostbite Spider
- Frost Giant
- Frost Troll
- Frozen Chaurus
- Frozen Falmer
- Frozen Shaman
- Giant Frostbite Spider
- Ice Wraith
- Naaslaarum
- Troll
- Vale Deer
- Vale Sabre Cat
- Voslaarum
Notable Characters
- Knight-Paladin Gelebor
- Prelate Athring
- Prelate Celegriath
- Prelate Edhelbor
- Prelate Nirilo
- Prelate Sidanyis
- Serana
Services
- Special [Gelebor]
- Special [Serana
Special Area
- Shrine of Auriel [DG1/2]
- Word Wall: Drain Vitality
Crafting
- Alchemy Lab
Dangers
- Bone Trap
- Claw Trap
Puzzle
- Ewer Water Drawing
Underground Connection
- To Darkfall Passage
Collectibles
- Unique Item: Amethyst Paragon [1/5]
- Unique Item: Ancient Falmer Boots [DG5/17]
- Unique Item: Ancient Falmer Cuirass [DG6/17]
- Unique Item: Ancient Falmer Gauntlets [DG7/17]
- Unique Item: Auriel’s Shield [DG8/17]
- Bloodcursed Arrows (from Serana)
- Unique Item: Diamond Paragon [4/5]
- Unique Item: Emerald Paragon [3/5]
- Falmer Hardened Armor
- Falmer Hardened Helm
- Unique Item: Ruby Paragon [5/5]
- Unique Item: Sapphire Paragon [2/5]
- Sunhallowed Arrows (from Gelebor)
- Unique Item: Unknown Book Vol. I [1/4]
- Unique Item: Unknown Book Vol. II [2/4]
- Unique Item: Unknown Book Vol. III [3/4]
- Unique Item: Unknown Book Vol. IV [4/4]
- Unique Weapon: Auriel’s Bow [DG5/7]
Miscellaneous
- Area is locked
- Chest
- Loose gear
- Lots o’ Gold
- Potions aplenty
Topographical Overview
Thousands of years before the events in Skyrim, this valley was the nexus of the Snow Elves’ religious practices, which centered around the worship of Auri-El (also known as Auriel, or Akatosh among men). They called this place “the Great Chantry of Auri-El.” It was here that the Snow Elves believed one could reach such a level of enlightenment they could “become one with Auri-El.” The vale featured a mighty temple dedicated to their god and was dotted with small structures known as Wayshrines, which pilgrims would visit during their search for enlightenment. The entire vale was ruled by the Arch-Curate Vyrthur, assisted by his Prelates and Paladins.
Prospective pilgrims and those seeking enlightenment began their journey by being given an empty ornate vessel called the Initiate’s Ewer and told to visit a shrine, learn the mantras, and then add some of the pure water from the shrine’s font to that vessel. Once the vessel was full, it was carried to the temple, and the initiate would pour the water into a basin, representing that they had reached a level of enlightenment worthy enough to enter.
For the purpose of this guide, the Forgotten Vale is divided into six areas. The boundary lines are invisible and don’t show up during your adventure; they have been created to aid you in locating the many secrets and hidden remains that the Forgotten Vales shrouds. Here’s what to look for:
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Major Location: This is an area of the Forgotten Vale that is critically important to investigate as part of Dawnguard Main Quest: Touching the Sky. These are larger-scale locations and usually house an impressive revelation.
-
Minor Location: A section of the Forgotten Vale that is optional to investigate. These may be as simple as waypoints to use as landmarks or buildings containing one or more of the many secrets that the Forgotten Vale holds.
In addition to flagged locations, the following areas and items are shown on the map (along with the number available):
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Paragons (5): The location of a Frost Giant. Each Giant holds one of the fabled Snow Elf Paragon Stones, which you collect and use during Regional Activity: Paragons of the Frost Giants.
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Unknown Books (4): The location of a book written in the ancient Falmer tongue. As part of Regional Activity: Ancient Falmer Tomes, you can take these books to the archivist at the College of Winterhold, Urag, who will buy them from you for a sizable sum and give you a translated copy as well.
In addition to the enemies you encounter and collectibles you can find, there are a couple of other items of interest:
- Gleamblossom: This herb is potent when used in Alchemy. The Forgotten Vale has numerous clumps of this plant.
- Shellbugs: Hidden inside the two Falmer Caves, giant docile Shellbugs (usually guarded by smaller hostile Falmers or their Chaurus pets) can be mined for their Shellbug Chitin if you have a pickaxe. You can then use the Chitin to construct the unique Shellbug Helmet.