Reunification of Skyrim (continued) – Rescue from Fort Kastav

A Hard Fort Struggle

Journey to Legate Rikke’s newly established forward-operating base, just to the west of Dawnstar on the edge of Winterhold Hold. This camp has the same benefits as the one in the Rift. Report in with Legate Rikke, and she has your orders. You must infiltrate Fort Kastav, as the rebels are keeping some Imperial soldiers prisoner there. She aims to turn that into an advantage by using your cunning to find a way inside, free the men, and liberate the fort. This is an attack from the inside!

Head up the rugged terrain of rocks and snow (Fast-Traveling from Nightgate Inn or Windhelm and then sprinting to meet your men are quick options, but without getting close enough to alert the enemy). You’ll encounter a small team of four men. One of them is your old friend Hadvar, who has already had a reconnoiter of Fort Kastav, which appears particularly large and well defended in the distance, partly due to the mountain slopes keeping raiders away from the walls. However, there is a grate on the outside of the wall. It used to be buried in snow, and Hadvar reckons the enemy doesn’t even know it’s there. You must sneak in there, free the prisoners, and kill anyone you meet. Hadvar will wait to rush the fort as soon as they hear fighting, and you’ll rendezvous in the courtyard. At this point, inform Hadvar that you’re on it and begin the sneak.

The Enemy Within

Instead, crouch and begin heading along the snow-filled gully toward the fortification. You may wish to wait until after nightfall to minimize the enemy spotting you. Travel the gully’s right (south) side, navigate easily around the barricades, pass the base of the stone tower, and follow the earthen bank until you spot a slope you can climb up, near three planks of snow-covered wood. Turn right, step over another small wooden bridge, and open the trapdoor leading to Fort Kastav Prison.

Head east, open the wooden door, turn right (south), and pass the barrels. Turn left and enter a two-floor entrance hall with steps to the north. Ignore the stairs and continue heading east, through another door to the cobwebbed staircase. Bring down a Stormcloak Soldier quickly (or sneak past them). The prison is at the bottom of the stairs, and another Stormcloak Soldier is patrolling this area. The Imperial Soldiers inform you that the guard has the key. If your Lockpick skill isn’t to be tested, inspect the Stormcloak Soldier’s corpse, or search one of the tables near the jail cells for it. Head to each of the cells and unlock the door (Novice). The freed men quickly don their armor and follow your lead.

• Fort Kastav Prison Key

Sprint north up the steps, and once back in the entrance hall, drop any Stormcloaks who seek to thwart you. Head up the steps to the door that leads into the exterior courtyard. Begin slaughtering the additional forces guarding the outside of the fort. They usually stream in from the upper slopes to the northeast. The numerous gaps in the walls allows you to hide and dart out if you’re engaging in longer ranged attacks or needing to rest between Stamina exertions.

Don’t forget the enemies on the guard tower to the northeast. When everyone wearing dark blue is dead, report back to Hadvar. You’re to report to General Tullius while he remains here to tidy up the mess.

Quest Conclusion

Trek back to Castle Dour and inform Tullius of your victory. Now that Winterhold’s main fortress is in Imperial control, the General can garrison some troops until he’s ready to march on Windhelm. General Tullius has come to rely heavily upon you and elevates your rank in the Legion to that of Legate. Along with this, you receive a leveled weapon. Ask the General what the next plan is. Tullius tells you to report in at the Imperial camp in Eastmarch.

• Leveled Armor

Postquest Activities

Civil War Quests: Reunification of Skyrim is still ongoing. Civil War Quests: The Battle for Fort Amol begins once you check in with Legate Rikke.