Reunification of Skyrim (continued) – The Battle for Fort Dunstad

Beyond the Pale

• Reunification of Skyrim continues

Travel to the Pale Imperial Camp, where Legate Rikke congratulates you, giving you a reward of gold. Report for duty, and she says your next objective is Fort Dunstad. You are to meet the soldiers preparing for the attack, and then wipe out the rebel garrison. Agree to the task, and the quest commences.

• 150 gold pieces

Fort Dunstad is in the snowy Pale Mountains south of Dawnstar. Legate Rikke’s men are on the path to the fort’s southeast, so approaching from the northwest can fail this objective (although this has no effect on the quest). Circle around and join the detachment of Imperial forces stationed close to the fortification. After checking the Atlas entry of this place and speaking to the leader of the forces, begin the attack from either side.

Assault the fortification and help eliminate all the Stormcloak Soldiers. Enter from one of the following weak points or fortified positions:

• North wall: The wooden bailey and guard tower is weak, as the gates are open. Pour in through here. The guard towers north and south are good for long-range attacks.

• North walkways and palisades: These are a great way to gain access to the fort’s upper areas. Stay close to the wall here; this gives you cover from the enemy archers as you ascend.
• East wall: You can leap atop the low wooden post by the snowbank and tree, allowing you to climb over. The large rocky outcrops that dwarf the fort are an excellent place from which to fire long-range attacks (as shown above).
• Walkways and run-down tavern: Head to these locations if you need to retreat and rest or heal from battle before attacking again.
• South wall: The wooden bailey and guard tower is weak, as the gates are open. Head in through here and up onto the main crenellations via the wooden steps or through the archway.
• West wall: This curved stone wall is completely impenetrable, except for a missing top-wall section to the northwest; however, even this is almost impossible to breach.
• An archer’s attack: Attempt to quickly reach the top of the Commander’s quarters on the fort’s southwestern edge; it provides the optimal high ground with excellent views of most of the fort.
• Prison tower: The top of this tower is another great place to snipe from but is a little too high above the action to provide adequate support.

When you’ve won the battle and humiliated the enemies, the Imperial forces remain to garrison this location. Meanwhile, you have other plans.

Quest Conclusion

Return to Castle Dour and inform Tullius of your victory. This captures the Hold of the Pale and gives the Imperial Legion control of another port. Your prowess has impressed the General, and he raises your title to that of Praefect. Take the earned weapon as a gift and symbol of this new rank. You’re instructed to meet Legate Rikke again; she’s planning some surprises for Ulfric in the Rift.

• Leveled Weapon

Postquest Activities

Civil War Quests: Reunification of Skyrim is still ongoing. Civil War Quests: Compelling Tribute begins shortly.