Hillgrund’s Tomb: Ancestral Worship

Hillgrund’s Tomb (Exterior)

Strike up a conversation at the entrance, and Golldir explains that he is worried for his aunt, who ventured into their family crypt to stop a necromancer. Agree to help Golldir rid the crypt of Vals Veran.

Hillgrund’s Tomb (Interior)

Dispatch Draugr while keeping an eye on Golldir and stepping in if the undead are threatening to him. Descend to a connecting hallway, where Golldir’s worst fears are confirmed; his aunt Agna lies in a pool of fresh blood. The nearby door is barred from the other side, so continue west, to a cave-in and through a Draugr-infested tomb corridor. The tomb opens into a deeper and much larger mausoleum where the dead rise again.

Puzzle Solution: When the coast is clear, pull the chain next to the bear carving, and an exit door opens. The double iron doors lead to the main crypt and an audience with the warlock Vals Veran.

Your tasks are twofold: killing Vals Veran and keeping Golldir alive (although this isn’t necessary for quest completion). Strike at Vals Veran as often as you can, before backing off and dealing with the Draugr that have been summoned. The Draugr that close in on Golldir, or if Vals Veran focuses his attacks on the Nord, are your primary concerns. Continue the combat until both Draugr and Veran crumple to the ground.

Search Veran’s corpse for a Crypt Key. A Chest Key is on Golldir, along with two missives; read them to gain a better understanding of the threats Vals Veran was imposing. The quest concludes after the battle.

Use the Crypt Key to open the iron door (Hard) atop the ceremonial stairs; this offers a quick exit. Golldir’s chest in the antechamber beyond can be unlocked using the Chest Key. Assuming Golldir is alive, and you didn’t start ransacking his family tomb, he is happy to become a Follower.

• Hillgrund’s Tomb Crypt Key
• Hillgrund’s Tomb Chest Key
• Letter to Golldir
• Note from Agna
• Leveled gold reward
• Follower: Golldir