Valthume: Evil in Waiting

Valthume Vestibule (Interior)

When you first enter this evil-stained place, a ghost named Valdar approaches. It explains that you stand in the tomb of Hevnoraak, and he may have returned. Valdar has been barely containing his power and hopes you’ll explore the tomb and find three vessels that hold the power to vanquish Hevnoraak. Agree to this mission as Valdar sits back down on the throne where he died.

Expect numerous traps and attacks by Draugr and Frostbite Spiders as you search the interlocking chambers of this crypt. The specter of Hevnoraak intermittently appears and drifts off; you cannot affect this ethereal being, but its significance means you’re making progress.

Valthume

The first Vessel is inside the coffin of a high-level Draugr, in a dead-end chamber to the east, with open (but inaccessible) wind tunnels up to the surface.

• Opaque Vessel

Valthume Catacombs

The second Vessel is through the portcullis (check the wall alcove to the right for the pull chain) in the northwest corner of the vertical Draugr crypt, toward the center of this section of Valthume.

• Opaque Vessel

Valthume Vestibule

Continue to fight your way through more Draugr and Frostbite Spiders. Your way is temporarily blocked by a Nordic Puzzle Door.

• Iron Claw

Puzzle Solution: The door consists of three rings that rotate when you activate them. Each of the them have three animals plated into the structure. The central keyhole is unlocked using the Iron Claw; this puzzle is inaccessible without it, as the puzzle solution is on the palm of the Iron Claw. Rotate it in your inventory to see the three circular petroglyph carvings on the Claw’s palm. Move the rings so the Dragon, Hawk, and Wolf appear on the outer, middle, and inner rings, respectively. Then insert the Iron Claw into the keyhole.

Just beyond the door is a battle with Draugr guarding a pedestal with the last Vessel on it. Don’t forget to approach the Word Wall to the west, and absorb a Word of Power.

• Opaque Vessel
• Word of Power: Aura Whisper

Valthume

Back in the throne room close to the entrance, Valdar informs you that the vessels contain the Dragon Priest’s blood. Emptying them into the nearby sconce is likely to remove any chance Havnoraak has of regaining his former powers. Oblige Valdar by pouring out the three vessels and then sit on the throne.

Slay this Dragon Priest, concentrating on cutting him down, rather than the Storm Thralls he summons. The quest concludes once this battle ends and Valdar has spoken to you, urging you to take the iron mask. This is part of Side Quests: Masks of the Dragon Priests*.

• Hevnoraak