Main Quest: Dragon Rising

All Along the Watchtower

As you finish your conversation about the Dragonstone with Farengar, Irileth interrupts you with some troubling news: A dragon has been sighted nearby! Farengar seems positively giddy, while Irileth seems unsure if they could stop an attack on Whiterun. Locate the Jarl, who is questioning the Whiterun Guard who reported seeing the beast. Jarl Balgruuf orders Irileth to bolster the Western Watchtower with more men, a plan Irileth is already undertaking. Then the Jarl turns to you, seeking your help once again. Your experience at Helgen means you’re most experienced in dealing with dragons. As a token of his esteem, he’s instructed Avenicci that you’re permitted to purchase property in Whiterun. Assuming you’re alive and have enough gold! You’re also gifted something from the Jarl’s personal armory:

• Leveled Armor

As the Jarl prevents Farengar from viewing the dragon, exit Dragonsreach. If you stride through Whiterun with Irileth, she gathers some Whiterun Guards and explains the situation. Or you can leave Whiterun. Follow the stone path that winds between the tundra plains, heading for the lone tower in the middle distance. As you get close, step up to Irileth who is hiding behind a rocky outcrop. If Irileth is behind you, you can either wait for her (and the soldiers) to arrive, or investigate the Watchtower on your own.

If she’s with you, Irileth notes that the Western Watchtower looks to have been ferociously attacked. The small fires and rubble confirm this assertion. She believes the dragon is still skulking nearby and orders you to spread out and look for survivors.

A closer inspection supports Irileth’s summation; the place has been struck and lives lost. Move into the tower. As you enter, a fearful Whiterun Guard yells that the beast is still out there and has already taken two guards named Hroki and Tor when they tried to flee! Moments later, a bone-shaking roar announces the return of the dragon!

Dragonborn Rising

There’s little time to watch the giant lizard circling overhead; you must try to kill the creature as proficiently as possible.

Dragon Slaying: Switch to whatever long-range offensive weaponry you have, ideally ranged magic or a bow and arrow.

You are fortunate that Irileth and a few Whiterun Guards are attempting to strike the dragon, too, thus keeping it from predominantly attacking you. Irileth’s magic is strong, so aid her by attacking from an opposite direction. Split up so there are fewer of you to fry at once!

If you’re using a bow and arrow, remember to aim (and slow time, if you have the perk) for a better chance to hit.

This dragon breathes fire, so consuming potions or casting magic that lessens fire-based damage (see The Inventory Chapter) is a good idea.

When the dragon drops to a hover, it is usually preparing a gout of fiery breath. Take as many ranged shots as you deem safe, and then rush under or around the creature. Fire again as the dragon flies off.

When the dragon lands, attack from the sides; ranged attacks are still just as strong, but melee attacks are now possible, as long as you try cutting down the dragon between breath attacks or from the side.

If worse comes to worst, flee into the tower and use some Health potions. You can also attack from the tower’s top or use the stairs to head down, out of the dragon’s breath attacks.

Approach the dead dragon. As you get close, it begins to burn! Fortunately, this isn’t harmful; in fact, the crackling flesh merges into the ethereal soul of the dragon, and a maelstrom of energy and light whirls around you. You’re actively absorbing the soul of Mirmulnir! Once the light subsides, search the dragon for some valuables. Now approach Irileth. The normally stoic Dark Elf is showing a little emotion after this battle.

• Dragon Soul Absorbed

Access your Magic menu, scroll down to Shouts, and equip the Unrelenting Force Shout. You have the Dragon Soul necessary to conjure this Shout, so try it out. It isn’t wise to do this on your allies (although they won’t attack back), so try staggering a nearby enemy or just yelling at the tundra itself. Your Shout then recharges; note the Compass gradually fills from blue to bright white before becoming a normal white color. With Irileth taking command at the Watchtower, you should leave for Jarl Balgruuf’s at once.

Quest Conclusion

Return to Dragonsreach and approach the Jarl, who has recently been joined by his equally imposing brother, Hrongar. Explain to the Jarl that you’re actually “Dragonborn” and that you absorbed some of the dragon’s power when it was slain. Jarl Balgruuf is shocked; it appears that the Masters of the Way of the Voice—known colloquially as the Greybeards—were not only correct in their predictions, but also are actively summoning you. Your reward? A trek to meet them!

Postquest Activities

Continue the conversation with Jarl Balgruuf as Main Quest: The Way of the Voice begins.