Masks of the Dragon Priests*

Demise of the Atmoran Dragon Cult

Sometimes, the corporal remains of a powerful Nordic priest survives even death. Entombed with Draugr brethren, dead but dreaming, the Dragon Priest is a frightening, powerful foe to face. Around since the fall of Alduin, these were part of the Atmoran Dragon Cult, but they exclusively worshipped the dragon. Now that Alduin has returned, something else stirs in the deepest Nordic barrows....

Part 1: Death of the Dragon Priests

As you explore larger and more terrifying Nordic dungeons, you may eventually stumble across a sarcophagus that contains a Dragon Priest. Named Dragon Priests have a namesake mask, and each of these facial coverings is imbued with a particular power. Obtaining all eight is a tough enough endeavor. But that is only half the story....

For each named Dragon Priest you kill, pick up and keep their mask. This isn’t something you can do quickly; for example, you have to finish the Main Quest entirely and almost finish the College of Winterhold Quests in order to obtain two of them. Therefore, this may be one of the later quests you embark on, unless you’re focusing on this above every other activity in Skyrim.

The following table details the dungeon in which you find the masks, the Dragon Priest it belongs to, and each mask’s ability, along with any associated quest you must be on to enter the dungeon. Note that all but two of the Dragon Masks have a Dragon Language translation.

• Volsung
• Morokei (“Glorious”)
• Vokun (“Shadow”)
• Krosis (“Sorrow”)
• Otar
• Hevnoraak (“Brutality”)
• Rahgot (“Anger”)
• Nahkriin (“Vengeance”)

Consult the Atlas chapter and any relevant quests for all the information regarding the exact locations within the dungeons where you can find each Dragon Priest.

Part 2: Life from the Dragon Priest Masks

When you’ve collected one or more masks, you can wear them for the benefits detailed in the previous table. You can also head to an important and ancient location for the Cult of the Dragon Priests: the snow-swept exterior of Labyrinthian. Close to the entrance to Shalidor’s Maze is a low circular building that looks almost like a dragon mound or barrow. Enter these round ruins and approach a ruined altar with a dragon’s head, skeletal remains, a note, and a wooden mask. Read the note.

• Quill
• Hired Thug’s Missive
• Wooden Mask

The Wooden Mask hums with an unfamiliar energy. Place it onto your face when you’re outside the circular ruins, and nothing happens. However, if you don the mask while standing in the chamber with the altar, everything fades to black. When you come to, you’re in what appears to be the same room, but in another time. The shattered altar is whole once more, and the place is pristine and clean. This is the Bromjunaar Sanctuary.

The altar now has eight distinct busts, one for each of the eight Dragon Priests. Activate the altar, and insert the appropriate mask into the facial slot. Once all eight masks have been returned to the altar, the central dragon’s head opens its mouth, exposing one final, golden mask. You may take that mask, along with all the others if you wish. Whether you’re carrying any masks or not, when you wish to return to the present, remove the Wooden Mask.

Konahrik (“Warlord”)

When the wearer is relatively low on health, there is a chance the mask will knock enemies back, heal the wearer and any nearby allies, and grant a brief Fire Cloak to the wearer. In addition, there is a (much rarer) chance the mask will summon a spectral Dragon Priest to come to the wearer’s aid, under the same circumstances.

Quest Conclusion

This epic quest ends when you have all ten Dragon Masks in your possession. Wear the one with the abilities or powers you wish to augment.

Postquest Activities

It may be interesting to note that the masks themselves were symbols of office for the highest-ranking priests in the Dragon Cult of the old times.