The Silver Hand

Forging the Lycanthrope

After completing the Companions Quest: Proving Honor, Skjor has spent enough time judging your worthiness to become one of the Companions. When you find Skjor, he says he has something a little different planned for your next task and requests you meet him at the entrance to the Underforge after nightfall.

Once the sun has set (any time between 06:00 p.m. and 08:00 a.m.), head around the left (north) side of Jorrvaskr building and meet with Skjor by a massive protrusion of stone, below the Skyforge. Skjor explains this is the most ancient part of Whiterun and that the Underforge taps a vein of magic older than men or elves. Skjor beckons for you to open the rock wall that shifts apart, allowing entrance into the Underforge.

Skjor enters the Underforge with you. Aela the Huntress has taken a lupine form and is waiting around the Sacred Font. Skjor explains the ceremony you will undertake is to be done in secret, as Kodlak is busy trying to throw away the gift the Companions have been granted; he thinks it a curse rather than a blessing. Now join in the shared blood of the wolf and activate the Sacred Font.

You experience a tremendous change in your body structure. Your vision is much improved. Your speed is like that of the wolf. Your social standing with the locals is possibly not worth testing out at the moment. Soon, your eyes close and everything turns to black.

Clawing the Silver Hand

You wake up on the moors, clad in little more than your modesty. Aela the Huntress is with you and explains that your transformation was not easy but successful. To celebrate becoming part of the Companions, you are to slaughter a pack of werewolf hunters known as the Silver Hand, who are camped nearby. But first, ask Aela any questions about your “condition” that you wish. Then place your armor and clothing back on, and arm up for the assault.

Charge or prowl around the exterior battlements of the Gallows Rock fortification before slaying the two Silver Hand guarding the entrance. Then step inside. Judging by the spear bars on the doorway, the Silver Hand must have locked the place down once Skjor charged in. Activate the lever and head down the stairs. Make sure Aela accompanies you, as she’s helpful in combat as a Shield-Sibling. Continue through this complex of stone corridors, removing Skeever vermin and Silver Hand as you go.

Many of your brethren lie dead in the cells; release any who are alive so they can savage their captors. Then push down the stairs, into a stone hall with skinned pelt hangings. Battle through and down the stairs to the circular chamber with the columns. This is the lair of Krev the Skinner, the Silver Hand leader in these parts. He is flanked by two lackeys. Muster your combat potential and savagely dispatch them all. Then ransack the chamber (and optionally, the entire area) for loot.

Quest Conclusion

There are no rewards here, only sadness. Alas, Aela has seen the body of Skjor. He is dead; he should not have come here without a Shield-Brother. Skjor will be avenged. The plot to kill all of those responsible for this outrage begins now!

Postquest Activities

You must now complete two additional Radiant Quests for Aela (and her only) to begin The Companions Quest: Blood’s Honor.