(Don’t Fear) The Reaper*

Initial Preparations

During your exploration of the Soul Cairn, you may chance upon a Reaper Gem Fragment. This is the only clue you have to the existence of something strangely terrifying that you can conjure to face in this realm (aside from the other oddities and foes to encounter).

Reaper Gem Gathering: Three Fragments of Power

What follows is a description of where each of the three Reaper Gem Fragments are located. They are listed from one to three, although you don’t need to find them in that order. In each case, three pictures are shown: They reveal the location from a distance, as you close in on the location, and finally at the location itself. Each location is also named. The names are references to the Atlas section only (they don’t appear on your local map). Check the compass direction on each picture so you know from which direction to approach.

Reaper Fragments: First Location

The Keeper’s Castle: If you’re completing Dawnguard Main Quest: Beyond Death, cross the barrier wall and turn left (northwest). Cross the undulating ground until you reach the fortification where the first Keeper resides. Or, if you’ve met Valerica and are starting your search for Keepers to fight, simply trek from the Boneyard to the first Keeper (as detailed in the quest). After fighting the Keeper in the courtyard, turn left (southwest). Fire an arrow or bolt through each of the turquoise orbs to release the gate ahead of you. This leads to an outer courtyard of standing stones, an Ideal Master Crystal that burns away at you, and a chest. Retrieve the Fragment from the chest.

• Reaper Gem Fragment (1/3)

Reaper Fragments: Second Location

The Obsidian Hall: South of the Boneyard is a very large ruin, with huge walled sides. It is directly north of the second Keeper location. Head around to the large opening and face north, wander inside (defeating any foes that appear), and locate the small, circular teleport in the smaller courtyard. You’re transported to the upper roof (rather than the roof section you can reach via the nearby steps), where an Ideal Master Crystal hovers over a chest to the south. Grab the Fragments from the chest. Then carefully drop to the lower rooftop and escape.

• Reaper Gem Fragment (2/3)

Reaper Fragments: Third Location

The Black Temple: North of Arvak’s Skull and just west of the floating citadel where the third Keeper is stationed is a medium-sized blocklike temple structure with an Ideal Master Crystal hovering above the roof. The structure is at the base of the hill on which the Boneyard is located. Enter the building, look for the open doorway to the right (north), and climb the steps to the roof. An Ideal Master Crystal hovers over a chest to the south. Take the Fragments from the chest and retrace your steps.

• Reaper Gem Fragment (3/3)

Quest Conclusion

Reaper’s Lair: Journey to the Soul Cairn’s southeast corner, east of the second Keeper’s residence, and inspect the black structure. Look south for the imposing doors and enter the building. Step forward to the Reaper Shard Receptacle; insert the Soul Fragments you’ve collected into this altar. With all of the Fragments placed, a Reaper Gem is fused together. Moments later, the Reaper is summoned!

This ghostly stuff of nightmares is a hooded shadow armed with a massive axe. His glowing red eyes stare through you, and he’s immediately hostile, as are the Bonemen minions that also appear. The first part of combat must include dodging the disgusting vomit he sprays across the chamber. Failure to step out of the flying acid results in some nasty damage.

Hopefully the Reaper will become preoccupied with slaying Serana, allowing you to attack from a different direction. Dodge or block those heavy axe swipes, and whittle down the Reaper’s health until he falters and finally falls. Search his Ghastly Remains for your reward.

• Black Soul Gem (3)

Postquest Activities

Don’t let the Reaper haunt your nightmares.