Black Book: Filament and Filigree

The Big Dig

In the five Black Book quests, you must locate and read one of five archaic tomes that transport you to Hermaeus Mora’s realm of Apocrypha. This particular book is hidden deep within Kolbjorn Barrow.

To reach this Black Book chamber, you must complete Solstheim Side Quests: Unearthed. This involves the following tasks:

• Fund all the phases of Ralis Sedarys’s excavation (at a cost of 11,000 gold).
• Slay all of the Draugr and uncover all the main chambers within Kolbjorn Barrow.
• Face off against and defeat the Dragon Acolyte Priest Ahzidal.
• Exit the chamber where you fought Ahzidal via the open sarcophagus in the southwest wall.
• The chamber you must reach is a circular room with an effigy of Hermaeus Mora.
• Reach the pedestal containing the Black Book, and read it. You are transported to Apocrypha.
• Black Book: Filament and Filigree

Terrible Secrets

You are transported into a partial void, where the floating living lanterns hover and cast their light. They are important here, as the shadows are harmful to you. So head toward the steps and Magicka font when the light shines on your path. Climb the steps, search the pod, and activate the Scrye to open the door south.

The route ahead features a sheer drop on both sides, limited movement, and harmful shadows. Run across as the light shines, pausing to slay two Seekers and a Lurker. Watch for tentacle ponds along the way. Some may wish to stand and fight. Others find it more prudent to run!

Quest Conclusion

Dash up the steps to a larger black pool, out of which a Lurker strides. Slay it if you wish, or dodge past, racing up to the pedestal containing the tome. There’s also an adjacent vessel to ransack. Open the book, and you can select from among the following powers:

• Secret of Strength (Power attacks cost no stamina for 30 seconds)
• Secret of Arcana (Spells cost no Magicka for 30 seconds)
• Secret of Protection (You take half damage for 30 seconds)

Postquest Activities

Choose your power, then access the book to transport back to Solstheim.