Table of Contents

Revisiting Snow Veil Sanctum: A Deep Dive into Skyrim’s Forgotten Tomb

So, you’ve braved the icy winds and treacherous pathways to uncover the secrets of Snow Veil Sanctum alongside Karliah and Mercer Frey. But what happens after the “Speaking With Silence” quest concludes, and the dust settles? Is there any reason to revisit this ancient Nordic tomb? The answer, seasoned adventurer, is a resounding yes, though perhaps not for reasons you might initially expect. Returning to Snow Veil Sanctum after the quest reveals a few interesting details, and it can be useful if certain questlines or collection goals have not been met. The Sanctum is mostly repopulated with leveled draugr, so a skilled adventurer can test their abilities.

Reasons to Return

While Snow Veil Sanctum might not be brimming with hidden treasures after your initial visit, there are a few key reasons why you might want to consider a return trip:

Gallus’ Remains: As the provided information highlights, you can find Gallus’ remains in the final chamber. The body isn’t explicitly marked, but it’s in the spot where he was supposed to be dumped. This offers a poignant, albeit subtle, reminder of the events that transpired within its walls. While this doesn’t trigger any new quests, it provides a sense of closure for those invested in the Thieves Guild narrative.
Draugr Re-Spawn: Snow Veil Sanctum, like many dungeons in Skyrim, will eventually re-spawn its enemies. This means that after a period of in-game time (typically around 30 days), the leveled draugr will return, offering a repeatable source of combat experience and loot.
Disarm Word Wall: This is a major incentive! If you missed the Word Wall for the Disarm dragon shout during your initial playthrough, returning to Snow Veil Sanctum gives you a second chance to acquire it. This dragon shout is a powerful tool for disarming enemies, making it a valuable addition to any Dragonborn’s arsenal. If you have the Dragonborn DLC, you will need to complete the five prerequisite quests.
Resource Gathering: While not particularly abundant, the Sanctum does contain some alchemy ingredients and other lootable items. If you’re a completionist or simply need to replenish your supplies, a quick run through Snow Veil Sanctum can be worthwhile.
Amethyst Dragon Claw Mod: If you’re using mods, particularly ones that add items to specific locations, returning to Snow Veil Sanctum might be necessary to acquire these items. The provided text mentions a mod that adds an Amethyst Dragon Claw, acknowledging the strange fact that the player never needed a dragon claw to get into the end chamber.

Navigating the Sanctum: A Familiar Path

The layout of Snow Veil Sanctum remains the same upon your return. You’ll traverse the same corridors, battle the same draugr (albeit re-spawned), and solve the same puzzles. This familiarity can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you’ll know exactly where to go and what to expect. On the other hand, the lack of novelty might make the experience feel somewhat repetitive.

A Note on the Back Entrance

The text mentions a back entrance to Snow Veil Sanctum that’s blocked by a gate. While technically true, this “back entrance” isn’t a viable alternative to the main entrance. The gate can only be opened from the inside, effectively negating any potential shortcut.

Post-Quest NPC Behavior: Karliah’s Conundrum

The text also raises the question of why Karliah might not leave Snow Veil Sanctum after the quest. This is a known bug that can occur. The suggested solution of waiting 30 in-game days far away from the Sanctum often works by resetting her position, but console commands can also be used for faster resolution.

Summary of a Second Trip

Ultimately, returning to Snow Veil Sanctum is a mixed bag. It offers a chance to revisit a familiar location, potentially acquire the Disarm word, experience some combat, and potentially locate Gallus’ remains. However, the lack of significant new content means that the experience might not be particularly compelling for all players. Whether or not you choose to return to the Sanctum depends on your individual play style and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Snow Veil Sanctum and related topics, offering further insights for your Skyrim adventures:

Can I re-enter Snow Veil Sanctum after completing the “Speaking With Silence” quest?

Yes, you can re-enter Snow Veil Sanctum. It functions like any other dungeon in Skyrim, allowing you to return after a period of in-game time has passed.
Will the enemies in Snow Veil Sanctum re-spawn?

Yes, the enemies, primarily leveled draugr, will re-spawn after approximately 30 in-game days.
Where can I find the Word Wall for the Disarm shout in Snow Veil Sanctum?

The Word Wall is located in the second zone of Snow Veil Sanctum, typically in the chamber just before the final room.
Is there a back entrance to Snow Veil Sanctum?

There is technically a back entrance, but it’s blocked by a gate that can only be opened from the inside, making it unusable as a shortcut.
Why won’t Karliah leave Snow Veil Sanctum after “Speaking With Silence”?

This is a bug. Try traveling far away and waiting for 30 in-game days, or use console commands to reset her position.
I can’t get Mercer Frey to open the door in Snow Veil Sanctum. What should I do?

Mercer Frey can be stubborn. Try physically nudging him toward the door using shouts like Fus-Ro-Dah or simply running into him. This will put him in the right location.
Is there anything valuable to find in Snow Veil Sanctum besides the Word Wall?

Besides loot from draugr, you can find some alchemy ingredients and other minor treasures. The main draw is the Word Wall. Mods such as the Amethyst Dragon Claw can add value for some players.
How do I get into Snow Veil Sanctum to get the Disarm word without doing the Thieves Guild questline?

Unfortunately, you cannot access the Word Wall in Snow Veil Sanctum without initiating the Thieves Guild questline and starting the “Speaking With Silence” quest. The dungeon is inaccessible otherwise.
Where can I find the Amethyst Dragon Claw mentioned in the text?

The Amethyst Dragon Claw is not part of the base game. It’s added by a mod, likely designed to make the dungeon’s puzzle mechanism make more sense for players who may be trying to clear Snow Veil Sanctum without Mercer’s help.
What should I do after completing the “Speaking With Silence” quest?

The next quest in the Thieves Guild storyline is “Hard Answers”. Karliah will give you Gallus’ Encoded Journal, which kicks off the new quest.
How do I stop Mercer Frey from attacking me?

If Mercer Frey is attacking you after the intended fight, try sprinting into him, using Unrelenting Force, or hitting him until he attacks back, then sheathing your weapon.
How do I escape Irkngthand after killing Mercer Frey?

Wait for the chamber to flood. As the water reaches the ceiling, a hole will appear behind the statue’s head, leading to the Bronze Water Cave.
Can I marry Karliah?

Yes, you can marry Karliah after completing the Thieves Guild questline. You’ll need to wear an Amulet of Mara and speak to her in Nightingale Hall.
What happens to the Eyes of the Falmer after completing the Thieves Guild questline?

You should keep one Eye of the Falmer for display. Unlike the Left Eye of the Falmer, the Right Eye isn’t part of The Litany of Larceny quest.
Why are hired thugs attacking me in Skyrim?

Hired thugs are sent after you if you steal or kill someone and get caught. There’s no way to yield to them; you must defeat them in combat.

These FAQs should provide a more comprehensive understanding of Snow Veil Sanctum and its place within the broader context of Skyrim. For further explorations of game design and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

What happens if you go back to Snow Veil Sanctum?