Does Bend Will Work on Elder Dragons? A Skyrim Deep Dive
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The short answer is no, Bend Will typically does not work on Elder Dragons in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. While the Dragonborn DLC introduces the Bend Will shout as a means to tame and ride dragons, its effectiveness is limited to specific dragons and scenarios within the game. The game’s code and narrative design generally exclude Elder Dragons (and several other named dragons) from being affected by the shout.
Now, let’s delve into the nuances of this answer, exploring the mechanics of Bend Will, the types of dragons in Skyrim, and the reasons behind these limitations. We’ll also address common questions surrounding this unique shout and its capabilities.
Understanding Bend Will and Dragon Taming
The Bend Will shout, acquired during the Dragonborn DLC, is a powerful tool for influencing the minds of others. In the context of dragons, its primary function is to break their will, forcing them to land and allow the Dragonborn to ride them. However, not all dragons are susceptible to this effect. Several factors determine whether Bend Will will work on a particular dragon:
- Dragon Type and Scripting: Certain dragons, such as Alduin, Paarthurnax, and Durnehviir, are specifically coded to be immune to Bend Will. These dragons often play crucial roles in the main questline or have unique characteristics that prevent them from being controlled.
- Quest Requirements: The taming of certain dragons is often tied to specific quests. For example, Sahrotaar, Miraak’s dragon, can only be tamed as part of the Dragonborn DLC questline, and only after the Dragonborn has learned all three words of the Bend Will shout.
- Level Scaling (Minor Factor): While the game states that all dragons from basic to Legendary are subject to Bend Will, this mostly pertains to generic dragons found across Skyrim. This statement does not apply to specific named dragons.
Why Elder Dragons Are Immune
Elder Dragons, being among the most powerful and ancient of their kind, possess a strong resistance to magical influence. Their sheer power and ancient nature make them highly resistant to the Bend Will shout. Additionally, because Elder Dragons are simply high level generic dragons, like a blood dragon or frost dragon, that happen to be a higher level then those types, and not specific named characters like Alduin or Durnehviir, the likelihood of them being controlled through Bend Will is unlikely. This design choice likely stems from a desire to maintain the challenge of encountering these formidable foes and the lore that surrounds the most powerful dragons. It ensures that the Dragonborn’s power isn’t absolute and that certain dragons remain unique and untamable.
Exploring the Limitations of Bend Will
It’s important to acknowledge that even when Bend Will does work, the control it offers is limited. While riding a dragon, the Dragonborn cannot directly steer or command the dragon’s actions in detail. Instead, they can only issue simple instructions, such as attacking a specific target or landing at a particular location. This limitation further emphasizes that Bend Will is more about influencing the dragon’s actions rather than completely dominating its will.
Moreover, the shout’s effectiveness can be affected by various factors, including:
- The Dragon’s Health: A severely wounded dragon might be more susceptible to Bend Will, though this is not explicitly stated in the game’s mechanics.
- Environmental Factors: The environment can sometimes influence the shout’s effectiveness, although this is not a consistent factor.
FAQs: Bend Will and Dragon Taming
1. Can I use Bend Will on Alduin?
No, Alduin is immune to the Bend Will shout. His role as the main antagonist and his unique status as the World-Eater prevent him from being controlled.
2. Does Bend Will work on Paarthurnax?
No, Paarthurnax cannot be controlled using Bend Will. He is a wise and ancient dragon who has chosen a path of peace and guidance.
3. Can Durnehviir be tamed with Bend Will?
No, Durnehviir, found in the Soul Cairn, is immune to Bend Will. His unique circumstances as a dragon bound to the Soul Cairn prevent him from being controlled.
4. What dragons can I tame with Bend Will?
You can typically tame generic dragons encountered in the world, as well as Sahrotaar during the Dragonborn DLC questline.
5. How do I tame Sahrotaar?
To tame Sahrotaar, you must learn all three words of the Bend Will shout and use it on him during the relevant quest in the Dragonborn DLC. Be sure to hold the shout key for the full duration.
6. What happens if I use Bend Will on Miraak?
Using Bend Will on Miraak doesn’t tame him but will recharge your shout faster (30 seconds with all three words). It disrupts his abilities, especially when he doesn’t have a ward up.
7. Why isn’t Bend Will working on a dragon?
Ensure you have learned all three words of the shout, and that you are holding down the shout key to fully unleash its power. Also, verify that the dragon isn’t one of the named dragons immune to the shout.
8. Can I control a dragon’s movement while riding it?
No, you cannot directly control the dragon’s movement. You can only issue simple commands, such as attacking a target or landing.
9. What level should I be to effectively use Bend Will?
There isn’t a specific level requirement, but having a higher level and skills will make encounters with dragons easier. Being at least level 40-50 is recommended for the Dragonborn DLC in general.
10. What are the benefits of taming a dragon?
Taming a dragon allows you to quickly travel across the map and engage in aerial combat, providing a unique perspective and tactical advantage.
11. Can other NPCs use Bend Will on dragons?
No, the Bend Will shout is exclusive to the Dragonborn.
12. Are there any mods that change how Bend Will works?
Yes, many mods alter the functionality of Bend Will, allowing you to tame more dragons, exert greater control, or remove the limitations imposed by the vanilla game.
13. Does Bend Will work on undead dragons?
No, Undead are immune to the shout which only staggers them.
14. What happens if Miraak steals my dragon souls?
To prevent Miraak from stealing your dragon souls, either avoid starting the Dragonborn questline or progress through it to defeat him.
15. Is it possible to learn more about the lore and game mechanics related to dragons and shouts?
Absolutely! Delving into resources like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) can provide invaluable insights into the design and narrative elements of games, enriching your understanding of Skyrim and other interactive experiences.
Conclusion
While the prospect of bending the will of any dragon, including Elder Dragons, might seem appealing, the game mechanics and narrative design of Skyrim impose limitations. Understanding these limitations and the factors that influence the Bend Will shout’s effectiveness will enhance your gameplay experience and allow you to make the most of this unique ability. So, while you may not be soaring through the skies on the back of an Elder Dragon, the dragons you can tame offer a thrilling and unique way to explore the world of Skyrim.