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Navigating the Forgotten Vale: A Comprehensive Guide to the Second Wayshrine in Skyrim

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The second Wayshrine, known as the Wayshrine of Sight, is located in the Forgotten Vale soon after you exit Darkfall Passage. As you emerge into the Forgotten Vale, proceed north of the path that climbs out of the entry vale through a set of stone arches. It is situated west-northwest of the Forgotten Vale Cave. Look for Prelate Athring, who tends to the shrine; he will be your confirmation that you’ve arrived at the correct location.

Reaching the Wayshrine of Sight: A Step-by-Step Guide

The journey to the Wayshrine of Sight is a crucial step in the Dawnguard DLC questline for Skyrim Special Edition. It’s part of a larger quest to reach Auriel’s Bow and confront Arch-Curate Vyrthur. The area is beautiful but dangerous, so preparation is key.

Complete Darkfall Passage: First, you need to navigate and complete the Darkfall Passage. This is a linear but treacherous path filled with Falmer and Chaurus.
Emerging into the Forgotten Vale: The end of Darkfall Passage leads you to a portal. Activating this portal will teleport you into the Forgotten Vale.
Orient Yourself: Upon exiting the portal, take a moment to get your bearings. The Forgotten Vale is a large, open area with several distinct landmarks.
Heading North: Ignore the path that leads upwards through the stone arches for now. Instead, head north from your position. This means turning to your left.
Locating Prelate Athring: Keep an eye out for Prelate Athring, who is the key indicator that you’re on the right track. He’s usually near the Wayshrine, praying or tending to it.
West-Northwest of the Forgotten Vale Cave: If you see the Forgotten Vale Cave, you’re on the right path. Position yourself to be west-northwest of the cave’s entrance and continue forward.
The Wayshrine of Sight: You should now be able to see the Wayshrine of Sight. It will be a distinct structure with a basin for filling the Initiate’s Ewer. Interact with the Wayshrine to progress the quest.

Tips for Navigating the Forgotten Vale

Bring Healing Potions: The Forgotten Vale is filled with dangerous enemies, including leveled Falmer, Chaurus, and other creatures. Having a good supply of healing potions is crucial.
Prepare for Cold Resistance: The Forgotten Vale is a freezing environment. Consider using spells or potions that provide cold resistance to avoid the detrimental effects of the cold.
Utilize Map Markers: The Skyrim map is a valuable tool. Mark the location of the Wayshrine of Sight on your map to ensure you stay on track.
Follow the Quest Markers: If you have the active quest, the game will provide quest markers to guide you. Follow these markers closely to reach your destination.
Save Frequently: Given the potential for unexpected encounters and the dangers of the Forgotten Vale, saving your game frequently is highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What DLC is the Forgotten Vale in?

The Forgotten Vale is part of the Dawnguard DLC for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

2. What is the purpose of the Wayshrines in the Forgotten Vale?

The Wayshrines are crucial for progressing through the Dawnguard questline. You need to visit all five Wayshrines to fill the Initiate’s Ewer and gain access to the Inner Sanctum, where you can find Auriel’s Bow.

3. How many Wayshrines are there in the Forgotten Vale?

There are a total of five Wayshrines in the Forgotten Vale.

4. What happens after I fill the Initiate’s Ewer?

Once you have filled the Initiate’s Ewer with water from all five Wayshrines, you can proceed to the Inner Sanctum to confront Arch-Curate Vyrthur and obtain Auriel’s Bow.

5. Can I fast travel in the Forgotten Vale?

Yes, you can fast travel to locations within the Forgotten Vale that you have already discovered. However, fast traveling is disabled in some areas, particularly during quest stages.

6. What are some of the enemies I will encounter in the Forgotten Vale?

Enemies in the Forgotten Vale include various leveled Falmer, Chaurus, frost giants, and even dragons. Be prepared for challenging encounters.

7. What is the recommended level for exploring the Forgotten Vale?

It’s recommended to be at least level 20 or higher before venturing into the Forgotten Vale. The enemies and challenges can be quite difficult for lower-level characters.

8. Is Auriel’s Bow the only unique item in the Forgotten Vale?

While Auriel’s Bow is the most notable unique item, there are other valuable items and locations to discover, including unique weapons, armor, and spells.

9. How do I start the Dawnguard questline?

You can start the Dawnguard questline by traveling to Fort Dawnguard, located in a canyon east of Riften, or by being approached by a Dawnguard member in a major city. This usually happens after reaching level 10.

10. What is the Inner Sanctum?

The Inner Sanctum is the final area accessible after visiting all five Wayshrines in the Forgotten Vale. It is the location of the Chapel of Auriel and is where you confront Arch-Curate Vyrthur.

11. What are Prelates in the Forgotten Vale?

Prelates are devoted followers of Auriel who tend to the Wayshrines in the Forgotten Vale. They play a crucial role in guiding you through the questline.

12. Are there any side quests in the Forgotten Vale?

While the main focus is the Dawnguard questline, there are some minor side objectives and exploration opportunities within the Forgotten Vale.

13. Can I return to the Forgotten Vale after completing the Dawnguard questline?

Yes, you can return to the Forgotten Vale after completing the Dawnguard questline to explore the area further or collect any missed items.

14. How does the Forgotten Vale contribute to the overall lore of the Elder Scrolls?

The Forgotten Vale provides valuable insight into the ancient Snow Elves (now Falmer) and their history, as well as the worship of Auriel (Akatosh).

15. Is there a definitive guide or walkthrough that can help me navigate the Forgotten Vale?

Many online resources, including wikis, forums, and video guides, offer detailed walkthroughs and maps of the Forgotten Vale to assist you with your journey. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) has a wealth of resources on game mechanics and world-building, although specific guides may be found elsewhere. Understanding the lore and world-building elements can enhance the gaming experience.

Navigating the Forgotten Vale and reaching the Wayshrine of Sight is a challenging but rewarding experience in Skyrim’s Dawnguard DLC. With careful preparation, attention to detail, and the knowledge provided in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to succeed in your quest for Auriel’s Bow. Remember to immerse yourself in the lore, explore the landscape, and enjoy the journey!