Clearing the Temple of Ash Spawn in Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide
The Temple Ancestral Tomb in Raven Rock, nestled on the ash-choked island of Solstheim, has become overrun with a particularly nasty infestation: Ash Spawn. These fiery undead pose a significant threat, and clearing them out is crucial for restoring peace to the Temple and completing the “Clean Sweep” quest given by Elder Othreloth. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to efficiently eliminating these creatures and reclaiming the Temple.
Clearing the Temple of Ash Spawn involves a strategic approach combining combat prowess, environmental awareness, and understanding the Ash Spawn’s vulnerabilities. Begin by speaking with Elder Othreloth in the Raven Rock Temple, who will task you with clearing the Temple Ancestral Tomb and provide you with the Raven Rock Tomb Key. Once inside, systematically navigate through the Tomb, utilizing a combination of melee and ranged attacks, and exploiting their weakness to ice. Continue clearing the Temple, looting as you go, and then report back to Elder Othreloth.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Ash Spawn Extermination
1. Obtaining the Quest
Your journey begins in Raven Rock, the main settlement on Solstheim. Locate the Temple and speak with Elder Othreloth. He will express his concern about the Ash Spawn infestation within the Temple Ancestral Tomb and request your assistance. Accept the quest “Clean Sweep” and he will grant you the Raven Rock Tomb Key. This key unlocks the entrance to the Tomb, located behind the Temple.
2. Entering the Temple Ancestral Tomb
With the key in hand, proceed to the back of the Temple. You’ll find a door leading into the Temple Ancestral Tomb. Unlock the door and prepare to enter the infested depths. Be sure you are equipped with the necessary equipment to effectively fight and kill Ash Spawn.
3. Strategic Combat and Exploration
The Temple Ancestral Tomb is a relatively linear dungeon, but it can still be easy to get turned around. Keep your wits about you as you head from room to room, fighting enemies and looting items.
4. Report Back to Elder Othreloth
Once you have cleared the Tomb of all Ash Spawn, return to Elder Othreloth in the Raven Rock Temple. Speak with him to report your success and complete the “Clean Sweep” quest. He will reward you for your efforts, usually with gold or other useful items.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ash Spawn and Temple Clearing
1. What are Ash Spawn?
Ash Spawn are undead creatures that inhabit the ashlands of Solstheim, primarily appearing after the Red Mountain eruption. They are formed from the volcanic ash and are known for their fire-based attacks and resilience.
2. Where do Ash Spawn spawn?
Ash Spawn are primarily found in the southern regions of Solstheim, which were heavily affected by the Red Mountain eruption. Common areas include the Ashlands, near Fort Frostmoth, and in various tombs and ruins.
3. What are Ash Spawn Weaknesses?
Ash Spawn are particularly vulnerable to ice damage. Spells like Ice Spike, Ice Storm, and weapons enchanted with frost damage are highly effective against them.
4. What rewards do I get for the quest?
The reward for the “Clean Sweep” quest is usually a sum of gold. The amount varies depending on your character level.
5. Are there other quests related to Ash Spawn?
Yes, Neloth at Tel Mithryn has quests that involve Ash Spawn, such as collecting Spawn Ash for his research. This often requires defeating Ash Spawn and extracting their remains.
6. How do I extract ash from an Ash Spawn?
To extract ash, you typically need a specific tool provided by Neloth. After defeating an Ash Spawn, interact with the ash pile, and you should see an option to “Extract Ash” if you have the necessary tool.
7. Can I summon Ash Spawn?
Yes, you can summon an Ash Guardian after completing the quest “From the Ashes” for Talvas Fathryon in Tel Mithryn. This Ash Guardian does not take up a conjuration slot.
8. Are Ash Spawn considered undead?
The game technically does not classify Ash Spawn as undead. The game considers them more akin to Dwarven Automatons. This affects which spells and abilities are effective against them.
9. What are the best strategies for fighting Ash Spawn?
Utilize ice-based attacks, maintain distance when possible (as they primarily use melee combat), and be wary of their firebolt spells. Consider using Atronachs or other summons to distract them.
10. Where can I find Spawn Ash?
Spawn Ash can be found as an ingredient dropped by Ash Spawn. Guaranteed samples are located in Severin Manor (Raven Rock) on a shelf next to the alchemy table downstairs and in the Raven Rock Mine on a shelf next to an alchemy table.
11. What alchemy ingredients are good to use against Ash Spawn?
Poisons with weakness to fire, frost damage, or damage health are all effective against Ash Spawn.
12. Can I resurrect an ash pile?
No, you cannot resurrect Ash Piles using standard necromantic spells. Once an Ash Spawn is defeated, it cannot be brought back. You would be better off loading a saved game.
13. Is there any Lore to the Temple Ancestral Tomb?
The Temple Ancestral Tomb holds significance for the Dunmer who worship the Daedric Princes and the Reclamations. It serves as a burial site and place of reverence for ancestors. The Ash Spawn infestation represents a desecration of this sacred space.
14. How can I improve my character’s effectiveness against Ash Spawn?
Invest in skills like Destruction (Ice spells), One-Handed or Two-Handed (with frost enchantments), and Alchemy (for creating effective poisons). Fortifying your armor and magic resistance is also beneficial.
15. Are there any unique items related to Ash Spawn?
While the swords wielded by Ash Spawn disintegrate upon their defeat, collecting Spawn Ash is essential for certain quests and alchemy recipes.
By following this guide and utilizing these strategies, you can effectively clear the Temple Ancestral Tomb of Ash Spawn and restore peace to Raven Rock. Remember to adapt your tactics based on your character build and playstyle, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different approaches. Video games like Skyrim can be more than just entertainment; they can also serve as a way to develop leadership skills. The Games Learning Society studies how the design and culture of games can be used to support learning and human potential. Check them out at GamesLearningSociety.org.