How to Obtain the Golden Dragon Claw in Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide
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The Golden Dragon Claw is a pivotal item early in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, essential for progressing through the main questline and unlocking secrets within Bleak Falls Barrow. Here’s a breakdown of how to acquire it: You retrieve the Golden Dragon Claw by venturing into Bleak Falls Barrow and finding Arvel the Swift trapped in a spider web. After dealing with the spider, you’ll free Arvel, but he’ll attempt to flee. Pursue and eliminate him, and you can loot the Golden Dragon Claw from his corpse.
Journey to Bleak Falls Barrow
Your quest for the Golden Dragon Claw begins in Riverwood, a small village just downriver from Whiterun. After escaping Helgen (the game’s introductory sequence), follow Ralof (if you chose to follow the Imperials out of Helgen) or Hadvar (if you chose to follow the Stormcloaks). They’ll lead you to Riverwood. Seek out Lucan Valerius and his sister Camilla at the Riverwood Trader. They’ll task you with retrieving the Golden Dragon Claw, which was stolen from their shop. This initiates the quest “Bleak Falls Barrow.”
Navigating to Bleak Falls Barrow
Bleak Falls Barrow is located to the northwest of Riverwood, high in the mountains. Follow the marked quest path on your map. Be prepared to face wolves and bandits along the way. The exterior of the barrow is guarded by bandits, so steel yourself for a fight.
Entering Bleak Falls Barrow
Once you’ve cleared the bandits guarding the entrance, head inside. This is where your adventure truly begins! The barrow is a multi-level dungeon filled with draugr (undead warriors), spiders, and puzzles. Prepare accordingly with potions, weapons, and spells.
Encountering Arvel the Swift
As you progress through Bleak Falls Barrow, you’ll eventually stumble upon Arvel the Swift, a thief tangled in a giant spider web. He’s been incapacitated by a large Wounded Frostbite Spider.
Defeating the Frostbite Spider
The first step is to eliminate the Frostbite Spider. These spiders can be quite dangerous, especially at lower levels, because of their poisoning attacks. Utilize fire spells or weapons with fire enchantments to exploit their weakness. Melee fighters should use blocking and power attacks to quickly bring it down.
Dealing with Arvel
After dispatching the spider, approach Arvel. He’ll plead for you to free him. You’ll have the option to either believe him or express skepticism. Regardless of your choice, he’ll promise to give you the Golden Dragon Claw in exchange for his freedom. Cut him free from the web.
The Thief’s Treachery
True to his nature, Arvel will betray you as soon as he is free. He’ll run deeper into the barrow, hoping to escape with the claw. Pursue him relentlessly. He won’t put up much of a fight, and you’ll likely overtake him quickly.
Claiming the Golden Dragon Claw
Once you’ve caught up with Arvel, he will most likely die due to his wounds. You have to kill him if he did not die due to his injuries. Loot his corpse to obtain the Golden Dragon Claw. This is the key item you need to solve the dungeon’s puzzles and complete the quest.
Returning the Golden Dragon Claw
With the Golden Dragon Claw in your possession, return to the Riverwood Trader and speak with Lucan or Camilla. Handing over the claw completes the quest and earns you a reward, usually a sum of gold. More importantly, it signifies your growing reputation as an adventurer in Skyrim.
Solving the Puzzle Door
Beyond simply completing the quest, the Golden Dragon Claw serves another vital purpose. In the depths of Bleak Falls Barrow lies a puzzle door with three rings, each etched with an animal symbol. Examine the Golden Dragon Claw in your inventory. The symbols displayed on the claw’s palm are the solution to the puzzle. Rotate the rings to match the symbols from top to bottom, then activate the keyhole to open the door and continue your journey. The correct order is Bear, Butterfly, Owl.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I kill Arvel before freeing him?
Yes, you can. If you attack Arvel while he’s still trapped in the web, he will die. You can then loot the Golden Dragon Claw from his corpse. However, freeing him first allows for a brief chase sequence, which some players find more engaging.
2. What happens if I don’t return the Golden Claw?
If you don’t return the Golden Claw to Lucan, his shop remains open 24/7. This can be useful for selling items at any time, but the “Bleak Falls Barrow” quest will remain active in your journal, which some players find annoying.
3. Can I keep the Golden Claw after completing the quest?
Technically, no. Once you return the Golden Claw, it’s placed back on the counter in the Riverwood Trader. However, you can steal it back if you’re inclined to do so. Be warned that Lucan and Camilla won’t be happy about it.
4. Where is Bleak Falls Barrow located?
Bleak Falls Barrow is located northwest of Riverwood, in the mountains. It’s a short walk from Riverwood, and the quest marker makes it easy to find.
5. What level should I be to complete Bleak Falls Barrow?
Bleak Falls Barrow is designed for low-level characters, ideally between levels 1 and 5. It serves as an introductory dungeon to familiarize players with the game’s mechanics.
6. What enemies will I encounter in Bleak Falls Barrow?
Inside Bleak Falls Barrow, you’ll primarily encounter draugr, skeletons, giant spiders, and skeevers. Be prepared for combat with these undead and arachnid foes.
7. Is there a boss at the end of Bleak Falls Barrow?
Yes, at the end of Bleak Falls Barrow, you’ll face a Draugr Overlord. This enemy is stronger than the regular draugr, so be prepared with potions and your best weapons and spells. The Dragonstone can be found on his person.
8. What is the puzzle solution for Bleak Falls Barrow?
The puzzle solution for the rotating pillars is Snake – Snake – Whale. You will encounter this before you find Arvel the Swift. The puzzle solution for the puzzle door with the claw imprint is Bear – Butterfly – Owl. You can find this solution by inspecting the Golden Dragon Claw in your inventory.
9. Can I bring a follower to Bleak Falls Barrow?
Yes, you can bring a follower to Bleak Falls Barrow. Followers can be valuable companions in combat and can carry extra items for you.
10. Where can I find other Dragon Claws in Skyrim?
There are several other Dragon Claws in Skyrim, each associated with different dungeons and puzzles. Some notable ones include the Emerald Dragon Claw, the Iron Dragon Claw, the Ebony Dragon Claw, and the Diamond Dragon Claw.
11. Does the Golden Claw respawn in Bleak Falls Barrow?
No, the Golden Dragon Claw does not respawn in Bleak Falls Barrow. Once you obtain it and complete the quest, it remains either in Lucan’s possession or, if you steal it, in your inventory or storage.
12. Can Camilla Valerius become a follower?
No, Camilla Valerius cannot become a follower. However, she is a potential marriage candidate if you complete certain quests for her.
13. How do I improve my lockpicking skill in Skyrim?
You can improve your lockpicking skill by repeatedly picking locks, reading skill books, and receiving training from skilled thieves. The Thieves Guild in Riften is an excellent place to hone your lockpicking abilities.
14. What are the benefits of joining the Thieves Guild?
Joining the Thieves Guild offers numerous benefits, including access to unique quests, specialized gear, and training in stealth and thievery skills. It also provides a safe haven for criminals and a network of contacts throughout Skyrim. The Games Learning Society might also be interested in studying the emergent social dynamics within such in-game factions.
15. Can I be over-encumbered in Bleak Falls Barrow?
Yes, you can become over-encumbered in Bleak Falls Barrow. Be mindful of the weight of the items you carry, and consider bringing a follower to help with the load. Also, increasing your stamina will increase your maximum carry weight. This is a vital skill for your journey in Skyrim.
Obtaining the Golden Dragon Claw is a rite of passage for every Dragonborn. It introduces you to the world, combat, and puzzle-solving mechanics that define the Skyrim experience. Now, venture forth and claim your destiny! You can find more on gaming and learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.