How to Start Evil in Waiting in Skyrim

To start the Evil in Waiting quest in Skyrim, simply enter the Valthume tomb, where you’ll find Valdar, the ghost of a long-dead warrior, struggling to contain the Dragon Priest Hevnoraak. As you enter, Valdar will ask for your help in defeating Hevnoraak before he fades away, initiating the quest and setting you on a path to uncover the secrets of Valthume and defeat the powerful Dragon Priest.

Understanding the Quest

The Evil in Waiting quest is a significant part of the Skyrim experience, offering insight into the game’s lore and challenging combat opportunities. Valthume, located in southwestern Skyrim, is the tomb where the quest begins, and it’s here that you’ll first encounter Valdar and Hevnoraak.

Navigating Valthume

Finding the Vessels

Inside Valthume, you’ll need to navigate through the tomb, fighting off Draugr and other enemies to reach the vessels. The first vessel is behind a stone door, which can be opened by activating the handle to the left of the door. The second vessel is located further inside the tomb, requiring you to overcome more challenges and enemies.

Opening the Gate

If you find yourself outside the gate of Valthume and are unable to enter, you can try jumping on the pedestal next to the gate. Your weight should cause the bars to retract, granting you access. Alternatively, if you’re already inside and need to open the gate, using a shout like Unrelenting Force or Fire Breath on the pedestal can achieve the same result.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do you beat Hevnoraak? To defeat Hevnoraak, it’s recommended to either wait out his magicka by avoiding his spells or use a weapon enchanted with damage magicka to drain his magic, making him more vulnerable to attack.
2. What is the final Dragon Priest mask? The final Dragon Priest mask is Konahrik (Warlord), a special golden mask that you receive after obtaining the other eight Dragon Priest Masks.
3. How do you get to Valthume in Skyrim? Valthume is located in southwestern Skyrim, and you can find it by traveling southeast of Markarth.
4. Is there a word of power in Valthume? Yes, you can find a Word of Power in Valthume by jumping on a pedestal and claiming it, along with books inside a chest.
5. What shout is at Shearpoint? At Shearpoint, you can find all three words of the Shout called Throw Voice on the wall structure, but be prepared to encounter a Dragon and a Dragon Priest.
6. How do I trigger the House of Horrors in Skyrim? The House of Horrors quest begins outside the Abandoned House in Markarth, where Vigilant Tyranus will ask for your help, leading to a unique and challenging questline.
7. How do I start the cannibal quest in Skyrim? To start the cannibal quest, speak to Brother Verulus in Understone Keep, offering to help him with the Hall of the Dead.
8. How do you get into the black door in Skyrim? To open the black door, you need to complete a questline involving Aventus Arentino and killing Grelod the Kind in Riften.
9. Where is the strange vessel in Skyrim? The strange vessel can be found in Moesring Pass, a Riekling camp with Dwemer technology.
10. Where is the secret passage in Chasing Echoes? In Chasing Echoes, the secret passage is behind a fireplace, which can be opened by turning a candlestick or pulling a chain found behind a gargoyle.
11. Where do you get the iron Dragon Claw? The Iron Claw is located in Valthume, resting atop a booby-trapped pedestal in the Catacombs, and is associated with the “Evil in Waiting” quest.
12. What race was Miraak? Miraak is a Nord, one of the ten races of Tamriel, and served the dragons in ancient times.
13. What happens when you collect all 8 Dragon Priest masks? Collecting all eight Dragon Priest Masks grants you Konahrik and provides enhancements such as increased carry maximum, waterbreathing, and improved prices.
14. Is Konahrik the Dragonborn? Konahrik is indeed a Dragonborn, and his story intersects with Miraak’s in significant ways, showcasing the complexities of Dragonborn history.
15. What are the best words of power in Skyrim? The best words of power in Skyrim include Slow Time, Summon Durnehviir, Call Dragon, and Unrelenting Force, each offering unique combat advantages and strategic possibilities.

Conclusion

Starting the Evil in Waiting quest in Skyrim is as straightforward as entering Valthume and agreeing to help Valdar defeat Hevnoraak. As you delve deeper into the quest and the world of Skyrim, you’ll encounter numerous challenges, characters, and lore that enrich your gaming experience. Whether you’re navigating the intricacies of Valthume, collecting Dragon Priest Masks, or uncovering the secrets of Tamriel, Skyrim offers a vast and captivating universe to explore.