How to Unlock the Inner Sanctum in Skyrim
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To unlock the inner sanctum in Skyrim, players must first reach the fifth Wayshrine, then use the full ewer of water at the basin in front of the entrance to activate the sun mechanism on the doors, after which a green glow will appear, granting access to the Inner Sanctum. The Inner Sanctum is a crucial location in the Dawnguard Questline, and accessing it requires careful progression through the Forgotten Vale and the completion of specific tasks, including the collection of Auriel’s Bow and interaction with Knight-Paladin Gelebor.
Understanding the Inner Sanctum and Its Significance
The Inner Sanctum is deeply connected to the Dawnguard storyline, particularly in relation to Auriel’s Bow and the Forgotten Vale. It serves as a pivotal location for advancing through the questline and uncovering the mysteries of Skyrim.
Locating and Accessing the Inner Sanctum
To find and enter the Inner Sanctum, one must navigate through the Forgotten Vale, a vast and frozen area in Skyrim, filled with dangers such as frostbite spiders and trolls. The journey involves reaching the fifth Wayshrine, using the ewer of water to unlock the entrance, and then proceeding through the Inner Sanctum’s courtyard, dominated by a statue of Auriel.
FAQs About Unlocking the Inner Sanctum and Related Topics
General Information About the Inner Sanctum
- What is the Inner Sanctum in Skyrim? The Inner Sanctum is a location within the Dawnguard DLC, crucial for the storyline, especially concerning Auriel’s Bow and the Forgotten Vale.
- How do I start the Auriel’s Bow quest? The quest for Auriel’s Bow begins in Darkfall Cave, where the bow is located, and players must navigate through the dark cave, potentially using torches, vampire sight, or light-casting spells to aid them.
Navigating the Forgotten Vale
- How do I get to the final Wayshrine? To reach the final Wayshrine, players must head past the Wayshrine of Resolution, follow the walkways through the glacial crevice, pass through a Falmer village, and then proceed through a tunnel.
- Where is the Inner Sanctum of the Forgotten Vale? The Inner Sanctum is located northeast from the Wayshrine, across a bridge into its courtyard, where an ornate statue of Auriel is found.
Activating Wayshrines and Mechanisms
- How do I activate the Wayshrine? Activating a Wayshrine might require pressing the ‘activate’ button while standing in the right position, or in some cases, using the console to disable and then enable Knight-Paladin Gelebor if he fails to activate it.
- What happens if I use vampire blood on Auriel’s Bow? Using vampire blood on Auriel’s Bow allows the player to cause a temporary eclipse by shooting the sun, enabling vampires to move more freely during the day.
Quests and Characters
- How do I get Auriel’s Bow? Auriel’s Bow is found on Arch-Curate Vyrthur in the Forgotten Vale, specifically within the Chapel of Auriel in the Inner Sanctum.
- Can I still get Auriel’s Bow if I become a Vampire Lord? Yes, becoming a Vampire Lord does not prevent players from obtaining Auriel’s Bow.
Locations and Exploration
- How do I open the Forgotten Vale? The Forgotten Vale is accessed initially through Darkfall Cave during the “Touching the Sky” quest and can later be reached via fast travel.
- What is in the Lake of the Forgotten Vale? The Lake in the Forgotten Vale features a Word Wall and is home to two named Dragons that emerge from the frozen lake.
Items and Shields
- How do I get Auriel’s Shield? Auriel’s Shield is obtained by using the Ruby Paragon on the Gem Holder, proceeding through the created portal to the Forgotten Vale Forest, and then acquiring it from a Falmer Warmonger.
Characters and Marriage
- Can I marry Senna in Skyrim? Yes, Senna can be married after completing The Heart of Dibella quest by either picking a door at the temple or speaking to Degaine.
Shrines and Blessings
- Should I activate the Shrine of Dibella? Activating the Shrine of Dibella grants the Blessing of Dibella, which improves Speech skills by ten points, beneficial for any character build.
Wayshrines and Progression
- Where is the 5th Wayshrine? The fifth Wayshrine is located north over a stream, up a cliff path, and across a frozen lake, guarded by two named Dragons and featuring a Word Wall for the Drain Vitality shout.
Unlocking and Accessing Sanctums
- How do I open the Inner Sanctum Temple of Dibella? Access to the Inner Sanctum of the Temple of Dibella can be gained by either picking the expert-lock or stealing the key from Senna, noting that picking the lock without accepting the deal from the Priestess requires doing it twice.