What Weapons Do Ash Spawn Have in Skyrim?
The Ash Spawn of Solstheim are formidable foes, animated beings composed of volcanic ash and imbued with a fiery essence. They are a unique enemy type encountered in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and its Dragonborn DLC. Unlike many other enemies in the game, their weaponry is intrinsically linked to their being, making them both fascinating and dangerous.
The primary weapon of Ash Spawn is their ash sword. These aren’t swords in the traditional sense, forged from metal. Instead, they are extensions of the Ash Spawn’s own bodies, comprised of the same hardened, smoldering volcanic ash. This means that they are inherently linked to the Ash Spawn’s structure and therefore cannot be looted in the conventional way.
When an Ash Spawn is defeated, its body, including its ash sword, disintegrates into a pile of ash, making it impossible to acquire one for your own use. This also means that Ash Spawn cannot be disarmed. While they are wielding their ash swords in melee combat, they will also utilize fire magic to fight.
In addition to melee attacks with their ash sword, Ash Spawn have a second offensive capability: the Firebolt spell. This means that they can engage you in both close-range and ranged combat, making them versatile opponents. Their fire spells are particularly dangerous if you are not resistant to fire.
Therefore, in short, the weapons of an ash spawn consist of:
- Ash Sword: A melee weapon made of hardened ash, not lootable.
- Firebolt spell: A ranged fire magic attack.
Ash Spawn Combat Tactics and Weaknesses
Melee Combat with Ash Swords
When in close proximity, Ash Spawn will aggressively engage with their ash swords. These melee attacks can be surprisingly damaging, particularly if the player is lower level or not equipped with sufficient armor. It’s crucial to be prepared for close combat when fighting Ash Spawn because they tend to close the distance quickly. The speed and ferocity of their attacks can catch players off guard, making defensive strategies essential. Blocking or dodging their melee attacks is crucial to surviving close quarters combat.
Ranged Attacks with Firebolt
The Firebolt spell adds a layer of complexity to fighting Ash Spawn. Their ability to attack from range forces players to consider their positioning and to be ready for both melee and ranged assaults. The fire damage inflicted by the spell can also wear you down if you don’t have fire resistance. It’s essential to utilize cover or to quickly close the distance when facing Ash Spawn to avoid prolonged exposure to their fire magic.
Strengths and Weaknesses
While Ash Spawn do have some unique resistances, they are not explicitly resistant to or weak against elemental damage. Specifically, they are not resistant to frost or shock damage, though neither does it inflict a weakness upon them. This is useful information as it allows a player to use magic on them without any kind of penalty, at least resistance related.
They are also, importantly, immune to effects like Banish and Turn Undead, making certain spellcaster tactics ineffective. Their primary vulnerability is to direct physical damage. Therefore, focusing on melee weapons, bows and arrows, or damaging spells can be more effective than trying to use crowd-control or anti-undead spells.
Utilizing Ash Spawn in Gameplay
Conjuring Ash Spawn
One interesting aspect of Ash Spawn is that they can be conjured by the player via the spell: Conjure Ash Spawn. This is particularly useful for players who enjoy using conjuration, because their melee attacks and fire magic make them decent allies in combat. While they are not as powerful as some other conjurations like Dremora Lords or Wrathmen, they are reliable and can certainly hold their own in a fight. They are especially valuable in areas where fire resistance can be useful.
Collecting Ash and its Uses
You can collect Ash from an Ash Spawn by using a special tool after defeating one. This ash, is a valuable alchemy ingredient with useful effects. The unique properties of ash, particularly its fire resistance and fortify enchanting properties, can be crucial to making powerful potions and enchantments. Specifically, Bone Meal, Scathecraw and Snowberries are a few ingredients that pair well with ash for crafting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you loot Ash Spawn weapons?
No, you cannot loot the ash swords from Ash Spawn. Their swords are part of their bodies and disintegrate along with them upon their death. You cannot obtain the Firebolt spell they use in this way either.
2. Are Ash Spawn resistant to any type of damage?
Ash Spawn do not have specific resistances to frost or shock, although they aren’t weak to those types either. They are immune to Banish and Turn Undead type effects.
3. What is the best weapon to use against Ash Spawn?
The best approach is to use a reliable sword, hammer, or other physical weapon. Because they aren’t explicitly resistant to magic, that can also be an effective tool, provided the player is well equipped.
4. What alchemy ingredients work well with Spawn Ash?
Ideal ingredient matchers are: Bone Meal (Ravage Stamina, Resist Fire), Scathecraw (Ravage Magicka, Ravage Stamina), and Snowberries (Fortify Enchanting, Resist Fire).
5. Is the Conjure Ash Spawn spell useful?
Yes, the Conjure Ash Spawn spell is decent, though not as strong as other summons like Dremora Lords. They use a melee attack and a ranged fire projectile.
6. How do you collect ash from Ash Spawn?
You need a special extraction tool given to you by Neloth. After defeating an Ash Spawn, search the ash pile and select the “Extract Ash” option.
7. Can you get ash spawn weapons?
Ash Spawn drop their weapons more frequently than other loot. However, their ash swords cannot be taken as items, because they disintegrate when the Ash Spawn does. The items that they drop are a variety of weapons and armor.
8. What are Ash Spawn weak against?
Ash Spawn aren’t specifically weak to a particular element, making general melee or magic weapons the most effective means of dealing with them.
9. What is the strongest summon in Skyrim?
While it depends on the circumstances, the Dremora Lord is among the strongest non-permanent summons. Thrall summons are some of the best because they are permanent.
10. What is the strongest Conjuration spell in Skyrim?
Dead Thrall is considered one of the strongest, followed by Conjure Ancient Deathpriest.
11. What is the best Fortify Enchanting potion to make with ash?
Spawn Ash combined with another Fortify Enchanting ingredient is a reliable option.
12. What are the best potions to make in Skyrim?
There are many powerful potion recipes. One popular one is Lichor + Comberry + Jazbay Grapes for multiple effects.
13. Are there any lore implications to the fact that Ash Spawn use fire magic?
Yes. Their fire magic is a reflection of their creation process. They are beings animated by volcanic ash and fire magic.
14. How does ash compare with traditional weapon materials in Skyrim?
Ash is not used as a common material for player weapons, but is mainly seen in ash spawn weapons. However, it is useful as an alchemy ingredient, and is vital for making fortify enchanting potions.
15. Are Ash Spawn difficult to defeat?
Ash Spawn can be challenging, particularly if the player is under-leveled. Their dual nature of melee and ranged attacks, combined with moderate damage output, can pose a threat. However, they do not have any strong resistances and are susceptible to direct damage.