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Unearthing the Moth Priest’s Draw Knife: A Skyrim Guide

Ah, Skyrim. A land of dragons, magic, and, of course, meticulously placed quest items. You’re on the hunt for the Moth Priest’s Draw Knife, are you? Fear not, adventurer, for I shall guide you. The Moth Priest’s Draw Knife is located within the Ancestor Glade. Specifically, you’ll find it resting on a circular stone at the center of the glade. It’s hard to miss, sitting atop a larger standing stone. This tool is crucial for harvesting Canticle Bark, a vital ingredient for attracting those elusive Ancestor Moths and progressing through the Dawnguard DLC storyline.

Diving Deeper: Ancestor Glade and the Moth Priest’s Quest

Finding the Ancestor Glade

The Ancestor Glade itself is a hidden location, accessible only through a specific point in the Dawnguard DLC. You won’t simply stumble upon it while wandering the snowy peaks. You’ll need to follow the Dawnguard questline until you reach the quest “Unseen Visions”. This quest will lead you directly to the entrance of the glade, a mystical and serene cavern filled with shimmering moths and glowing flora. Prepare yourself; it’s a beautiful, yet integral part of your journey.

The Draw Knife’s Purpose

The draw knife isn’t just a pretty prop. It’s a tool with a very specific purpose: harvesting Canticle Bark from a Canticle Tree. This bark is used to attract Ancestor Moths, which are essential for reading the Elder Scroll (Dragon) during the “Unseen Visions” quest. Without the draw knife, you’re stuck. Think of it as your key to unlocking a crucial piece of the Elder Scrolls prophecy.

Obtaining the Canticle Bark

Once you have the draw knife, approach one of the Canticle Trees located within the Ancestor Glade. You should see an interaction prompt to harvest the bark. Keep in mind you only need one piece of Canticle Bark for the quest. After you have the Canticle Bark, simply stand in the pool of light where the three beams meet and you will see a prompt to activate the Elder Scroll. This action will attract the Ancestor Moths which will allow you to read the scroll.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Moth Priest and Related Quests

Here are some frequently asked questions to further aid your quest and understanding of the Moth Priest storyline:

Where can I find a Moth Priest before the Ancestor Glade?

You’ll first encounter a Moth Priest named Dexion Evicus during the quest “Bloodline”. However, he is captured by vampires and taken to Forebears’ Holdout. Follow the trail of blood to find him. Rescuing him is part of the main Dawnguard questline.
How do I rescue the Moth Priest from Forebears’ Holdout?

You’ll need to infiltrate Forebears’ Holdout, a vampire-infested dungeon. Fight your way through the vampires until you reach Dexion Evicus. Depending on your choices, you can either rescue him by force or use your vampire abilities to influence him. Either way, getting him out is crucial to progressing the story.
Can I kill the Moth Priest?

While technically possible through some in-game exploits or mods, killing the Moth Priest will halt the Dawnguard questline, as he is essential for reading the Elder Scroll (Dragon). It’s generally not advisable unless you’re intentionally trying to break the game or explore alternate scenarios with mods.
What happens after I rescue the Moth Priest?

After rescuing Dexion Evicus, he will read the Elder Scroll (Dragon) for you, revealing the location of Auriel’s Bow. He will then travel to Fort Dawnguard to continue assisting the Dawnguard in their fight against the vampires. You can talk with Isran and Serana, or go speak to Dexion Evicus.
How do I find Auriel’s Bow after reading the Elder Scroll?

The Elder Scroll reading will reveal the location of Darkfall Cave, which leads to the Forgotten Vale. You’ll need to navigate this area, complete a series of quests involving a Falmer named Gelebor, and ultimately confront Arch-Curate Vyrthur to obtain Auriel’s Bow.
Are there other uses for the Moth Priest’s Draw Knife besides harvesting Canticle Bark?

No, the Moth Priest’s Draw Knife serves only one purpose: harvesting Canticle Bark during the “Unseen Visions” quest. Once you’ve completed the quest, it becomes essentially useless and can be safely dropped from your inventory.
Can I keep the Ancestor Moths I attract with the Canticle Bark?

Sadly, no. While the Ancestor Glade is filled with swarms of Ancestor Moths, they cannot be harvested for alchemical ingredients. The only Ancestor Moth Wings you can obtain are from those found in containers or as random loot.
What is the significance of the Ancestor Glade?

The Ancestor Glade is a sacred place, said to be connected to the ancient Moth Priests. It’s a place of great power, and the Canticle Trees within are imbued with magical energy that allows for communication with the Elder Scrolls. It is a location of great historical and spiritual significance within the Elder Scrolls universe.
Should I choose the Dawnguard or the vampires?

This is a significant choice that impacts the storyline and your character’s abilities. Joining the Dawnguard offers access to powerful anti-vampire weapons and skills, while joining the vampires allows you to embrace your vampiric powers and command a legion of undead. The choice is entirely up to your preferred playstyle and roleplaying preferences.
What happens if I become a vampire lord?

Becoming a Vampire Lord grants you access to a new skill tree focused on vampiric powers. You can transform into a powerful winged creature, summon gargoyles, and drain the life force from your enemies. However, you’ll also be vulnerable to sunlight and require regular blood feedings to maintain your powers.
Can I cure vampirism after becoming a Vampire Lord?

Yes, you can cure your vampirism after becoming a Vampire Lord. You’ll need to complete a quest called “Rising at Dawn,” which involves finding a cure through Falion in Morthal. However, be aware that curing your vampirism will remove all of your Vampire Lord abilities.
Is Serana a possible follower?

Yes, Serana is one of the most popular followers in Skyrim. She can be found through the Dawnguard DLC main quest line. As the daughter of Lord Harkon, she is a pure blooded vampire and can also provide advice and backstory during quests.
What are some useful alchemical ingredients related to moths?

Ancestor Moth Wings can be used to create potions. This ingredient can also be used in making potions of Fortify Conjuration, Damage Stamina Regeneration, Restore Magicka, and Damage Magicka.
What is the best way to attract moths in real life?

In real life, you can attract moths by using lights, especially UV lights, or by leaving out sugary substances like overripe fruit. These methods are often used by entomologists to study and observe moth populations. To learn more about the science behind the games we love, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to see how games can be used in education.
Why do moths fly towards light?

The exact reasons are still debated by scientists, but the most widely accepted theory is that moths use the moon as a navigational aid. Artificial lights confuse this system, causing them to fly erratically towards the light source, mistaking it for the moon.

I hope this guide has illuminated your path and answered your burning questions. Now go forth, adventurer, and claim the Moth Priest’s Draw Knife and unravel the mysteries of the Elder Scrolls! The journey awaits!

Where can I find a moth knife in Skyrim?