Unearthing the Amethyst Claw: A Skyrim Adventurer’s Guide
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The Amethyst Claw in Skyrim is a quest item integral to progressing through Vahlok’s Tomb. This ancient Nordic ruin holds secrets and dangers aplenty, and acquiring the Amethyst Claw is crucial to unlocking them. You won’t find a complete claw lying around; instead, you’ll need to find two halves of it. One half is located by following the southern passage, culminating in a fight with a leveled draugr. The other half can be found at the end of the northern passage, guarded by a significantly tougher foe, a Deathlord. Once both halves are secured, you can combine them to unlock a puzzle in the central chamber, progressing further into the tomb.
Delving into Vahlok’s Tomb for the Claw
Vahlok’s Tomb is located east of Dawnstar, nestled amongst the snowy peaks. Prepare yourself for a challenging delve, as this location is teeming with draugr, puzzles, and other dangers. The Amethyst Claw is not simply handed to you; it requires exploration and combat.
Securing the Right Half
Upon entering the main chamber of Vahlok’s Tomb, you’ll notice paths branching off to the north and south. The right half of the Amethyst Claw is found by venturing down the northern passage. This passage leads to a large chamber where you will face a formidable opponent: a Deathlord. This Deathlord rises from a sarcophagus in the center of the room and is accompanied by four Draugr that awaken from the flanks. Eliminate these foes, and then search the remains of the Deathlord. The right half of the Amethyst Claw will be among his possessions.
Claiming the Left Half
The left half of the Amethyst Claw is found by taking the southern passage from the main chamber. This path involves navigating through tunnels and defeating a leveled draugr. Follow the passage to its end, where you’ll find the left half waiting. Be cautious, as traps and other enemies may be present along the way.
Utilizing the Amethyst Claw
Once you possess both halves of the Amethyst Claw, return to the central chamber and locate the odd cage near the stairs. Insert the two halves into the keyholes on either side of the stairs. This will open the cage, allowing your companion to translate the plaque inside, which provides another riddle to solve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dragon Claws
These ancient artifacts are keys to unlocking puzzle doors found throughout the province. Here are some commonly asked questions to help you on your claw-hunting journey:
1. Where can I find all the Dragon Claws in Skyrim?
Beyond the Amethyst Claw, several other dragon claws exist. Here’s a brief rundown of some key locations:
- Diamond Claw: Found on a Draugr in Skuldafn during The World-Eater’s Eyrie quest.
- Ebony Claw: Located in Korvanjund during The Jagged Crown quest.
- Emerald Claw: Situated near the entrance to Reachwater Rock.
- Glass Claw: Located in Forelhost during The Siege on the Dragon Cult quest.
- Sapphire Dragon Claw: Given by Wilhelm, the innkeeper at the Vilemyr Inn in Ivarstead, to investigate Shroud Hearth Barrow.
2. How do I get the Dragon Claw in Bleak Falls Barrow?
The Dragon Claw in Bleak Falls Barrow, required for the main quest, is obtained from Arvel the Swift. He’s trapped in a spider web deep within the barrow. Free him, but be prepared to fight the spider that imprisoned him. Arvel will lead you to the claw, but don’t expect his gratitude for long.
3. Should I keep all the Dragon Claws in Skyrim?
Whether or not you keep the claws is entirely up to you. Some players collect them as trophies, displaying them in their homes. Others prefer to sell them for gold. Ultimately, their value lies in your preference. From a purely gameplay perspective, once you’ve used them to solve their respective puzzles, they are just loot. If you’re interested in game design and how these choices affect player engagement, resources like those available at the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) offer valuable insights.
4. What can I do with amethysts in Skyrim?
Amethysts primarily serve as a source of income, as they boast a decent value and minimal weight. They can also be used in smithing to craft silver amethyst rings.
5. What is the sacrifice at Vahlok’s Tomb for?
The sacrifice at Vahlok’s Tomb’s first puzzle involves dragging a draugr corpse onto the grate covering the fire pit. Pulling the handle then drops the body into the pit, triggering the mechanism to open the way forward.
6. Does Vahlok have a Dragon Priest mask?
Unlike many other Dragon Priests, Vahlok does not possess a mask in the game. This has led to theories suggesting he might have been a candidate for Konahriik, tasked with stopping Miraak, and then returned the mask afterward.
7. Where is the Amethyst Dragon?
The Amethyst Dragon is not present in the base game Skyrim, but you may be referring to a mod or a separate game. Some mods add new dragons to the game, so check the specific mod’s documentation for details on its location.
8. How do you breed the Amethyst Dragon?
Similar to the question above, this refers to other games. In DragonVale the Amethyst Dragon can be bred by using a Hail Dragon and a Sonic Dragon.
9. How many Black Books are there in Skyrim?
There are seven Black Books in Skyrim, all associated with the Dragonborn DLC. Finding them allows you to travel to Apocrypha, the realm of Hermaeus Mora, and unlock powerful abilities.
10. What are the combinations for the Dragon Claws?
Each Dragon Claw has a specific combination of symbols that unlock puzzle doors. Here are a few examples:
- Gold Claw – Bear, Whale, Snake
- Emerald Claw – Eagle, Eagle, Bird
11. What are the symbols on the Glass Claw in Forelhost?
The Glass Claw in Forelhost has the following symbols: Wolf (or Fox), Owl, Snake.
12. Which Dragon Claw do I need for the Jagged Crown quest?
For The Jagged Crown quest, you need the Ebony Claw. You’ll find it in Korvanjund near the bodies of defeated enemy soldiers.
13. Where do I get the Sapphire Dragon Claw?
The Sapphire Dragon Claw is obtained by speaking to Wilhelm, the innkeeper at the Vilemyr Inn in Ivarstead, and completing the associated quest, Investigate Shroud Hearth Barrow.
14. Who is the best follower to sacrifice in Skyrim?
The choice of who to sacrifice is subjective and depends on your roleplaying preferences. Some players opt for morally questionable characters like Ralis Sedarys from the Dragonborn DLC.
15. Is the Blade of Sacrifice required for Boethiah’s Calling?
While the Priestess of Boethiah instructs you to use the Blade of Sacrifice, you can actually use any method to kill the follower. The important thing is the act of sacrifice, not the weapon used.
This guide should equip you with the knowledge needed to locate the Amethyst Claw and navigate the wider world of dragon claws in Skyrim. Happy hunting, adventurer!