Where is Arniel Gane Under Saarthal?
Arniel Gane is not technically under Saarthal in the strictest sense. He is located within the ruins of Saarthal itself, specifically in a chamber that becomes accessible as part of the College of Winterhold questline. He is not hidden in some secret, unexplored sublevel. He’s an integral part of the main Saarthal exploration during the quest “Under Saarthal.” The exact chamber is relatively close to the point where you find the Saarthal Amulet and begin to experience visions.
Unveiling the Mysteries of Saarthal and Arniel Gane
The frozen north of Skyrim holds many secrets, and few places are as steeped in mystery and ancient power as the ruins of Saarthal. This once-great Nordic city now lies buried beneath the snow and ice, a silent testament to a forgotten era. And within its crumbling walls, the College of Winterhold has taken an interest, sending its eager students, including the inquisitive Arniel Gane, to excavate its historical treasures.
But Saarthal is more than just an archaeological dig site. It’s a nexus of arcane energy and hidden dangers, a place where the past refuses to stay buried. The “Under Saarthal” quest plunges the Dragonborn into the heart of this mystery, and it is here that you encounter Arniel Gane, not lost in some uncharted depth, but actively involved in the unfolding events.
The “Under Saarthal” Quest
The quest begins when Professor Tolfdir assigns you and your fellow students to assist him at the Saarthal excavation. Arniel Gane is already present, diligently working, albeit perhaps not in the most practical way. As you explore deeper into the ruins, guided by Tolfdir’s instructions, you’ll eventually come across the Saarthal Amulet.
Upon touching the amulet, the Dragonborn experiences a series of visions, revealing that something significant is hidden within Saarthal. It’s shortly after this event that you’ll find Arniel Gane, often looking perplexed or engaged in some arcane experimentation within one of the nearby chambers. He’s not lost, but rather, participating, unknowingly or otherwise, in the unfolding mystery.
Arniel’s Role and the Arcane Significance of Saarthal
While Arniel Gane isn’t specifically hidden in some secret location under Saarthal, his presence highlights the college’s interest in the site’s arcane properties. His later research on the Dwemer Metal and his involvement in the questline following Saarthal show his dedication to understanding the magical potential within ancient relics.
Saarthal itself is revealed to be more than just a city; it is a barrier, a prison holding something dangerous. The Order of the Psijic is involved, and the deeper you delve, the clearer it becomes that Saarthal holds a dark secret that threatens the very fabric of reality. Arniel Gane, though seemingly just an inquisitive mage, plays a small part in this larger drama, adding to the mystique and intrigue of the ruined city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Arniel Gane a major character in the main Skyrim storyline?
No, Arniel Gane is primarily a character within the College of Winterhold questline. While his research provides interesting lore and ties into Dwemer history, he isn’t directly involved in the Dragonborn’s main quest to defeat Alduin.
2. What is Arniel Gane researching at Saarthal?
Initially, Arniel seems to be assisting with the general excavation. Later, his focus shifts to studying Dwemer artifacts and their potential magical properties, a pursuit that continues even after the events at Saarthal.
3. Can I miss Arniel Gane during the “Under Saarthal” quest?
It’s highly unlikely. He’s usually in close proximity to where you discover the Saarthal Amulet. You need to interact with him to progress the quest, making him virtually unmissable.
4. Is Saarthal the only place where I encounter Arniel Gane?
No. After completing “Under Saarthal,” you can find him back at the College of Winterhold, continuing his research and offering further quests related to his experiments.
5. Does Arniel Gane have any unique items or spells?
No, he doesn’t offer unique items for sale or teach new spells. He mainly serves as a quest giver and a lore provider.
6. What is the significance of the Saarthal Amulet?
The Saarthal Amulet is a powerful artifact that provides resistance to magic and also acts as a key or trigger, revealing the true purpose of Saarthal as a prison.
7. What kind of enemies will I encounter within Saarthal?
You’ll face draugr, undead warriors guarding the ruins. As you progress, you’ll also encounter more powerful draugr variants and potentially other magical constructs.
8. Is Saarthal a challenging dungeon to explore?
Saarthal presents a moderate challenge. The puzzles are relatively straightforward, and the enemies are manageable, especially with a companion like Tolfdir.
9. What happens after I complete the “Under Saarthal” quest?
You’ll report back to the Arch-Mage at the College of Winterhold and continue with the college’s questline. Arniel Gane remains at the college and offers additional quests later in the storyline.
10. Is there any connection between Saarthal and the Dwemer?
While Saarthal is a Nordic ruin, its importance stems from what it conceals, which ties indirectly to Dwemer influence and potentially even more ancient forces. The Order of the Psijic presence suggests a connection beyond just Nordic history.
11. Can I return to Saarthal after completing the “Under Saarthal” quest?
Yes, Saarthal remains accessible after completing the quest. However, there’s usually no compelling reason to return unless you want to revisit the location for role-playing purposes. The enemies won’t respawn.
12. What role does Tolfdir play in the Saarthal exploration?
Tolfdir is the professor overseeing the excavation. He provides guidance and combat support during the “Under Saarthal” quest, offering valuable insights into the history and dangers of the ruin.
13. Is there any way to prevent the events that unfold at Saarthal?
No, the events at Saarthal are integral to the College of Winterhold questline and cannot be altered. The threat that is released is a key element in the story.
14. What is the overall significance of the College of Winterhold questline to the Skyrim narrative?
The College of Winterhold questline explores themes of arcane power, ancient secrets, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. It adds a layer of magical intrigue to the world of Skyrim and showcases the Dragonborn’s aptitude for magic.
15. What is the ultimate goal of Arniel Gane’s research?
Arniel’s long-term goal appears to be achieving some form of magical apotheosis, a transformation into something beyond a mortal mage. His research culminates in a fascinating, albeit ethically questionable, experiment involving the Dwemer Metal and the Wraithguard gauntlet. He seeks to replicate the Dwemer’s ability to tap into immense arcane power.