Who Buys Dragon Scales in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
Dragon scales are a valuable resource in the vast world of Skyrim, coveted for their crafting potential and significant monetary worth. But where do you actually sell these prized possessions? The short answer is: general goods merchants, alchemists, and smiths are your primary buyers. However, there’s a bit more nuance to it, especially early in the game. Let’s delve deeper into who buys dragon scales and explore some frequently asked questions to maximize your trading profits.
Understanding Your Options
General Goods Merchants
These merchants are your most consistent option for selling dragon scales, especially in the early game before you invest heavily in the Speech skill tree. You can easily identify them by the “GENERAL” sign hanging outside their store. These vendors typically have a decent amount of gold to start with and are conveniently located in most major cities and towns.
Popular general goods merchants include:
- Belethor’s General Goods in Whiterun. This is a great early-game option due to Whiterun’s central location and Belethor’s accessibility. He is also mentioned specifically in the provided text as paying 125 gold for dragon scales.
- The Riverwood Trader in Riverwood. While this is early on, he is an excellent option and is reported to have the most money available to sell to.
- Various merchants in Riften. The city of Riften has three general goods merchants and is a good place to go to sell a large amount of loot, even dragon scales.
- Arnleif and Sons Trading Company in Markarth is another place to sell.
Alchemists
Alchemists are another viable option for selling your dragon scales. Although their primary business is potions and ingredients, they will accept dragon scales as well. Check for alchemy-related signs or setups outside their stores to identify them.
Smiths
Some blacksmiths will also purchase dragon scales. It’s beneficial if they are also a trainer in smithing as you can recoup gold you spend on training by selling your scales to them. They often have a good amount of gold to make the sale worthwhile. Look for a forge or blacksmith’s sign outside the shop.
Thieves Guild Fences
While this option requires joining the Thieves Guild in Riften, fences are merchants that will purchase stolen goods and dragon scales once they are unlocked.
Factors to Consider
Speech Skill Perk: Merchant
It’s crucial to note that until you unlock the Merchant perk from the Speech skill tree, the pool of potential buyers is limited. Without this perk, you will have to rely on general goods merchants, alchemists, Thieves Guild fences, and some smithing vendors. Once you have the perk, almost all vendors will buy your dragon scales.
Vendor Gold Availability
Vendors do have a limited amount of gold, which is replenished regularly. If you’re selling a large quantity of scales, you may need to sell them across multiple vendors or wait for their gold to refresh. The Riverwood trader is noted as the only NPC with over 4000 gold. It is also reported that the training NPCs will have excess gold after you have trained with them.
Smithing Skill Level
While you can sell dragon scales for quick cash, they’re also essential crafting materials for creating powerful dragonscale armor and weapons. If your smithing skill is low (below 60, according to the provided article), it’s generally better to sell them for the immediate income. However, if you’re planning on maximizing your smithing, consider hoarding your scales once your skill approaches the higher levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Should I always sell my dragon scales?
Not necessarily. If your smithing skill is low, selling them is a good way to make money. However, if you aim to master smithing and create dragonscale armor, consider saving them.
2. What is the best place to sell dragon scales early in the game?
Whiterun is a good early game location due to Belethor’s general goods being centrally located, accessible, and will buy scales off of you.
3. Who pays the most for dragon scales?
The provided article states that Belethor pays 125 gold for each scale. There is no mention of another NPC paying more for them in the given context.
4. Can I sell dragon bones and scales to the same merchants?
Yes, all the mentioned types of merchants who buy scales will typically also buy dragon bones.
5. How much are dragon scales worth?
Based on the information provided in the article, Belethor pays 125 gold for each scale.
6. What is the best city for selling loot, including dragon scales?
Riften is a great city for selling loot because it houses a variety of vendors including a smith, an apothecary, a jeweler, a mage and three general goods merchants. In addition, it houses two trainers that will offer additional gold if you spend some on training first.
7. What is the best thing to do with dragon scales?
The best use of dragon scales depends on your playstyle. If you’re not heavily investing in smithing, selling them is a good option. If you are, saving them to create dragonscale armor is a good idea.
8. How do I unlock the Merchant perk in the Speech skill tree?
You will have to level your speech skill to unlock the Merchant perk. It is located toward the top center of the speech skill tree.
9. Where do I find trainers who also buy my items?
The trainer in Windhelm and Arcadia in Whiterun will buy your dragon scales and other items after training you. The smith and light armor trainer in Riften are also good options.
10. Is it better to make armor from dragon scales or sell them?
If your smithing skill is high enough, making dragonscale armor is more profitable in the long run, though you will have to spend gold and level smithing to get to the required skill level to craft it.
11. How many dragon scales do I need for a full set of dragonscale armor?
This will vary depending on the armor type, however, you will need a fair amount. Consider saving your scales as your smithing increases so that you can eventually craft your armor set.
12. Can I make money from smithing rather than just selling the scales?
Yes. Smithing allows you to craft and enchant items that can be sold for a higher value than selling the scales directly. This is especially true with high smithing and enchanting skills.
13. What other valuable items should I not sell?
The article states you shouldn’t sell ingots and ores, leather and straps, dragon bones and scales, gems and flawless versions. These are all valuable for crafting and enchanting.
14. Who has the most gold to sell to in Skyrim?
The Riverwood trader is mentioned as having the most gold in the game.
15. Are dragon scales limited?
No, dragons respawn so scales are not a limited resource. You can reliably obtain more if you choose to sell them early on.
Conclusion
Knowing who buys dragon scales in Skyrim and understanding the various factors that influence the selling process is essential for maximizing your profits and crafting potential. While general goods merchants, alchemists, and some smiths offer reliable early-game options, planning your smithing and speech skills can help you leverage these precious materials even further. Whether you’re a budding adventurer looking for quick cash or a master smith aiming for the ultimate gear, dragon scales are a valuable resource that can be used in the path you chose.