Why Can’t I Cleanse the Tree Stone in Skyrim?
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The Tree Stone in Skyrim’s Dragonborn DLC is unique amongst the other All-Maker Stones. While the other stones – the Beast Stone, Earth Stone, Sun Stone, and Water Stone – can be cleansed using the Bend Will Shout, the Tree Stone remains stubbornly resistant to its effects. This is because the Tree Stone is fundamentally different. Its corruption stems from its direct proximity to and influence by Miraak within the Temple of Miraak. Instead of being cleansed through the Bend Will Shout, the Tree Stone only becomes interactable after you have defeated Miraak. Even then, you can only interact with it once per day to gain a one-time-use power. This distinction is intentional game design, highlighting the particularly strong hold Miraak had over this specific stone.
Understanding the Corrupted Stones of Solstheim
The island of Solstheim, the setting for the Dragonborn DLC, is home to several ancient standing stones known as the All-Maker Stones. These stones were once revered by the local Skaal people but have become corrupted by Miraak’s influence. He uses them to enslave the local population and force them to construct monuments to him. This corruption manifests as a visible dark energy emanating from the stones, and the enslaved individuals are easily identified by their glazed-over eyes and single-minded devotion to Miraak.
The core mechanic for freeing these individuals and disrupting Miraak’s control involves using the Bend Will Shout, a powerful Thu’um you learn throughout the Dragonborn questline. This shout allows you to override Miraak’s influence and restore the stones to their former state. However, the Tree Stone stands as an exception to this rule.
The Unique Case of the Tree Stone
The Tree Stone’s special status is directly tied to its location within the Temple of Miraak. This location symbolizes its deep corruption. Miraak’s control over this stone is so complete that simply shouting at it won’t break his influence.
Only by defeating Miraak himself can you truly sever his connection to the Tree Stone and render it usable. Even after his defeat, the Tree Stone does not function like the other cleansed stones. Instead of providing a continuous buff or a repeatable power, interacting with it grants you a one-time-use ability.
Gaining the Root of Power Ability
After defeating Miraak, you can approach the Tree Stone and interact with it to gain the Root of Power ability. This ability allows you to paralyze a single target for 30 seconds. However, this ability can only be used once per day, making it a strategic tool rather than a consistently available power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I cleanse the other stones in Skyrim’s Dragonborn DLC?
The Beast Stone, Earth Stone, Sun Stone, and Water Stone are cleansed by using the Bend Will Shout on them. You must have progressed far enough in the Dragonborn questline to have unlocked at least one word of the shout. Each stone, when cleansed, grants you a unique power.
2. What powers do the cleansed stones grant?
- Beast Stone: Allows you to transform into a Werebear once per day.
- Earth Stone: Grants a power that reduces incoming physical damage by 80% for 30 seconds, similar to the Dragonhide spell.
- Sun Stone: Grants a fiery cloak that damages nearby enemies for 60 seconds.
- Water Stone: Creates a pool of water that heals you and damages enemies for 60 seconds.
3. What happens if I touch the Earth Stone before cleansing it?
If you touch the Earth Stone before cleansing it, you will be enslaved by Miraak, just like the other inhabitants of Raven Rock. However, unlike the NPCs, you can break free from his control by moving or performing any action.
4. Is it possible to miss any of the Dragonborn DLC content?
Yes, it is possible to miss content in the Dragonborn DLC. Failing to explore certain locations or skipping side quests can lead to missing unique items, spells, and storylines. It’s always best to thoroughly explore Solstheim to experience everything the DLC has to offer.
5. Can I save Storn Crag-Strider from Hermaeus Mora?
Unfortunately, Storn Crag-Strider’s death is a fixed event in the Dragonborn questline. There is no way to save him from Hermaeus Mora. His sacrifice is essential for progressing the main story.
6. What are the best strategies for defeating Miraak?
Defeating Miraak can be challenging. A good strategy involves using cover (such as the pillars in Apocrypha) to regenerate health, magicka, and stamina. Powerful weapons and spells are essential, and having dragon shouts like Dragonrend can help control the fight. Don’t forget to utilize the Bend Will Shout on the dragons he summons to turn them against him.
7. What happens after I defeat Miraak?
After defeating Miraak, you absorb his soul and dragon souls he previously absorbed. This can be used to unlock dragon shouts or, by reading the Black Book: Waking Dreams, you can respec your skill trees. You can then freely explore Solstheim, complete any remaining quests, and utilize the powers granted by the cleansed stones.
8. What rewards do I get for completing the Dragonborn DLC?
Completing the Dragonborn DLC grants you numerous rewards, including powerful weapons and armor, unique spells and shouts (like Bend Will), and the ability to respec your skill trees using the Black Books. You also gain access to new locations, quests, and storylines.
9. Can I use the Bend Will Shout on other enemies besides those enslaved by Miraak?
Yes, the Bend Will Shout can be used on dragons to tame them and ride them. It can also be used on certain humanoids to force them to fight for you temporarily. This adds a unique tactical element to combat encounters.
10. What is the significance of the Black Books in the Dragonborn DLC?
The Black Books are Daedric artifacts created by Hermaeus Mora. Reading them transports you to Apocrypha, his realm of Oblivion. Each Black Book grants you a unique ability or bonus and allows you to respec your skills. They are a key element in understanding Miraak’s power and Hermaeus Mora’s influence.
11. What race was Miraak?
Miraak was a Nord Dragon Priest, who was active during the Dragon War.
12. Is it possible to have multiple Standing Stones active at once?
No, you can only have one Standing Stone effect active at a time. If you interact with a new Standing Stone, you will lose the benefits of the previous one.
13. What is the best Standing Stone to choose in Skyrim?
The “best” Standing Stone is subjective and depends on your playstyle. The Lover Stone is widely considered excellent because it increases the rate at which all skills increase. The Thief, Mage and Warrior Stones are good choices early in the game because they provide increased experience gains in specific skill sets.
14. Can you reverse pickpocket the Jagged Crown?
Yes, it is possible to keep the Jagged Crown by reverse pickpocketing it onto Ralof or Hadvar before completing the relevant quest. After completing the quest, you can pickpocket it back from them.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational applications of games like Skyrim?
You can explore the Games Learning Society website at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the educational aspects of video games. The Games Learning Society explores how games can promote learning and engagement in diverse contexts.
This should give you a better understanding of why you can’t cleanse the Tree Stone and provide some helpful answers to other related questions.