The quest “Old Friends” in Skyrim is an intriguing side quest full of twists and challenges, requiring players to uncover the mystery behind persistent Ash Spawn attacks on Tel Mithryn. Below is a detailed walkthrough, features, and secrets associated with this quest.
Quest Overview
- Quest Giver: Neloth
- Location(s): Tel Mithryn, Highpoint Tower
- Prerequisite Quest: Briarheart Necropsy
- Reward: Random leveled staff
- Suggested Level: 20
Quick Walkthrough
- Talk to Neloth in Tel Mithryn.
- Investigate the graveyard near Tel Mithryn using the Ring of Tracking.
- Return to Neloth.
- Go to Highpoint Tower and kill Ildari Sarothril.
- Return to Neloth for your reward.
Detailed Walkthrough
The Ring of Tracking
When Ash Spawn attack Tel Mithryn, Neloth, a frustrated master Telvanni wizard, enlists your help to identify the source of the attacks. Having lost his steward and faced constant disturbances, Neloth suspects an enemy on Solstheim. He provides you with the Ring of Tracking, which was enchanted from ash of the last Ash Spawn attack. This ring allows you to track the magical link to the source, but only within a hundred feet.
From Beyond the Grave
While wearing the ring, head north from Tel Mithryn towards a small graveyard near the shore. The ring will guide you to Ildari Sarothril’s sarcophagus, which glows with a bluish light. After defeating the Ash Spawn that appears, investigate the sarcophagus to find a staff of calm and a heart stone.
Returning to Neloth with the heart stone reveals that Ildari Sarothril is a former apprentice who participated in an experimental surgery conducted by Neloth, involving the implantation of a heart stone. This operation was botched, causing immense complications but somehow keeping Ildari on the brink of life and death.
Highpoint Tower
Neloth sends you to Highpoint Tower to find and eliminate Ildari. The tower is accessible via a tunnel on its north side. Inside, you’ll navigate through several hazardous areas guarded by Ash Spawn and traps. Along the way, you’ll encounter Ildari’s journals, detailing her survival and plans for revenge against Neloth. You will also rescue a captive who provides insights into Ildari’s cruel experiments on her rescuers.
Kill the Witch
In the end, you will confront Ildari in her lair. Defeat the Ash Guardian she summons along with additional Ash Spawn. Once the room is cleared, confront Ildari herself. During the battle, dodge her elemental traps and spells until she is defeated. Finally, follow Neloth’s orders to rip the heart stone from her chest, ending her threats permanently.
Reward
After returning to Tel Mithryn and informing Neloth of Ildari’s defeat, he will express his gratitude and reward you with a random leveled staff. Additionally, he offers to make you a member of House Telvanni, granting you access to a bed and a chest in his tower, though some bugs may affect this feature.
Notes
- Highpoint Tower is inaccessible until the quest is initiated.
- A complete set of Skaal equipment can be found in the tower.
- Various bugs can affect the progression and outcomes of the quest; these can typically be resolved through specific methods such as re-entering locations or using console commands.
Bugs and Solutions
| Bug | Solution |
|---|---|
| Neloth fails to cast the identification spell | Leave and reenter Tel Mithryn or push Neloth into the main room. |
| Heart stone not in sarcophagus | The sarcophagus must be opened after the quest starts for the heart stone to appear. |
| Game crashes when ripping out Ildari’s heart | Save your game before attempting this action. |
The quest “Old Friends” features a compelling narrative, connecting the player’s actions with the broader storyline of the Dragonborn DLC. It offers both rewarding gameplay and lore-rich content that enhances the overall gaming experience in Skyrim.
