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Dawnstar

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition guide · Investigating the nightmares for the main quest

Dawnstar is a northern port town plagued by pervasive nightmares afflicting its residents. Speaking with Erandur at the Windpeak Inn begins the Daedric quest "Waking Nightmare" to investigate the source of the affliction at Nightcaller Temple. Resolving the nightmare crisis also helps earn the favor of the local Jarl, which is required to become Thane of the Pale.

Region: The Pale
Getting there: west along the northern coast from Winterhold, or north from Whiterun
Connects to: Nightcaller Temple, Windpeak Inn
Related quests: Waking Nightmare
Services and people: Erandur · Jarl Skald · Windpeak Inn

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Potion of Mind Exploration: From the main entrance of Nightcaller Temple on the cliff above Dawnstar, follow Erandur into the temple's laboratory area down the spiral stairs to the lowest tierHow: Pick up the potion bottle labeled "Vaermina's Torpor" resting on the small wooden shelf next to the alchemy labMissable because: missable because the potion must be consumed during the quest "Waking Nightmare" to proceed, leaving no spare copy in the gameSkull of Corruption: From the entrance of Nightcaller Temple on the hill overlooking Dawnstar, follow Erandur down to the central sanctuary on the lowest level where the staff is suspended inside a magical barrierHow: Attack and kill Erandur while he is chanting to dismantle the barrier, then interact with the Skull of Corruption floating on the altar pedestal to take itMissable because: missable because if you let Erandur complete his ritual, he banishes the staff and permanently locks you out of obtaining the Daedric artifact

Achievements here

Hail Sithis! MissableComplete the Dark Brotherhood quest "Hail Sithis!" by assassinating Emperor Titus Mede II aboard the Katariah and reporting back to Nazir. It is missable if you kill Astrid during "With Friends Like These..." and destroy the Dark Brotherhood instead.

Achievement guide and roadmap →

Items

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The Art of War Magic: On a table inside the White Hall2920, Sun's Dawn, v2: Inside the Quicksilver Mine on a crate near the entrance

Secrets

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The Dawnstar hidden vendor chest is buried underground near the entrance of Iron-Breaker Mine, nestled between three rocks.

Enemies

Tormented Vaermina Devotee

Weak to shockSteal / drop Daedra Heart

Hostile cultists inside Nightcaller Temple awakened during the quest

Tormented Orc Marauder

Weak to frostSteal / drop Orcish Armor

Awoken hostile invaders inside Nightcaller Temple

Shops and people

Beitild: Buys iron ore from the player at Iron-Breaker Mine
Leigelf: Buys quicksilver ore from the player at the Quicksilver Mine
The Mortar and Pestle: Alchemy shop offering potions, ingredients, and an alchemy lab
Windpeak Inn: Food, drinks, room rentals, and local rumors

Tips

Sparing Erandur at the conclusion of "Waking Nightmare" makes him available as an active follower, but sacrifices the Skull of Corruption.

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The College of Winterhold

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