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Dragonsreach

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition guide · Meeting the Jarl and the court wizard

Dragonsreach is the palace of Jarl Balgruuf the Greater, located at the highest point of Whiterun. The Dragonborn arrives here to report the dragon attack at Helgen to the Jarl and is subsequently introduced to the court wizard, Farengar Secret-Fire. Farengar then tasks the player with retrieving the Dragonstone from Bleak Falls Barrow to assist in his research.

Region: Whiterun
Getting there: At the northern and highest point of the Cloud District in Whiterun, up the stone stairs beyond the Gildergreen tree
Connects to: Whiterun, Dragonsreach, Great Porch, Dragonsreach Dungeon
Related quests: Bleak Falls Barrow · Before the Storm
Services and people: Jarl Balgruuf the Greater · Farengar Secret-Fire · Proventus Avenicci · Irileth · Hrongar · Arcane Enchanter · Alchemy Lab · Merchant (Farengar Secret-Fire)

Achievements here

The FallenComplete the main quest "The Fallen" by trapping and interrogating Odahviing in the Great Porch of Dragonsreach.

Achievement guide and roadmap →

Items

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Unusual Gem: Jarl Balgruuf's bedchamber on the end table next to the bedElven Bow: In the display case inside the Jarl's Quarters (Atronach's Basin area)The Whispering Door Key: Carried by Jarl Balgruuf or Farengar Secret-Fire

Secrets

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The Whispering Door is located down the stairs in the basement; listening to the door begins the Daedric quest for the Ebony Blade once the required level is reached.

Key fights

Odahviing Trap

Enemies: Odahviing

Threats: Shouts Fire Breath or Frost Breath depending on player level, dangerous melee bite and tail sweep attacks, immunity to Unrelenting Force stagger while airborne

Weaknesses and resistances: Dragonrend shout forces him to land, susceptible to standard weapon and elemental magic damage

Tactics: Position at the rear gallery near the massive dragon trap, hit Odahviing with Dragonrend to ground him on the Dragonsreach Great Porch, then bait him backward into the portcullis trigger zone while Imperial/Stormcloak guards distract him, finally pull the wall lever to drop the wooden yoke over his neck

Rewards: Odahviing becomes trapped and yields, progressing the main quest "The Fallen" and granting flight to Skuldafn

Shops and people

Farengar Secret-Fire: Spell tomes, soul gems, scrolls, robes, and enchanting supplies

Tips

You can use the Alchemy Lab and Arcane Enchanter located inside Farengar's study for free at any time.
Approaching the Jarl for the first time prompts his housecarl, Irileth, to draw her weapon; stand your ground and speak to her to proceed without initiating combat.

Not listed for this area: enemies.

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Whiterun

Western Watchtower

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