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Fort Dawnguard

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition guide · Joining the Dawnguard

Fort Dawnguard is the secluded headquarters of the resurrected vampire-hunting faction located within Dayspring Canyon. You come here to meet the faction leader, Isran, to enlist in their ranks and receive your first assignment. Exploring the fort grants early access to specialized anti-vampire weapons, armor, and training.

Region: Dayspring Canyon
Getting there: East of Riften, through the cave entrance leading into Dayspring Canyon
Connects to: Dayspring Canyon, Dead Drop Falls
Related quests: Dawnguard · Awakening
Services and people: Isran · Celann · Durak · Agmaer

Items

0/5

Crossbow: Given to you by Durak outside the fort, or found lying on crates in the courtyard and forge areaSteel Bolt: Placed on crates near the archery targets in the courtyard, or looted from training cachesDawnguard Armor: Set out on tables and weapon racks throughout the armory and forge sections inside the keepDawnguard War Axe: Resting on weapon racks and tables inside the main hall and forgeDawnguard Warhammer: Leaning against weapon racks in the armory area

Enemies

Vampire Scout

Weak to FireSteal / drop Vampire Dust

Occasionally spawns outside the entrance of Dayspring Canyon as faction tensions rise

Death Hound

Weak to FireSteal / drop Hound Collar

Accompanies vampire ambush parties outside the entrance of Dayspring Canyon

Shops and people

Isran: Offers Master-level training in Heavy Armor
Agmaer: Offers novice-level training once recruited fully
Celann: Offers Master-level training in One-Handed

Tips

Grab the free Crossbow and bolts from the shooting targets outside before speaking to Isran to practice your ranged combat immediately.
You must discover Dayspring Canyon via a hidden cave entrance located southeast of Riften, near the Morrowind border pass.
The fort starts off derelict and largely empty, but it gradually cleans up and gains more vendors and craftspeople as you progress the Dawnguard questline.

Not listed for this area: secrets.

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Sovngarde

Castle Volkihar

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