Guides / The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
Inner Sanctum
The Inner Sanctum is the climactic dungeon of the Dawnguard questline located within the Forgotten Vale. The Dragonborn and Serana breach the shrine to confront Arch-Curate Vyrthur, fighting waves of frozen Falmer and Chaurus before pursuing him to the outdoor balcony. Defeating Vyrthur completes the quest "Touching the Sky" and rewards the player with Auriel's Bow.
- Region
- Forgotten Vale
- Getting there
- At the far northwestern end of the Forgotten Vale, pour the collected water from the Initiate's Ewer into the basin at the Auriel's Shrine courtyard to open the doors
- Connects to
- Forgotten Vale, Auriel's Chapel
- Related quests
- Touching the Sky
- Services and people
- Arch-Curate Vyrthur · Serana · Gelebor
- Enemy types
- Frozen Falmer · Frozen Chaurus · Ancient Frost Atronach
Items
0/5
Secrets
0/1
Key fights
Enemies: Arch-Curate Vyrthur, waves of reanimated Frozen Falmer and Frozen Chaurus
Threats: Vyrthur casts high-tier Frost and Shock spells, detonates the Auriel Temple balcony roof causing falling debris stagger, while the waves swarm in melee and spit venomous ranged acid; in final phase, Vyrthur uses Vampire Drain and Blizzard
Weaknesses and resistances: Falmer/Chaurus are susceptible to Fire damage; Vyrthur as an undead vampire resists Frost (50%) and Poison (100%) but is vulnerable to Fire; can be staggered and Paralyzed
Tactics: Stay near Serana during the initial Falmer waves to avoid being swarmed, dodge falling debris when the shrine ceiling collapses, and on the exterior balcony (Auriel's Ascension) use Fire Magic, Unrelenting Force (to stagger, though invisible walls prevent easily shouting him off the cliff), or close-quarters melee staggers to interrupt his channeled Blizzard and drain spells
Rewards: Auriel's Bow (from Gelebor after the battle), Ancient Falmer Armor set (looted from Vyrthur's corpse)
Enemies
Remain completely petrified as statues until approached or until Vyrthur awakens them during the boss fight
Burst out of ice encasings when triggered by Vyrthur during the throne room battle
Uses powerful Frost magic and Ice Storms, and detonates the balcony roof during the fight
Tips
- Taking an item from the hands of a frozen Falmer or Chaurus will immediately cause it to unfreeze and attack.
- You must retrieve the Initiate's Ewer from each pedestal after opening a gate, as it is needed to unlock subsequent doors throughout the sanctum.
- Bring Frost Resistance potions or gear, as Vyrthur's Ice Storm spells hit hard and can quickly deplete stamina.
Not listed for this area: shops and people.
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