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Morthal

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition guide · Investigating the local mystery
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Morthal is a foggy, isolated marsh town troubled by a suspicious house fire that killed a woman and child. Speaking with Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone initiates an investigation that reveals a local vampire conspiracy threatening the entire settlement. You must uncover the conspirators, clear the town's graveyard, and lead a militia to eliminate the master vampire lurking in a nearby lair.

Region
Hjaalmarch
Getting there
Northwest of Whiterun, or north across the marsh from the road between Fort Snowhawk and Dustman's Cairn
Connects to
Movarth's Lair, High Gate Ruins, Solitude, Whiterun
Related quests
Laid to Rest
Services and people
Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone · Falion · Jonna · Thaumaturgist's Hut · Moorside Inn
Enemy types
Vampire · Vampire Fledgling · Chaurus · Frostbite Spider

Items

0/4

Key fights

Confrontation at Hroggar's House

Enemies: Hroggar (and Alva, if encountered by day)

Threats: Dual-wield melee strikes, heavy physical damage, immediate aggression upon entering the threshold

Weaknesses and resistances: Susceptible to all standard damage, paralysis, and crowd control

Tactics: Funnel him immediately into the narrow front doorway to negate any flanking, interrupt his power attacks with a shield bash or dual-cast stagger, and finish him before Alva can intervene if present

Rewards: Access to the basement, Alva's Journal (vital quest evidence), Hroggar's loot

Enemies

Movarth Piquine
Weak to FireSteal / drop Movarth's Boots

Master vampire boss encountered in Movarth's Lair during the investigation finale

Alva
Weak to FireSteal / drop Alva's Journal

Thrall living in town who can be fought in her cellar or inside Movarth's Lair

Shops and people

  • Thaumaturgist's Hut (Lami): Alchemy ingredients, potions, recipes, and training in Alchemy
  • Falion: Soul gems, spell tomes, enchanting supplies, and the ritual service to cure Vampirism
  • Moorside Inn (Jonna): Food, drinks, rentable bed, and local rumors

Tips

  • Waiting until nightfall at the burned-down house reveals the ghost of Helgi, which progresses the investigation.
  • You can pick the lock on Alva's cellar while she is out wandering the town during the day to obtain evidence without immediate bloodshed.
  • Bring a filled Black Soul Gem to Falion if you contract full Vampirism and wish to be cured through his dawn ritual.

Not listed for this area: secrets.

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