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Understone Keep

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition guide · Meeting the Jarl of Markarth

Understone Keep is the grand palace carved into the mountain at the highest point of Markarth, serving as the seat of Jarl Igmund. Here, players can approach the throne to speak with the Jarl, pick up several side quests, or gain access to the Dwemer Museum and Nchuand-Zel ruins. Various court members reside here, including the court wizard Calcelmo, who offers scholarly aid and artifact trade.

Region: Markarth
Getting there: west end of Markarth, up the large flights of stairs carved into the mountain
Connects to: Markarth, Dwemer Museum, Nchuand-Zel Excavation, Understone Keep Barracks
Related quests: Compelling Tribute · Hard Answers · Kill the Forsworn Leader · Nimhe, the Poisoned · No Accusers in the Tower · Search and Seizure · The Lost Expedition
Services and people: Calcelmo · Faleen · Ghorza gra-Bagol · Jarl Igmund · Moth gro-Bagol · Ondolemar · Raerek · Tacitus Sallustius

Achievements here

Blood OathProgress through the Companions questline until you participate in the blood ritual in the Underforge to join the Circle.

Achievement guide and roadmap →

Items

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2920, Sun's Dawn, v2: On a stone shelf inside the Jarl's quartersUnusual Gem: On a stone table in the wizard's quarters area (Calcelmo's laboratory)Stone of Barenziah: In a locked room in the Treasury area

Enemies

Markarth Guard

Steal / drop Guard armor and shields

Becomes hostile if you commit crimes or draw weapons aggressively around the throne

Shops and people

Calcelmo: Sells Destruction and Conjuration spells, soul gems, scrolls, and enchanted robes
Moth gro-Bagol: Master-level blacksmith who sells weapons, heavy armor, and smithing materials

Tips

Speak to Calcelmo near the entrance to gain a key and permission to enter the Dwemer Museum by offering to clear a spider infestation.
Bring high Sneak or an Invisibility potion if you plan to explore Calcelmo's laboratory or the Dwemer Museum without permission, as the guards inside will attack trespassers on sight.
You must resolve Jarl Igmund's requests to slay nearby Forsworn leaders if you wish to purchase Vlindrel Hall and become Thane of the Reach.

Not listed for this area: secrets.

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Markarth

Solitude

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