The College of Winterhold: A Comprehensive Quest Walkthrough
The College of Winterhold, Skyrim's equivalent of the Mages Guild from previous Elder Scrolls games, stands as a beacon of magical learning in a land where magic is often viewed with suspicion. Situated on a precarious cliff overlooking the Sea of Ghosts, the College has weathered not only the harsh climate but also the distrust of the local Nords. This article provides a detailed walkthrough of the College of Winterhold's questline, shedding light on the challenges and rewards that await aspiring mages.
The College's Enduring Legacy
Once a prominent and influential location in Skyrim, Winterhold has faced significant decline, with much of its population dwindling. The threadbare Hold City of Winterhold has seen most of its population driven away. The center of life in these parts nowadays is the College of Winterhold. Several years ago, much of the cliff fell into the sea, taking nearly all of the original city with it. Only a few buildings remain, though somehow the College of Winterhold has largely been untouched by the damage. It now resides on a free-standing pillar of rock and ice. Despite the destruction that befell Winterhold in 4E 122, the College remains a haven for mages, offering refuge from the distrustful Nords. The secretive nature of the College mages and the Nords' natural distrust of Magic have contributed to widespread distrust of the College and its members. The destruction of most of Winterhold in 4E 122 only worsened the situation, though no actual evidence exists to suggest the College's involvement. The College's leader, Arch-Mage Savos Aren, seems to be aware of the College's reputation but seems reluctant to actively change it.
Joining the College
To embark on your magical journey, you must first travel to Winterhold. After arriving in Winterhold, you can see the college and the bridge leading to it. During conversations with certain NPCs, namely innkeepers and spell merchants, you may be given the option to ask them about magic training. You will usually be directed to either the local city's court mage or the College of Winterhold itself. Committing murder against a College of Winterhold member will trigger the Rejoining the College quest.
A Tour of the College
Inside, the College is split into three distinctive towers: Halls of Countenance and Attainment, where apprentices and senior mages reside; and the Hall of the Elements, where the Arch-Mage resides, gatherings are held, and The Arcanaeum (the College's great library) is kept.
The Primary College Questline
The primary College of Winterhold questline consists of nine quests that will test your magical abilities and unravel the mysteries surrounding the College:
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First Lessons
Upon arriving at the College, you'll encounter Faralda, who will test your magical aptitude before granting you entry. Tolfdir asks a few questions of you to see what your magical position is -- just answer them honestly. Now we need to speak with Tolfdir again and are treated to a lecture from him which we are obligated to follow him around and listen to…
Under Saarthal
Following Tolfdir's lecture, you'll be sent on an expedition to the ancient ruins of Saarthal. Ancano interrupts, telling the Professor to get stuffed, and tells you to come with him. The researchers actually made it pretty deep into the ruins -- well, judging by the trail of bodies I mean -- but not far enough it seems.
Hitting the Books
Urag gro-Shub, the Orcish librarian of the Arcanaeum, requires your assistance in locating several lost or stolen books. This quest involves traveling to various locations in Skyrim to retrieve these valuable tomes.
Revealing the Unseen
This quest delves deeper into the mysteries uncovered in Saarthal, requiring you to use magical lenses to reveal hidden pathways and solve ancient puzzles.
Containment
Following the events of "Revealing the Unseen," you must help contain magical anomalies that threaten the College.
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The Staff of Magnus
Mirabelle seems pleased to learn that the town is safe, but what she wants is the Staff of Magnus. This quest involves tracking down the Staff of Magnus, a powerful artifact sought by both the College and its enemies.
The Eye of Magnus
This quest culminates in a confrontation with the primary antagonist, testing your magical prowess and strategic thinking.
Aftershock
Put an end to the rupture caused by the Eye of Magnus.
The Missing Apprentices:
Discover the fate of Phinis Gestor's missing apprentices.
Other College Quests
Arniel's Endeavor:
Uncover an ancient Dwemer secret.
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Brelyna's Practice:
Help Brelyna Maryon by allowing her to practice her spells on you.
J'zargo's Experiment:
Help a student test out a fiery new spell.
Onmund's Request:
Help Onmund negotiate the return of a family amulet from Enthir.
Enchanting Pick-Up:
Sergius wants you to pick up an item from a client for enchanting.
Fetch me that Book!:
Fetch a book for Urag gro-Shub.
Shalidor's Insights:
Discover the writings of Shalidor and benefit from his wisdom.
Alteration Ritual Spell:
Acquire Kahvozein's Fang and use it to get heartscales from a dragon for Tolfdir.
Filling Soul Gems:
Fill a soul gem for Sergius Turrianus.
Research Thief:
Steal Faralda's notes for Nirya.
Rogue Wizard:
Deal with a rogue wizard for Tolfdir.
Unimplemented Quests
There are four unimplemented optional quests for the College that are only visible by using the command console.
Becoming the Arch-Mage
Once the quest line is complete, you are granted the position of Arch-Mage, replacing the now-deceased Arch-Mage Savos Aren. This prestigious title grants you possession of the Arch-Mage's Quarters and a vast number of free items, ranging from soul gems to alchemy ingredients.
Bugs
Oddly, since the Jarl's Longhouse is marked as being owned by the Winterhold crime faction, if you help anyone in the hold (including Kjar in Windhelm and ironically enough, anyone from the College), you will be able to take things from the longhouse without it being considered theft. The Unofficial Skyrim Patch, version 2.1.3, addresses this issue.
tags: #skyrim #college #of #winterhold #quests #walkthrough
