Dawnbreaker
Base Damage: 12	Weight: 10	Base Value: 740
Additional Effects: Burns for 10-15 points, and if killing undead, a chance to cause a fiery explosion that turns or destroys nearby undead.
Class: One-Handed, Sword
Upgrade Material: Ebony Ingot
Perk: None
FormID: 0004E4EE

Dawnbreaker is a unique One-Handed sword found in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

AcquisitionEdit

It is a Daedric artifact given as a gift by Meridia upon completion of the quest The Break of Dawn.

EnchantmentEdit

Dawnbreaker bears a unique enchantment called "Meridia's Retribution" that works similar to soul trap in that each hit infects the target for ten seconds, and if the target is killed within that time, it may explode. Over the course of ten seconds, the chance to trigger an explosion is 1 - (.75 ^ x), where x is the number of strikes. It is not actually necessary for the killing blow that triggers the explosion to be dealt with Dawnbreaker. A second enchantment deals ten of fire damage with each hit.

This blast will damage any nearby undead (Including Undead followers IE: Serana and Dead Thralls can be turned depending on level) and can cause any survivors to flee for a short period of time. Undead killed in the blast will crumble into ash piles. The fiery explosion has the same visual effect and functions as the Bane of the Undead spell.

In addition, this weapon has a very high number of charges; much higher than most other enchanted weapons. Since soul gems restore a fixed amount of charge, this weapon will require more than a single Grand Soul to recharge it fully.

SmithingEdit

The Dawnbreaker can be upgraded with an ebony ingot and the Arcane Blacksmith perk, however, it does not benefit from any smithing perks. This means that the weapon cannot be improved past flawless quality without boosting the Smithing skill over 100. This can be achieved by using enchanted apparel or blacksmithing potions to fortify smithing.

UsefulnessEdit

Despite other swords having higher damage, the special enchantment makes Dawnbreaker very useful for dealing with several draugr at once. High-level draugr such as a draugr deathlord almost always attack alongside several lower leveled ones that can be killed in a few hits. The resulting explosion instantly kills low level undead and causes the high-level draugr to flee.

It is also an effective weapon against vampires. In addition to being very vulnerable to fire, they are also undead, therefore they are affected by the fiery explosion. However, if the Dragonborn is a vampire, the resulting explosion will affect them as well.

Duplication exploit (This is still possible on 360 and PS3)Edit

Two copies of Dawnbreaker can be obtained. This is achieved by casting a spell with significant kinetic force (i.e., Fire Storm, Fireball, Fire Rune, etc.) in front of (or behind) the altar after defeating Malkoran and his shades. This will cause a copy of Dawnbreaker to go flying across the room, while the original still stays where it is. Pick up the copy before obtaining the original because this ends the quest.

BugsEdit

AppearancesEdit

• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (First appearance)