Nchuand-Zel
Map
Hold	The Reach
Location	Inside Nchuand-Zel Excavation Site, Understone Keep
Sublocations	Nchuand-Zel Quarters Nchuand-Zel Armory Nchuand-Zel Control
Quests	The Lost Expedition
Enemies	Falmer Dwarven Automatons Frostbite Spiders
Location ID	NchuandZel01 NchuandZel02 NchuandZel03 NchuandZel05 NchuandZel06

It is located beneath the city of Markarth. Access to the ruins is through Understone Keep and the Nchuand-Zel Excavation Site.

InteractionsEdit

The Lost ExpeditionEdit

With its defensive automatons deactivated, it is overrun with Falmer, thwarting any attempts to study its artifacts and treasures. Calcelmo asks the Dragonborn to defeat Nimhe, a giant Frostbite Spider that's been preventing progress at the dig site. After dispatching the spider, they gain access to Nchuand-Zel. Alternatively, the lock can be picked for access without needing to talk to Calcelmo. If picked, it is an adept-level lock.

The entrance to Nchuand-Zel is a large chamber with several sections. The men working in Nchuand-Zel attempted to block the Falmer from entering the ruins, but the creatures were too strong for the men to hold back. While exploring the Armory, Quarters and Control, the Dragonborn finds notes and journals from the men who were working in the ruins along the way.

After completing The Lost Expedition and activating the Dwemer Defenses, the Dragonborn can witness a short fight between a Dwemer Centurion and a few Falmer. This fight brings in hilarious results as when the Centurion uses its steam attack, the falmer shrink to tiny sizes, and speak in high squeaky voices.

Related questsEdit

• The Lost Expedition
• Possible location for Ancient Technology

Notable LootEdit

• Moonstone Ore Vein next to the entrance to Nchuand-Zel Control
• Nchuand-Zel is littered with Dwemer artifacts which can be smelted into Dwarven Metal Ingots for the enterprising smith. There is enough salvage to create over three-hundred ingots. Just be careful to pick up only smeltable material, as there is just as much junk scattered about as well.
• In the armory, a full set of Dwarven Armor and Dwarven Greatsword behind an Expert-locked gate on the right, can be obtained when facing the statue behind the chest.