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Elder Scrolls

For other uses, see Solstheim.

Solstheim is an island located northeast of Skyrim and northwest of Vvardenfell. It is the setting for the The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim add-on Dragonborn. The Dragonborn can travel between Raven Rock on Solstheim and Windhelm in Skyrim on the ship the Northern Maiden by speaking with the captain, Gjalund Salt-Sage.

Background

At the time the Dragonborn visits Solstheim in 4E 201, there is no longer an Imperial presence on the island. Fort Frostmoth is nothing but ruins, and Raven Rock now belongs to House Redoran of Morrowind.

Following the eruption of Red Mountain in 4E 5 in Morrowind, thousands of Dunmer were forced to flee. Many crossed the border into Skyrim seeking refuge, and whilst they were accommodated, the Nords graciously offered them the island of Solstheim as their new home.[1]

Geography

"The entire island isn't covered in ash, you know. They have huge ice fields up north and it's freezing up there."
―Redoran Guards

The geography of the island in the Fourth Era bears similar traits to both Vvardenfell and Skyrim. The north is dominated by the arctic climate similar to that found in Winterhold Hold, while the south features the jagged, barren ashlands reminiscent of Vvardenfell in the Dunmer homeland.

Solstheim is divided into four regions: Felsaad Coast, Hirstaang Forest, Isinfier Plains and Moesring Mountains.

Locations

Main article: Locations (Dragonborn)
RavenRock Dragonborn Screen

Raven Rock

The mining town of Raven Rock, located on the southern coast, is a far cry from its former days. After the mass Dunmer migration it has taken on a heavy Dunmer influence in its architecture and culture. House Redoran is an established presence as seen by their banners adorning the walls outside the settlement.

In the east of the island, a Telvanni wizard has settled in a giant mushroom tower, as is common in Morrowind.

To the north-east, the Skaal Village, Thirsk Mead Hall and the ruins of Castle Karstaag can be found in the icy tundras.

Hermaeus Mora

The Daedric Prince Hermaeus Mora is known to have some influence on the island. The Last Dragonborn might encounter a Madman who is heavily influenced by Hermaeus Mora, and can also see some architecture on both the Temple of Miraak and the All-Maker Stones which resembles the architecture found in the realm of Apocrypha. There are also several Black Books which can be found throughout the island in various locations.

Trivia

  • Even though over 200 years have passed since the events of The Elder Scrolls III: Bloodmoon, Solstheim still retains almost every location visitable since then, such as the Skaal Village and Raven Rock, along with newer additions like the Temple of Miraak and Tel Mithryn. However, no Dwemer ruins could be found on the island in Bloodmoon, while three exist in Dragonborn.
  • While exploring Solstheim, amongst the added background music that was specially composed for Dragonborn by Jeremy Soule, several of the original song tracks from The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (also composed by J. Soule) can be heard.
  • If the Dragonborn attempts to swim away from the island, they will be blocked by an invisible barrier in the water, preventing them from traversing further. In addition, a "You cannot go that way." message will appear on the top left of the screen.
  • It is not possible to traverse between Skyrim and Solstheim by swimming. Either the fast travel ability must be used, or Captain Gjalund must be spoken to.
  • The "Show On Map" function on the journal for quests that take place on Solstheim will only be available when the Dragonborn is present on Solstheim.
  • The clouds on the main Skyrim map seem to move east, whereas the ones on the Solstheim map seem to move west.
  • Arngeir will not help locate any Words of Power here.

Appearances

References

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