Unearthed (Dragonborn) is a quest located in Kolbjorn Barrow, given to the Dragonborn by Ralis Sedarys. Ralis has an investor who wants the relics of Ahzidal, but they are buried inside Kolbjorn Barrow. Multiple investments and many days will be required in order for Kolbjorn Barrow to be excavated.
Background
Quick Walkthrough
The entrance to Kolbjorn Barrow
- Read Ahzidal’s Descent. (Optional)
- Meet Ralis Sedarys outside of Kolbjorn Barrow.
- Fund 1000 gold to help excavate the barrow with Ralis.
- Get a letter asking to come back to Kolbjorn Barrow.
- Go to Kolbjorn Barrow and kill the Draugr.
- Go deeper into the barrow and speak to Ralis again.
- Donate an additional 2000 gold to Ralis.
- Get another letter from Ralis telling the Dragonborn to come back to the barrow.
- Visit the barrow and kill the Draugr.
- Search for miners.
- Speak to Ralis and fund 3000 gold to the excavation of the barrow.
- Receive another letter from a courier and go back to Kolbjorn Barrow.
- Clear the Draugr.
- Speak to Ralis and donate the final 5000 gold to the excavation.
- Receive the fourth and final Letter from Ralis and return back to the barrow for the last time.
- Once back at the barrow, locate Ralis within it.
- Defeat the Dragon Priest Ahzidal.
- Confront Ralis.
- Spare Ralis, gaining him as a follower.
- Kill Ralis.
Note: this quest will require 11,000 gold in investments in total.
Walkthrough
The quest can be activated by speaking to Ralis Sedarys, who can be found at the ruins of Kolbjorn Barrow.
First Investment
After 1st investment
After speaking with Ralis, he will ask to help funding his excavation. This will cost 1,000 
. After a few days a letter from Ralis will be delivered by a courier asking for help back at the ruins. Speaking with Ralis will reveal that Draugr have been awakened and the workers have been killed.
In order to continue the excavation, all Draugr must be dealt with. Ralis also requests scouting for a passage deeper into the ruins.
Beyond the door to the barrow, the path heads generally northwest, and is guarded by a draugr. Eventually, a room is found defended by around five draugr of various levels. A large table in the center of the room contains a strangely marked skull. Removing it activates a mechanism which opens a door straight ahead to a large chamber filled with dust. In this chamber Ahzidal's Boots of Waterwalking can be found on a pedestal. Otherwise, just beyond the table is an adept-locked chest up some steps against the left (southwest) wall. Once the draugr are killed and the door opened, the quest continues by returning to Ralis.
Second Investment
After the ruin has been cleared, Ralis will request another donation. This time he will ask for 2,000 gold. After some time has passed, a courier will deliver another letter asking the Dragonborn to return to the ruin. It turns out all the miners were again killed as they dug deeper into the mine. Ralis requires the Draugr to be killed so that the expedition can continue.
This time, upon entering the barrow, a staircase on the right side is now open, with a novice-locked chest at the bottom. Otherwise, it is a dead end. A dead miner is at the top of the left side steps.
In the first main room are four new draugr, plus several dead miners and chests to be looted. The room beyond the doorway to the northwest has been further excavated. A leveled draugr is on a catwalk surrounding a central pillar, which can be reached by jumping from a pile of ash near the doorway on the northwest side to a ledge just below the catwalk, then up to the catwalk itself. A doorway to the northwest is blocked by a gate that cannot yet be opened. The faint chanting of a nearby Word Wall can be heard, but it is buried under the rubble and cannot be reached yet.
After 2nd investment
Below that doorway is an open doorway leading to a crypt area protected by two draugr, that contains the corpse of Bradyn. In the second room is another draugr and a pull chain that opens a door to the right (northeast). Behind that door is another crypt with a draugr and a pull chain that, when activated, opens a door to the southwest from the previous room. Behind that door is another crypt with another draugr. A passageway leads to the left (southeast), but is protected by a floor trigger for a soul gem trap.
There is a doorway to the left (northeast) blocked by three gates with four handles on the right hand side. Pulling the third (from the top) releases a dart trap. Pulling the first handle opens the first gate but closes the second, etc. Continue pulling the handles (avoiding the third) until all the gates are open.
The corpse of Mireli lies in the center of the next room, but there are also three draugr. Once they are killed, the gate to the right (southeast) is opened (this was the one that was seen to be locked earlier). Proceeding further northeast, on the right side behind a wall is a handle that, when activated, opens a secret area further to the northeast. Ahzidal's Ring of Necromancy is here on a pedestal.
Third Investment
After 3rd investment
Once the search is complete, upon returning to Ralis and informing him the miners are dead, he will explain that the next step of investment will cost 3,000 gold as he plans to hire some mercenaries to watch over the miners.
After some time has passed, a courier will deliver a third letter asking the Dragonborn to return to the ruin. Much like last time, several Draugr awakened as the miners dug deeper into the mine. Ralis requires the Draugr to be killed so that the digging can continue.
This time, the steps on the right (northeast) side are opened all the way, although this just leads to the same set of stairs used before. Several draugr appear when descending them, and while moving deeper into the barrow. In addition to dead miners, there are several Kolbjorn guard corpses scattered about.
Much more of the mine has been dug out at this point. A wooden bridge has been installed crossing from the second room's entrance to the central column, and a set of ramps now lead to the bottom of the room. At the bottom of the ramp, the chanting of the word wall is even louder, and on the left (southwest) side of the room, there is a point where the edges of the word wall animation can be seen - however, the wall is still buried. Also, on the right (northeast) wall is a drawbridge that cannot yet be opened, with a gate behind it.
Proceeding across the catwalk to the northwest, through the doorway that was opened the last time, to the left (southwest) is an expert-locked iron door. Beyond that door are two albino spiders and a poisonous cloaked spider. There is also an emerald geode to the right (northwest), a trapped chest straight ahead, and shelves on the left containing random potions and soul gems.
Back in the previous room, a doorway to the right (northwest) is protected by a floor trigger for a swinging log trap. In the room beyond is another draugr. The path turns right (northeast), leading down a few steps and through doorways that were opened the last time (pull chains on the right, then left, open the doors if they are closed). Proceeding past the second pull chain is a dead end room, with another pull chain that opens and closes the door between the first and second pull chains.
Back at the second pull chain, turning to the southeast leads to another opening into the large room with the central column and the wooden ramps. An alcove on the right (southwest) has either a glass or stalhrim war axe lying on the ground. To the left (northeast) is another room with two more draugr, an iron door that leads straight ahead, and another pull chain on the right. The pull chain opens a hidden door to the northeast in the previously seen "dead end" room. Behind it are Ahzidal's Gauntlets of Warding on a pedestal. Taking them off the pedestal unleashes a poison dart trap.
Back at the room with the door, beyond it the path slopes sharply downward, and there is a rock fall trap. There are numerous leveled draugr. If the quest is active in the quest log, these draugr will be marked with quest markers. After they are all killed, the objective to clear out the barrow is complete, and it's now possible to return to Ralis. However, proceeding on, the path turns right (southeast) and proceeds up a set of stairs to a large room with several dead miners and Kolbjorn guards.
Floor Puzzle
In the center of the room is a strange series of pressure pads that emit a blue glow when stood upon, however the light fades after a few seconds. Lighting all of the plates at once will open the gate on the left, where Ahzidal's Ring of Arcana lies on a pedestal. This can be done by running across all the plates quickly before their lights go out. The Slow Time shout can be helpful here. Telekinesis can be used to grab the ring without opening the gate.
At the southeast side end of the room is an embalming table with random loot. Up the wooden ramp to the right are several soul gems, and a gate with a chain to its left. Activating the chain opens the gate, but also starts a swinging axe trap ahead. A short path forward leads to a set of stairs up to the right (northwest), then turns left, where the swinging axes protect the other side of the gate with the drawbridge that was seen earlier. A pull chain is directly above the gate - when activated, it stops the axes, opens the gate, and drops the drawbridge, providing a shortcut to get back out of the barrow.
Fourth Investment
Once the Draugr are defeated, upon returning to Ralis and informing him of the situation, he will mention that the next step of investment will cost 5,000 as they have gained quite a reputation. He plans to hire some stronger mercenaries this time.
Massacre at Kolbjorn Barrow
After some time has passed, a courier will deliver a final letter asking to return to the ruin. Upon arrival at the campsite outside the ruin it appears there has been some sort of massacre as the corpses of several miners and guards are strewn about. Reading Ralis' Journals, volumes 19-23, found on a table in a tent, reveals the chilling fate of the miners and Ralis' true intention all along; Ralis has been manipulated by the voice of Ahzidal since the beginning. Ahzidal has been talking to Ralis, controlling him, driving him to madness and forcing him to sacrifice the miners in order to resurrect Ahzidal.
The first part of the barrow appears unchanged, but there are ugly scenes like a miner's body on the first table. However, the second major room has been excavated to the floor. This has exposed the once buried Word Wall. A word of the Cyclone shout can be learned from it. The quest marker to locate Ralis is straigh ahead to the northwest, but it is not reachable via that path. Instead, the path from the second room to the right (northeast) across the dropped drawbridge needs to be followed. There are several draugr along the way. In the room with the pressure plates, the staircase to the northwest leads down to a newly excavated area straight ahead.
Word Wall fully visible
This next room contains three sleeping Draugr on thrones and a pillar puzzle. Upon entering the room, a gate immediately closes behind the Dragonborn, which can lock out any follower. This can be avoided by telling the follower to enter first - the gate does not close until the Dragonborn enters. Once the Draugr are defeated, there are two gates to be opened: one on the floor in the middle of the room, and the other in the south corner. The chains on the opposite walls (southwest and northeast) each control a rotating stone with a hole that, once visible, reveals a pillar that provides a clue to the puzzle (each shows a whale). The south corner gate can be opened by aligning both pillars behind the throne to the whale totem, then activating the lever between the pillars. The gate will raise to reveal Ahzidal's Armor of Retribution sitting on a pedestal.
The clues to open the gate on the floor are on the shields visible across the room from the thrones, near the ceiling near the southeast wall. The gate opens when both pillars behind the thrones are turned to the hawk and the lever activated again. At the bottom of the spiral stairway are a table with various potions, and then down more stairs to the northwest, more Draugr, a stalhrim deposit (in the alcove to the northwest), and another pillar puzzle to the right (northeast). Pulling the chain with the incorrect symbols will send flames out of the wall that may ignite the oil on the floor. The correct alignment is two snake symbols. The gate will open to reveal Ahzidal's Helm of Vision sitting on a pedestal, but there is a floor trigger for a spear trap just beyond the gate. Taking the helm will cause the pedestal to shoot out a powerful jet of fire from the bottom of the pedestal.
Back at the bottom of the stairs, there is a tomb to the left (southeast) at the bottom of the ramp up to the southwest that contains a valuable weapon. However, there is a floor trigger for a poison dart trap directly in front. At the top of the ramp is an iron door, at which Ralis can be heard repeatedly saying, "It is time," and "Ahzidal - awaken!"
A Rude Awakening
Ralis summoning Ahzidal
Ralis will be found in the middle of a large room. He is standing on top of a circular stone structure, which is inscribed with similar runes as seen in the room where the Bloodskal Blade is found. The edges of the structure are filled with a large pool of blood, and the area is littered with sacrificed miners. Ralis is attempting to summon the Dragon Priest Ahzidal using the "energy" from the miner's blood. He is successful; the ground shakes and he is flung to one side of the room. Ralis is knocked unconscious as Ahzidal emerges and battle begins.
During the battle several Draugr burst out of the surrounding sarcophagi to aid Ahzidal. If the Draugr are killed, others will awaken to take their place. He may also raise the corpses of defeated Draugr and miners found lying dead in the chamber. Ahzidal primarily uses fire based Destruction spells including a unique pulse of fire similar to Fire Breath that cause large amounts of damage. Once he has been defeated his ash pile can be searched for his mask.
Ralis will wake up at this point and seems confused by what has happened:
"Oh, gods... what happened? What have I done?"
What's going on here?: "I...I don't remember. Ever since I got here... to Kolbjorn... I've heard whispers. Voices. Thoughts. Imaginings. They've only gotten louder since I've stayed. Pounding, driving. A couple of times I blacked out. It was... It was just before the draugr woke up."
Did you... kill the miners?: "I don't know. I... maybe? It's what he wanted. He just needed their energy. I don't know! I hope I didn't. But... maybe I... please, you have to believe me?"
- I believe you. Just... don't come back here: "Of course. I don't even want to hear the word "barrow" again. Ever. I'll go to Raven Rock and you... you won't mention this to anyone. If you see me there, just... give a nod and I'll lend a hand if you need it. It's... it's the least I can do. Just... keep this quiet."
- I can't let you go unpunished: "What? No! You can't... I have his will on my side! He will command all of us!"
Choosing to kill Ralis will result in him becoming hostile and fighting back. Choosing to spare Ralis will cause him to run out of the ruin and back to The Retching Netch in Raven Rock. Either option completes the quest.
Once Ahzidal is defeated, a tunnel opens at the southwest end of the room. Beyond the opening, the tunnel curves left (southeast). There is a chest with leveled loot, then there is a gate opened by a chain. The circular room beyond contains the Black Book Filament and Filigree, as well as a chest with leveled loot to the right (southwest).
Continuing on the path left (northeast) of the room with the Black Book, at the end of the short tunnel, there is a stalhrim deposit in a sarcophagus behind the spiral staircase opened by the lever (which is to the right as the Dragonborn enters; the deposit is to the left). The stairs lead up to the second large room in the barrow.
Upon exiting the ruins, the entire campsite will be gone.
Reward
Other than finding a word for the Cyclone Dragon Shout, and obtaining the Ahzidal's Armor set and Ahzidal's mask, if Ralis is spared he will offer his services as a follower.
If he is killed, the only notable item he carries is a unique Ancient Nordic Pickaxe called Hoarfrost, however this can be taken from his inventory if he is spared anyway.
This quest will cost 11,000 gold altogether.
Journal
| Journal Entry |
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Outside Kolbjorn Barrow, I met Ralis Sedarys, an explorer who came to Solstheim in search of relics within the barrow. But when he arrived, he found it buried by the ash. He had all but given up on excavating it, but if I can supply the funds, he offered to make me a partner in his expedition.
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Ralis Sedarys came to Solstheim in search of the Relics of Ahzidal, powerful items said to have been sealed in Kolbjorn Barrow, but found it buried by ash. I agreed to fund his expedition to excavate the Barrow. He set to work, saying he'd send a courier when he had progress to report.
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I agreed to fund Ralis Sedarys' expedition to excavate Kolbjorn Barrow. I should visit the site and see how the work is going.
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I agreed to fund Ralis Sedarys' expedition to excavate Kolbjorn Barrow, but work on the dig has come to a halt. The excavation had reached a dead end when Draugr within the tomb awoke, killing several miners and causing the rest to flee.
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I agreed to fund Ralis Sedarys' expedition to excavate Kolbjorn Barrow, but work on the dig has come to a halt. The excavation had reached a dead end when Draugr within the tomb awoke, killing several miners and causing the rest to flee. I defeated the Draugr, but now need to find a way past the dead end.
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I agreed to fund Ralis Sedarys' expedition to excavate Kolbjorn Barrow, but work on the dig has come to a halt. At his request, I defeated the Draugr and found a way past the dead end.
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I agreed to fund Ralis Sedarys' expedition to excavate Kolbjorn Barrow, but in order to continue, he needs more gold to hire replacements for the workers that have been killed.
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I agreed to fund Ralis Sedarys' expedition to excavate Kolbjorn Barrow. He told me to return in a few days to see how work was progressing.
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I agreed to fund Ralis Sedarys' expedition to excavate Kolbjorn Barrow. I should return and see how the work is going.
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I agreed to fund Ralis Sedarys' expedition to excavate Kolbjorn Barrow, but work on the site has stopped. Most of the miners were killed by another wave of Draugr attacks, and two more are unaccounted for.
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I agreed to fund Ralis Sedarys' expedition to excavate Kolbjorn Barrow, but work on the site has stopped. Most of the miners were killed by another wave of Draugr attacks, and two more are unaccounted for. I dealt with the Draugr, but still need to locate the missing miners.
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I agreed to fund Ralis Sedarys' expedition to excavate Kolbjorn Barrow, but work on the site has stopped. Most of the miners were killed by another wave of Draugr attacks, and two more were unaccounted for. I found the bodies of the missing miners, but still need to deal with the Draugr threat.
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I agreed to fund Ralis Sedarys' expedition to excavate Kolbjorn Barrow, but work on the site has stopped. At his request, I dealt with the Draugr and found the bodies of the missing miners.
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I agreed to fund Ralis Sedarys' expedition to excavate Kolbjorn Barrow, but the ongoing Draugr attacks means he needs more gold in order to hire more miners and guards to protect them.
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I agreed to continue funding Ralis Sedarys' excavation of Kolbjorn Barrow. He told me to return in a few days to see how work was progressing.
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I agreed to continue funding Ralis Sedarys' excavation of Kolbjorn Barrow. I should return and see how the work is going.
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I agreed to continue funding Ralis Sedarys' excavation of Kolbjorn Barrow, but Draugr have attacked the miners again, and only a few managed to escape. Ralis asked if I could wipe them out so the excavation could continue.
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I agreed to continue funding Ralis Sedarys' excavation of Kolbjorn Barrow, but Draugr again attacked the miners. Once again, I slew the Draugr so work could proceed.
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I agreed to fund Ralis Sedarys' expedition to excavate Kolbjorn Barrow, but once again, he needs more gold to hire increasingly reluctant miners and guards to work on the site.
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I agreed to continue funding Ralis Sedarys' excavation of Kolbjorn Barrow. He told me to return in a few days to see how work was progressing.
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I agreed to continue funding Ralis Sedarys' excavation of Kolbjorn Barrow. I should return and see how the work is going.
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I agreed to continue funding Ralis Sedarys' ill-fated excavation of Kolbjorn Barrow, but when I returned to his mining camp, I found only blood and corpses. Ralis himself was nowhere to be seen.
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I agreed to fund Ralis Sedarys' ill-fated excavation of Kolbjorn Barrow, but when I returned to his mining camp, I found only blood and corpses. Deep within the barrow, I found Ralis performing a ritual to release Ahzidal, the Dragon Priest that had been sealed there.
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I agreed to fund Ralis Sedarys' ill-fated excavation of Kolbjorn Barrow, but when I returned to his mining camp, I found only blood and corpses. Deep within the barrow, I found Ralis performing a ritual that released Ahzidal, a powerful Dragon Priest I fought and defeated.
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Kill Rallis: Ralis Sedarys came to Solstheim hoping to find the Relics of Ahzidal and release their maker from his imprisonment in Kolbjorn Barrow. When he found the barrow buried by the ash, he convinced me to fund its excavation, using the miners as blood sacrifices for his rituals. I saw through his lies and decided to kill him for his crimes.
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Kill Rallis: Ralis Sedarys came to Solstheim hoping to find the Relics of Ahzidal and release their maker from his imprisonment in Kolbjorn Barrow. When he found the barrow buried by the ash, he convinced me to fund its excavation, using the miners as blood sacrifices for his rituals. I saw through his lies and killed him for his crimes.
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Spare Ralis: Ralis Sedarys came to Solstheim hoping to find the Relics of Ahzidal, but fell under the spell of their maker, a powerful Dragon Priest entombed in the barrow. He convinced me to fund its excavation, but was compelled by Ahzidal to use the miners as ritual sacrifices. Ralis had no control over his actions, so I allowed him to live and depart the barrow in peace.
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Bugs
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This section contains bugs related to Unearthed (Dragonborn). Before adding a bug to this list, consider the following:
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| Dragonborn Quests | |
|---|---|
| Main Quests | |
| Black Book Quests | |
| Raven Rock Quests | |
| Skaal Village Quests | |
| Tel Mithryn Quests | |
| Other Quests | |