Dragons and Paralysis in Skyrim: A Hilarious Mismatch?
Thinking of approaching a dragon in Skyrim? An Elder Dragon, perhaps? How about paralyzing it? Like hitting pause on a huge, fire-breathing lizard? Let’s break down this slightly misguided notion.
Dragons: Nature’s Immunity Powerhouses
First, the main question: can you paralyze a dragon in Skyrim? The short, sad answer: nope. Dragons are immune to paralysis. It’s like their magical “nope” button against your spells.
But dragons aren’t alone with immunity. Skyrim has many creatures that ignore your spells. Examples include:
- Daedra: Otherworldly beings don’t worry about your magic.
- Dwarven Machines: They don’t react to paralysis. Shocking!
- Vampires: They’re already undead, so paralysis means little.
- Many Undead: Same as above, applies to skeletons and zombies.
Skyrim’s enemies are practically immune to paralysis. It works against pesky bandits and excited wolves, but it’s like using a spoon against a dragon – wrong tool for the job.
Named NPCs: The VIP Immunity List
And that’s not all! Some named characters are also off-limits for paralysis. These VIPs include:
- Hostages in “With Friends Like These”: The Dark Brotherhood has anti-paralysis clauses.
- Souls DG: Likely vampires, so immune.
- Astrid: Dark Brotherhood leader? Immune.
- Ildari Sarothril DB: Another Dragonborn foe, paralysis is below him.
- Jiub DG: Dawnguard member immune too!
- Miraak DB: The first Dragonborn? Paralysis isn’t for him.
- The Ebony Warrior DB: The ultimate challenge? Obviously immune.
If a character is vital or powerful, Skyrim likely decided they can’t be paralyzed. A bit rude, but that’s Skyrim’s charm.
Paralysis 101: Your (Mostly Useless Against Dragons) Toolkit
So, paralysis won’t work on dragons. Sad, but let’s look at your options against other foes.
The “Paralyze” Spell: Expert Level Crowd Control (Except on Dragons)
Yes, there is a “Paralyze” spell. It’s an Expert level Alteration spell. Not easy to get. You need your Alteration skill at level 75 before vendors at the College of Winterhold will sell it.
Where to find it? Go to the College of Winterhold, poke around the Hall of Elements or Hall of Attainment. Those mages are sure it’s tucked away with dusty books and potions.
This spell paralyzes foes for 10 seconds. If you take the Stability perk, it extends to 15 seconds. Imagine those non-dragon foes being momentarily inconvenienced!
Paralysis Enchantments: Weaponizing Immobility (Again, Not for Dragons)
If spells aren’t your jam, you can find paralysis enchantments. The “Paralyze” enchantment exists in Skyrim. It imbues weapons with temporary immobilization. To get it, find a weapon with the enchantment and disenchant it at an Arcane Enchanter. Happy hunting!
Look out for the Staff of Paralysis. Rumor has it, it’s in Snapleg Cave. Who doesn’t enjoy cave hunting for loot?
Paralysis Potions: Brewing Up Trouble (Still Not Dragon Trouble)
If you like alchemy, paralysis potions are an option. Mix the right ingredients, and you can create temporary immobility. Here’s a couple of recipes:
- The “Ouch and Freeze” Special: Combine Imp Stool, Canis Root, and Nirnroot. It paralyzes and damages health and stamina. A double whammy!
- The “Friendly Freeze”: Mix Imp Stool and Swamp Fungal Pod. This one paralyzes and restores health. Great when you want to incapacitate someone while being nice.
Paralysis in D&D: A Quick Detour for Tabletop Nerds
Now, let’s peek at paralysis in Dungeons & Dragons. In D&D, a paralyzed creature is:
- Incapacitated: No actions or reactions allowed.
- Unable to move or speak: Straightforward.
- Auto-fails Strength and Dexterity saves: They are sitting ducks.
- Attack rolls against them have advantage: Easy targets!
Skyrim’s paralysis isn’t as detailed as D&D’s, but making them stop moving is still the goal!
Dragon Takedown Tactics: Paralysis is Out, What’s In?
Paralysis won’t work for slaying dragons. Let’s look at what does work against these beasts.
Exploiting Dragon Weak Spots: Belly Button Blues?
Legends say, dragons have a weak spot: their bellies. Hitting a dragon’s underbelly can disrupt their magical abilities. Good luck aiming while they dive-bomb you!
Elemental Exploitation: Frost vs. Fire… Wait, Magic?
You might think frost dragons have a frost weakness. Nope! Take the Frost Dragon, it breathes frost but has no frost resistance, no fire weakness, yet a weakness to magic (100 points!). Magic works against dragons, quirks aside.
Potion Powerhouse: The “Dragon Deleter”
One player named FullGarbageAlchemist made a poison dubbed the “Dragon Deleter.” This potion is said to “kill dragons in Skyrim.” Sounds promising but details are unclear, so alchemical testing is needed.
Dodging Dragon Breath: Don’t Be a Toasted Dovahkiin
Avoiding dragon breath attacks is essential. To escape crispy critter fate, try these tactics:
- Magic Wards: Use conjuration! Wards can deflect those fiery or frosty attacks.
- Shield Bash Interrupts: Time your shield bash well to disrupt a dragon’s breath attack. Very rude!
- Stack Elemental Resistance: Use potions and enchantments to boost fire or frost resistance. Become an elemental fortress.
- Terrain, Terrain, Terrain: Utilise rocks, trees, buildings – anything to obstruct a dragon’s line of sight.
Dragon Deep Dive: Elder Dragons, Taming, and the Untamable
Wrapping up with some dragon lore because it’s too cool.
Elder Dragons: The Geriatric (But Still Deadly) Winged Ones
Elder Dragons are the veterans of Skyrim. Only “Primary Dragons” and dragons with one main element can achieve this stage. Think of it as dragon retirement, but they’re tougher and fiercer.
An important Elder Dragon note: they cannot be trapped. If you plan to snag one in a net, better rethink!
Unique Dragons: The VIP Dragon Club
Some dragons are truly special. These include:
- Alduin: World-Eater extraordinaire. Not taming material.
- Paarthurnax: Wise dragon mentor. He’s busy with other matters.
- Skeletal Dragon in Labyrinthian: Undead and grumpy. Not seeking belly rubs.
These unique dragons are untamable. Too preoccupied with world-ending or wisdom to entertain your rides (except for a specific quest with Paarthurnax).
Dragon Riding (Sort Of): Bend Will and Brute Force Taming
Can you befriend dragons in Skyrim? Sadly, no. They are not known for being cuddly.
You can temporarily tame and ride dragons, using the “Bend Will” shout from the Dragonborn DLC. Finish the Dragonborn main quest to access the shout.
Once you’ve got “Bend Will” maxed, shout at a dragon to temporarily force it to be your taxi service. You can’t control its movements but can tell it to land. Expect more dragon bullying than elegant flight!
In summary: paralysis? Forget it. Dragon riding? Possible, but more like yelling at a dragon until it complies. Dragon slaying? Now we’re talking! Go show those scaly beasts who’s the boss – just leave paralysis potions behind.
