Lost to the Ages Quest: Unearthing Ancient Power in Skyrim
You arrived in Skyrim. Whispers of forgotten Dwemer technology filled the air. You found a dusty tome that hinted at Aetherium. Lost in ruins? You are ready for the “Lost to the Ages” quest. This journey dives into the mystery of the Dwemer and their love for shiny rocks.
Kicking Off Your Dwemer Dig: How to Trigger the Quest
Several ways start this adventure. Skyrim is generous with options based on curiosity— or how distracted you get by books.
- The Scholarly Approach: Find “Aetherium Wars” Seek the book “Aetherium Wars”. It’s a Dwemer history lesson in disguise. You can find it at the Bards College in Solitude (look on the shelves near the entrance, even bards study ancient history). You might also spot it in the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary (assassins have varied interests, look in Lis’ pit). Or check Farengar Secret-Fire’s library in Dragonsreach. He loves scrolls. A book on ancient wars fits his style.
- The Impatient Explorer’s Route: Discover an Aetherium Shard Who needs books? If you find an Aetherium Shard before reading “Aetherium Wars”, the quest activates automatically. Skyrim’s logic is quirky, don’t question it.
- The “Oops, I Fell In” Method: Enter Arkngthamz Head straight to Arkngthamz, south of Dushnik Yal and southeast of Markarth. If you wander into strange ruins without a care, this path is for you. Get ready for fun confusion until it all makes sense.
Aetherium Shards: Pieces of a Lost Puzzle
The shards are not mere rocks. They are key pieces revealing Aetherium’s secrets. Think of them as ancient Dwemer puzzle pieces scattered across Skyrim for your amusement.
- Shard Hotspots: Location, Location, Locations! These shards hide in traditional Dwemer digs. You’ll find them at Deep Folk Crossing (far west in the Reach, because easy paths are boring), Raldbthar (classic Dwemer ruin location), a Dwarven Warehouse near Mzulft (because even Dwemer needed storage), and, of course, Arkngthamz (in the southern Reach, near that Orc stronghold).
- Arkngthamz: South of Dushnik Yal, southeast of Markarth. If you see Orcs and ruins, you’re likely in the right area.
- Raldbthar: Northeastern Skyrim awaits you. Head west from Windhelm. If you’re cold, surrounded by rocks, you’re close.
- Dwarven Storeroom near Mzulft: South of Mzulft’s entrance. Look for snowy scenes and the College of Winterhold nearby.
- Deep Folk Crossing: Far northwest in the Reach. Bring a map, a compass, and maybe a survival guide.
- Shard #3: The Raldbthar Rumble This shard plays hide-and-seek in the Raldbthar Deep Market’s treasure chamber. But beware! A Dwarven Centurion guards it. It’s an armored, steam-powered robot. Bring good gear.
- Shard #4: Mzulft’s Storeroom Stash The fourth shard is in the Dwarven Storeroom, south of Mzulft’s entrance. No Centurion here, but Dwemer ruins never lack defenses.
The Aetherium Forge: Where the Magic Happens (and Lava Flows)
Aetherium Forge. Prepare for a bit of a journey.
- Location, Location: Ruins of Bthalft Locate the Ruins of Bthalft, south of Ivarstead. If you’re near the Throat of the World and feeling dwarven vibes, you’re on track.
- Access Granted: Aetherium Crest Assembly Remember those shards? You’ll combine all four Aetherium Shards to forge the Aetherium Crest. This is your ticket to the Forge.
- Forge Activation: Pedestal Puzzle At the Forge, find the pedestal. Place your new Crest on it. It activates an elevator to more Dwemer ruins. Here we go!
- Forge Frenzy: One-Time Crafting Wonder Remember, the Forge can be used once. Make your choice wisely. Craft one of three Aetherium items. Think carefully about your options.
- Escape Route: Katria’s Lift Don’t fret; you won’t be trapped in a lava dungeon forever. After crafting, Katria, your ghostly guide, activates a lift when you set the Aetherium Shards on the Dwemer Globe. Easy after all that crawling.
- Lava Lagoon Loot? The “Become Ethereal” Trick Swimming in lava sounds fun? Well, if you dare and have the “Become Ethereal” shout, you can navigate the lava at the Forge. Hidden chests filled with good stuff await daring Dragonborns. Just remember: ethereal is key. Lava hurts without that ghostly touch.
Aetherium Arsenal: Crown, Staff, or Shield? Choose Wisely!
- Aetherial Crown: Double the Standing Stone, Double the Fun This crown lets you wield two Standing Stone powers at once. Imagine the potential! The Thief Stone AND The Warrior Stone? The Lover Stone AND… well, you get it. Plus, it’s a circlet. So you can wear your Archmage’s Robes, The Jagged Crown, Falmer Helmet, or stylish Penitus Oculatus Helmet. Dwemer style meets fashion.
- Aetherial Staff: Summoning Support The Aetherial Staff could suit you if summoning excites you. (You might need to learn more about its powers from ancient manuals or testing it in-game).
- Aetherial Shield: Ethereal Enemy Annoyance Want to turn foes into ghosts? The Aetherial Shield can do that! A shield bash renders enemies ethereal for 15 seconds. They can’t attack you, and you can’t hit them. Perfect for crowd control, tactical retreats, or chaos on the battlefield.
- Crafting Caveats: Forge-Exclusive Creation Remember, these Aetherium items craft only at the Aetherium Forge. No other crafting stations or blacksmiths here, pure Dwemer magic only.
- Modded Mayhem: Aetherium Armor and Weapons Compilation Playing mods? The “Aetherium Armor and Weapons Compilation” opens extra crafting options for you. With this mod, you can use an Aetherium Ingot (instead of the Crest) for more crafting possibilities. Modders extend Dwemer horizons.
Dwarven Mechanisms: Unlocking Blackreach and Beyond (Slightly Related)
This part isn’t directly about “Lost to the Ages,” but knowing Dwarven mechanisms helps in ruins. Consider this a bonus lesson for navigating Dwemer dungeons.
- Activation Key: Septimus Signus’ Attunement Sphere To activate these devices, grab Septimus Signus’ Attunement Sphere. Sound neat? It is! It usually opens doors to places like Blackreach.
- Mechanism Hotspots: Alftand, Mzinchaleft, Raldbthar (the Usual Suspects) These mechanisms typically hide in familiar Dwemer places: Alftand, Mzinchaleft, and Raldbthar. If gears spin and levers move, you’re in the right spot.
- Blackreach Beckons: Doorway to the Deep Interact with the mechanism using the Attunement Sphere, and a door to Blackreach rumbles open. Get ready for a grand adventure in a glowy mushroom cave. Because ruins weren’t peculiar enough.
Tonal Locks: Dwemer Puzzles with Musical Hints
Tonal locks are intriguing. Dwemer didn’t just construct dungeons; they added puzzles too. You will face one before opening the vault to the Aetherium Forge. Time to tune your ears and think.
- Location Alert: Forge Vault Door This tonal lock guards the vault leading to the Aetherium Forge. It’s your last test before reaching crafting glory.
- Solution Symphony: Shoot in Sequence
- The solution is about shooting targets. They are called tonal resonators. Follow this order: bottom left, bottom right, top left, top right, bottom center. Memorize the sequence. Write it down. Do what you need.
- Katria’s Clues: Journal Jottings For the first two resonators, check Katria’s Journal. She left hints behind as a ghost.
- Dead Adventurer’s Note: Scrap of Paper Secrets The order for the third and fourth resonators is on a “Scrap of Paper”. It was found on a dead adventurer. Even adventurers struggle with Dwemer puzzles. Misery loves company.
Arkngthamz: Zephyr Bow and Puzzle Pitfalls
Return to where it all began. Welcome to Arkngthamz. This ruin starts quests and has a unique bow. More Dwemer surprises await.
- Zephyr Bow Bonanza: Log Bridge Loot Want a unique bow? Finish “Lost to the Ages” and thoroughly explore Arkngthamz. The Zephyr bow is found at the end of a log bridge. It rewards you for surviving Dwemer traps.
- Tonal Resonators Redux: Arkngthamz Puzzle Sequence Yes, more tonal resonators. This ruin also has a unique puzzle sequence. It is: bottom left, bottom right, top left, top right, and bottom middle. Familiar? Should be. Dwemer engineers lacked creativity in puzzles.
- “Cleared” Confusion: Trap Trigger Trick Unlike other dungeons, Arkngthamz won’t show as “Cleared” on your map until you trigger all traps at the end and defeat all enemies. If you’re a completionist, trigger those traps. For science! (and map completion).
“The Aetherium Wars” Book: Your Quest Guide in Paper Form
Let’s return to the quest book, “Aetherium Wars.” Where can you find this treasure?
- Book Locations: Skyrim Library Tour
- Bards College, Solitude: On a bookshelf at the entrance. Even bards need historical context.
- Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary: In Lis’ pit. Assassins may read to relax.
- Dragonsreach, Farengar’s Library: Amongst magical tomes. Farengar collects knowledge like a dragon with gold.
Your guide to the “Lost to the Ages” quest is ready. Now go explore those ruins. Collect shards and forge some ancient Aetherium items. Just avoid falling into too much lava.
