Raider Rendezvous: Navigating Skyrim’s Retreats and Hideouts
Skyrim has dragons, draugr, and dungeons. It also holds interesting retreats. If you hunt bandits or seek a quiet spot amidst the noise, knowing retreats is crucial. Let’s explore two locations: Redoran’s Retreat and Cliffside Retreat. This guide helps you find loot and avoid getting lost.
Redoran’s Retreat: Bandit Boss Location
Searching for the bandit boss at Redoran’s Retreat? Simple task. After infiltrating, find the passage on the left of the first bandit. This path leads into the retreat. The bandit chief awaits, along with another bandit on patrol. Take them out and loot. Feel free to redecorate; it needs help.
Want more about Redoran’s Retreat? The Elder Scrolls Wiki is filled with juicy info.
Cliffside Retreat: Cozy Hunter’s Home
Seeking something more quaint? Then check out Cliffside Retreat. Located in Whiterun Hold, it’s no bustling city. Think of it as a rustic shack with an amazing view. The porch overlooks the whole valley of Whiterun Hold. Talk about a great view!
This “dwelling” is tiny. A real shack here! But it boasts a porch! Also, a hunter lives here, creating trading chances. Don’t forget a bed! One small bed for resting and bartering. If you need a quick nap, this retreat is suitable. Just expect no room service.
If feeling adventurous after resting, go southwest from Cliffside Retreat. Soon, you will find Liar’s Retreat. Remember, one is a cozy shack; the other is a cave full of Falmer in The Reach. They aren’t alike!
Treasure Hunter’s Guide: Unearthing Skyrim & Beyond’s Hidden Riches
Treasure hunting! The core of any adventurer’s life. Forget monster slaying; real excitement comes from finding loot. From maps to clues, let’s reveal treasure spots in Skyrim, Hogwarts, and even real life (mostly).
Skyrim’s Hidden Riches: Maps and Gold
Skyrim is brimming with treasure maps. Let’s decode a few:
Cursed Tomb Treasure Map: This map sends you on a chase. You find it in the Tomb of Treachery. It’s located on the beach, right where Coastal Cavern and Poidsear Coast meet. The treasure? Also in the Tomb of Treachery. Nice circle there.
Treasure Map 3: Skip the riddles; this map points straight to Solitude Lighthouse. It overlooks the Sea of Ghosts. Maybe the treasure offers a nice view? Nah, it’s probably gold.
Treasure Map VII: The wild card! This treasure is randomized, which is typical Skyrim mischief. Grab the map and explore. Adventure awaits somewhere out there.
Underwater Treasure: Treasure isn’t only on land. Skyrim’s waters hold secrets too. Look at places like Pilgrim’s Trench (hidden wrecks), Sunken Treasures (near Brinehammer wreck), Sunken Barrow (north shore of Lake Ilinalta), and The Silvermoon (south of Lady Stone). Prepare to get wet.
Mjolnir Skyrim: Thor’s hammer exists in Skyrim? Somewhat. Go to Bleak Falls Barrow. It’s not inside but by the first staircase’s right side. Spot that crater in the snow? That’s where Mjolnir (or a version) waits.
Gold Mine in Skyrim: Prefer your treasure in bulk? Visit Kolskeggr Mine. It’s the prime spot for gold ore in Skyrim. Grab your pickaxe and dig away. Become a gold baron!
Hogwarts Legacy’s Map with Floating Candles: House-Specific Hunts
Hogwarts Legacy spices up treasure hunting with maps that utilize floating candles as guides. Locations depend on your Hogwarts House, adding house pride to the mix.
- Gryffindor: Chat with Ollivander (wand shopping), then go to the cemetery north of Hogsmeade. The map hides near the crypt entrance on the right.
- Slytherin: Slytherins have an underground quest. Proceed in “Scrope’s Last Hope” quest to reach Apollonas Grotto, the cave beneath Hogwarts with a red squid (classic Slytherin). The treasure map is to the right in a chest.
- Ravenclaw: Naturally, Ravenclaws soar high. After visiting Ollivander, fly (or walk) to the Owlery southwest of Hogwarts. Climb up to the top; the map is on the ground there on the southern side.
- Hufflepuff: Hufflepuffs embrace cozy village hunts. Your spot is Upper Hogsfield. Seek the house behind Claire Beaumont’s vendor stall. The map hides in a chest beside the door.
Sea of Thieves’ Dougie’s Treasure: Skeleton Shenanigans
Ahoy! Sea of Thieves presents Dougie’s Treasure. This isn’t a typical buried chest. You seek a specific ship. Go to the back end, looking across from the tavern. Which tavern? The one with the sleeping skeleton inside. Light all lanterns, and treasure appears!
Real-World Treasures (Sort of): Drake’s and Cooper’s
Switching to real-world legends… with a gaming twist. Let’s discuss Drake and Cooper.
Drake’s Treasure: Story time! Valparaíso recounts tales of Cueva del Pirata (Pirate’s Cave). They say this is where Drake hid loot. Not worth taking on his ship? Harsh, Drake! Check out Pirate Cave in Valparaíso, Chile, and bring a metal detector.
Cooper’s Treasure: This tale isn’t folklore, but shipwreck archaeology. Look for the SS Central America shipwreck. Found in 1988, this wreck held “Cooper’s Treasure”. If you have a submarine and a marine archaeologist license, explore there!
Red Dead Redemption 2’s Chick Matthews’ Loot: Farm Fresh Treasure
Red Dead Redemption 2 fans take note! Chick Matthews’ treasure awaits. Head northeast of Guthrie Farm, somewhere between Heartland Overflow and Moonstone Pond. It’s not too cryptic; happy hunting!
Mythical Treasures: Alchemist’s, Hunter’s Kingdom, Bard’s Crossing
Let’s conclude with some abstract treasures.
Alchemist’s Treasure: From “The Alchemist”. Spoiler: treasure was under the sycamore tree in Spain. Mind blown! Home holds treasure sometimes.
Hunter’s Kingdom Treasure: More gaming treasure! Hunter’s Kingdom in… somewhere game-like. Search near the Giant door southwest of Veithurgard. Treasure lies beside a statue. Rewards include enchantment and Hacksilver!
Bard’s Crossing Treasure: Back to that Skyrim vibe. Find Bard’s Crossing treasure on the northern edge of its search area, by a grassy cliff overlooking a river. Look under a tree near a rocky outcropping for a chest!
Skyrim’s Secret Spots: Beyond the Beaten Path
Skyrim goes beyond cities and main quests. It’s filled with hidden caves and quirky spots that get overlooked. Let’s highlight these gems because secret spots are treasures too!
Lost Echo Cave: Mushroom-Powered Doors
Searching for the Lost Echo Cave? Head west of Solitude. Easy task. But how to access secret parts? Spot a ceremonial brazier? Perfect! Find a Glow Mushroom (they are in the cave). Activate the brazier with the mushroom. Secret door unlocked! Easy access without keys.
Dawnguard Sanctuary: Vampire Hunter HQ
If you face vampire problems, the Dawnguard Sanctuary is your destination. It lies north of Dawnstar. Naturally hidden, it’s your go-to spot for vampire hunting.
Vampire hunters need discretion. This is like the Batcave for tackling the undead. To learn about being a vampire slayer, visit the IGN’s Dawnguard Sanctuary guide.
Liar’s Retreat: Falmer Infested Bandit Den
Liar’s Retreat isn’t a peaceful spot. It’s a cave in the northeastern part of The Reach. Need directions? Look for it northwest of Broken Tower Redoubt, northeast of Karthwasten, and southwest of Cliffside Retreat. It’s remote. Bandits used to inhabit it, but now it’s filled with Falmer. Expect screaming and chitin, not relaxation.
Quick Location Rundown: Ironheart Cave, Dragonborn Cliff, Yngol Barrow, Traitor’s Post
Here’s a quick location guide:
- Ironheart Cave: East of Mor Khazgur. Short and cave-like.
- Dragonborn Cliff: Northeast of Ivarstead. It’s on a cliff.
- Yngol Barrow: Northeast of Windhelm, south bank of the White River. A simple tomb.
- Traitor’s Post: East of Windhelm near the Sacellum of Boethiah. A decrepit shack, bandit hideout. Charming yet dangerous.
Skyrim’s Super Secret Island: Quest Required
Want to discover Skyrim’s “super secret island”? It’s hidden from the map. You need to complete the quest ‘Rise of the East’. Begin by stealing a logbook from the East Empire Company office. Great discoveries often involve larceny. This island feels like DLC, according to GAMINGbible. Interesting, isn’t it?
Character Conundrums and Quest Queries: Skyrim & Hogwarts Edition
Games bring choices, dilemmas, and puzzling characters. Let’s discuss key questions about quests in Skyrim and Hogwarts Legacy. Sometimes, you need to decide whether to spare that NPC or know how to resurrect someone.
Quincey the Bandit King: Farbane Woods Ruler
Looking for rough royalty? Quincey the Bandit King rules from the Bandit Stronghold in Farbane Woods. He’s king by bandit standards. Approach him wielding a sword.
Linwe’s Resurrection Trick: Console Command Magic
If you messed up with Linwe, console commands can help! Open the console, click on Linwe’s body, then type “resurrect”. Linwe returns! You can choose to kill him again if you wish. Gaming necromancy assists.
Cicero and Anton Virane: To Spare or Not to Spare? Moral Choices
Skyrim presents moral dilemmas. Cicero and Anton Virane give you choices on sparing lives. Letting Cicero live may be more moral considering Astrid’s plans. After Anton reveals his secrets, he begs for mercy. You can walk away or end him. Quest complete either way. Your moral compass? Up to you.
Elven Mage in Winterhold: Black Star Quest Guide
Need to find an elusive elven mage? Look for Nelacar. He’s at Frozen Hearth Inn in Winterhold. He studies stars there, as mages do. Winterhold is where mages ponder the universe and the cold.
Saadia and Lucia: Marriage and Adoption Options
Interested in romance and family in Skyrim? Let’s check.
Saadia: Want to marry her? Vanilla Skyrim says no. But modded Skyrim changes that! Get the “Saadia Enhanced / Marriable / Follower” mod, and you can wed her. Modding makes dreams come true.
Lucia: Do you want to adopt Lucia? Yes, she’s adoptable! She’s near the Gildergreen tree in Whiterun. Take her home and give her a family.
Jackdaw’s Clues for Anne in Hogwarts Legacy: Puzzle Solving
Time to solve puzzles in Hogwarts Legacy! Finding Jackdaw’s clues for Anne involves spells and attention. Use Revelio; certain items will turn blue. Those are your targets! Use Accio to retrieve them. A pedestal awaits in the left corner of the next room. Find Jackdaw’s Clue scroll. Puzzle solved!
Whiterun Wonders: City Life in Skyrim
Whiterun is Skyrim’s heart (geographically and emotionally). Let’s explore queries about daily life here, from guard duties to sleeping arrangements.
Joining the Whiterun Guard: Shield of Allegiance
Ever wanted to patrol Whiterun? Being a Whiterun guard is possible. Go to the Whiterun Guard Barracks, behind The Bannered Mare (not at the main gate). Find the Shield of Allegiance. Activate it. Congratulations! You’re now part of the guard faction. Duty not included.
Free Lodging in Whiterun: Sleep Cheap
Tired of high prices? Need free lodging in Whiterun? There’s a hidden bedroll in the city. Okay, it’s just a bedroll and a barrel, but it’s free. A place to sleep and store items. No luxury, but functional enough.
Finding the Hiding Girl: Redguard Mystery Solved
Searching for a missing Redguard girl in Whiterun? She isn’t really missing. She works at The Bannered Mare. Case closed! Sometimes the obvious answer is correct.
Miscellaneous Mysteries and Must-Knows: Skyrim, Elden Ring & Beyond
Your random gaming trivia awaits! From Redoran helmets to Dark Brotherhood riddles, let’s explore various gaming knowledge because you might need to know where a Blood Elf Bandit hides.
Redoran Master Helm Location: Manor Heist Required
Coveting the Redoran Master Helm? It’s located in Llethri Manor. But there’s a catch—you need the Llethri Manor Key. Find it in the Guard Quarters, on top of a closet. Steal it, unlock the chest in the Manor Bedrooms, and claim your helm. Not very honorable, but fashion wins!
For details about the Redoran Master Helm heist, visit the Redoran Master Helm (Quest) page on Elder Scrolls Wiki.
Dark Brotherhood’s Riddle Answer: Life’s Greatest Illusion
Pondering a riddle from the Dark Brotherhood? “What is life’s greatest illusion?” The answer is “Innocence, my brother”. Deep and dark, fitting for the Brotherhood.
Yngvild’s Power Word: Spoiler – Nada
If you’re heading to Yngvild seeking a Word of Power, think again. There’s No Word of Power. Just a helmet with ice resistance. Useful in Skyrim’s cold but not what you hoped for.
Bandit’s Curved Sword (Elden Ring): Graveyard Grind
Elden Ring craving the Bandit’s Curved Sword? Travel to the Weeping Peninsula. From the Site of Grace, head west to the graveyard. Defeat the dual-wielding skeleton. If luck is on your side, the sword drops for you!
Blood Elf Bandit’s Azuremyst Haunts: Island Wanderer
If you’re searching for the elusive Blood Elf Bandit, check Azuremyst Isle. He roams there, especially near Wrathscale Point on the southern coast. Nine possible spawn locations exist. Island bandit life is real.
Blackguard Armor Acquisition: Thieves Guild Loyalty Required
Want stylish Blackguard armor? Join the Thieves Guild and rise through its ranks. Complete Thieves Guild quests and become Guild Master. The armor is your reward. Achieve stylish crime!
Mace Etiquette 101: Skyrim Weaponry Guide
Maces are brutal weapons with their own etiquette! In Skyrim, here’s how to handle them: hold it shoulder high, don’t wind up past shoulder width, swing with your elbow leading, letting your forearm whip past collarbone height. Mace swinging now seems rule-bound!
Redoran House Location: Council Hall Central
You’re looking for Redoran House? It resides within the Redoran Council Hall, Manor District of Under-Skar. It’s central to Redoran territory, hosting meetings and adorned with Dunmer decor.
Seducers Bandit Camp Locations: Double Trouble
Seducers Bandits causing you issues? They have two camp locations: between Fort Kastav and Yorgrim Overlook, and directly below Forsaken Cave. Double trouble with double camps (and loot!).
“The Alchemist” Insights: Gypsy’s Prophecy & Boy’s Vision
The references in “The Alchemist” connect literary and gaming themes:
Gypsy in The Alchemist: She tells Santiago to seek treasure at the Egyptian Pyramids.
Boy’s vision in the desert: Santiago imagines armies riding through the oasis, inspired by a hawk attack. Desert visions definitely matter.
Hogwarts
Legacy’s Ghost of Our Love: Lumos and Bridges
Hogwarts Legacy ghostly encounter? Check for the “Ghost of Our Love” quest. Cast Lumos spell. Walk back across the bridge towards the Forbidden Forest. A spooky romance awaits you, ready to unfold.
Hogsmeade Graveyard Locale: West Side Story
Need to find the Hogsmeade Graveyard in Hogwarts Legacy? Look to the west side of Hogsmeade. It’s clearly marked. West side equals graveyard side. Simple enough, right?
Gem Dragonborn Origins: Gemstone Lineage
Curious about Gem Dragonborn? They’re tied to the splendorous gem dragons. They boast sparkly dragon ancestry. Truly fancy.
Triggering Dragonborn DLC: Solstheim Bound
Want to start the Dragonborn DLC in Skyrim? It’s easy. Just travel to Solstheim. The geography initiates the Dragonborn questline.
Orc Blood Procurement: Liar’s Retreat or Orc Strongholds
Need Orc blood? Look for it at Liar’s Retreat. Alternatively, you can slay Orcs in Orc strongholds or bandit camps. Direct and effective.
Cliffside Bunker Treasure Map (Tomb Raider): Rope Ascender Required
Tomb Raider treasure map alert! The Cliffside Bunker Treasure Map needs the Rope Ascender. Use it to pull down the weak wall in the gun bunker. The map is nearby, around the corner from Lara’s right. It’s rope-assisted treasure hunting.
Largest Cavern on Earth: Vietnam’s Sơn Đoòng Cave
World’s largest cavern? Discover Vietnam’s Sơn Đoòng cave. It is vast and cavernous. A perfect addition to a bucket list for explorers.
Reaper in Skyrim: Soul Cairn Corner
Searching for the Reaper in Skyrim? Head to Soul Cairn. Specifically, check the bottom-right corner of the second section. This is the Reaper’s lair.
Isle of Treasure Location: Stage Start Special
Isle of Treasure… Where is it? You find it at the end of the first area of the stage. This stage-based treasure is straightforward and game-like.
Travelling Bard’s Tour Route: Worldly Wanderer
Looking for the Travelling Bard? Check the main towns of most nations, Spirit Crucible Elpys, Cliffs of Morytha, Land of Morytha, and the World Tree. The Bard travels far and wide.
Unstable Ore Acquisition: Valkyrie Council Visit
Need unstable ore? Head to the Council of Valkyries. Go inside towards the eight thrones. The unstable ore is located near those thrones.
Treasure Chart 37’s Hideaway: Rock Spire Isle Cave
On a hunt for Treasure Chart 37? Rock Spire Isle holds the key. It’s hidden inside a small cave on B-3: Rock Spire Isle. Remember the chart and coordinates for a successful find.