Labyrinthian

Where Labyrinthian is and how to get in

Labyrinthian fills a mountain pass on the border of Hjaalmarch and Whiterun Hold, southeast of Morthal and north of Hamvir's Rest. The easiest approach is the road that climbs north from the Whiterun tundra past Hamvir's Rest; the ruined city opens up in front of you with its long stone bridges and towers.

The exterior is open to anyone, and so are its two side dungeons. The main underground complex is different: the Ceremonial Door only opens with the Torc of Labyrinthian, which Mirabelle Ervine gives you at the start of the College quest The Staff of Magnus. Until then the door is sealed. Expect a minimum enemy level of 24 inside.

The Staff of Magnus walkthrough

Mirabelle also hands over Savos Aren's Amulet. At the door a ghostly replay begins: a young Savos Aren and five friends, Atmah, Girduin, Hafnar Ice-Fist, Elvali Veren and Takes-In-Light, setting out on the same expedition. Their scenes repeat throughout, and the voice of the dragon priest Morokei drains your magicka every time it speaks, so carry magicka potions or fight with weapons.

The route runs through four zones: Labyrinthian, Labyrinthian Chasm, Labyrinthian Thoroughfare and Labyrinthian Tribune. Early on a skeletal dragon rises in a large chamber; raise the gate with the levers and deal with draugr, skeletons, trolls and wisps along the way. One doorway is frozen shut and must be melted with a fire spell before its frost spirit attacks.

Morokei waits in the Tribune, shielded by two of Savos's enthralled companions. Kill them to drop the barrier, then the priest. He carries the Staff of Magnus and his mask, and a word wall in the same chamber teaches part of Slow Time. On the way out the Thalmor mage Estormo tries to take the staff for Ancano.

Shalidor's Maze, Lost Valkygg and Bromjunaar Sanctuary

• Shalidor's Maze, on the east side of the ruins, is a puzzle built by the Arch-Mage Shalidor. Four sigils each want a targeted spell from one school (Alteration, Destruction, Illusion, Restoration); staves for each lie beside a corpse if you lack the spells. A dremora guards the end and drops the Diadem of the Savant, which cuts all spell costs by 5 percent. Walk the outer wall to find a second word wall, for Dismay.
• Lost Valkygg is a draugr crypt reached from the stairs east of the circular building. It ends with a draugr deathlord who always carries ebony weapons and holds the Pickpocket skill book Aevar Stone-Singer.
• Bromjunaar Sanctuary: the Wooden Mask lies in the circular building in the middle of the ruins. Put it on inside that room to be sent back in time to a shrine with eight busts. Place Hevnoraak, Krosis, Morokei, Nahkriin, Otar, Rahgot, Vokun and Volsung on them together to unlock Konahrik, the ninth dragon priest mask.

Loot and tips

• Staff of Magnus, Morokei's mask, the Ancient Helmet of the Unburned and spell tomes such as Equilibrium inside the main ruin.
• An alchemy lab, an arcane enchanter and two gold ore veins in the interior.
• Rest and refill magicka before Morokei; the drain from his voice stacks up over a long dungeon.
• You can visit the exterior, the maze and Lost Valkygg at any level, but save the Ceremonial Door until the College sends you.