City · Hjaalmarch
Small marsh town and capital of Hjaalmarch, ruled by the visionary Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone. The quest Laid to Rest uncovers a vampire plot that leads to Movarth's Lair nearby.
Morthal is the capital of Hjaalmarch on the Skyrim map.
Morthal is the capital of Hjaalmarch, a small town on the southern edge of the Drajkmyr marsh in northern Skyrim. Thick fog hangs over it most of the time. The town sits between Solitude to the north west and Dawnstar to the north east, with the road south leading over the hills to Whiterun. Movarth's Lair, the vampire den at the heart of the town's main quest, is a short walk north across the marsh. Morthal has no stables and no carriage.
Highmoon Hall is the Jarl's longhouse. The Moorside Inn is run by Jonna, with the Orc bard Lurbuk performing badly enough to become a Dark Brotherhood target. The Thaumaturgist's Hut is Lami's alchemy shop, and Falion's House belongs to the town's wizard, who sells spells. Alva's House and Thonnir's House both matter in Laid to Rest, and the Guardhouse holds the town's small garrison. A lumber mill by the water is the only real industry.
Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone, known for her visions, rules from Highmoon Hall with her husband Aslfur as steward. If the Stormcloaks take Hjaalmarch, Sorli the Builder becomes Jarl with her husband Pactur as steward. After you complete Laid to Rest and a few favors for the townsfolk, the Jarl names you Thane of Hjaalmarch and Valdimar becomes your housecarl.
There is no house for sale in town, but with Hearthfire you can buy the plot for Windstad Manor in the north of the hold, north of Ustengrav and south of High Gate Ruins. The land costs 5,000 gold from Aslfur in Highmoon Hall once Laid to Rest is complete; under Sorli no quest is required. See Skyrim Hearthfire houses.
Laid to Rest starts when you ask about the burned house: the ghost of the girl Helgi leads you to Alva's coffin and finally to Movarth's Lair. Rising at Dawn is the cure for vampirism, performed by Falion at a summoning circle outside town at dawn. Falion's Secret is a smaller favor about the same wizard, and Thane of Hjaalmarch is offered by the Jarl.
Falion is a master Conjuration trainer and spell merchant, Lami sells potions and teaches Alchemy, and Jonna at the inn sells food and rents beds. See Skyrim trainers.
Morthal is in northern Skyrim on the edge of the Drajkmyr marsh, south of the coast between Solitude and Dawnstar. It is the capital of Hjaalmarch.
Idgrod Ravencrone, with her husband Aslfur as steward. Sorli the Builder replaces her if the Stormcloaks take the hold.
Talk to Falion in Morthal to start Rising at Dawn. Bring him a filled black soul gem and meet him at the summoning circle outside town at dawn.
Not in town. With Hearthfire, Aslfur sells the Windstad Manor plot for 5,000 gold after you finish Laid to Rest.
Ask about the burned down house in Morthal, or speak to Jarl Idgrod in Highmoon Hall. The ghost of Helgi appears at the ruins at night.