The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim – The Way of the Voice Quest Guide
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim introduced the lore of the Dragonborn, placing the player character in a position of great power and responsibility. With newly acquired access to the Voice, the Dragonborn was in desperate need of guidance and instruction on how to put their power to good use. Directed to speak with the Greybeards at High Hrothgar, the journey to their isolated monastery atop the Throat of the World in Skyrim can be dangerous, especially if the player character’s level is relatively low.
First and foremost, the Dragonborn must find their way to the path merging with the 7,000 steps that lead to the monastery. That path contains as many perils as it does wonders. With great caution, the journey begins in Ivarstead, which is situated southeast of White run at base of the mountain.
Mission: The 7,000 Steps
Depending on where the Dragonborn begins their journey, they will need to travel to Ivarstead. If leaving directly from Whiterun, set a map icon near the east-facing side of the mountain, which will guide the player in the right direction. Travel southeast around the edge of the mountain, avoiding attempting to reach it from the side. Upon arriving in Ivarstead, speak with the villagers, as there are a few side-quests offered, including one that can be completed upon reaching High Hrothgar.
Find the bridge leading to the 7,000 steps. Before crossing it, speak to Klimmek, who will offer a side-quest to deliver goods to the chest outside the monastery. Then, cross the bridge to begin climbing the steps. There are 10 Wayshrines along the stairs, and stopping to read each one of them completes another side-quest, which grants the player a 24 hour Wayshrine Blessing called “Voice of the Sky.”
There are a variety of enemies on the path, including wolves and skeevers, and just after the fourth Wayshrine, there is a frost troll hunkering down in the cave. Depending on the player’s level, dealing with the frost troll from a distance could mean the difference between life and death. Be sure to save before reaching the fourth Wayshrine to avoid having to start over near the bottom. Trolls can deal a significant amount of damage, so keep out of melee range, especially when it starts raising its arms to attack. Scaling the rocks near its cavern is one way to avoid it entirely, or the player can simply run past it, as trolls tend to move very slowly. If playing as a Nord, the “Battle Cry” racial power will frighten it off for 30 seconds, which is plenty of time to get well outside its range.
A dragon battle near the end of the path may also spawn, so keep an eye out and be prepared for the worst. After defeating the dragon, absorb its soul and proceed up the path. Two pilgrims can be spoken to on the journey, but for the most part, it is a long, solitary climb to the top of the mountain, which becomes colder and icier with height.
Mission: The Thu’um
Upon reaching the end of the 7,000 steps, the monastery comes into view. Deliver Klimmek’s pack into the chest outside if carrying it for him and head through the doors. There are four monks within, and one named Arngeir comes forward to speak with the player. He calls them Dragonborn, though it’s clear he has doubts about the player’s abilities. To set his mind at ease, he will ask the Dragonborn to demonstrate their power; use the “Unrelenting Force” shout, then speak to them.
During this conversation, Arngeir reveals the history of the Greybeards, telling the player about the Dragonborn, their potential responsibilities and their destiny. He also details the nature of each Thu’um, explaining that fully-powered Dragon Shouts consist of three words. The player already knows the FUS (force) portion of “Unrelenting Force,” and Brother Einarth will display the second portion of the shout, RO. After absorbing the power of RO, targets appear in a circle before the Dragonborn. The player must dispatch three with their newly empowered Thu’um to satisfy the Greybeards curiosity and move on to the next lesson.
Mission: Whirlwind Sprint
After completing the task, follow Brother Borii outside into the courtyard behind the monastery. Here, they will teach the Dragonborn “Nah,” the first word of the “Whirlwind Sprint” shout — which features heavily into the next task they must carry out in this quest-line. Absorb the word’s power from the ground where it was displayed, then Borii will go to the gates. Select this new shout in controls, then use it to transport to him through the gates.
Once this task is complete, Arngeir announces that the Dragonborn’s training is complete. Speak to him for the next task in this quest-line, and he will send the Dragonborn to retrieve the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller in Ustengrav. There is additional information the player can learn from him through dialogue. After leaving and returning to him, he will update the map with rumored locations of other dragon shouts the player can seek out.
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