What is Under Winterhold?
Winterhold is a college of magic located in the frozen wilderness of Skyrim, a vast and mystical world filled with ancient ruins, mythical creatures, and hidden secrets. While many adventurers flock to the college to learn the arcane arts, few take the time to explore the hidden depths beneath their feet. But what lies beneath Winterhold, and what secrets await those brave enough to uncover them?
The Midden
One of the most significant secrets hidden beneath Winterhold is the Midden, a mysterious and ancient dungeon filled with powerful artifacts, hidden puzzles, and ancient ruins. To access the Midden, adventurers must first locate three hidden entrances: a trapdoor in the northern corner of the college courtyard, another trapdoor at the base of the stairwell in the Hall of Countenance, and a third entrance hidden in the northern face of the rocky outcropping that the college rests upon.
The Daedric Hand
Within the Midden lies the Daedric Hand, a powerful and ancient puzzle that requires the placement of four ornamental rings to unlock its secrets. These rings, known as Pithi’s Ring, Treoy’s Ring, Balwen’s Ring, and Katarina’s Ring, can be found in a locked chest in the Arcanaeum and must be returned to the gauntlet in the Midden Dark to solve the puzzle.
The Oathblade
Another powerful artifact hidden beneath Winterhold is the Oathblade, a unique and legendary sword said to be capable of inflicting 11 points of base damage and 25 Stamina damage. The Oathblade can be crafted using the Atronach Forge, a powerful ancient device capable of transforming Ebony equipment into Daedric artifacts.
Ebony to Daedric: The Atronach Forge
The Atronach Forge is a powerful device that allows adventurers to craft Daedric artifacts using Ebony equipment. To use the forge, adventurers must first gather the necessary ingredients, including a Soul Gem with a Greater Soul or better, a Daedra Heart, a Centurion Dynamo Core, and a piece of Ebony equipment. Once these ingredients are gathered, adventurers can combine them to create powerful Daedric artifacts, including the Oathblade.
Table of Daedric Artifacts
Here is a table of the Daedric artifacts that can be crafted using the Atronach Forge:
| Artifact | Ingredients | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Oathblade | Ebony Sword, Soul Gem with Greater Soul, Daedra Heart, Centurion Dynamo Core | 11 base damage, 25 Stamina damage |
| Ebony Mail | Ebony Gauntlets, Soul Gem with Greater Soul, Daedra Heart, Centurion Dynamo Core | Increased armor rating |
| Boots of Springheel Jak | Ebony Boots, Soul Gem with Greater Soul, Daedra Heart, Centurion Dynamo Core | Increased movement speed |
| Helm of Winterhold | Ebony Helmet, Soul Gem with Greater Soul, Daedra Heart, Centurion Dynamo Core | Increased intelligence |
Conclusion
Winterhold, a college of magic nestled in the frozen wilderness of Skyrim, holds many secrets beneath its ancient stones. From the mysterious Midden to the powerful Atronach Forge, adventurers brave enough to explore the depths beneath Winterhold can unlock powerful artifacts and uncover the secrets of the ancient college. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a new explorer, Winterhold offers a wealth of opportunities for discovery and excitement.