Skyrim
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Table of contents

Complete Guide to Skyrim: Stealer of Souls Quest

Introduction

The "Stealer of Souls" quest is a part of the Dawnguard DLC in Skyrim, involving the retrieval of a powerful artifact known as the Soul Gem and dealing with the enigmatic figure of the "Soul Cairn." In this guide, we'll cover each part of the quest in detail, ensuring that you're well-prepared to tackle the challenges that await you.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

  1. Starting the Quest

    • Begin by traveling to Fort Dawnguard, a stronghold located in the southeastern part of the map.
      • Speak to Isran, the leader of the Dawnguard, who will inform you about a vampire lord named Harkon.
        • Accept the quest, and Isran will give you your first task: to speak with a vampire named Serana, who possesses important information.
  2. Finding Serana

    • Head to the cave entrance at the Dimhollow Crypt, which is west of the fort.
      • Enter the crypt and proceed through until you find Serana's sarcophagus.
        • Open it, and upon waking her, she will automatically join your quest as a follower.
  3. Retrieving the Elder Scroll

    • After initiating conversation with Serana, she will mention an Elder Scroll.
      • Follow her deeper into the crypt until you reach the area with the Dwarven spider enemies.
        • Defeat the enemies in the area and continue navigating through the crypt until you reach the main chamber.
  4. Encountering the Vampire Cultists

    • In the main chamber, you will confront a group of Vampire Cultists.
      • Eliminate them quickly, as they will try to stop you from retrieving the Elder Scroll.
        • Speak to Serana after the fight to gather more information about her past and the scroll.
  5. Using the Elder Scroll

    • Once you've acquired the scroll, Serana will explain how to use it to locate the Soul Cairn.
      • Head to a new location: the Whiterun Stables. You can fast travel if you have already visited it.
        • Find the glowing portal and use the Elder Scroll, which will allow you to access the Soul Cairn.
  6. Exploring the Soul Cairn

    • Once in the Soul Cairn, immerse yourself in the eerie environment filled with lost souls and supernatural beings.
      • Follow Serana with the intention of locating her mother, Valerica.
        • Be wary of the aggressive creatures like the Soul Husks and avoid combat when unnecessary to conserve resources.
  7. The Confrontation with the Keepers

    • As you proceed, expect to encounter the Keepers, powerful entities that guard the Soul Cairn.
      • Defeat them by utilizing a combination of ranged and melee attacks; remember to focus on healing as needed.
        • After dispatching the Keepers, continue deeper into the Soul Cairn toward Valerica’s location.
  8. Finding Valerica

    • Upon locating Valerica, interact with her to commence a dialogue.
      • She will explain the details of your mission and grant you the Soul Gem.
        • Valerica will inform you about Harkon and the importance of his plan regarding the sun.
  9. Returning to Fort Dawnguard

    • After all dialogues are complete, return to the exit portal of the Soul Cairn.
      • Upon arrival at Fort Dawnguard, share your knowledge with Isran and the team.
        • This will trigger the next phase of the Dawnguard quest line, setting up further challenges.
  10. Ending the Quest

    • The quest “Stealer of Souls” will end once you’ve shared the necessary information.
      • You will gain important upgrades and bonuses towards your ongoing campaign against the vampire threat.
        • Make sure to check in with companions and prepare for upcoming battles.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully completed the "Stealer of Souls" quest in Skyrim. By following this guide carefully, you should have gained a wealth of insights into the lore of the Soul Cairn and equipped yourself with valuable knowledge about your future confrontations with Harkon and his minions. Ready your weapons and spells, as the adventures in Skyrim are far from over!