There’s no shortage of danger in theElder Scrollsuniverse. The pursuit of forbidden knowledge is often especially perilous, especially when a Daedric Prince is concerned.Tangling with Hermaeus MorainSkyrim’sDragonbornDLC can be hazardous to one’s health, but the potential rewards from exploring his realm of Apocrypha are lucrative.
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One of the prince’s more useful boons is his collection of Black Books, tomes of fantastical and esoteric knowledge. Only seven such books exist, each one offering a wide range of otherworldly benefits. The best part is that the Dragonborn can collect them all. That is, if the player can find them, of course.
One Book, Two Adventures
Before starting the hunt for the Black Books in earnest, it’s worth mentioning something. Most Black Book quests consist of two “phases,” so to speak. Locating the physical copy of the book on Solstheim is the first part. Then, to obtain the rewards the book offers, players must make another trek through Mora’s realm of Apocrypha.
Veteran players won’t find anything too surprising on the second leg of the journey through Apocrypha. Key information the player may find useful will be noted under each book’s respective entry. Otherwise, there isn’t much that will slow fans down amidst their hunt for forbidden knowledge. Still, it’s worth noting that Apocrypha always contains enemies in the form ofLurkers and Seekers. Be prepared to battle them throughout the “Chapters” of each Black Book.
7Epistolary Acumen
The process of finding Epistolary Acumen is relatively straightforward, since its attainment is part of the main questline inDragonborn. Players will travel withNelothto the Dwemer ruin ofNchardakas part of “The Path of Knowledge” quest. Follow Neloth’s instructions, and Epistolary Acumen can be retrieved without too much hassle.
Epistolary Acument grants one of three possibleimprovements to the player’s Shouts. They consist of:
The Journey Through Apocrypha
The Apocrypha segment associated with this book is part of “The Gardener of Men” main quest. Players will speak with Hermaeus Mora himself as they get the chance toexplore his realm of Oblivionfor the first time.
There’s nothing particularly complicated about this segment. Justactivate the Scryesalong the way to unfurl bridges/unlock gates, etc.
6Waking Dreams
Waking Dreams is yet another Black Book that can be found during the main questline, as players will read it when they’re ready for theirfinal showdown with Miraak. Finding Waking Dreams isn’t too difficult. Completing “The Temple of Miraak” with Frea grants this item to the player.
Unlike other Black Books,Waking Dreams only provides one function. After players have defeated Miraak, reading this book will allow them toreset the perk points of a particular skill tree. Doing so willcost a single Dragon Soul.
5Filament & Filigree
Retrieving the book Filament and Filigree requires the completion of the “Unearthed” side quest. Speak toRalis SedarysatKolbjorn Barrowto get the ball rolling. The quest takes place infour stages, whereby players must make a1000 gold investment for each stage. Each stage also consists ofclearing out Draugrfrom the excavation site.
The fourth and final stage consists of aboss fight against Ahzidal, a Dragon Priest. Once Ahzidal is defeated, players are rewarded with Filament & Filigree. The book’s rewards include:
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This Apocrypha segment throws a unique wrench into the mix. In addition to the standard enemies, players can also take damagewhen stepping into areas that are bathed in shadow. To prevent this, alwaysstay in lit areas or utilize spells such as Candlelight. Otherwise, keep following the linear path to the Black Book.
4Untold Legends
Untold Legends is one of the more interesting Black Books, considering the possible reward choices it offers. Players can find Untold Legends inBenkongerike, a cave at thenorth end of the island. Some Rieklings inhabit the area, so be prepared. The solution to the gate puzzle guarding the books is, from left to right:Eagle,Whale,Whale,Snake.
Untold Legends rewards the player with three possible allies, which include:
This leg of the journey isn’t as linear compared to some of the other books, but it’s nothing to be worried about. Just follow these instructions for the quickest path to the book:
3The Hidden Twilight
Accessing The Hidden Twilight book is perhaps the easiest of the bunch. It’s located inTel Mithryn, the home of the irritableNeloth. Obtaining the book requires the completion of the “Reluctant Steward” quest for Neloth. Once the Dragonborn finds a replacement steward for the fastidious Dark Elf, and book is theirs to keep.
Any of The Hidden Twilight’s three potential rewards can come in handy in a combat scenario. They consist of:
Although this part of the journey may seem intimidating, it’s not terribly complicated. Players must work their way up through the Chapters to unlock each subsequent path. Justenter the Chapters in sequential orderandactivate the Scryes along the way. The book is located inChapter VIII.
2The Winds Of Change
The Winds of Change can be collected upon completion of the side quest “The Final Descent,” which players may begin by speaking toCrescius CaerelliusinRaven Rock. After clearingRaven Rock Mineof enemies,including the Dragon Priest Zahkriisos, the Black Book can be added to the player’s collection.
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This Apocrypha segment is entirely linear, no branching paths to confuse the player. There will, however, beSeekers and Lurkersto impede one’s progress. Bring along weapons and spells to make short work of these ugly pests.
1The Sallow Regent
The Sallow Regent is located withinWhite Ridge Barrowon thenorthern edge of Solstheim. It’s a pretty standard dungeon-crawl, one that most players should be familiar with at this point. Be prepared to battleSpiders,Reavers, andDraugr. At the end of the dungeon, predictably, is the player’s reward.
The Sallow Regent primarily offers bonuses to the player’s skills. The choices include:
Like with Filament & Filigree, players will once againtake damage when entering the dark parts of the map. Keep close to the light sources and use spells likeCandlelight, or a simple torch.The Black Book will besitting on a pedestalat the end of the segment.
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