Highlights
Skyrim's Anniversary Edition includes new quests and items that reference past titles, including a weapon owned by one of Elder Scrolls Online's prominent characters.
In the Skyrim quest "Dreams of the Dead," players have the opportunity to obtain Mannimarco's coveted treasures, namely the Staff of Worms and the Bloodworm Helm, by solving engaging puzzles.
Upon successfully completing the quest, players are rewarded not only with these formidable items but are also granted Gallow's Hall as their new living space in Windhelm. This location boasts valuable loot and includes an enchanting table for players to utilize.
Part of the joy that arises from playing games in a well-established franchise like The Elder Scrolls is the exploration of the shared lore. In Skyrim, the game references a previous antagonist, while prequels delve into significant historical events. Released in late 2021, Skyrim’s Anniversary Edition introduces new quests and items that make nods to past titles. Notably, it includes a weapon once wielded by one of the most prominent characters from the Elder Scrolls Online (ESO).
Despite being a more recent game, ESO is actually set before the events of Skyrim and even the very first Elder Scrolls game, Arena. It takes place in the Second Era, a time when three factions at war saw an opportunity to expand their territories following the fall of the Reman Dynasty. The Tharn Imperial family, seeking to defend their province from invading factions, formed an alliance with a lich named Mannimarco, who raised an army from their fallen soldiers. However, this necromancer eventually betrayed his employers and aligned himself with the Daedric Prince Molag Bal. Molag Bal is a notorious character referenced in various texts throughout the franchise, including the latest callback found in a powerful item within Skyrim’s Anniversary content.
Relics Belonging to The Elder Scrolls Online’s Infamous Necromancer Can be Found in Skyrim
Mannimarco, an Elven lich, played a significant role in major conflicts within Tamriel, including the Soulburst depicted in the lore of The Elder Scrolls Online. Originally a skilled mage in the Psijic Order, he was banished due to his dark experiments with necromancy. Traveling the continent, he garnered a following of admirers who were enthralled by his formidable magical prowess and ability to raise the dead. Additionally, he established and led the Order of the Black Worm, a cult devoted to the practice of necromancy. Mannimarco ultimately achieved lichdom, a form of undead existence known for its immense power and intellect.
Although renowned for his magical abilities, Mannimarco did not possess an abundance of artifacts. Following his demise, only three possessions remained: the Staff of Worms, the Bloodworm Helm, and the Necromancer's Amulet. Exclusive to the Anniversary Edition, these first two items can be obtained during the Dreams of the Dead quest in Skyrim.
Finishing the Dreams of the Dead Quest in Skyrim Comes With a Lot of Perks
The quest begins by guiding the Dragonborn to Mara's Pond, located southwest of Windhelm. Upon arrival, they will discover a wooden door situated on the side of the mountain leading them to Gallows Hall. Upon entering, an eerie atmosphere similar to Skyrim's House of Horrors quest engulfs the room, filled with mist and objects swirling about chaotically. The player must then solve a series of puzzles to acquire Mannimarco's prized possessions. These challenges involve tasks such as activating torches in a specific sequence, collecting and placing soul gems in the correct locations.
As the Dragonborn successfully solves each puzzle, they will obtain the Staff of Worms and the Bloodworm Helm. The staff, rooted in necromantic powers, bestows the ability to reanimate the corpse of targeted NPCs using the Dead Thrall conjuration spell, transforming them into loyal undead companions. However, this ability does not extend to deceased animals. Conversely, the helm reduces the magicka cost of Conjuration spells by 25% and augments damage inflicted upon undead creatures by 25%. Additionally, upon completing the quest, the Dragonborn can make use of Gallows Hall as their new dwelling, which provides ample treasures and includes an enchanting table.
The Dreams of the Dead mission in Skyrim's Anniversary Edition is considered exceptional, providing players with two formidable new items and the opportunity to acquire a free residence in Windhelm. Afterwards, players may opt to embrace necromancy by utilizing Mannimarco's Staff of Worms and Bloodworm Helm, showcasing these historical artifacts in their newfound abode, or alternatively, sell the items for additional currency.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is currently accessible on various platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.