Labyrinthian, located in Skyrim, is a captivating ancient religious complex that holds a multitude of enigmatic secrets waiting to be unraveled. Once a significant command and religious center for the Dragon Priests, Labyrinthian now serves as a mere curiosity for adventurers and a footnote in the history of the average Skyrim NPC. Despite this, many players find immense delight in delving into the depths of this age-old structure and discovering the true essence of the Dragon Priests by obtaining their masks.
The pursuit of collecting Dragon Priest masks has become a particularly popular endeavor among players. Not only does it require overcoming some of the most formidable adversaries in Skyrim, but the masks themselves possess potent enchantments and bonuses that enhance various aspects of gameplay for any Dragonborn. Labyrinthian, being the very foundation of power for the Dragon Priests, holds a special place within its heart for all these masks. However, it also offers an unexpected twist that sets it apart from the rest of the complex, further adding to its allure.
What is now known as Labyrinthian in modern Skyrim was once the bustling Nordic city of Bromjunaar. It served as the capital of Skyrim and was the central stronghold of the Dragon Cult. However, after the events of the Dragon War, Bromjunaar was abandoned and left to decay. Located in Hjaalmarch hold, the ruins of Bromjunaar are sparsely visited due to the presence of Frost Trolls who roam the area.
The temple at Labyrinthian can only be accessed by progressing through the Mages' Guild storyline. However, the temple is not where Labyrinthian's greatest secret lies. Instead, all that is needed to uncover the secret is a little curiosity from the Dragonborn. In the heart of Labyrinthian, there is a large burial mound that bears resemblance to the Dragon Burial Mounds found across Skyrim. However, this burial mound is not what it seems; it is actually the Bromjunaar Sanctuary.
Within the Sanctuary, there is a room containing an altar, a Wooden Mask, a skeleton, and a missive written by a thug. Upon reading the missive, the Dragonborn is compelled to wear the mask, which transports them through time. As the Dragonborn dons the mask, the Sanctuary undergoes a remarkable transformation before their very eyes. The once frozen and dilapidated room is restored to its former glory, becoming a warm and welcoming sanctuary with an intact altar. This restored altar is designed to hold the Dragon Priest masks that the Dragonborn has collected throughout their journey. Once all eight masks have been placed on the altar, the ninth mask, known as Konahrik, is unlocked and can be claimed by the Dragonborn.
Why Labyrinthian Has The Best Payoff in Skyrim
The Bromjunaar Sanctuary offers a peaceful and comforting escape from the harsh surroundings of Labyrinthian. It stands out as a standout moment in Skyrim, allowing the player to experience a brief period of time travel that is unique to this location. As the cultural center of ancient Skyrim, this small chamber grants the Dragonborn a glimpse into its former glory, before it became a snow-covered ruin. The time displacement makes it a truly untouched sanctuary, shielding the Dragonborn from any harm that may come from enemies or external forces, even from thousands of years in the past.
Bringing back the Dragon Priest masks to their rightful era, where they were originally created and utilized, is the perfect opportunity to acquire the final mask. The act of traveling back in time to obtain the last mask feels like a well-deserved reward, highlighting the value of quiet moments amidst the chaos. This particular moment holds a special place in Skyrim's extensive lore and history, as it explores the concept of time travel in a way that is unique to this specific room. The significance of this single room and moment in time is enough, as it creates a memorable experience for the player and the collection of the masks.
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