Stillborn Cave is an icy cavern north of Windhelm, not far from Snow Veil Sanctum. It has two entrances, and which one you pick decides whether the cave eases you in or throws you straight at its nastiest residents. Either way you’re in for a fight with the Falmer and their chaurus pets.
What you’ll find
- An easy-going entrance where a chaurus or a giant frostbite spider waits down a flight of stairs, and a harder one that greets you with two chaurus and a Falmer.
- Several chambers of Falmer – Skulkers, Nightprowlers, Gloomlurkers and Shadowmasters – including a pair waiting in ambush.
- A tripwire that sets off a Falmer claw trap.
- A waterfall walkway leading to a large cavern where a leveled Falmer boss lurks with two chaurus.
- Four Falmer chests with random loot, and a final chest on the upper level where the boss stood.
Quests
The cave is a possible location for Family Heirloom and for Shalidor’s writings in Shalidor’s Insights.
Notable items
- The Warrior’s Charge skill book, near the tripwire trap – step around the ice pillar to reach it.
- An apothecary’s satchel with a few alchemy ingredients in the same spot.
- Lots of chaurus eggs.
- A Falmer Skulker that may carry a valuable staff.
Tips
If the first thing you see is two chaurus and a Falmer, you’ve come in through the hard end – back out and use the other door if you’re not ready. From the easier entrance, go right first; at the room with two Falmer, the right path leads to a chest, the middle to another chest and a Skulker, and the left to the tripwire. Step over it, unless you enjoy being clawed. Pack poison resistance or cure potions for the chaurus. Backtracking after killing the Gloomlurker may spawn a fresh chaurus and Skulker, so don’t drop your guard on the way out.
Good to know
Chaurus eggs are a handy alchemy ingredient, and this cave has more than most, so bring an empty bag if you’re a potion maker.
Nearby
Closest places covered on TamrielSaga: Whistling Mine, Journeyman’s Nook, Snow Veil Sanctum, Winterhold Stormcloak Camp, Fort Kastav.
Location data (hold, map position, editor ID) read from the Skyrim game files; details checked against community wiki articles and summarised in our own words.
