The Ebony Warrior is a side quest added by the Dragonborn add-on, and one of the toughest duels in the game. Unusually for this DLC it starts on the Skyrim mainland, not on Solstheim. A Redguard veteran clad in ebony has done everything there is to do, slain every villain and finished every quest, and he has decided that only you can give him an honourable death and a seat in Sovngarde.
How to start
You must be level 80. After that, the Ebony Warrior usually seeks you out in the first hold capital you visit. If he does not show up, check these spots:
- Whiterun, by the city gates
- Riften, outside the Scorched Hammer, by the forge
- Markarth, outside the Warrens
- Windhelm, behind Candlehearth Hall
- Falkreath, by the town entrance
- Solitude, by the Hall of the Dead
Walkthrough
Hear the challenge
The warrior walks up and announces that the time has come. He explains that you are the last challenge left to him, tells you to prepare yourself, and asks you to meet him at his last vigil.
Travel to the Last Vigil
The Last Vigil is a campsite high in the Velothi Mountains. The Ebony Warrior is waiting there and will not start the fight himself; combat begins when you strike first, so you can take your time to buff up.
Defeat the Ebony Warrior
Expect a long battle. His toolkit, as described in the source:
- Ebony armor with a large defensive bonus
- An ebony sword that absorbs health
- An ebony bow that can paralyze you for a few seconds thanks to the Bullseye perk
- The Unrelenting Force shout
- Restoration spells to heal himself
- Frost Cloak, which punishes close combat by draining stamina, and Ebonyflesh to cut physical damage
When he finally falls, he greets Sovngarde with his last breath and the quest completes.
Rewards
- Everything the Ebony Warrior carries and wears, including his ebony gear
Tips and notes
- Because he waits for you to strike first, prepare potions, spells and summons before attacking.
- Shouts that slow or stagger, such as Slow Time, can help against his heavy melee combos.
- If you are above level 80 and have not met him before the final battle of the civil war, he may be waiting in the city where that battle takes place.
