Wuunferth the Unliving is the court wizard of Windhelm, serving Ulfric Stormcloak in the Palace of the Kings. He’s an elderly Nord and a member of the College of Winterhold, which makes him a bit of an oddity in a city full of axe-loving Stormcloaks. His spooky nickname and gloomy reputation make him the town’s favourite suspect whenever something dark happens, and something very dark is happening.
Where to find them
His quarters are in the Palace of the Kings, through the first door on the left as you enter and at the end of the hall on the upper floor. The room comes with an arcane enchanter and an alchemy lab. If you get him arrested during Blood on the Ice, he sits in the Bloodworks jail at the barracks until he’s cleared.
Quests
Wuunferth is central to Blood on the Ice. The Butcher’s journal points to the court mage, and both Viola Giordano and Calixto Corrium push you towards him. You can report him to Jorleif, who has him dragged away while Wuunferth protests he’s been hunting the killer himself. The quest seems finished, but the murders continue, proving he was framed. Alternatively, accuse him of necromancy to his face. He’s offended, says he’s never kept a journal, and identifies the strange amulet as the legendary Necromancer’s Amulet. Having tracked the pattern of the killings, he predicts the next one will happen in the Stone Quarter the following night.
He can also be the target of the Companions job Hired Muscle from Farkas, where you beat him in a fistfight until he gives up.
Services
Wuunferth sells spells and trains Destruction. He’s happy to help, but reminds you to be careful who and what you practise on.
Personality & relationships
He believes magic, not muscle, is the true power in the world. He’s also smug: he says the rumours about him are probably true and that his research would only confuse you. Despite the attitude he’s loyal to Windhelm and to Ulfric, who can have any favour he asks. After an arrest he holds a grudge, but still helps you catch the real killer.
Good to know
He claims the College banned necromancy centuries ago, but Phinis Gestor at the College disagrees. Also, a bloody skull sits on his enchanting table. If the Imperials win the civil war, he may refuse you training and services. Summon an atronach near him and he’ll call you a fool, and steal from him and he’ll send hired thugs.
Quick facts
- Gender: Male
- Level: 15
- Class: Sorcerer
- Status: Killable
- Found in: Windhelm
- Services: Sells spells; trains Destruction (Expert)
- Trains: Destruction – Expert (up to 75)
- Base ID: 00014146
Also in Windhelm
Adelaisa Vendicci, Adisla, Adonato Leotelli, Ambarys Rendar, Angrenor Once-Honored, Arivanya, Aval Atheron, Belyn Hlaalu, Bolfrida Brandy-Mug, Brunwulf Free-Winter, Calder, Calixto Corrium.
Race, level, class and factions read from the Skyrim game files; story details checked against community wiki articles and written in our own words.