Dragon Priests were the rulers of the ancient Dragon Cult, and death hasn’t made them any friendlier. They float through the deepest halls of the old ruins, hurling magic and summoning atronachs, and each one wears a unique mask that’s among the best headgear in the game.
Where to find them
At the end of certain Nordic ruins, usually in a sarcophagus that bursts open when you approach. One of them, Nahkriin, waits for you at Skuldafn during the main quest.
The masks
There are eight high-ranking priests in Skyrim, each with his own mask: Hevnoraak (Valthume), Krosis (Shearpoint), Morokei (Labyrinthian), Nahkriin (Skuldafn), Otar the Mad (Ragnvald), Rahgot (Forelhost), Vokun (High Gate Ruins) and Volsung (Volskygge). Collect the eight original ones and you can unlock a ninth mask, Konahrik, at a shrine in the ruin of Labyrinthian.
Abilities & attacks
- Destruction magic (fire, frost or shock depending on the priest)
- Summons atronachs
- Floats and keeps its distance
- Staff melee at close range
How to beat it
Close the distance or fight from cover – they are much weaker when they can't spam spells. Absorb or resist potions for their element help a lot, and killing the summoned atronach first stops you from being flanked. Bring health and magicka potions; these are boss fights.
Loot & harvestables
Dragon Priest Mask (unique per priest)
Dragon Priest Staff
Dragon Priest Dagger (some)
Lore & trivia
In the Merethic Era the Dragon Cult ruled Skyrim on behalf of the dragons. When the dragons fell, their priests were sealed away in their tombs – and guarded by draugr.
Unofficial fan wiki. Facts are checked against the games; spot something wrong? Let us know.