Karstaag is one of the toughest optional bosses of the Dragonborn DLC: the spectral form of a frost giant who once ruled the rieklings of Castle Karstaag on Solstheim. In 3E 427 the Nerevarine killed him during the events of Bloodmoon, but his skull is still enough to call him back – and he is not pleased about it.
Summoning Karstaag
The encounter is an unmarked quest, usually called “Summoning Karstaag”:
- Travel to Glacial Cave and take Karstaag’s skull.
- Bring it to Castle Karstaag Ruins. The door needs a Master-level lockpick, or you can come in through Castle Karstaag Caverns instead.
- Clear out the rieklings who have moved into the ruins.
- Place the skull on the throne. The ruins begin to shake, and a ghostly Karstaag rises from the throne and attacks at once.
When he is beaten he fades away, leaving a pile of ghostly remains to loot.
Reward: Summon Karstaag
Defeating him grants the power Summon Karstaag, which calls the giant to fight at your side. Unusually, it can only be used three times in total; after the third summon it is gone for good, so save it for the fights that really matter.
Where to find him
- Castle Karstaag Ruins – the throne room courtyard where the fight takes place.
- Glacial Cave – where the skull is kept.
- Castle Karstaag Caverns – the alternative route into the ruins.
All three sit on Solstheim.
Lore
Players of Morrowind’s Bloodmoon expansion will remember Karstaag as the giant chieftain of the riekling tribe, slain by the Nerevarine. His battle cries, “Agra Kul!” and “Agra Vel!”, are about all he has to say. His health regeneration and armour make him one of the hardest bosses in Skyrim, and he hits like a regular giant with far more power behind it.
