Southfringe Sanctum is a remote, snow-dusted cave in the mountains south of Helgen, close to the sealed border gate into Cyrodiil. It serves as the base of Bashnag, a spellsword warlord, and his coven of battle-mages. Come for the boss chest and the skill book, stay for the ore veins and the surprisingly well-equipped workshop – and maybe free the prisoner wrapped up in spider silk while you’re at it.
What you’ll find
- Spellswords throughout the cave, led by Bashnag in his own chamber.
- Frostbite spiders in a side passage, where Selveni Nethri hangs trapped in webs.
- An alchemy lab at the entrance and another along the right-hand path, an anvil in the large chamber and an arcane enchanter in Bashnag’s room.
- Iron and silver ore veins near the chicken cage and tent past the first gate.
- Pumpkin, a uniquely named fox living inside the cave.
Quests
- The Savior of Selveni Nethri: cut her loose and escort her out of the cave.
- The Break of Dawn: Meridia’s Beacon can turn up here.
- Onmund’s Request: the staff Enthir wants back for Onmund may be here.
- Lost Relic (Dawnguard), Find Runil’s Journal, Trouble in Skyrim, Fetch Me That Book! (The Waters of Oblivion) and Shalidor’s Insights can all send you here.
Notable items
- The Art of War Magic (Destruction skill book) and Ancient Nord Armor on Bashnag.
- A boss chest in Bashnag’s room, a chest hidden behind a tree near the entrance and another behind a column.
- Outside to the north, at an unmarked spot called The Headless Skeleton: a chest beside a skeleton with The Warrior’s Charge propped against it, plus a Necromancer’s Journal nearby.
- Silver veins north of the cave and three moonstone veins by and above the blocked gate to Cyrodiil to the south.
Tips
Nothing in here respawns, so loot thoroughly the first time. If Selveni gets stuck at the exit, waiting an hour inside usually sorts her out. Before leaving the area, walk south to the border gate for moonstone – smiths will thank you.
Nearby
Closest places covered on TamrielSaga: Fort Neugrad, Greywater Grotto, Helgen, Falkreath Stormcloak Camp, Bloodlet Throne.
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.