Keening is one of the legendary Tools of Kagrenac – the Dwemer blade that once helped tap the Heart of Lorkhan beneath Red Mountain. The version in Skyrim is a nearly transparent dagger with a very strange enchantment, and possibly not the real thing at all.
How to get it
During the College of Winterhold quest “Arniel’s Endeavor”, Arniel Gane sends you after it. It’s found at one of many radiant locations, including Cragslane Cavern, Darkwater Pass, Mistwatch, Morvunskar, Pinepeak Cavern and Redwater Den.
Enchantment
- Before the quest is done: “Mortal Wound” lowers your maximum health, stamina and magicka by 5 while equipped.
- Afterwards: “Keening’s Sting” can absorb 10 points of health, magicka and stamina on a hit.
The catch: Keening can’t be recharged with soul gems. Once the charge is gone, it’s about as good as an Elven dagger.
Smithing
None – it can’t be crafted or improved at all.
Lore
Arniel is shocked that you survived holding it, since the real Keening needs the gauntlet Wraithguard. The old Plan to Defeat Dagoth Ur notes that a Keening usable without Wraithguard would be a counterfeit – make of that what you will.
