Nchuand-Zel

Nchuand-Zel is a Dwemer Ruin located located beneath the city of Markarth. Access to the ruins is through Understone Keep and the Nchuand-Zel Excavation Site.

The Lost Expedition
With its defensive automatons deactivated, it is overrun with Falmer, thwarting any attempts to study its artifacts and treasures. Calcelmo asks the Dragonborn to defeat Nimhe, a giant frostbite spider that's been preventing progress at the dig site. After killing the spider, they gain access to Nchuand-Zel. Alternatively, the lock can be picked for access without needing to talk to Calcelmo. If picked, it is an adept-level lock.

The entrance to Nchuand-Zel is a large chamber with several sections. The men working in Nchuand-Zel attempted to block the Falmer from entering the ruins, but the creatures were too strong for the men to hold back. While exploring the Armory, Quarters and Control, the Dragonborn finds notes and journals from the men who were working in the ruins along the way.

After completing The Lost Expedition and activating the Dwemer Defenses, the Dragonborn can witness a short fight between a Dwemer Centurion and a few Falmer.

Related quests

 * The Lost Expedition
 * Possible location for the quest Ancient Technology.

Notable items

 * Moonstone ore vein next to the entrance to Nchuand-Zel Control.
 * Nchuand-Zel is littered with Dwemer artifacts which can be smelted into Dwarven metal ingots for the enterprising smith. There is enough salvage to create over three-hundred ingots. Just be careful to pick up only smeltable material, as there is just as much junk scattered about as well.
 * In the armory, a full set of Dwarven Armor and Dwarven Greatsword behind an Expert-locked gate on the right, can be obtained when facing the statue behind the chest.

Appearances


Nchuand-Zel Нчуанд-Зел