Irkngthand

It is located west of Windhelm and south of Yorgrim Overlook, and is the location of the Thieves Guild quest Blindsighted.

The Dragonborn cannot gain entry to the ruin before starting this quest (See Dungeon Lock Outs). Approaching North East from Shearpoint allows entrance by descending from the mountains and if carried out correctly can lead the Dragonborn immediately to the Bandit Chief, avoiding several other bandits.

Overview
In the courtyard of the ruin there are five bandits and a chest. All but one of the entrances to the interior of the ruin have collapsed. Internally, Irkngthand harbours the only known statue of a Snow Elf, before betrayal by the Dwarves caused them to degenerate into the vengeful Falmer.

Due to the high numbers of Falmer, Chaurus and other undesirables which inhabit the ruin, Irkngthand is one of the most difficult Dwemer sites to explore, although a high sneak skill can prevent conflict within several areas, notably the Irkngthand Slave Pens, in which it is possible to sneak through the entire section without engaging a single enemy.

Notable Items

 * Quest Item: The Eyes of the Falmer
 * Quest Item: Skeleton Key

Alchemy Ingredients
For a budding alchemist, Irkngthand features a treasure trove of Alchemy Ingredients. As with any Dwemer ruin, it is possible to loot Dwarven Oil from the remains of automatons, whilst Falmer often drop Falmer Ears, and occasionally other alchemical ingredients. Additionally, the existence of Chaurus within the ruins provides Chaurus eggs, and Chaurus Hunter Antennae, whilst Skeever Tails, Charred Skeever Hide and Spider Eggs can also be obtained.

Finally, Falmer have apparently taken to cultivating fungi within the dungeon, and as a result, a variety can be harvested, including Imp Stool, Blisterwort, Bleeding Crown, White Cap, Namira's Rot and Fly Amanita, whilst Glowing Mushrooms can often be harvested from the walls of the ruin.

Blindsighted
After becoming a Nightingale the Dragonborn is tasked to eliminate Mercer Frey who is hiding in Irkngthand and retrieve the Skeleton Key.

Trivia

 * In a room completely looted, written backwards on the wall it says. "One step ahead" - (Mercer Frey)
 * In Raldbthar, a key can be looted from one of Alain Dufont's guards called Irkngthand Consortium Key. As there is no such location in the game and the key would not be representing anything else, the key has zero purpose to the Dragonborn.

Appearances

 * The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (mentioned only)

Irkngthand Иркнтанд