Elder Scrolls
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Elder Scrolls

Main article: Dragon Priest
"Noble Nord, forever remembered: mighty Vahlok, whose great courage inspired both men and dragon"
―Word Wall for Battle Fury, Vahlok's Tomb[src]

Vahlok (Dovahzul: VAhLOK Vahlok, "Guardian"), most known as Vahlok the Jailor, was a dragon priest. Along with Ahzidal, Dukaan, Miraak and Zahkriisos, he is one of the five named dragon priests found on Solstheim. His full name translates to "Guardian" in the dragon tongue.

History

According to Skaal folklore, Vahlok served as a dragon priest during the rule of dragons in the Merethic Era.[1]

One of his contemporaries, a priest named Miraak, was seduced with promises of power and forbidden knowledge by the Daedric Prince of Knowledge and Fate, Hermaeus Mora. Miraak began to secretly plot against his dragon overlords, however Vahlok discovered his plans and confronted him. The two fought a lengthy battle that was said to have lasted for days and was so destructive that Solstheim was torn apart from the mainland of Skyrim.[1]

At this point, the series of events that took place is unclear. Skaal legend mentions that Vahlok eventually defeated Miraak, but just as he was about to kill him, Hermaeus Mora saved Miraak by transporting him to the realm of Apocrypha. For his victory, Vahlok gained much glory and his dragon masters appointed him as ruler of the island, but not before he was compelled to swear an oath of vigilance to watch for Miraak's return.[1]

Lost Legacy - Vahlok

Vahlok rises out of his tomb

Other accounts report that Miraak was defeated and then banished to Solstheim where he was imprisoned in a tomb built by the ancient Skaal. Vahlok was made his jailer and when he eventually died, he was buried in the same tomb so that he could maintain his vigil beyond death.[2] In any case, Vahlok was instrumental in the downfall of Miraak and put a stop to whatever plans he might have had.

Legacy

Vahlok's legacy is a sharp contrast to his contemporaries on the mainland. Legend paints him as a paragon of loyalty and nobility in his battle against Miraak and goes as far to say he inspired great courage in both men and dragon.[1][3] His reign was said to be a time of peace and prosperity for the people of Solstheim and, unlike the priests of Skyrim, he was remembered as a wise and just leader by the ancient Skaal.[1]

Interactions

Lost Legacy

Vahlok can be encountered at the end of Vahlok's Tomb.

In battle

Vahlok is Dragon Priest specializing in fire magic. Since he has no Dragon Priest Staff, he only uses his own spells in battle. He will cast Ebonyflesh and Flame Cloak on himself, often summons a Flame Atronach, and attacks with high-level Fire spells like Incinerate and Fireball.

As an added difficulty to fighting Vahlok, his room is littered with fire traps, making it extremely difficult to even approach him. Gear and potions of fire resistance are highly recommended. Much like any other Dragon Priest, he can be defeated easily if one achieves 100% spell absorption, using The Atronach Stone, the Alteration perk Atronach, and Miraak's enchanted garb.

The center of his room is occupied by a pool of water, which is not deep enough to swim in and contains no traps. It is recommended to stand in this pool and engage Vahlok at range. This will allow the Dragonborn to dodge his attacks without worrying about stepping on fire traps.

Perks

Trivia

  • He is the only notable Dragon Priest to not have a mask named for him.
  • He is also the only known Dragon Priest who was noted for being benevolent.
  • His name in-game is Vahlok the Jailer (not Jailor).

Appearances

References


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