Prerequisites: Level 20 Quest Giver: Silus Vesuius Region: Dawnstar, Morthal, Dead Crone Rock, Cracked Tusk Keep, Shrine of Mehrunes Dagon Reward:Mehrunes' Razor or 500 gold
Summary: In the new museum in Dawnstar, the task is given to gather the three pieces of Mehrunes' Razor. Afterward, Mehrunes Dagon is petitioned at his shrine to reforge the fragments. He complies, but not without a bloody price. However, a peaceful solution is also possible.
Quest Description
Upon reaching level 20, a courier delivers a pamphlet. It advertises the newly opened Museum of the Mythic Dawn in Dawnstar. Concurrently, an objective is activated in the journal, which only clears once the museum building has been entered.
Visit the museum in Dawnstar Dawnstar is a city far to the north on the coast and the capital of The Pale. It is irrelevant whether the museum is visited immediately or upon reaching level 70.
The Museum of the Mythic Dawn in Dawnstar.
In front of the museum entrance, a warm welcome is given by the curator, Silus Vesuius. He states that he hosts a collection of artifacts from a group that once toppled an empire. He also mentions having a job and invites the player inside. If one agrees, the actual quest begins.
Speak to Silus inside his house
Following Silus into the house reveals that half of the living space has been set up as an exhibition. While looking around, Silus Vesuius talks about himself, the Mythic Dawn, and the artifacts in the display cases. Aside from original tapestries, Silus possesses the cult robes, allegedly the last surviving page of the "Mysterium Xarxes", four volumes of Mankar Camoran's commentaries, and the scabbard of Mehrunes' Razor.
He can be questioned further on historical matters, revealing that his family once belonged to the Mythic Dawn - a cult that worshiped Mehrunes Dagon, the Daedric Prince of Disaster and Destruction. Silus also readily provides information regarding his motives for opening this museum.
When asked about the job, Silus first elaborates, explaining that after the Oblivion Crisis, the artifact of Mehrunes Dagon was broken into three pieces so that it could never be assembled again. However, Dagon's razor would be of invaluable worth to his collection. Through years of research, Silus has discovered the current locations of the pieces and tasks the player with tracking and gathering them using his notes.
One can retrieve the pieces in any order, and the omnipresent quest marker largely eliminates the need for searching.
Retrieve the hilt of Mehrunes' Razor
The hilt of the razor is said to be in the possession of Jorgen in Morthal. One can find him working at the local mill, for which he is responsible. When questioned about the razor, Jorgen explains that his family has spent eight generations protecting the razor from a dead cult, and it can remain that way. However, one can induce him relatively easily with gold or persuasion to hand over the keys to the chest. Inside, one will indeed find the hilt of Mehrunes' Razor.
Retrieve the pommel of Mehrunes' Razor
The pommel is said to be in the possession of Drascua at Dead Crone Rock. If one cannot yet reach the location via fast travel, it is best to start from Markarth. One crosses the nearby river bridge and then takes the first turn to the right. Soon after, one crosses another bridge and proceeds toward the Orc stronghold Dushnikh Yal. Shortly before the wooden wall, one turns to the right and follows a barely visible path past Purewater Run. Finally, crossing a third bridge leads toward the sprawling Hag Rock Redoubt. One must traverse this completely upward to reach the tower at Dead Crone Rock. Regrettably, hordes of Forsworn hinder progression.
Once one has used stealth or combat to get through, one must enter the tower to emerge at a Word Wall above. By this point at the latest, it becomes clear that Drascua is a Hagraven. Dialogue is impossible, meaning one must take the pommel of the razor from her by force.
Retrieve the blade shards of Mehrunes' Razor
According to Silus's notes, the blade shards are in the possession of the bandit leader Ghunzul in Cracked Tusk Keep. This fortress is located remotely to the west of Falkreath and is easily accessible. Outside, three to four bandits keep watch. There are three entrances available:
If one is skilled with lockpicks, one can take the cellar entrance to the west and proceed to the vaults. The advantage is that one will not encounter any further bandits.
If one seeks confrontation, one can use the main entrance. At least three bandits and the leader await inside.
Via the trapdoor in the southeast tower, one can reach the leader Ghunzul directly. He does not carry the blade pieces on him, but he possesses the key to the vaults where one must head next. If one eliminates him quickly and silently, the other bandits behind the door will not notice, allowing one to leave the same way and re-enter through the cellar. A second key to the vaults lies around in Ghunzul's room if one prefers to sneak right in front of him.
Bring the hilt to Silus Bring the pommel stone to Silus Bring the blade shards to Silus
One can bring the pieces to Silus individually as soon as each one is obtained, or one can turn them all in together. This does not change the amount of the reward.
Silus Vesuius is delighted to hold all pieces of the razor in his hands and already knows how they can be reforged. He intends to take the pieces along with the scabbard to the Shrine of Dagon to contact the Daedric Prince directly.
Meet Silus at the Shrine of Mehrunes Dagon
Silus Vesuius waits at the Shrine of Mehrunes Dagon.
The shrine is located south of Dawnstar high in the mountains. The long access staircase can be reached from the south and north. As soon as one arrives at the top, Silus places all the pieces onto the altar and invokes the Daedric Prince. However, he does not answer, and one must try it oneself.
Speak to Mehrunes Dagon
Activating the altar oneself triggers Dagon's voice. He declares that one is worthy for having gathered the pieces of his razor. Dagon then demands the death of Silus Vesuius, stating that he and his family have fulfilled their purpose. If one questions this, Dagon menacingly reaffirms his will.
Kill Silus
Silus also hears the Daedric decree and attempts to stop the player. He proposes an alternative: he will take the pieces back to the museum and keep them locked away in a display case. One would receive a generous reward, and no one would have to die.
If Silus is spared, one receives 500 gold from him. The quest ends, and he returns to the museum with the blade pieces...
...that is, if he survives the wrath of Mehrunes Dagon. Two Dremora are suddenly summoned and assault Silus. Even if one intervenes, saving his life is difficult.
If Dagon is obeyed, one must approach the altar once more after Silus's death.
Speak to Mehrunes Dagon / Reforge Mehrunes' Razor
The Daedric Prince is pleased and ready to bestow his blade. It is to be used to bring destruction upon the world in his name. He then joins the pieces together, and the restored razor floats above the altar.
Claim Mehrunes' Razor
As soon as the blade is claimed, the quest concludes.
However, Mehrunes Dagon has one final challenge: laughing, he summons two Dremora who attack immediately. Both carry a key to the actual shrine located beneath the giant statue. Inside, two additional Dremora attack, but the effort is worthwhile. This small shrine is a pure treasury. Seldom is so much valuable loot found in a single location.
Known Bugs
If one kills any of the keepers of the dagger fragments before the quest starts, the quest may become impossible to complete.
A similar issue occurs if one finds the blade shards before the quest begins. The quest script expects them to be taken from the pedestal. If they are already missing, progression is blocked (as of Patch 1.2).
Tips & Notes
Before starting the quest, one can occasionally witness the court mage Madena and Silus arguing in front of the museum about its purpose. Madena will also approach the player, share insights regarding the Mythic Dawn, and warn against visiting the museum.
To maintain excitement during the quest, one can turn off the quest markers while searching for the fragments, relying solely on the known locations and names of the targets.
The hilt of the blade can also be acquired by breaking into Jorgen's house and picking the lock on his chest.
From the Word Wall at Dead Crone Rock, one can learn a word for the "Dismay" Shout.
On Drascua's sacrificial altar, a Stone of Barenziah can be found, which is required for a Thieves Guild quest.
A hidden chest is located in the ruins of the northwest tower of Cracked Tusk Keep. A second chest can be found at the top of the ruined central tower.
Removing the blade shards from the pedestal activates a poison dart trap. One can avoid injury by standing as far away from the pedestal as possible while grabbing them.
If Silus begs for his life and too much time passes without a decision, he will become hostile. In this manner, one can kill Silus without technically initiating the assault.
To achieve the Steam achievement "Oblivion Walker", Silus must be eliminated. The only exception is if one has acquired both of Hircine's artifacts instead.
Mehrunes' Razor features a chance of nearly 2% to instantly kill any opponent (and send their soul to Dagon).
The shrine can be revisited periodically. A cell reset occurs every 10 in-game days, replenishing the rich loot and respawning the two Dremora inside.
or 500 gold
. It advertises the newly opened Museum of the Mythic Dawn in Dawnstar. Concurrently, an objective is activated in the journal, which only clears once the museum building has been entered.
is a city far to the north on the coast and the capital of The Pale. It is irrelevant whether the museum is visited immediately or upon reaching level 70.
. While looking around, Silus Vesuius
talks about himself, the Mythic Dawn, and the artifacts in the display cases. Aside from original tapestries, Silus possesses the cult robes
, allegedly the last surviving page
of the "Mysterium Xarxes", four volumes
of Mankar Camoran's commentaries, and the scabbard
of Mehrunes' Razor.
in Morthal. One can find him working at the local mill, for which he is responsible. When questioned about the razor, Jorgen explains that his family has spent eight generations protecting the razor from a dead cult, and it can remain that way. However, one can induce him relatively easily with gold or persuasion to hand over the keys to the chest. Inside, one will indeed find the hilt
of Mehrunes' Razor.
and follows a barely visible path past Purewater Run. Finally, crossing a third bridge leads toward the sprawling Hag Rock Redoubt. One must traverse this completely upward to reach the tower at Dead Crone Rock. Regrettably, hordes of Forsworn hinder progression.
to emerge at a Word Wall above. By this point at the latest, it becomes clear that Drascua
is a Hagraven. Dialogue is impossible, meaning one must take the pommel
of the razor from her by force.
. This fortress is located remotely to the west of Falkreath and is easily accessible. Outside, three to four bandits
keep watch. There are three entrances available:
and the treasury, one should watch out for a total of four tripwires
located behind the double spear gate
. After that, one finally reaches the pedestal
containing the blade shards
.
the Daedric Prince. However, he does not answer, and one must try it oneself.
. It advertises the newly opened Museum of the Mythic Dawn in Dawnstar. Concurrently, an objective is activated in the journal, which only clears once the museum building has been entered.
is a city far to the north on the coast and the capital of The Pale. It is irrelevant whether the museum is visited immediately or upon reaching level 70.
. While looking around, Silus Vesuius
talks about himself, the Mythic Dawn, and the artifacts in the display cases. Aside from original tapestries, Silus possesses the cult robes
, allegedly the last surviving page
of the "Mysterium Xarxes", four volumes
of Mankar Camoran's commentaries, and the scabbard
of Mehrunes' Razor.
in Morthal. One can find him working at the local mill, for which he is responsible. When questioned about the razor, Jorgen explains that his family has spent eight generations protecting the razor from a dead cult, and it can remain that way. However, one can induce him relatively easily with gold or persuasion to hand over the keys to the chest. Inside, one will indeed find the hilt
and follows a barely visible path past Purewater Run. Finally, crossing a third bridge leads toward the sprawling Hag Rock Redoubt. One must traverse this completely upward to reach the tower at Dead Crone Rock. Regrettably, hordes of Forsworn hinder progression.
to emerge at a Word Wall above. By this point at the latest, it becomes clear that Drascua
is a Hagraven. Dialogue is impossible, meaning one must take the pommel
. This fortress is located remotely to the west of Falkreath and is easily accessible. Outside, three to four bandits
keep watch. There are three entrances available:
directly. He does not carry the blade pieces on him, but he possesses the key to the vaults where one must head next. If one eliminates him quickly and silently, the other bandits behind the door will not notice, allowing one to leave the same way and re-enter through the cellar. A second key to the vaults lies around in Ghunzul's room if one prefers to sneak right in front of him.
and the treasury, one should watch out for a total of four tripwires
located behind the double spear gate
. After that, one finally reaches the pedestal
containing the blade shards
the Daedric Prince. However, he does not answer, and one must try it oneself.
the pieces together, and the restored razor floats
above the altar.
is a pure treasury. Seldom is so much valuable loot found in a single location.
in front of the museum about its purpose. Madena will also approach the player, share insights regarding the Mythic Dawn, and warn against visiting the museum.
