Prerequisites: Completion of the quest "Alduin's Bane". Quest Giver: Esbern Region: The Throat of the World Reward: Continued cooperation with the Blades (see repercussions)
Summary: The Blades' general hatred toward dragons does not spare Paarthurnax. Esbern demands his death before he is willing to provide any further assistance.
Quest Description
This is an optional quest that presents the player with a choice: either continue to support the Blades or follow the Way of the Voice.
After the apparent victory over Alduin on the Throat of the World, you can speak with Master Arngeir or Esbern about the next steps. Both, as well as Paarthurnax previously, see catching a dragon in Dragonsreach as a good option to track down Alduin. However, Esbern additionally mentions that he has found out who the leader of the Greybeards is: a dragon (which the player has already known for quite some time). Esbern calls Paarthurnax Alduin's right hand and holds him responsible for countless atrocities committed during the Dragon War. He states the Blades have been hunting him for centuries, but he was protected by the Greybeards and later by the Emperors. Esbern wants Paarthurnax to pay for his crimes with his life and refuses further assistance until this is done.
It is impossible to argue with Esbern about Paarthurnax peacefully following the Way of the Voice and merely meditating. Although Esbern is aware that Paarthurnax turned against Alduin millennia ago and helped destroy the Dragon Cult, he maintains that none of this excuses his past actions, and Esbern does not care whether Paarthurnax regrets the past or not. Esbern feels bound by his Blades oath and unyieldingly and mercilessly demands his death.
Delphine is also of the opinion that Paarthurnax deserves to die and will have nothing to say to the player as long as the dragon is still alive. Characteristically blunt, she gets straight to the point: you have to make a choice. You are either with the Blades or against them.
Kill Paarthurnax
You can find the white dragon, as always, atop the Throat of the World. You can confront him with the accusations of the Blades. He has complete understanding of the Blades' mistrust and explains that he was simply born as a dragon - with all the inherent will to power. However, he has learned to overcome this nature through meditation and long study of the Way of the Voice.
To engage Paarthurnax in battle, you must strike him four times. He will then take off and attack. The fight unfolds like a normal dragon battle. With JOOR ZAH FRUL (Dragonrend), you can keep him grounded. He is no stronger than an average dragon. In the end, only bones and scales remain... and perhaps a uneasy feeling.
Paarthurnax's remains atop the Throat of the World.
Speak with Delphine
Back at Sky Haven Temple, Delphine is glad to know the player is on her side.
With this, this optional quest ends.
Repercussions of the Quest
This quest has no effect on the further progression of the main quest and does not affect any other quest – except for those of the Blades or the Greybeards.
The following changes apply to the side quests:
You carry out Esbern's order and kill Paarthurnax
Greybeards
Meditation bonuses from Paarthurnax are no longer available.
Master Arngeir refuses any conversations that are not related to the main quest.
Blades
You can repeatedly receive the "Slayer's Blessing" from Esbern. This increases the chance of critical hits against dragons by 10% for 5 days.
Together with Delphine, you can ensure a new beginning for the Blades. Up to three new recruits can be introduced to Delphine, who will take their Blades oath. You could start right away with Lydia.
Once you have recruited at least one new Blade, Esbern can reveal the locations of dragon lairs. With each visit, he will mark one on your map.
You can repeatedly bring Esbern a dragon bone and a dragon scale. From these, he brews "Esbern's Potion", which permanently grants the Dragon Infusion ability, reducing melee damage taken from dragons by 25%.
You ignore this quest and Paarthurnax remains alive
Greybeards
As before, you can receive assistance from Paarthurnax for meditations on the words FUS, FEIM and YOL, along with their resulting bonuses: FUS - The chance to stagger enemies is increased by 25%. Resistance to being staggered is increased by 25%. FEIM - While "Become Ethereal" is active, health regenerates 25% faster. YOL - The "Fire Breath" shout deals 25% more damage.
You can learn the locations of Word Walls from Master Arngeir. With each visit, he will mark one on your map.
Blades
Delphine has nothing important to say as long as Paarthurnax is still alive.
Esbern refuses any conversations that are not related to the main quest.
Tips & Notes
Against the historical background, Esbern's statements do not appear coherent. On one hand, the Blades served the Dragonborn Emperors unconditionally, yet at the same time, they worked against them by hunting Paarthurnax. This is possibly another contradiction added with the sudden dragon-centric focus of the entire lore.
An already started recruitment quest continues with Delphine, even if Paarthurnax is still alive.
You can also receive side quests from Esbern and Master Arngeir up until the point where you have to make a decision.
The activation of this quest cannot be avoided. At the latest, the quest starts automatically after the truce negotiations.
You can complete the quest without Paarthurnax's death by telling Master Arngeir that you will not kill Paarthurnax. However, this does not always work.
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