Exploring the ancient Dwarven ruins scattered across Skyrim often leads adventurers to the captivating quest titled Lost to the Ages. This Dawnguard DLC mission tasks players with tracking down four rare fragments to unlock the secrets of the legendary Aetherium Forge. While some shards are relatively straightforward to find, locating the fourth piece requires navigating a treacherous environment deep within the Reach region.
The Location of the Fourth Shard
The final elusive piece is tucked away inside the Dwarven ruin of Raldbthar, located in the mountains west of Windhelm. Navigating this expansive underground complex requires a solid combat build and plenty of supplies to handle the local mechanical threats. Players must fight their way through hordes of Falmer and active Dwarven automatons before reaching the deepest chambers.
Once inside the Raldbthar Deep Market, you will need to solve a mechanical puzzle involving jammed gears to lower a drawbridge. Removing the obstructions clears the path to the main treasury room where the prize is kept. The glowing blue fragment rests safely on a pedestal near the back of the chamber waiting for collection.
Navigating the Ruin Safely
Preparing your character for heavy elemental damage is crucial before stepping inside this complex dungeon. Many of the automatons utilize powerful steam or frost attacks that can quickly overwhelm unprepared adventurers. Bringing along potions of resist shock and fire will provide a massive tactical advantage during the toughest encounters.
It is also highly recommended to bring a sturdy companion to help draw enemy focus away from your character. Having an extra set of hands makes managing the chaotic waves of Falmer easier while you focus on navigating the environmental hazards. Keeping a clean inventory before entering ensures you can carry all the valuable scrap metal out with you.
Claiming Your Ultimate Forge Rewards
Gathering all four components allows players to finally locate the hidden Aetherium Forge hidden deep beneath the ruins of Bthalft. At the forge, you must make a monumental decision on which powerful artifact to craft using your hard-earned materials. Adventurers can choose between an exceptionally useful crown, a defensive shield, or a specialized magical staff.
The standout choice for most players is the legendary Aetherium Crown, which permits your character to gain the benefits of two standing stones simultaneously. Combining experience-boosting stones with combat bonuses drastically decreases the time required to maximize your character skills. This unique utility makes completing the lengthy historical expedition well worth the effort for any dedicated traveler.
