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Morthal, found in the swamps of Hjaalmarch, is one of Skyrim's smallest cities. With a tiny population and overshadowed by the province's capital, Solitude, the city enjoys a quiet existence that is very much removed from the rest of the concerns that plague the other cities.

Related: Skyrim: Complete Guide To Whiterun

Unfortunately, this quiet existence comes with an equally quiet economy and a population more concerned with gossip within their city than anything else. There are few reasons to visit this mist-shrouded settlement but, if one of your adventures has brought you into the marshes, this guide will help you make the most of your visit.

Morthal Quests

Laelette, a vampire, stands over a child's coffin ready to attack you

You will not find many reasons to visit Morthal. You might visit the city on the way to Ustengrav in the quest for The Horn of Jurgen Windcaller during the main story. Otherwise, there are only two side quests found in the city.

Laid To Rest

You investigate a burned-down house and discover something much, much more menacing than what you would have initially expected.

Rising At Dawn

If you ever decide that you regret being a vampire, you can visit Falion at Morthal to start a quest to undo your condition.

How To Become Thane Of Morthal

Idgrod Ravencrone, jarl of Morthal, sits on her throne

It is much easier to become a Thane of Morthal than in most other cities. If you have yet to participate in the Civil War or have sided with the Imperials, you must first complete Laid to Rest and help three locals. If you sided with the Stormcloaks, you will only need to help three locals after winning the war.

You will be assigned a housecarl in Valdimar and will be awarded the Blade of Hjaalmarch.

How To Buy A House In Morthal

Skyrim Windstad Manor

You will be allowed to ask the Steward to buy a home in the city after finishing Laid to Rest. While there is no house available, you are offered a plot of land where you can build Windstad Manor.

It is one of the plots added by the Hearthfires expansion. Like the other two plots, you build your own home, using resources gathered across the province to construct the home of your dreams.

Windstad Manor has the unique Fish Hatchery for you to build. It lets you rear fish and other aquatic life for your cooking and alchemical needs.

Some crafting materials can be found nearby. Quarried Stone can be mined at a deposit to the north of the Manor while Clay can be extracted from a deposit at the southeast of the Manor.

Merchants

Falion in Skyrim talks to the player about being in Morthal

There is almost nothing to buy in Morthal. The city lacks basic services such as a general store and blacksmith and only has merchants dealing in alchemy and magic.

Moorside Inn

This is the city's inn. It sells food and drink and allows you to rent a bed for the night.

Thaumaturgist's Hut

The Hut and its owner, Lami, provide you with potions and alchemical ingredients.

Falion

Morthal's newest resident and former master of Conjuration from the College of Winterhold. He sells robes, Spell Tomes, and other magical equipment. Unlike many other mages, he also sells Black Soul Gems.

Crafting Stations

Skyrim_Morthal screenshot

Morthal has a very limited range of crafting stations to use. Thanks to its merchants, you have access to an Enchanting Table and an Alchemy Lab. However, without a blacksmith, the city only has a Tanning Rack and Grindstone.

Grindstone

At the Morthal Lumber Mill.

Tanning Rack

At the Morthal Lumber Mill.

Alchemy Lab

Inside Thaumaturgist's Hut

Arcane Enchanter

Inside Falion's House.

Trainers

An old woman leans on the counter at her shop with a selection of potions on a shelf behind her.

Morthal's two shops are also its only two trainers. If you want to learn anything else, you would be better served in any other city.

Proficiency Level

Skill

Trainer

Master

Conjuration

Falion, wandering around town or at his house.

Adept

Alchemy

Lami, at Thaumaturgist's Hut.

Followers

A muscular man with close-cropped hair leans against a stone fence with his arms crossed in an old town.

The absolute lack of anything to do has, unfortunately, carried over to people you can recruit as followers. There are only two potential followers.

Valdimar

After becoming Thane of Morthal.

Benor

You can ask him to join you after beating him in a fight.

Marriage Partners

An altar depicting a crying, maternal figure is lit by candles, bathing it in an amber glow.

The same pair of potential followers can also be made to follow you for life as your spouse.

Valdimar

After becoming Thane of Morthal.

Benor

You can marry him after beating him in a fight.

Notable Loot

A set of books are laid out on a table, next to some candles.

If you are an alchemist, Morthal is a good city to visit. A huge variety of poisonous plants grow in and around the city. Aside from that, you will find a handful of skill books scattered around the city.

Heavy Armor

2920, Midyear, v6, inside the Guardhouse.

Lockpicking

The Locked Room, inside Highmoon Hall.

Pickpocket

Aevar Stone-Singer, inside Thonnir's House.

Archery

2920, Morning Star, v1, inside Jorgen and Lami's House.

Restoration

Racial Phylogeny, inside Moorside Inn.

Destruction

Response to Bero's Speech, inside Thaumaturgist's Hut.

Next: Skyrim: Complete Guide To The Dark Brotherhood