The world of Skyrim is fraught with peril, political intrigue, and opportunities for heroism. One such opportunity presents itself in the “Missing in Action” quest, where you’re tasked with locating Thorald Gray-Mane, a Nord warrior believed to be captured by the Thalmor. This quest, obtainable in Whiterun, can be challenging, requiring stealth, combat prowess, and a keen understanding of the game’s mechanics. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of how to successfully rescue Thorald Gray-Mane and bring him home.
Initiating the Quest and Gathering Information
The quest begins in Whiterun, specifically within the Gray-Mane family home. Speak with Fralia Gray-Mane, a skilled jeweler, and her son, Avulstein Gray-Mane. They are deeply concerned about the disappearance of Thorald, another member of their family. Avulstein believes Thorald is being held captive by the Thalmor, despite the official line that he is missing in action.
Talking to Avulstein is crucial. He’s far more forthcoming and determined than his mother. He suggests that you investigate Northwatch Keep, a known Thalmor outpost, as a potential location where Thorald might be held. He’ll mark the location on your map.
Don’t underestimate the importance of gathering information. Before heading to Northwatch Keep, consider speaking to other NPCs in Whiterun. Some may have rumors or snippets of information about Thalmor activities, which could provide valuable context or clues. Small talk can sometimes be surprisingly rewarding.
Infiltrating Northwatch Keep
Northwatch Keep is located far west of Solitude, along the coast. This is a fortified location, heavily guarded by Thalmor soldiers. Approaching it directly will almost certainly result in a fierce battle. Several approaches are possible.
Stealth Approach
For players who prefer a stealthy approach, careful planning and execution are essential. Utilize the surrounding terrain for cover. The rocky landscape and uneven ground offer opportunities to sneak around the main gate. High sneak skill, coupled with stealth-enhancing gear, is highly recommended.
Observe the patrol patterns of the Thalmor guards. Knowing their routes and blind spots is crucial for avoiding detection. Use distractions, such as throwing objects, to lure guards away from key areas.
Pickpocketing is another valuable skill. If you can steal keys from the Thalmor guards, you can unlock doors and bypass certain areas, avoiding unnecessary combat. However, failing to pickpocket will immediately alert the guard and initiate combat.
Combat Approach
Alternatively, a direct combat approach is viable, especially for characters with strong combat skills and powerful gear. Be prepared for a challenging fight. The Thalmor soldiers are well-equipped and coordinated. Bring plenty of potions and supplies to sustain you through the battle.
Focus on eliminating the archers first. They can inflict significant damage from a distance. Use cover strategically to avoid their arrows. Prioritize taking down the Thalmor soldiers one by one, avoiding being overwhelmed by multiple enemies at once.
Consider using a follower to assist you in combat. A strong follower can provide valuable support and draw enemy fire, giving you an edge in the battle. Lydia, obtained early in the game, is a reliable choice.
Navigating the Keep
Whether you choose a stealth or combat approach, navigating Northwatch Keep is crucial to finding Thorald. The keep consists of multiple levels, including an exterior courtyard, interior chambers, and a dungeon.
Explore thoroughly, searching every room and corridor. Be vigilant for traps, such as pressure plates and tripwires, which can trigger alarms or inflict damage. The Thalmor are cunning and will not make it easy for you to find Thorald.
Read any documents you find. These documents may contain clues about Thorald’s whereabouts or provide insight into the Thalmor’s plans. Information is a valuable asset.
Finding and Freeing Thorald
Thorald Gray-Mane is held in the dungeon of Northwatch Keep. The dungeon is located in the lower levels of the keep, accessible through a door typically found near the main courtyard.
Once you reach the dungeon, you will encounter more Thalmor guards. Use the same tactics you employed earlier, either stealth or combat, to overcome them.
Thorald is held in a cell. Unlock the cell door using a key, which you can either find on a Thalmor guard or pickpocket. Speak with Thorald.
Thorald reveals that he is being held because the Thalmor believe he possesses valuable information about the Stormcloaks. He refuses to provide them with any information, demonstrating his loyalty to Skyrim.
Thorald won’t leave immediately. He explains that he can’t leave until the Thalmor commander, a particularly cruel individual, is dealt with. This adds another layer to the quest, requiring you to eliminate the commander.
Dealing with the Thalmor Commander
The Thalmor Commander is usually located in the upper levels of the keep, often in a well-guarded chamber. Find the commander and prepare for a challenging fight.
The commander is typically a powerful mage or warrior, equipped with strong weapons and armor. Utilize your best combat skills and spells to defeat them.
Focus on dodging or blocking the commander’s attacks. Their spells or weapon attacks can inflict significant damage. Use potions to heal yourself and replenish your magicka.
Once the commander is defeated, loot their body. They often carry valuable items, including a key to the keep’s main gate.
Escaping Northwatch Keep
With the commander dealt with, it’s time to escape Northwatch Keep with Thorald. Lead him out of the dungeon and back through the keep.
Be prepared for more Thalmor guards. Even after defeating the commander, there may still be remaining soldiers patrolling the keep. Use the same tactics you employed earlier to overcome them.
If you have the key to the main gate, use it to unlock the gate and escape. Otherwise, find an alternate exit, such as a side door or a window.
Escorting Thorald safely out of the keep is essential. If he dies during the escape, the quest will fail. Protect him from enemy attacks.
Returning to Whiterun and Completing the Quest
Once you and Thorald have successfully escaped Northwatch Keep, return to Whiterun. Speak with Avulstein Gray-Mane at the Gray-Mane house.
Tell Avulstein that you have rescued Thorald. He will be overjoyed to hear the news. He will reward you with gold and express his gratitude for your help.
Thorald will also return to Whiterun, reuniting with his family. Witnessing the family reunion is a heartwarming moment and a satisfying conclusion to the quest.
The “Missing in Action” quest is now complete. You have successfully rescued Thorald Gray-Mane from the Thalmor and brought him home to his family.
Alternative Outcomes and Considerations
While the primary objective is to rescue Thorald, some players may explore alternative approaches or experience different outcomes.
It’s possible to complete the quest through dialogue options, although this is more complex and may require specific skill levels or perks. However, rescuing Thorald through force remains the most common and straightforward method.
The consequences of failing the quest are minimal. If Thorald dies, you will be unable to complete the quest. However, this will not significantly impact the overall storyline or gameplay.
Your choices during the quest can affect your relationship with the Thalmor. Rescuing Thorald will likely decrease your standing with them, which could have consequences in other interactions with the Thalmor later in the game.
Skills and Equipment Recommendations
Successfully rescuing Thorald Gray-Mane requires a combination of skills and equipment.
Sneak skill is highly recommended for a stealthy approach. Invest in perks that enhance your sneaking ability.
Combat skills, such as One-Handed, Two-Handed, Archery, or Destruction magic, are essential for a combat approach. Choose the skills that best suit your play style.
Lockpicking skill is useful for opening doors and chests. However, it is not strictly necessary, as you can usually find keys or bash down doors.
Potions and supplies are essential for sustaining yourself through combat. Carry plenty of healing potions, magicka potions, and stamina potions.
Armor and weapons are crucial for protecting yourself and dealing damage to enemies. Choose armor and weapons that are appropriate for your level and combat style.
Enchantments can significantly enhance your gear. Enchantments that increase your sneak skill, combat skills, or resistance to magic are particularly useful.
Consider using a follower to assist you in combat. A strong follower can provide valuable support and draw enemy fire.
Conclusion
Rescuing Thorald Gray-Mane from Thalmor custody is a challenging but rewarding quest in Skyrim. By carefully planning your approach, utilizing your skills and equipment effectively, and making smart decisions, you can successfully complete this quest and bring Thorald home to his family. Whether you choose a stealthy or combat approach, remember to gather information, explore thoroughly, and protect Thorald throughout the mission. The successful completion of “Missing in Action” not only provides a sense of accomplishment but also deepens your understanding of the political tensions and personal stories that make Skyrim such a compelling world.
Where can I find Thorald Gray-Mane and initiate the rescue quest?
Thorald Gray-Mane is being held in Northwatch Keep, a Thalmor outpost located on the northern coast of Skyrim, west of Dawnstar. You cannot simply stumble upon Thorald and rescue him; you must first speak with his mother, Fralia Gray-Mane, in Whiterun. She and her husband, Eorlund Gray-Mane, are deeply concerned about their son’s disappearance and believe the Thalmor are responsible.
Speaking to Fralia initiates the “Missing in Action” quest. She will direct you to her son, Avulstein Gray-Mane, who resides in Windhelm. Avulstein suspects that Thorald has been captured by the Thalmor and imprisoned in Northwatch Keep. Talking to Avulstein is crucial to unlocking the next steps and learning the location of Thorald.
What are the key objectives of the “Missing in Action” quest?
The main objective is to infiltrate Northwatch Keep, locate Thorald Gray-Mane, and safely extract him from Thalmor custody. This involves navigating a dangerous and heavily guarded fortress filled with Thalmor soldiers. Stealth is highly recommended, but a direct assault is also a viable option depending on your character’s skills and equipment.
Beyond the immediate rescue, a secondary objective can be added if you discover evidence implicating the Thalmor in other questionable activities while exploring Northwatch Keep. This evidence can be presented to the Jarl of Whiterun, potentially leading to further quests and consequences related to the Thalmor presence in Skyrim.
What strategies can I use to successfully infiltrate Northwatch Keep?
A stealthy approach is often the most efficient way to infiltrate Northwatch Keep. Utilizing Illusion magic, such as invisibility or muffle spells, can significantly aid in avoiding detection. Alternatively, high Sneak skill coupled with light armor and appropriate perks can also allow you to move undetected through the fort.
For players who prefer a direct assault, heavy armor, powerful weapons, and strong healing potions are essential. Consider bringing a follower to draw enemy fire and provide additional damage output. Focus on eliminating archers first, as they can pose a significant threat from a distance. Utilizing shouts like Unrelenting Force can also provide crowd control during combat.
What challenges can I expect to face during the rescue mission?
Northwatch Keep is heavily guarded by Thalmor soldiers, including archers, mages, and melee combatants. These enemies are generally well-equipped and pose a significant challenge, especially at lower levels. Be prepared for intense combat and utilize cover effectively to avoid taking excessive damage. The layout of the keep can also be confusing, so take your time to explore and plan your route carefully.
Thorald himself is unarmed and likely weakened from captivity. You will need to protect him during the escape from Northwatch Keep, making stealth even more valuable. The escape route is also fraught with danger, as the Thalmor will likely raise the alarm once they realize Thorald is missing, increasing the number of enemies you encounter.
What rewards do I receive for completing the “Missing in Action” quest?
Upon successfully rescuing Thorald and returning him to Whiterun, you will receive a reward from Fralia and Eorlund Gray-Mane. This reward typically consists of gold and a leveled weapon or piece of armor. The amount of gold and the quality of the item depend on your character’s level at the time of quest completion.
More importantly, rescuing Thorald significantly improves your relationship with the Gray-Mane family, a prominent clan in Whiterun. This can lead to other benefits, such as discounts at their shop or even assistance during the civil war questline, depending on your allegiances. The satisfaction of reuniting a family torn apart by the Thalmor is also a reward in itself.
Are there any alternative ways to complete the “Missing in Action” quest?
While the primary goal is to rescue Thorald, it is possible to complete the quest in a different manner, albeit with less favorable consequences. It is possible to inform Avulstein Gray-Mane that his brother is already dead inside Northwatch Keep, if you find his body during your exploration, although he is normally found alive.
Furthermore, if you have already completed the main questline and have achieved a high enough rank with the Thalmor, it might be possible to negotiate Thorald’s release. However, this approach is highly dependent on your character’s choices throughout the game and may not be available to all players. The most common and rewarding outcome is to successfully rescue Thorald through stealth or combat.
What happens to Thorald Gray-Mane after the rescue?
After you successfully escort Thorald out of Northwatch Keep and return him to Whiterun, he will be reunited with his family. He will remain in the Gray-Mane household in Whiterun. He is thankful for your assistance and relieved to be free from Thalmor captivity. He will offer his gratitude to you whenever you encounter him subsequently in the game.
Thorald does not have any significant impact on the ongoing Civil War questline despite his family’s sympathies lying with the Stormcloaks. He remains a non-essential character, and his role in the game is largely concluded once the “Missing in Action” quest is completed. His presence serves mainly to highlight the Thalmor’s cruel practices and the plight of Skyrim’s citizens under their influence.