Bleak Falls Barrow

The view from Bleak Falls Barrow, entrance.

Still companionless, I decided to try heading up to Bleak Falls Barrow anyway, since Lydia, my future housecarl, is the best companion at the moment, and the Jarl will give her to me after Bleak Falls. On the way to Bleak Falls Barrow from Riverwood, there was an iron ore vein. Bleak Falls is home to a rather large and terrifying Frostbite Spider, bandits, and a large supply of draugr. I had to turn back to Riverwood to get a companion at this point, since the draugr, who often wield strong two-handed weapons, were too much for me. I picked up Faendal, the elf in love with Camilla Valerius, whose brother sent me to get the Golden Claw from Bleak Falls. As a distance fighter, Faendal is not the best choice. He also seems a bit stupid, not drawing his weapon when I draw mine, and occasionally just standing and staring at the approaching danger. However, his aid did enable me to clear the dungeon.

The precise location of the iron ore vein.

Toward the end of the barrow, heading toward the sanctum, are no less than 15 clusters of Glowing Mushrooms!

I killed the Draugr Overlord and received a shout at the end before heading back to Riverwood to drop off the Golden Claw. A courier stopped me in the village with a letter from the Jarl of Falkreath, who says he's heard of me and would like to meet me, promising his favor if I should come. I decided to head down after finishing in Whiterun for the time being. After I left the Riverwood Trader, I found myself being attacked by Death Hounds and a Master Vampire! I had to run, since one attack nearly killed me.

So refreshing for Miraak not to steal the soul.

Going to Whiterun led to my first dragon battle, which took forever no thanks to Faendal, who seemed stupefied by the dragon's approach. However, I was given Lydia and the title of Thane. I left Faendal with a few weapon upgrades and sent him on his way. Lydia is a heavy armor swordswoman, and should be a much better match for me. Next, to Falkreath! Hopefully, they have a stable-- I finally have enough funds for a horse, which will make my upcoming trip north toward Winterhold much easier.

Lydia is taller than me! Well, she is a Nord...

Glowing Mushrooms - Resist Shock