The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim follows the Dragonborn as they attempt to prevent an ancient dragon from regaining its former power. While this task is presented as the priority, players are free to seek out optional content and side quests whenever they wish to. Completing certain side quests will reward the Dragonborn with unique items, and the "A Scroll for Anska" quest is no exception.
Skyrim's "A Scroll for Anska" side quest tasks the Dragonborn with accompanying an NPC into the depths of a Draugr-fulled dungeon. The end goal of the quest is for the pair to find a scroll, but players can also acquire one of the game's nine Dragon Priest masks during the expedition.
How To Start The A Scroll For Anska Quest
The "A Scroll for Anska" quest can be started by traveling to High Gate Ruins, a dungeon located between Solitude and Dawnstar. Upon reaching this location, all the Dragonborn needs to do is open the door leading inside, proceed north into the next room, and speak to the NPC waiting there.
The NPC, named Anska, will ask the Dragonborn for their assistance in locating a scroll somewhere in High Gate Ruins. According to her, a powerful Dragon Priest is buried here, and Anska believes she may need help in defeating it. If players agree to help, Anska will promise to let the Dragonborn keep any other treasures they find, apart from the scroll.
Players should be sure to save the game before proceeding any further, as Anska can die if she takes too much damage. If this happens, the quest will fail.
Proceeding north and entering the more wide-open room, players should deal with the Draugr roaming around before looting any nearby valuables. The way forward can be found by traveling up the stairs to the north and proceeding through the door in the northeast corner.
High Gate Ruins Puzzle Solution
Following the linear path ahead, players will eventually be faced with a lever puzzle that must be solved in order to progress the quest. To solve this puzzle, the four nearby levers must be pulled in a specific order; the order can be found by dropping to the lower level and looking up at the southern wall.
This puzzle can be solved by traveling up the stairs in the northern part of the room and pulling the lever with the eagle symbol first and then pulling the lever with the whale symbol. Dropping down to the lower area, the player must pull the fox lever and then the snake lever, which will cause the grate in the floor to open, granting the Dragonborn access to a new area.
How To Complete The A Scroll For Anska Quest
Proceeding down the stairs and entering the High Gate Ruins Catacombs, the Dragonborn can continue following the linear path forward while dealing with any Draugr that attack. Toward the end of the area, they will be faced with a lever that, when pulled, opens a room in the southwest corner. Pulling the lever in this room will open the door in the southeast corner, and pulling the lever in that room will open the gate leading to the next area.
Proceeding through the door ahead, the Dragonborn will reach Vokun's Throne Room. Upon entering, Vokun will emerge from his coffin and attack the Dragonborn if he spots them. Once he has been defeated, his body can be looted to acquire the Vokun mask, 250 Gold, and a Staff of Fireballs.
Traveling up the stairs to the east and into the back room, the scroll Anska is searching for can be seen on the table across from the Word Wall. Upon collecting it, the Dragonborn can speak to Anska to give it to her, and she will reward them with the Spell Tome: Conjure Flaming Familiar. Once Anska has her scroll, the quest will end, but before players leave the High Gate Ruins, they should approach the Word Wall to acquire one of the Words needed to use the Storm Call Shout.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is available for PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.