This guide to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim contains a detailed description of The Lost Expedition side quest. The objective of this mission is to search for lost expedition members at Nchuand-Zel excavation site near Markarth. During your exploration, you will need to find logs and defeat many monsters, including a mini-boss, a giant spider named Nimhe.
- Activating the quest
- New main objective: Recover Stromm’s journal
- New main objective: Recover Staubs’ journal
- New main objective: Recover Krag’s journal
- New main objective: Recover Erj’s journal
- New main objective: Re-activate Nchuand-Zel’s automated defenses
- New main objective: Find someone who knows about the expedition
Activating the quest
To activate this quest, head to Understone Keep in Markarth. If you haven’t been to the Keep yet, you can find the entrance by going west after entering Markarth. The location where you activate this quest is Nchuand-Zel excavation site, and there are three ways to get there. The best way is to find the mage Calcelmo (screen above) and speak to him about heading to the excavation. Calcelmo will let you in and give you the Key to Nchuand-Zel, but only if you agree to kill the giant spider living in the ruins (Miscellaneous: Kill Nimhe inside Nchuand-Zel).
The other options are breaking into the excavation using lockpicks or stealing the key from Calcelmo. However, eliminating the spider will be necessary regardless of the option you choose. Regardless of your choice, find the door to the Nchuand-Zel excavation site (screen above) located in the southern part of Understone Keep.
Start exploring the excavation site. Your objective is to reach the southwest part of it. Kill the lesser Frostbite Spider that you come across and destroy the spider-webs with any weapon or spells. Inside the main room, you will need to fight Nimhe, the giant spider Calcelmo mentioned. Depending on your preferred fighting style, you can attack the spider from the narrow corridor or fight it directly. After the battle, climb onto the upper ledge and find the corpse of Alethius (screen above) to pick up Alethius’ Note and officially activate this quest.
New main objective: Recover Stromm’s journal
Stay where you found Alethius and use any weapon or spells to cut through the spider-webs (screen above). This will grant you access to the door leading to the main area of Nchuand-Zel. It’s somewhat of a hub, so you will visit this location multiple times. For now, head south, staying on the wide bridge and eliminating the Falmers you come across on your way. I’d recommend looking out for the archers and mages and eliminating them first.
You should eventually reach the marked door in the southeast part of the cave, leading to Nchuand-Zel Quarters. More demanding fights with Falmers await you here. Head southwest, as you will need to locate the stairs leading to the lower level to reach the second journal. Head east only afterwards. Stromm’s Journal is lying on the table (screen above) and will be guarded by a couple of monsters.
The new main objective is to recover the journals of Staubs, Krag, and Erj. To find Erj’s journal, return to the starting point and head to the very bottom of the large cave. Locate the door leading to Nchuand-Zul Armory in the western part and head inside. Look out for Falmers and a dangerous fire trap as you head west. You’ll find Erj’s Journal surrounded by dwarven machinery. To find Krag’s journal, head to the previously ignored exit from the Armory. Return to the branching in the northern part of the location and choose the path leading east. Open the large gate to return to the main area of Nchuand-Zel and find Krag’s body beside it. Finally, head north and find a door leading to Nchuand-Zel Control in the north-west part of the cave to find Staubs’ corpse and pick up Staubs’ journal lying beside him.
The next objective is to re-activate Nchuand-Zel’s automated defenses. Head south and eliminate more Spider on your way. Be careful as you fight the Spider Guardians and Dwarven Spheres. Eventually, you should reach a lever that you need to pull to activate the dwarven defense systems.
The final objective is to find someone who knows about the expedition. Return to the Understone Keep and find Calcelmo. Inform him of killing the spider Nimhe to receive the Dwemer Museum Key. Inform him of the recovered journals to receive 1250 gold and end the quest. If you missed some journals during the exploration of Nchuand-Zel, you can return for them anytime you want, but you’ll have to deal with the activated dwarven automatons.
FAQ
1. What are side quests in The Lost Expedition?
Side quests in The Lost Expedition are additional challenges that players can choose to take on during their journey through the game. These quests are separate from the main storyline and offer unique objectives and rewards. Players may encounter side quests while exploring the jungle or by talking to certain characters. Completing side quests can provide players with valuable resources, such as food or medicine, and can also unlock new items or abilities.
2. How do I find side quests in The Lost Expedition?
Side quests can be found in a variety of ways in The Lost Expedition. Some may be stumbled upon while exploring the jungle, while others may be triggered by interacting with certain characters. It’s also possible to receive hints about side quests by reading journal entries or other items found throughout the game. If you’re having trouble finding side quests, try exploring different areas of the map or talking to characters multiple times to see if they offer any additional information.
3. What rewards can I earn from completing side quests?
Completing side quests in The Lost Expedition can net players a variety of rewards, including valuable resources like food, medicine, and ammunition. Some side quests may also unlock new items or abilities that can be used to make the journey through the jungle easier. In addition, completing side quests can also provide players with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, as it demonstrates their ability to think creatively and problem-solve in challenging situations.
4. How difficult are side quests in The Lost Expedition?
The difficulty of side quests in The Lost Expedition can vary depending on the specific challenge and the player’s experience level. Some side quests may be relatively simple and straightforward, while others may require more strategy and planning. However, players are encouraged to take on side quests as they come across them, as completing these challenges can provide valuable rewards and enhance the overall gameplay experience.
5. Are side quests necessary to complete the game?
No, side quests are not necessary to complete the main storyline of The Lost Expedition. However, taking on these additional challenges can provide valuable resources and unlock new items or abilities that can make the journey through the jungle easier. Additionally, completing side quests can add depth and variety to the overall gameplay experience, allowing players to explore different areas of the game and encounter new challenges along the way.
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