Eons before the events of Skyrim, Auri-El was a legendary King of the Aldmer, the Elven version of the Nine Divines' Akatosh, and the supposed direct ancestor of all Altmer and Bosmer. According to myth, he fought against Lorkhan after the creation of the mortal world while wielding legendary artifacts: Auriel's Bow and Auriel's Shield.
Auri-El is described as being the soul of Anui-El, after the original creator Anu, and the Altmer believe that these two Skyrim artifacts were created to directly combat the trickster. Auriel's Shield has a power unlike any other, able to take in an opponent's energy and release it all at once back onto them – a fitting enchantment for such a mythic warrior.
Auriel's Shield Stats And Effects
- Armor Type: Heavy Shield
- Armor Rating: 32
- Gold Value: 755
- Upgraded With: Refined Moonstone, Elven Smithing perk
- Special Effects: Absorbs and stores blocked damage, which releases with each Power Bash
Auriel's Shield has a base Armor Rating of 32 and is classified as a Heavy Shield, so it benefits from most Perks in the Block Skill Tree. It is improved with Refined Moonstone, and because it is an Elven Weapon (technically one of the first Elven Weapons, even) it also requires the Elven Smithing Perk to be taken.
When the player blocks an incoming attack with Auriel's Shield it absorbs the damage and adds a stack to an internal counter. When the player has blocked five times it begins to glow, and after blocking 15 times it charges to its maximum level. When the player does a power bash it unleashes the stored energy and knocks them back with a massive amount of force and damage.
How To Get Auriel's Shield
Auriel's Shield is found in the Dawnguard DLC area of the Forgotten Vale Forest, only accessible through use of the Ruby Paragon. Head to the Inner Sanctum of the Forgotten Vale in the southwest area of the zone and look for a Frost Giant. The Ruby Paragon should be found on this giant's body. After this, head to the Paragon Portal area in the north.
Use the Ruby Paragon onto the Gem Holder at this area, then head through the portal that is created a few moments after. This brings players to the Forgotten Vale Forest. Look around this area for a Falmer Warmonger wielding the shield. Kill this foe, then loot their body to acquire Auriel's Shield.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition is available on PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X|S