Ahzidal's Armor of Retribution
| Ahzidal's Armor of Retribution | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Armor Rating | 40 |
| Weight | 38 |
| Value | 2760 |
| Slot | Body |
| Set | Relics of Ahzidal |
| Level | - |
| Class | Chest Armor |
| Skill | Heavy Armor |
| Unique | Yes |
| Item ID | xx01db97 |
| Game/DLC | Dragonborn |
Ahzidal's Armor of Retribution is a unique heavy armor cuirass from Dragonborn and one of the relics of Ahzidal. It looks like Ancient Nord Armor but has a base armor rating of 40 and weighs 38. It lies behind a puzzle gate in Kolbjorn Barrow, after the fourth stage of the dig in the quest Unearthed.
Armor Enchantment
Enemies who strike the wearer with a melee attack have a small chance of being paralyzed.
The Enchantment Effects page lists every armor enchantment.
Ahzidal's Armor of Retribution Map Location and Quest Guide
Ahzidal's Armor of Retribution map location:
Ahzidal's Armor of Retribution sits on a pedestal behind a puzzle gate in Kolbjorn Barrow on Solstheim. It is reached near the end of Unearthed, after the fourth stage of the dig.
- Travel to Kolbjorn Barrow on Solstheim and speak to Ralis Sedarys outside.
- Fund the excavation with 1,000 gold to start Unearthed.
- Clear the draugr inside each time a courier brings a letter from Ralis.
- Pay 2,000, then 3,000, then 5,000 gold for the next stages of the dig.
- Return a final time and fight through the last section.
- Open the puzzle gate.
- Take the Armor of Retribution from its pedestal.
Map credit by Map Genie.
The armor is part of a four piece set; wearing four relics of Ahzidal grants Ahzidal's Genius.
How It Plays
Ahzidal's Armor of Retribution punishes enemies who strike its wearer in melee. Each melee hit has a small chance to paralyze the attacker. A paralyzed enemy falls and lies helpless for a few seconds. The armor also carries a stagger push, which shoves an attacker back.
The effect suits a warrior who stands in the middle of a crowd. Every draugr, bandit or Riekling who swings at the wearer risks a paralysis. In a long brawl, the chance fires several times. Each time, one enemy drops out of the fight and becomes an easy target.
The cuirass is heavy armor with a good rating and a heavy weight. It looks like Ancient Nord Armor but protects much better. Its rating matches Steel Plate Armor.
Perks and Builds
The Heavy Armor Skill tree carries the cuirass. Juggernaut raises its rating, and Well Fitted adds a bonus when head, chest, hands and feet are all heavy. Conditioning removes its weight. Reflect Blows sends some melee damage back at the attacker, a fitting partner for an armor of retribution.
The Block Skill tree pairs well with it. A warrior who blocks and bashes stays in melee range longer. More enemy swings mean more chances to paralyze.
The cuirass is also one of the six relics of Ahzidal. Ahzidal's Genius raises the Enchanting Skill when four relics are worn together. An enchanter can wear the cuirass with three other relics while working at the arcane enchanter, then swap back to battle gear.
Compared with Other Cuirasses
Steel Plate Armor and Dwarven Armor offer similar protection with no enchantment. Ebony, Stalhrim and Daedric armor protect better but come later. Ahzidal's Armor gives a mid level heavy armor character a cuirass with a useful defensive effect.
The Ebony Mail is the other famous cuirass that harms nearby enemies. Its poison cloak hurts every enemy close by. Ahzidal's Armor instead stops individual attackers cold. The Ebony Mail is lighter and stronger, but it comes from a level 30 Daedric quest.
Quest Background
The armor is found in the last stage of Unearthed, the excavation of Kolbjorn Barrow on Solstheim. Ralis Sedarys funds his dig with gold from the Dragonborn. After the fourth payment, the final note simply says "You're needed."
The deepest part of the barrow holds a room of puzzles. Two animal totem pillars stand behind arches. Turning both pillars to the whale symbol and pulling the lever opens the gate to the armor. Turning them to the eagle opens the way down to the helm and to Ahzidal himself.
Ralis waits at the bottom, finishing the ritual that wakes the dragon priest. After Ahzidal falls, all six relics and his mask can be in the Dragonborn's hands.
Lore
Ahzidal was the first great Nord enchanter. The book Ahzidal's Descent says he studied under elven masters and swore vengeance after the elves sacked Saarthal. He later offered his enchantments to Ysgramor and the Five Hundred Companions.
His armor of retribution carries that oath of vengeance into battle. Any enemy who strikes the wearer risks paying for it at once.
Gameplay Tips
- Temper it at a workbench with one Steel Ingot. The Advanced Armors perk doubles the improvement, and the Arcane Blacksmith perk is needed because it is enchanted.
- Wearing exactly four relics of Ahzidal grants Ahzidal's Genius, which raises Enchanting by 10 points. A fifth relic cancels the bonus.
Smithing Guide
Enchanted weapons require the Arcane Blacksmith Perk to upgrade.
Upgrades
Ahzidal's Armor of Retribution is improved at a workbench with one Steel Ingot per improvement. The Advanced Armors perk doubles the improvement, so each quality tier needs less Smithing skill. An enchanted copy can only be improved with the Arcane Blacksmith perk.
| Quality | Smithing | With Perk | Armor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | 14 | 14 | +2 |
| Superior | 31 | 22 | +6 |
| Exquisite | 65 | 40 | +10 |
| Flawless | 100 | 57 | +13 |
| Epic | 134 | 74 | +17 |
| Legendary | 168 | 91 | +20 |
Armor Set
Ahzidal's Armor of Retribution belongs to the Relics of Ahzidal set. The table shows every piece of the set.
| Name | Image | Slot | Armor | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahzidal's Ring of Arcana | 
|
Ring | 0 | 0.25 |
| Ahzidal's Ring of Necromancy | 
|
Ring | 0 | 0.25 |
| Ahzidal's Armor of Retribution | 
|
Body | 40 | 38 |
| Ahzidal's Boots of Waterwalking | 
|
Feet | 14 | 9 |
| Ahzidal's Gauntlets of Warding | 
|
Hands | 14 | 6 |
| Ahzidal's Helm of Vision | 
|
Head | 19 | 6 |
Armor Categories
All Chest Armor
Light Armor
All light armor chest pieces are listed below with their armor rating, weight, set and upgrade material.
Heavy Armor
All heavy armor chest pieces are listed below with their armor rating, weight, set and upgrade material.
