Online:Kailstig the Axe

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Kailstig the Axe
(lore page)
Home City Davon's Watch
Riften
Location The Fish Stink, The Withered Tree, Star-Gazers' Observatory
Race Nord Gender Male
Health 39959
52,800 rounded (Hel Ra)
Reaction Friendly; Justice Neutral in The Withered Tree
Pickpocket Medium Profession Warrior
Other Information
Faction(s) Undaunted
Kailstig the Axe

Kailstig the Axe is a Nord member of the Undaunted who can be found at The Fish Stink tavern in Davon's Watch. You can join the Undaunted at any level by speaking to him, although it is advised to be at least level 10 before completing the quest given by Kailstig. After completing the quest you have to return to him to be properly initiated into the Undaunted. He will tell you about Fungal Grotto, marking it on your map if you have not yet discovered it.

You will meet him again at The Withered Tree in Riften, where he will tell you about the Blessed Crucible and Selene's Web.

Kailstig can also be found inside Hel Ra Citadel in Craglorn, where he will ask you to explore the citadel. Once you have completed The Missing Guardian Kailstig will additionally be found inside the Star-Gazers' Observatory, where he offers the same quest.

Related Quests[edit]

Quest-Related Events[edit]

One of the Undaunted[edit]

Speak to Kailstig to join the Undaunted.

"By the Divines, the ale servers in this place get uglier by the day."
I'm looking for a fight.
"Ha! Is that right? Well then. Sounds to me like you could be one of the Undaunted."
The Undaunted? What's that?
"A league of like-minded adventures. Every one of us eager for riches and glory. Sound like anyone you know? So what do you say? Think you can be one of the Undaunted?"
Yes, I want to be one of the Undaunted.
"You sure? Dungeon delving and monster fighting is not for the weak of heart."
I am not afraid.
"Good, but that's the easy part. The hard part's proving yourself. Fungal Grotto I seems like a good test. A dark, dank cave few return from. See if you can best whatever's inside. If you survive, come meet me back here and we'll make it official."

If interacted with after this, his greeting will be different:

"Well scamp, you don't look any worse for wear. Maybe you should put the ale down every once in a while and pick up a sword. Hah!"

After duly completing the test at the grotto, return to Kailstag.

"Well look at this! If it isn't the scamp I sent to clear out a dung heap.
Hah! Going get a little rough for ya scrap? Sure took you long enough!"
Is that all you have to say to me?
"This is a gathering of the Undaunted, and you're about to become one of us! Hope your ears are ready to bleed ..."

Your initiation into the Undaunted will then take place:

Kailstig the Axe: "Pull it together mutts, we've got a new scamp that's ready to risk life and limb for glory."
Kailstig the Axe: "And I say we welcome the scamp as only we know how!"
Roaring Ramavel: "I could always use an assistant—or a scribe to record my exploits."
Felvyn the Swordarm: "I think the new blood could help me in the privy. I'm not supposed to lift anything heavy."
Seeks-Her-Glory: "You're looking pretty light from here, Felvyn.
I propose a toast to the newcomer!"
Roaring Ramavel: "Hear, hear! A toast!"
Kailstig the Axe: "Aye, a toast and a song!"
All: "Hear, hear!"
Felvyn the Swordarm: "To those who fall in battle to the new scamp. How shameful it must be—to look upon that ugly face as the last thing you see."
All: "Ha ha!"
Seeks-Her-Glory: "To those who fall in love with the scamp! For they have sacrificed so much, for so little."
Roaring Ramavel: "To the new scamp's blacksmith. Unused swords rarely need repair!"
Kailstig the Axe: "Fine toasts one and all! Now for the song!"
Roaring Ramavel: "Who knows no fear … of beast or blade?"
All: "Undaunted! Undaunted!"
Felvyn the Swordarm: "Who knows no fear … of Daedric planes?"
All: "We are Undaunted!"
Seeks-Her-Glory: "Who knows no fear … of death? Of age?"
All: "Undaunted! Undaunted! We are Undaunted!"
Kailstig the Axe: "Not bad - for a bunch of half-wit drunks. Hah!"
Kailstig the Axe: "Take pride in being Undaunted, scamp. Your deeds will live on long after your body fails."

You can then talk with Kailstig again to finalize your membership.

"What're you looking at? The song's over."
Is that it?
"And we're done! You are now one of the Undaunted. Divines help you."

After selecting the relevant option to complete the quest and receive a reward in the form of some money, Kailstig will say:

"That's all there is to it! Welcome to the fold, scamp! You may one day have as many notches in your axe as I do.
Aw, who am I kidding? No you won't! Hah!"

Davon's Watch[edit]

After completing your induction, you can ask him about nearby challenges:

"Well scamp, you don't look any worse for wear. Maybe you should put the ale down every once in a while and pick up a sword. Hah!"
What do I get for being one of the Undaunted?
"What do you get? How about unending glory? A life of pride and satisfaction?
That good enough for you?"
And if it's not?
"Indeed! Undaunted always ask for more! More danger, more treasure!
But we take care of our own—we know how to fight, and we'll teach you, if you stick around. We have an armory—and we'll arm you, for a fee—if you stick around."
What should I do now?
"What should you do? You're Undaunted!
Go kill something! Something big! And let all Tamriel know of your exploits!"
Any dangerous creatures about that I can kill?
"Heard a rumor that some Goblins in Varanis took over a cave; been causing a nuisance for some Dark Elves. Place is called … Fungal Grotto.
You may find your adventure there. Goblins for sure."

Riften[edit]

He can later be found in The Withered Tree inn, with Ferocious Jakidi and Gobur One-Eye. If you're not part of the Undaunted:

"I've killed fools dumber than you before but I'm not sure I've killed anyone uglier. You don't want to be another notch on my axe. Beat it!"

If you're part of the Undaunted:

"You look as fresh as the time I met you, scamp. Does nothing slow you down? I hear you've been making a name for yourself."
What've you been up to? / I see. And what'd you do today?
"Just tried my luck in the Blessed Crucible. I made it out, but nearly lost my neck.
I'm not as young as I used to be."
What's the Blessed Crucible?
"You've never heard of the Blessed Crucible? It's a gladiatorial arena here in the Rift. Talk about a true test of warrior prowess. I'd say earning the Brimstone Crown from the Champion is a proper test for all Undaunted!
Maybe you should give it a try."
I'm looking to earn some glory, got any suggestions? / Anywhere else I can earn some glory?
"Heard there's some Mages Guild activity off in Reaper's March.
Don't know what all the fuss is about, but our Undaunted brethren have spotted a group of them heading to a forest called Selene's Web. I'm spent for today. But you could follow them."
Why's that forest called Selene's Web?
"Don't know. The Undaunted I heard it from heard it from a mage. Never knew that forest had a name.
I'd be careful if you plan to visit. Sometimes mage problems can't be talked down. Or punched. Or killed."

Assaulting the Citadel[edit]

He can be met at the Star-Gazers' Observatory, where he will tell you about a current threat:

"They say something terrible has awoken—or occupied—Hel Ra Citadel, abandoned by the Yokudans since they invaded Tamriel. Scholars have been disappearing inside since the door to the Citadel, sealed by the Yokudans for thousands of years, opened."
What are you talking about?
"I was set to adventure with the Undaunted—to explore Hel Ra Citadel in the mountains. However, my fledgling allies—newcomers, all of them—entered without me. Probably thought it was funny. They never returned."
What's happening at Hel Ra Citadel?
"Something awakened in the Citadel—or took residence. We Undaunted decided to find out what, and I still mean to. Whatever it is, it's fierce. Undaunted don't just disappear.
I came here searching for anyone else willing to go."
I will go to Hel Ra Citadel.

After accepting the quest, Kailstig will sound impatient:

"Then what are you still talking to me for? Get to Hel Ra Citadel before all the good fighting is done. And if you see those fools who left me behind, tell them I said to go to Sovngarde. And not to enjoy themselves."
Why are you here in the Stargazer [sic] Observatory?
"I heard rumors that one of the Celestials themselves has taken mortal form and wanders these halls. I would like the chance to fight her."

When you are inside Hel Ra Citadel, Kailstig will greet you suspiciously:

"What's this? Another motley band come to steal my glory? You don't have the guts!"
What are you talking about?
"I'm with the Undaunted—all newcomers—to explore Hel Ra Citadel up ahead. My fledgling allies disappeared inside while I was stocking provisions—probably thought it was funny to cut me out of the glory. It wasn't. And they never returned."'
What's happening at Hel Ra Citadel?
"Something awakened in the Citadel—or took residence. We Undaunted decided to find out what, and I still mean to. Whatever it is, it's fierce. Undaunted don't just disappear.
I welcome such a foe!"
I'll go first.

Afterwards, Kailstig can be asked additional questions:

"Keep a note on if you're going out there. Write where you would like to be buried. I'll do my best to carry your body there, if I find it. What? An army of Undaunted vanished out there. I'm not morbid. I'm a realist."
What do you know of Hel Ra Citadel?
"It's been silent since the Yokudans invaded back in the First Era. Supposedly build during that time. Until recently, that door behind you was shut, either by sorcery or craftsmanship. None could best it."
What happened recently?
"The door opened. Many came. Some Redguards grabbed stones from this chamber, claiming pieces of their ancestral home. But something out there started grabbing the Redguards and scholars. Even members of the Undaunted."
Any idea what awaits me in the Citadel?
"An enemy worthy of the Undaunted! We heard the crash of armored marching echo out of the walls, and the blast of an immense warhorn, but silence has fallen since my friends entered. It would take a savage dragon to quiet that many Undaunted."
You didn't see your foes?
"All I've seen is the inside of our traveling packs. The others left without me when I was checking our equipment. It wasn't funny at that centaur graveyard in Elden Root, and it's not funny now. I hope a Yokudan ghost ate them."
Tell me more about the Undaunted.
"We're the most daring group of adventurers to ever leap into boots! Bane of beast and Daedra alike! The fiercest brigands this side of Sovngarde! Some of us also enjoy disappearing into ancient Citadels, leaving the Nord in charge behind."

After defeating the Warrior Celestial, Kailstig and Mindil the Untested come rushing in. Speaking with Kailstig:

"I'll admit, I thought you were a goner when you went inside, but glory goes to you—for now.
Once Roaring Ramavel and the other Undaunted get here, I'm taking it right back. I'm the best!"

System Mail[edit]

If you are on the Trials leaderboard for Hel Ra Citadel by the end of the week, Kailstig will be the author of the mail containing leaderboard rewards that you receive. You'll find this in your mailbox if your group is on the leaderboard for Veteran Aetherian Archive at the end of the week.

For Your Dauntless Deeds at Hel Ra Citadel!
I told the miscreants here about your dauntlessness at the Citadel of Hel Ra. We all agreed you deserved something special to use against the dangers you court! Because who knows where your thrill-seeking will take you tomorrow?

At any rate, I thought I'd have one of the greenbacks send you something from the armory. Hope this gets to you in one piece. We make the greenbacks jump off a lot of roofs for the fun of it, so no guarantees!

I wish I could convey my bellowing laughter in this letter, but, alas, I am no poet. I'm not even a warrior poet. I've paid an Elf in coin to write this letter for me.

Good tidings and happy skull-splitting,

Kailstig the Axe