Paarthurnax

Overview

Paarthurnax is Alduin's brother and former lieutenant. He betrayed Alduin and taught the humans the secrets of the Thu'um (dragon shouts).

Paarthurnax is encountered during the central storyline of Skyrim. Once the player has learned the 'Clear Skies' shout they are able to make the final ascent to the peak of the Throat of the World. Paarthurnax is encountered here for the first time and proceeds to guide the Dovahkiin in finding and combating Alduin. He teaches several shouts, including 'Breath Fire', and eventually provides one of three buffs similar to those unlocked at Standing Stones or altars (see Meditation below).

If the player accepts a side quest from The Blades, "Paarthurnax", they may choose to kill him. The Blades seek Paarthurnax's death after they discover the role he played as Alduin's lieutenant in the first dragon war. If this side quest is not completed then immediately after the conclusion of the main quest line Paarthunax will leave the Throat of the World, claiming he will teach the 'way of the voice' to the other dragons as he does so. The player may still find him at the Throat of the World after this event.

Meditation

Upon completing the initial dialogue options with Paartharnux the player will be presented with an option to meditate in the way of the voice. They will be presented with three options, each of which will provide a different benefit in the same fashion as those provided by the Standing Stones or Aedra shrines scattered throughout Skyrim. By selecting the dialogue option again the player will be able to choose a different option. This new choice will replace the benefits provided by the previous one. The options and their perks are:

Fus - enables the "Force Without Effort" effect which increases stagger resistance by 25% and causes the Dovahkiin to stagger opponents 25% more often.

Feim - activates the "Ethereal Spirit" effect adding a 25% bonus to the rate health regenerates while ethereal. This effect is only active while the player is ethereal and is best used in conjunction with specific spells and equipment.

Yol - enables the "Fire Within" effect which increases damage done by the 'flame breath' shout by 25%.

Quotes

• What is better - to be born good, or to overcome your evil nature through great effort?
• Drem. Patience. There are formalities that must be observed, at the first meeting of two of the dov. By long tradition, the elder speaks first. Hear my Thu'um! Feel it in your bones. Match it, if you are Dovahkiin!

Trivia

Paarthurnax is voiced by none other than Charles Martinet, who is better known as the voice of everyone's favorite Italian plumber, Luigi (Mario too).