Plucking the Crow is one of the many fascinating quests in Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) that takes players on an intriguing adventure through Tamriel. Set in the mysterious and richly detailed world of the game, this quest will test your skill, patience, and problem-solving abilities. As a mid-level quest in the Greymoor chapter, it is filled with rich lore, challenging combat, and valuable rewards. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to ESO, completing this quest can be both rewarding and fun.

In this article, we'll guide you step-by-step through how to complete Plucking the Crow, explaining what you need to do at every stage of the quest, as well as offering helpful tips and tricks along the way. So, if you've found yourself on this quest and are wondering how to proceed, this guide will help you navigate through it.

1. Starting the Quest

Plucking the Crow can be started in the Western Skyrim zone, a part of the Greymoor expansion. To begin, you'll need to go to the town of Shornhelm, which is the main settlement in Western Skyrim.

Key Details:

The quest is triggered by speaking to Lysandra.

She is located near the Shornhelm area and has a problem that only you, the hero, can solve.

You'll be able to begin this quest if you've already unlocked the Greymoor chapter, which is available to players who own it.

Upon speaking to Lysandra, you'll learn about the local issue involving the Crow, a figure tied to criminal activity. After your conversation, the quest will be added to your journal, and you'll be tasked with finding and dealing with the mysterious Crow.

2. Investigating the Crow's Identity

The first part of the quest involves investigating the Crow's identity. This will require you to gather clues from around Shornhelm and speak with various NPCs (Non-Player Characters) who may have information.

Objectives:

Speak with Shornhelm's guards and townsfolk.

Visit the Shornhelm docks to investigate suspicious activity.

Look for hidden clues in Shornhelm's alleys and other locations around the town.

During your investigation, you'll learn that the Crow is not a single person, but rather a group of individuals hiding behind a mysterious persona. You'll also hear rumors of how the Crow operates — using deception, subterfuge, and criminal enterprises to undermine Shornhelm's local authority.

Tip: The investigation phase can take some time, so be sure to explore thoroughly. The clues you gather are essential for progressing, so leave no stone unturned.

3. Tracking Down the Crow

Once you have gathered enough information, it will be time to track down the Crow. The next objective will guide you to a hidden lair, where the Crow and their accomplices are believed to be hiding.

The lair is located in a secluded area of Western Skyrim, which can be a bit difficult to find without the help of your journal and quest markers. As you make your way toward the area, be prepared for combat, as enemies will be guarding the location.

Key Objectives:

Enter the Crow's hideout.

Defeat any enemies inside.

Search for the Crow's lair.

Be cautious, as this part of the quest will feature both traps and enemies that are tied to the Crow's network. You'll encounter both human adversaries and a few magical traps, so having a strategy to tackle them will be essential.

4. Confronting the Crow's Leader

Once inside the lair, you'll eventually come face to face with the Crow's leader — a villainous figure who has been orchestrating the criminal operations in Shornhelm. The confrontation with the Crow is one of the most exciting parts of the quest. It features a combination of combat, dialogue, and decision-making that will impact the outcome of your adventure.

The Boss Fight:

The Crow's leader is a powerful figure who commands a group of loyal followers. Be ready for a difficult battle.

The leader has several abilities, including summoning crows to attack and using illusions to confuse you. Watch out for these and be prepared to dodge.

It is important to focus on defeating the leader first, as their followers will continue to spawn until you defeat the main threat.

Once the Crow's leader is defeated, you'll have the opportunity to choose what happens next. Depending on your character's alignment, you can either choose to bring the Crow to justice or leave some of their criminal network intact for future encounters.

5. Dealing with the Aftermath

actions will change the state of affairs in Shornhelm. The decisions you made throughout the quest, including how you handled the Crow's gang and whether you decided to spare or eliminate certain individuals, will have a lasting effect.

Key Outcomes:

If you killed the Crow's leader, the town of Shornhelm will experience some relief from the criminal activity. However, some NPCs may hold a grudge against your actions.

If you let the leader go or made a deal, you may see some new developments in future quests related to the Crow's network.

Before finishing the quest, make sure you talk to Lysandra one last time. She'll have some closing dialogue and give you your final rewards. This will often include experience points, ESO gold, and possibly some special items that are tied to the Greymoor expansion.

6. Additional Tips for Completing "Plucking the Crow"

Level and Preparation:

The Plucking the Crow quest is generally meant for players at a mid-to-high level, ideally around level 45 to 50. If you're under-leveled, you may find it difficult to handle the enemies in this quest, particularly the boss fight. Consider tackling side quests or delves to gain experience before diving into this one.

Bring a set of potions with you, especially health and stamina potions. You'll need them during the more intense combat sections, especially during the boss fight in the Crow's lair.

Combat Strategy:

Crow's Leader Fight: This is a tough fight, and the leader has several different attacks, including crows that will swarm you and illusions that make it harder to spot the real enemy. To counter this, be prepared to dodge and use area-of-effect (AoE) abilities to clear out summoned crows. Keep your distance when possible and use ranged attacks to whittle down the leader's health.

Keep an Eye on Your Health: The Crow's hideout has a number of traps that can significantly drain your health if you're not careful. Always have a healing ability ready to use when needed.

Lore and Story:

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Plucking the Crow is its connection to the wider Elder Scrolls universe. The Crow represents a deeper look into the criminal underworld of Western Skyrim and is intertwined with the larger plot of the Greymoor expansion. Take your time to explore the lore and read all the dialogue options to enrich your understanding of the world around you.

Conclusion

Plucking the Crow is a multi-stage quest in Elder Scrolls Online that will test your investigative skills, combat abilities, and decision-making. Whether you're solving a mystery in Shornhelm or taking down a criminal empire, the journey is filled with twists and turns that keep you engaged from start to finish.

By following the steps outlined above — investigating the Crow, tracking them down, confronting the leader, and dealing with the aftermath — you can successfully complete this quest and enjoy the rewards that come with it. Remember to explore every nook and cranny, use your combat skills wisely, and enjoy the rich lore of Western Skyrim as you help the people of Shornhelm bring justice to their town.

Good luck, and happy adventuring in Tamriel!

MMOexp Elder Scrolls Online Team