Skyrim What's the deal with shouts?

[zahratustra]

By now I have five incomplete shouts:
"Unrelenting Force" 1st word was found in Bleak Falls Barrow and activated by killing a dragon near Whiterun. 2nd was was given to me (and activated) at High Hrothgar.
"Whirlwind Sprint" 2nd word and activation from High Hrothgar.

I have also found 1st words for "Fire Breath", "Become Ethereal" and "Throw Voice" but, despite killing 3 dragons, those shouts are still inactive. Do I need to do "Horn of Jurgen Windcaller" quest before more shouts can be activated?

 

[wolfgrimdark]

When you absorb a dragon soul they don't automatically activate a shout. You have to select the shout you wish to use the dragon soul on. Once you use a soul that shout is now active and you can use it whenever you want.

I am not in the game right now but I believe you go to the magic menu, under shouts. Then make sure the shout you want is highlighted. You should also have a count of how many dragon souls you have. Hit your ENTER (E) key while highlighting the shout and a soul should be spent on it.

Its something like that. Took me a moment to figure it out when I got my first shout.

 

[zahratustra]

Thank you wolf! Much appreciated!

 

[wolfgrimdark]

My bad - I just got a new soul so was able to see. You have to select the shout then "UNLOCK" it, which for me was the R key. It should ask you to confirm your choice as well.

 

[zahratustra]

Yeah, worked details out by myself but it was your tip which has shown me the way. Thanks again!

 

[Thaurin]

My bad - I just got a new soul so was able to see. You have to select the shout then "UNLOCK" it, which for me was the R key. It should ask you to confirm your choice as well.

I just killed my first dragon and I think I tried this, but it told me I needed a dragon soul. What? Did I miss it? Or maybe I pressed E instead or R... I'll have to check.

 

[Thrasher]

Also, should one be careful about unlocking shouts, or are there an infinite number of dragon souls?

 

[CountChocula]

Also, should one be careful about unlocking shouts, or are there an infinite number of dragon souls?

There are an infinite number of dragons and only about 60+ different words you can learn.

After a certain part of the main quest, I think the dragons stop appearing, but it is probably really close to the end.

 

[Thrasher]

So just don't go too far in the main quest if you want to experiment with all the shouts in one playthrough is the rule of thumb, I suppose. Everything is working out acording to plans....

Although, I would like to play a battlemage too, but I'd prefer not to replay dungeons...

 

[CountChocula]

have any of you tried Storm Call?

It is truly a thing of wonder. However, you need to tell your traveling companion to wait somewhere very far away. Mine dies every time I use the shout.

 

[Ragnaris]

have any of you tried Storm Call?

It is truly a thing of wonder. However, you need to tell your traveling companion to wait somewhere very far away. Mine dies every time I use the shout.

I thought it was somewhat of a letdown (unless it's a bit more powerful as you level up?). I'd love it much more if companions and nearby friendlies weren't affected, but at the same I like the idea that friendlies can be killed if you're not careful.

I prefer the Call Dragon shout, myself.