What Happens to Madanach in Skyrim? A Deep Dive into the Forsworn King

Madanach, also known as the King in Rags, is a pivotal figure in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, particularly within the city of Markarth and the surrounding Reach. His fate is directly tied to the player’s choices during the questline “The Forsworn Conspiracy” and “No One Escapes Cidhna Mine.” Ultimately, Madanach either escapes Markarth to lead his Forsworn rebels from Druadach Redoubt, or he is assassinated within Cidhna Mine by the Dragonborn. The decision rests entirely with the player, and it has significant consequences for their reputation, rewards, and the future of Markarth. His story is one of rebellion, oppression, and the complex choices players must face in the morally grey world of Skyrim.

Madanach’s Fate: Two Paths Diverge

Madanach’s narrative branch hinges on whether the player chooses to aid him in escaping Cidhna Mine or betray him to the Silver-Blood family. Each choice leads to distinct outcomes:

• Escape with Madanach: If the player helps Madanach escape, he and his followers will flee Markarth. They will subsequently regroup at Druadach Redoubt, a Forsworn camp located northwest of Markarth. The Forsworn at this location will become friendly towards the Dragonborn, and Madanach will acknowledge their assistance. The player receives the Armor of the Old Gods from Kaie, a Forsworn member, upon exiting the mine. This choice effectively supports the Forsworn’s cause, even if temporarily. However, it is important to remember that generally the Forsworn remain hostile across Skyrim.

• Kill Madanach: Should the player choose to assassinate Madanach within Cidhna Mine (ideally discreetly to avoid alerting the other prisoners), Thonar Silver-Blood will reward the player with their equipment and the Silver-Blood Family Ring upon escaping. This ring provides a boost to smithing. This action directly undermines the Forsworn’s rebellion and aligns the player with the powerful, albeit morally dubious, Silver-Blood family. The player is then free to go and resume their life, while the guards turn a blind eye to the recent escape.

The Significance of Choice

The choice of whether to kill or help Madanach is more than just a simple quest decision; it reflects the complex moral landscape of Skyrim. The Forsworn, while appearing as savage raiders to many, are fighting to reclaim their ancestral lands and culture from Nordic oppression. The Silver-Bloods, on the other hand, represent wealth and power, but also corruption and a willingness to exploit others for their own gain. The player’s decision determines not only Madanach’s fate but also their stance on these larger socio-political issues.

Madanach in Druadach Redoubt

If Madanach survives and makes it to Druadach Redoubt, the player can find him there leading his followers. He serves as a reminder of the Dragonborn’s past actions in Markarth, whether those actions supported his cause or betrayed it. This provides a moment of reflection on the consequences of the choices made in Cidhna Mine. While the Forsworn at Druadach Redoubt will remain friendly, it’s important to note that this amity does not extend to other Forsworn camps throughout Skyrim.

Consequences of Siding with Madanach

Siding with Madanach isn’t without its long-term effects. Although the Druadach Redoubt Forsworn become friendly, most Forsworn encountered elsewhere in Skyrim will remain hostile. The Armor of the Old Gods is a decent set of light armor, particularly useful at lower levels, which can also be disenchanted for enchanting purposes. This outcome provides access to a unique set of armor. However, the main benefit is seeing the questline through Madanach’s perspective.

Understanding the Forsworn

The Forsworn represent a complex faction within Skyrim. They are not simply mindless villains; they are a people driven to desperate measures by the loss of their land and culture. Understanding their history and motivations is crucial to fully appreciating the significance of the choice surrounding Madanach. Further research into the history of the Reach and the Reachmen provides context for their actions. The GamesLearningSociety.org offers resources and perspectives on exploring complex narratives and decision-making in video games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Madanach

1. Can I kill Madanach after he escapes Cidhna Mine?

Yes, you can kill Madanach after he escapes Cidhna Mine and reaches Druadach Redoubt. He’s just a normal NPC at that point, and killing him won’t incur any penalties beyond making the Forsworn at the redoubt hostile.

2. What rewards do I get for helping Madanach?

For helping Madanach escape, you receive the Armor of the Old Gods, a unique set of light armor that provides bonuses to magicka and archery. Additionally, the Forsworn at Druadach Redoubt become friendly to you.

3. What happens if I betray Madanach?

If you betray Madanach and kill him in Cidhna Mine, Thonar Silver-Blood will reward you with your equipment and the Silver-Blood Family Ring, which enhances your smithing skills.

4. Can I join the Forsworn faction?

No, there is no official way to join the Forsworn faction permanently. Helping Madanach only makes a specific group of Forsworn friendly; it doesn’t make you a full member of their society.

5. Is Madanach essential?

No, Madanach is not essential. He can be killed at multiple points in the game, affecting the outcome of the “No One Escapes Cidhna Mine” quest.

6. Where is Druadach Redoubt located?

Druadach Redoubt is located northwest of Markarth, in the western part of the Reach.

7. Will all Forsworn be friendly if I help Madanach?

No, only the Forsworn at Druadach Redoubt will be friendly. Other Forsworn camps throughout Skyrim will remain hostile.

8. What is the Armor of the Old Gods?

The Armor of the Old Gods is a set of light armor received for helping Madanach escape. It includes a helmet, armor, gauntlets, and boots, each enchanted with magical effects.

9. What is the Silver-Blood Family Ring?

The Silver-Blood Family Ring is a ring received for killing Madanach. It increases your smithing skill.

10. Does siding with Madanach affect the Civil War questline?

No, siding with Madanach does not directly affect the Civil War questline. However, your actions in Markarth can influence your overall reputation with the different factions in Skyrim.

11. What level should I be to do the “No One Escapes Cidhna Mine” quest?

There isn’t a specific recommended level, but being at least level 20 is advisable due to the challenges within Cidhna Mine and the potential combat encounters during the quest.

12. Can I avoid going to jail in Markarth?

You can avoid going to jail initially by running from the guards. However, this will make you a fugitive in Markarth, and the guards will attempt to arrest you on sight. To progress the “The Forsworn Conspiracy” quest, you need to get arrested.

13. Are the Silver-Bloods good or bad?

The Silver-Bloods are generally considered morally ambiguous or outright evil. They are powerful and influential, but they are also corrupt and exploit others for their own gain.

14. What happens if I wear Forsworn armor?

Wearing a full set of Forsworn armor can sometimes prevent Forsworn from attacking you, but this is not always reliable. Your actions in Markarth and your overall reputation will also influence their behavior towards you.

15. Can I save Eltrys and Betrid during the quest?

Yes, it is possible to save Eltrys and Betrid. This involves carefully navigating the questline and dealing with the Silver-Bloods strategically.