Clearing Your Name in Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide to Bounty Removal
In the vast and immersive world of Skyrim, sometimes your adventures take a less-than-legal turn. Maybe you accidentally “borrowed” a sweetroll a little too enthusiastically, or perhaps a dragonborn rampage left a few unintended casualties in its wake. Whatever the cause, you’ve got a bounty on your head. But fear not, intrepid adventurer! There are several ways to clear your name and return to the good graces of Skyrim’s holds.
Who Do I Pay to Get Rid of Bounty in Skyrim?
The most straightforward method to remove a bounty in Skyrim is to pay a guard within the hold where the bounty was incurred. When approached by a guard, they’ll typically say something along the lines of “Hold it right there!” or “You’ve committed crimes against Skyrim and her people!” This is your cue to choose the dialogue option that indicates your willingness to pay off your bounty. Upon payment, your criminal record in that hold will be wiped clean, allowing you to move freely without fear of arrest.
Alternatively, if you’ve achieved a high enough standing with a particular hold, you might have the option to speak directly with the Jarl. Jarls, being the rulers of their holds, possess the authority to pardon your crimes. This option may become available if you’ve completed significant quests for the Jarl and earned their favor.
Understanding Bounties in Skyrim
A bounty is essentially a fine levied against you for committing crimes within a specific hold. Each hold (Whiterun, Riften, Windhelm, etc.) operates independently, meaning you can have a bounty in one hold while being a beloved hero in another. Bounties accumulate based on the severity of your crimes, ranging from petty theft to outright murder. Guards in the hold where the bounty exists will attempt to arrest you on sight, and if you resist, they’ll attack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bounties in Skyrim
Here are some frequently asked questions, designed to help you navigate the complexities of the Skyrim legal system:
1. Can I pay off my bounty in any hold?
No. You can only pay off your bounty to a guard or the Jarl within the specific hold where the crime was committed. Each hold operates independently.
2. What happens if I refuse to pay my bounty?
If you refuse to pay your bounty and are apprehended, you’ll be given a choice: go to jail or resist arrest. Choosing to go to jail will serve your sentence and reduce your skill advancement. Resisting arrest leads to a fight, and if you’re defeated, you’ll be imprisoned, and your stolen items will be confiscated.
3. Does joining the Thieves Guild affect my ability to pay bounties?
Yes! Being a member of the Thieves Guild offers unique benefits, including the ability to bribe guards. This allows you to clear small bounties for a slightly higher price than the original fine. It also has the added benefit of increasing your Speech skill. The Games Learning Society explores how game mechanics like this can enhance skills. You can find more information about the connection between games and skill-building at GamesLearningSociety.org.
4. Can I get rid of my bounty by simply leaving the hold?
No. Your bounty will remain active until you either pay it off, serve jail time, or use another method to clear it. Leaving the hold only postpones the inevitable encounter with the guards.
5. Does changing my appearance get rid of my bounty?
Unfortunately, no. Disguising yourself or changing your appearance through the Face Sculptor will not erase your criminal record. The guards are not fooled by a new hairstyle.
6. How long do I have to stay in jail to clear my bounty?
The length of your jail sentence depends on the size of your bounty. Smaller bounties result in shorter sentences, while larger bounties (700 gold or higher) can land you in jail for the maximum of seven in-game days. Serving jail time will remove your bounty but also reset progress towards your skill advancements.
7. Do I lose my stolen items if I pay my bounty instead of going to jail?
Paying your bounty typically allows you to keep your non-stolen items. However, the guards will still confiscate any items marked as stolen in your inventory.
8. How can I get my stolen items back after being arrested?
After serving your time, you can attempt to retrieve your stolen goods from a chest labeled “Evidence” or “Stolen Goods” within the jail. You’ll need to either pick the lock on the chest or pickpocket the key from one of the guards. Sneaking is highly recommended!
9. Is there a way to clear my bounty without paying or going to jail?
Aside from bribing (Thieves Guild) or using your Thaneship (if applicable), another method to clear your bounty without paying or going to jail involves leveraging your status as a Thane. If you’ve become a Thane of a particular hold, you can use your authority to avoid punishment for a single crime. However, this option is only available once per hold.
10. What is the highest possible bounty in Skyrim?
The maximum bounty you can accumulate in a single hold is generally 1000 gold. Reaching this level often triggers the relentless pursuit of guards and bounty hunters.
11. Why are hired thugs attacking me?
Hired thugs are dispatched after you commit certain crimes, even if you weren’t caught by the guards at the time. They are essentially bounty hunters sent by someone you wronged. Unfortunately, there’s no way to negotiate with them; you must defeat them in combat.
12. Can my bounty disappear over time?
No. Unlike some other games, bounties in Skyrim do not automatically disappear over time. You must actively take steps to remove them.
13. What happens if I kill all the witnesses to my crime?
Killing all the witnesses to your crime can prevent you from incurring a bounty in the first place. If no one reports the crime, the guards will remain unaware. However, this approach requires careful planning and a ruthless mindset. Be warned, though: some witnesses are essential characters, and killing them could break quests!
14. What is the console command to clear my bounty?
For PC players, the console command player.paycrimegold 0 0 # can be used to clear your bounty, where # is the hold ID. The first 0 determines whether to remove stolen items (1 to remove, 0 to keep), and the second 0 determines whether to go to jail (1 to go to jail, 0 to avoid). Remember that you still need to have enough gold in your inventory for this command to work.
15. How do I find the hold ID for the console command?
Finding the hold ID requires looking up a list of hold IDs online. Some common ones include:
- Whiterun: 4b067
- Riften: 28169
- Windhelm: 29db7
- Solitude: 267ea
Remember to use the correct ID for the hold where your bounty exists.
By understanding the various ways to manage your bounty in Skyrim, you can navigate the legal system with confidence and continue your adventures without the constant threat of arrest. So go forth, Dragonborn, and may your crimes be forgiven (or at least, paid for)!