Can You Spare Nepos? Unraveling the Mysteries of the Forsworn Conspiracy in Skyrim
Yes, you absolutely can spare Nepos in Skyrim! Despite initial assumptions and some misleading in-game dialogue, Nepos the Nose doesn’t necessarily have to meet an untimely end during “The Forsworn Conspiracy” questline. The key lies in how you approach the investigation. Instead of directly confronting him and triggering a combat scenario, you can cleverly bypass the conflict and keep him alive. Keep reading for a deeper dive into the intricacies of saving Nepos and the ripple effects your choices have on the quest’s outcome.
The Forsworn Conspiracy: A Moral Maze
“The Forsworn Conspiracy” quest is one of Skyrim’s most intricate and morally ambiguous storylines. It plunges the Dragonborn into a web of political intrigue, murder, and historical grievances within the city of Markarth. You begin by investigating a murder and quickly uncover a deep-seated conspiracy involving the powerful Silver-Blood family and the Forsworn, the native Reachmen fighting for their land.
The quest forces you to make difficult choices, and your actions have significant consequences for the characters involved, including Nepos the Nose. Many players initially believe that confronting Nepos directly is unavoidable, leading to his death. However, there are alternative routes to pursue that let you complete the quest while keeping him alive. This adds layers of complexity and forces players to consider the potential ramifications of their actions.
Bypassing the Confrontation: The Key to Saving Nepos
The trick to keeping Nepos alive involves prioritizing stealth and information gathering. The quest often leads you to Nepos after following leads related to the initial murder and Weylin’s involvement. However, confronting him directly will inevitably lead to combat and his demise.
Here’s how to avoid killing him:
- Focus on Pickpocketing: Instead of engaging in dialogue with Nepos (or his housekeeper), immediately attempt to pickpocket his journal. This is your primary objective.
- Read the Journal: Once you have the journal, read it. The journal will reveal Nepos’s connection to the Forsworn and provide you with the necessary information to progress the quest.
- Report to Eltrys: With the journal in your possession, head directly to Eltrys, the quest giver, with your findings. Bypassing the confrontation allows you to continue the quest without bloodshed.
- Alternate strategy If you have already questioned Thonar Silver-Blood, you can go directly to Eltrys.
By taking this route, you circumvent the scripted combat encounter and keep Nepos alive, allowing you to explore other aspects of the questline and potentially influence future events in different ways.
Why Bother Saving Nepos? The Roleplaying Perspective
Saving Nepos might seem insignificant in the grand scheme of Skyrim, but it opens up new possibilities for roleplaying and exploring the complexities of the game’s narrative. Perhaps you’re playing a character who values non-lethal solutions, or one who is interested in gathering information without resorting to violence.
Keeping Nepos alive can also offer a different perspective on the Forsworn and their motivations. While he is involved in criminal activities, he is also a product of a long history of oppression and displacement. Understanding his perspective can add depth to your understanding of the conflict in the Reach.
Beyond the immediate quest consequences, choosing to spare lives whenever possible can shape your character’s moral compass and influence your interactions with other factions and characters throughout the game. The Games Learning Society explores how games can enhance understanding of complex narratives and ethical considerations, something clearly demonstrated in “The Forsworn Conspiracy.” The quest is a great example of how video games can encourage players to think critically about their actions and their consequences, enhancing learning and critical thinking. You can learn more about the GamesLearningSociety.org and their work on their website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nepos and the Forsworn Conspiracy
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of saving Nepos and navigating the Forsworn Conspiracy:
1. Is Nepos a Forsworn?
Yes, Nepos is indeed a Forsworn. His dialogue (if you choose to engage it) reveals his allegiance to Madanach, the King in Rags, the leader of the Forsworn imprisoned within Cidhna Mine. He is a key operative working within Markarth to further the Forsworn’s agenda.
2. What happens if I find evidence about Nepos before visiting Eltrys?
Finding evidence about Nepos before visiting Eltrys doesn’t drastically alter the initial stages of the quest. You can still proceed to Eltrys with the information, but it is crucial to avoid confronting Nepos directly if you wish to keep him alive.
3. Can you prevent Eltrys from dying?
Unfortunately, Eltrys’s death is a scripted event in the quest. There is no way to save him from being killed by the corrupt guards. However, you can loot his body for any valuable items before the “No One Escapes Cidhna Mine” quest begins.
4. Is there a way to save Thonar’s wife, Rhiada?
Rhiada’s survival is also heavily scripted, and it’s difficult to ensure her safety. The most important thing is to follow the leads to Weylin and Nepos without talking to Thonar. Even if you eliminate potential threats beforehand, her fate is often sealed.
5. What are the consequences of joining the Forsworn in Cidhna Mine?
While there is no official faction joining mechanic, siding with Madanach in Cidhna Mine will lead to a different quest outcome. You’ll escape with him and his followers, and they will acknowledge you as an ally. This will also affect your relationship with the Silver-Blood family.
6. Can you become friendly with the Forsworn in general?
Wearing a full set of Forsworn armor will usually prevent them from attacking you, allowing you to travel through their camps relatively safely. Completing the “No One Escapes Cidhna Mine” quest in favor of Madanach will also make that particular group of Forsworn friendly towards you.
7. What happens if I kill Madanach?
If you kill Madanach and escape Cidhna Mine, you’ll be rewarded by the Silver-Blood family. You’ll receive your gear back and be given the Silver-Blood Family Ring.
8. How do I escape Cidhna Mine?
There are two main ways to escape Cidhna Mine: side with Madanach and follow his plan, or fight your way out after betraying him. Each path offers different challenges and rewards.
9. Are the Silver-Bloods truly evil?
The Silver-Blood family are portrayed as ruthless and corrupt in the game. They are deeply involved in illegal activities and use their influence to control Markarth. They are arguably one of the most morally reprehensible factions in Skyrim.
10. Do I get my stuff back after “The Forsworn Conspiracy”?
Yes, you will get your belongings back after completing the quest. If you escape with Madanach, Kaie will return them. If you escape after killing him, Thonar will return them.
11. Is it necessary to go to jail in Markarth?
Going to jail is not required to complete the quest. If you can pickpocket the necessary evidence from Nepos and Thonar and go straight to Eltrys, you can avoid jail.
12. Who is the “N” in the Forsworn Conspiracy?
The “N” refers to Nepos the Nose. He is the contact you’re directed to investigate after uncovering clues about the Forsworn’s involvement in the Markarth murders.
13. Should I poison the Emperor in the Dark Brotherhood questline?
Whether or not you poison the Emperor doesn’t ultimately change the outcome of that quest. You will be contractually obligated to assassinate him, regardless.
14. What happens if I return to Helgen after the introduction?
If you return to Helgen after escaping during the game’s introduction, you’ll find it destroyed and occupied by bandits. It’s a stark reminder of the dragon attack and the upheaval in Skyrim.
15. Can you marry Morwen in Skyrim?
Yes, you can marry Morwen after completing the “The Fate of the Skaal” quest and returning her mother’s amulet to Runil in Falkreath.
Conclusion: Choices and Consequences in Skyrim
The ability to spare Nepos in “The Forsworn Conspiracy” highlights the depth and complexity of Skyrim’s quest design. It rewards players who approach challenges with creativity and a willingness to explore alternative solutions. By focusing on stealth and information gathering, you can navigate the treacherous web of intrigue and make choices that align with your character’s values, leading to a richer and more rewarding gameplay experience. Remember that every choice, even seemingly small ones, can have lasting consequences in the world of Skyrim.