Does Stealth Matter in Boethiah’s Calling? A Skyrim Deep Dive

The short answer is: no, stealth is not a requirement for completing Boethiah’s Calling in Skyrim. While the Daedric Prince of deceit and conspiracy might prefer a more subtle approach, brute force will get the job done just as well. You might receive a verbal lashing for your lack of finesse, but it won’t impact your quest completion or the coveted Ebony Mail reward. Now, let’s delve into the nuances of this dark quest and explore the finer points of serving Boethiah.

Understanding Boethiah’s Expectations (and How to Ignore Them)

Boethiah, as the Daedric Prince of Plots, rightfully appreciates a good assassination or a cunning betrayal. Her whole deal is about undermining authority and seizing power through any means necessary. Therefore, many players initially assume that stealth is paramount during her quest. This assumption is further fueled by the Ebony Mail itself, an armor piece that enhances stealth abilities.

However, the game mechanics don’t actually enforce a stealth-only playthrough. You can charge into the Sacellum of Boethiah like a raging storm, slaughtering cultists and your unfortunate follower alike, and still successfully complete the quest. Boethiah might express her disappointment in your barbaric tactics, but she won’t revoke her offer. Think of it as a Daedric Prince lamenting your lack of style, not your lack of effectiveness.

The Ebony Mail: Why Stealth Makes Sense, Even if it’s Optional

While stealth isn’t mandatory, it does align with the rewards you receive for completing the quest. The Ebony Mail is a powerful piece of heavy armor imbued with Daedric magic. It offers several benefits related to stealth:

• Muffle Effect: It makes the wearer harder to detect while sneaking.
• Poison Cloak: It emits a poison cloud around the wearer, damaging nearby enemies.

These effects encourage a stealthy playstyle, allowing you to silently eliminate enemies or weaken them before engaging in direct combat. Thus, even though you can ignore stealth, the Ebony Mail encourages a playstyle that leverages it.

Choosing the Right Follower: A Moral Quandary

Perhaps the most agonizing part of Boethiah’s Calling is the required sacrifice. Selecting a follower to betray and ultimately kill on the altar is a decision that weighs heavily on many players. Do you choose someone disposable? Someone you dislike? Or do you role-play a darker character, sacrificing someone loyal to achieve greater power? There’s no right or wrong answer here, but some followers are more… suitable than others.

• Ralis Sedarys: As mentioned earlier, Ralis, from the Dragonborn DLC, is a common choice for players looking for a morally justifiable sacrifice. His actions in the Kolbjorn Barrow questline paint him as, at best, morally grey.
• Lydia: The ever-present Housecarl from Whiterun. She’s easily accessible but sacrificing Lydia after she’s sworn to protect you can create a compelling narrative of betrayal.
• Mercenaries: Hiring a mercenary from a tavern can be a less emotionally impactful option. You’re essentially paying them for a one-way trip to the Sacellum.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. Consider your character’s motivations and choose a follower whose death best serves your roleplaying experience.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into Boethiah’s Calling

Here are some frequently asked questions about Boethiah’s Calling, providing further insight into this intriguing Daedric quest.

1. Can you fail Boethiah’s Calling in Skyrim?

Yes, you can technically fail the quest. However, failing in this context typically means making choices that prevent you from completing the objective, not necessarily failing an in-game check. For example, you can recruit her ex-champion if things go wrong.

2. How do you complete Boethiah’s Calling without sacrifice?

Unfortunately, a follower sacrifice is a fundamental part of Boethiah’s Calling. There is no legitimate in-game method to bypass this requirement. Any claims of doing so are typically based on glitches or exploits.

3. Who Should You Sacrifice In The Quest ‘Boethiah’s Calling’?

The choice is entirely yours! Consider a follower whose death aligns with your character’s motivations. Some players choose morally questionable characters like Ralis Sedarys, while others opt for a more dramatic betrayal by sacrificing a loyal companion like Lydia.

4. How do I fix Boethiah’s Calling glitch?

Glitches can be frustrating. The most reliable solution is to load a previous save. If the glitch persists, try sleeping for several in-game days (7-10 days) before attempting the quest again. This can sometimes reset the necessary triggers.

5. Why won’t Boethiah’s Calling work?

A common reason the quest won’t initiate is that you haven’t reached the required level (30). Another potential issue is that the quest giver is bugged. Try killing all of Boethiah’s worshippers after she summons you. This may force the quest forward.

6. Who is stronger Molag Bal or Boethiah?

In a straight-up physical confrontation, Molag Bal likely has the edge. However, Boethiah’s strength lies in manipulation and strategy. With sufficient preparation, she could potentially outmaneuver and defeat the Prince of Domination. This touches upon some of the important aspects to consider when comparing them. A good discussion on the topic can be found on the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) forums where players debate Daedric lore and power scaling.

7. Is the Ebony Mail good?

Absolutely! The Ebony Mail is a fantastic piece of heavy armor. It provides a high armor rating, a muffle effect for stealth, and a poison cloak for damaging nearby enemies. It’s a powerful combination that benefits both stealthy and aggressive playstyles.

8. Does Boethiah hate Molag Bal?

Yes, Boethiah and Molag Bal are considered archenemies. Their ideologies clash significantly, with Boethiah championing rebellion and Molag Bal favoring domination. This rivalry is a recurring theme in Elder Scrolls lore.

9. What happens when you sacrifice someone to Boethiah?

Upon sacrificing a follower, Boethiah possesses their corpse and speaks through it, revealing the next stage of the quest. She instructs you and the remaining cultists to fight to the death, with the survivor becoming her new champion.

10. Can you get Serana back after dismissing her?

Yes, generally you can. However, dismissing Serana after completing the Dawnguard questline can sometimes cause a bug that prevents you from re-recruiting her as a follower. So, be cautious about dismissing her at that point in the game.

11. Who are Boethiah allies?

Boethiah is often associated with Mephala and Azura, forming a trio known as the “Good Daedra” (at least, by Dunmer standards). She is a staunch enemy of Molag Bal, and often conflicts with Vaermina and Peryite.

12. Can Lydia be used for Boethiah’s calling?

Yes, Lydia can be used as a sacrifice for Boethiah’s Calling. However, you must first reach level 30 to trigger the quest.

13. What is the quest for ebony armor in Skyrim?

The quest for the Ebony Mail is “Boethiah’s Calling”. It starts when you reach level 30 and find the book “Boethiah’s Proving” or are attacked by a Boethiah cultist.

14. Is Ebony Mail better than Nightingale armor?

It depends on your playstyle. Ebony Mail offers superior armor rating and a poison cloak, making it suitable for tankier characters who engage in melee combat. Nightingale Armor provides stealth bonuses and elemental resistances, ideal for stealthy characters who rely on illusion magic and archery.

15. Can you sneak with Ebony Mail?

Yes, you can. While heavy armor typically hinders stealth, the Ebony Mail’s muffle effect greatly reduces noise and makes sneaking much easier.

Final Thoughts: Serving the Prince of Plots

Whether you choose to embrace stealth or charge headfirst into chaos, Boethiah’s Calling is a compelling quest that offers a unique glimpse into the darker side of Skyrim. The Ebony Mail is a powerful reward, and the moral choices involved in the quest provide ample opportunity for roleplaying. So, gather your follower, sharpen your blade (or practice your sneaking), and prepare to serve the Daedric Prince of Plots!