Clearing Your Name in Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide to Removing Bounties

So, you’ve found yourself on the wrong side of the law in Skyrim, huh? Maybe you accidentally “borrowed” a sweetroll, or perhaps a dragon forced your hand (we’ve all been there). Regardless of the reason, that pesky bounty is hanging over your head like a Daedric Sword of Damocles. Don’t fret, intrepid adventurer! This guide will equip you with everything you need to know to get that bounty off your back and restore your good name (or at least, a semblance of it).

The short answer: There are four primary methods for removing a bounty in Skyrim:

1. Paying the Fine: The most straightforward option. Approach a guard, and if you’re apprehended, you’ll have the opportunity to pay your debt to society.
2. Serving Jail Time: Forego your gold and spend some time behind bars. The length of your sentence depends on the size of your bounty.
3. Persuasion (Bribing): If your Speech skill is high enough, you can attempt to bribe the guard to turn a blind eye.
4. Thieves Guild Influence: If you’re a member of the Thieves Guild, you can exploit your connections to get your bounty cleared in certain holds.

Let’s delve deeper into each method and explore the nuances of Skyrim’s justice system.

Paying the Fine: A Simple Solution?

The most direct way to clear your bounty is to pay the gold directly to a guard when you’re confronted. However, there are a few things to consider:

• Stolen Goods: Paying the fine results in the confiscation of any stolen items in your inventory. So, if you’re carrying that priceless gem you “acquired” from the Jarl’s safe, think twice before surrendering to the law.
• Faction Reputation: Paying the fine satisfies your debt to society, but it doesn’t necessarily repair your reputation with specific factions. For instance, if you stole from the Companions, paying the fine to the guards of Whiterun won’t magically make them forget your transgression.
• Hold-Specific Bounties: Bounties are hold-specific. A bounty in Whiterun hold won’t affect your standing in Riften, and vice versa. Therefore, you only need to address the bounty in the hold where the crime occurred.

Serving Jail Time: A Risky Proposition

Choosing to serve your time might seem like a cost-effective alternative, but it comes with its own set of drawbacks:

• Skill Loss: Spending time in jail reduces your progress towards your next skill level. The amount of skill loss depends on the length of your sentence. This can be a significant setback, especially for characters focused on specific skill trees.
• Stolen Goods: Just like paying the fine, serving jail time results in the confiscation of stolen items.
• Escape Attempts: You can attempt to escape from jail. This will clear your bounty, but you’ll then be wanted for escape as well and will have to pick any locks or fight guards who attempt to stop you. Successfully doing so will let you keep your gear (minus stolen items, which can be found in the jail’s evidence chest).
• “Jail Break” Achievement: The primary advantage of choosing jail time is the opportunity to unlock the “Jail Break” achievement by escaping from jail.

Bribing the Guard: The Power of Persuasion

If your Speech skill is high enough, you can attempt to bribe the guard instead of paying the fine or serving time. The success of this approach depends on several factors:

• Speech Skill Level: A higher Speech skill significantly increases your chances of success.
• Perk Investment: Perks like “Bribery” in the Speech skill tree make bribing guards much easier.
• Bounty Amount: Higher bounties require a more substantial bribe.
• Guard Disposition: Some guards may be more susceptible to bribery than others.

If your bribe is successful, the guard will let you go without confiscating your stolen goods or affecting your skills.

The Thieves Guild Advantage: Wiping the Slate Clean

If you’re a member of the Thieves Guild, you have access to a unique perk that allows you to clear your bounty in certain holds. This perk becomes available after completing certain quests for the Thieves Guild.

• Influence Network: The Thieves Guild has connections throughout Skyrim, allowing them to influence the justice system in their favor.
• Hold Limitations: This perk only works in holds where the Thieves Guild has established a strong presence.
• Once Per Hold: You can only use this perk once per hold. After that, you’ll have to resort to other methods to clear your bounty.

Avoiding Bounties in the First Place: Prevention is Key

The best way to deal with a bounty is to avoid getting one in the first place. Here are some tips to keep your criminal record clean:

• Be Mindful of Witnesses: Crimes committed in plain sight are more likely to result in a bounty. Try to act in areas where you’re alone or unobserved.
• Use Stealth: Utilize stealth skills like sneaking and invisibility to avoid detection while committing crimes.
• Avoid Killing Innocents: Killing innocent civilians incurs a high bounty and can turn entire towns against you.
• Consider the Consequences: Before committing a crime, weigh the potential rewards against the risk of getting caught and incurring a bounty.
• Join the Dark Brotherhood: If you love being naughty, consider joining the Dark Brotherhood, a guild of assassins who will give you a hall pass to kill as many people as you want.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Skyrim Bounties

1. Do bounties disappear on their own over time?

No, bounties do not disappear on their own in Skyrim. They will remain active until you address them through one of the methods described above (paying, jail, bribery, or Thieves Guild influence).

2. Can I have multiple bounties in different holds at the same time?

Yes, you can have separate bounties in each of the nine holds of Skyrim simultaneously. Each hold has its own independent justice system.

3. Does being a Thane of a hold protect me from getting a bounty?

Being a Thane of a hold grants you certain privileges, but it does not exempt you from the law. You will still incur a bounty if you commit crimes, even if you are a Thane.

4. What happens if I resist arrest when a guard tries to apprehend me?

If you resist arrest, the guards will attack you on sight. They will not stop until you are either dead or have yielded and agreed to pay your fine or serve your time.

5. Can I pay off my bounty in a different hold than where the crime occurred?

No, you can only pay off your bounty in the hold where the crime was committed. You must travel to the specific hold and confront a guard there.

6. Does the bounty amount affect how long I have to spend in jail?

Yes, the length of your jail sentence is directly proportional to the size of your bounty. Higher bounties will result in longer sentences.

7. If I escape from jail, do I still have a bounty?

Yes, escaping from jail does not clear your original bounty. In fact, it adds a new bounty for escaping, making you even more wanted by the guards.

8. Can I use the “Pacify” spell to avoid getting a bounty after committing a crime?

The “Pacify” spell can be used to calm hostile NPCs, but it does not prevent you from incurring a bounty if you are witnessed committing a crime. The witness will have to die without anyone seeing you or finding the corpse.

9. How do I know if I have a bounty in a specific hold?

You can check your bounty by going to your “General Stats” menu in the game. Under the “Crime” section, you will see a list of any active bounties in each hold.

10. Does the “Atronach Stone” ability prevent me from being arrested?

The Atronach Stone ability (Spell Absorption) can sometimes absorb spells cast by guards, but it does not prevent them from arresting you if you have a bounty.

11. Can my follower get a bounty?

No, followers cannot directly get bounties. However, if your follower commits a crime on your orders, you will be held responsible and will incur the bounty.

12. Does wearing a disguise help me avoid being recognized by guards?

Skyrim doesn’t have a true disguise mechanic. Wearing different armor or clothing will not prevent guards from recognizing you if you have a bounty.

13. Is there a way to completely remove my criminal record in Skyrim?

There is no in-game method to completely erase your criminal record across all holds. Even after paying off your bounties, guards may still make comments referencing your past transgressions.

14. How can I find the evidence chest in a jail after escaping?

The location of the evidence chest varies depending on the jail. It is usually located in a secure area, such as the warden’s office or a hidden room. Look around carefully and use your thief skills to locate it.

15. Can the mod community help me to modify Skyrim bounty settings?

Yes, the vibrant Skyrim modding community has developed mods that allow you to change bounty settings, get rid of all bounty, or change the way that guards react to them.

Conclusion

Navigating the complexities of Skyrim’s bounty system can be challenging, but with the knowledge and strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to clear your name and continue your adventures without the constant threat of arrest. Remember, a little planning and discretion can go a long way in avoiding trouble. And if all else fails, a well-placed bribe might just save the day. If you’re interested in learning more about the design and impact of games, consider exploring the resources available at the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Happy adventuring, and may your pockets always be full of gold (acquired legally, of course… mostly).