Smashing Success: How to Break Urns in Skyrim – A Comprehensive Guide

Breaking an urn in Skyrim might seem like a trivial act of destruction, but it’s actually a key mechanic in certain quests and scenarios, particularly when dealing with the more…persuasive…methods of the Thieves Guild. This guide will cover the how, why, and what-ifs of urn-smashing in the frigid north.

The simple answer? To break an urn in Skyrim, use any melee weapon or your fists. Approach the urn and attack it. Keep attacking until it shatters. It’s as straightforward as it sounds!

Why Would You Want to Break an Urn?

While smashing pottery might seem like something a particularly bored Dragonborn would do, there’s often a method to the madness. Here’s why you might find yourself needing to pulverize a perfectly good urn:

• Thieves Guild Debt Collection: One of the first few quests in the Thieves Guild questline involves collecting debts. In at least one instance, with Bersi Honey-Hand in the Pawned Prawn of Riften, destroying a specific Dwarven Urn is a non-violent alternative to collecting the debt.

• Pure, Unadulterated Mayhem: Let’s be honest, sometimes you just want to break things. Skyrim offers plenty of opportunities for that kind of catharsis!

• Accidental Destruction: Let’s face it, Skyrim is a chaotic place. A stray dragon shout, an errant fireball, or even a misplaced swing of your sword can lead to unintentional pottery carnage.

The Technique: Breaking Bad (Urns)

Regardless of your reason, the technique remains the same. Follow these steps for optimal urn-breaking:

1. Identify Your Target: Make sure you’re breaking the correct urn. In the Thieves Guild debt collection quest with Bersi Honey-Hand, it’s a Dwarven Urn located in the corner of the Pawned Prawn.

2. Equip Your Weapon (or Fists): Any melee weapon will do. Swords, maces, axes, even daggers. If you’re feeling particularly bold, you can go bare-knuckled.

3. Approach the Urn: Get close enough to target it with your weapon or fists.

4. Attack!: Start swinging. Keep attacking until the urn breaks. You might need to hit it several times.

5. Enjoy the Satisfaction (and Collect Your Reward): Bask in the glory of your destructive deed. In the Thieves Guild quest, speak to the debtor to collect your payment.

Things to Consider Before Breaking an Urn

• Consequences: While breaking an urn might seem harmless, it can have consequences. If you’re in a public place, you might incur a fine for vandalism.

• Witnesses: Breaking things in front of witnesses isn’t generally a good idea. They might report you to the guards.

• Theft: If the urn is considered owned (red writing when you hover the cursor), breaking it might count as stealing, leading to further trouble.

• Quest Objectives: Make absolutely sure that breaking the urn aligns with your current quest objective. If you’re supposed to steal the urn, breaking it might void the quest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about breaking urns and related scenarios in Skyrim:

1. What happens if I accidentally break something in a store?

Accidentally breaking an item in a store will usually result in the item being marked as stolen. If you are seen by the shopkeeper, they may become hostile or demand restitution. The Games Learning Society may have insights into accidental gameplay consequences.

2. Can I repair a broken urn?

No, once an urn is broken, it is gone for good. There’s no in-game mechanic to repair broken pottery.

3. Does my skill level affect how quickly I break an urn?

No, the speed at which you break an urn is not affected by your skill level. It’s a set number of hits regardless of your weapon skill.

4. Will breaking the urn always solve the debt collection problem in the Thieves Guild?

No, it’s specific to Bersi Honey-Hand. Other debtors require different approaches, such as brawling or intimidation.

5. Can I use magic to break an urn?

While spells like Firebolt could theoretically break an urn, melee attacks are far more efficient and less likely to cause collateral damage.

6. Are there any urns that cannot be broken?

Yes, some urns are purely decorative and cannot be interacted with. You won’t be able to target them for attack.

7. Does breaking an urn affect my reputation in any way (besides incurring fines)?

No, unless you’re caught and fined, breaking an urn generally doesn’t affect your overall reputation. However, repeatedly committing crimes in a specific hold can lower your standing with the Jarl.

8. Is there a way to prevent witnesses from reporting me?

You can use a potion of invisibility or sneak to avoid being seen. Alternatively, you can just pay the fine if caught.

9. Can I break an urn in someone’s house without being detected?

If you sneak into someone’s house while they are asleep or away and break an urn, you’re less likely to be detected. However, if they wake up or return while you’re smashing pottery, you’ll likely face consequences.

10. What happens if I kill Bersi Honey-Hand instead of breaking the urn?

Killing Bersi will solve the debt collection problem in a very permanent way. However, it also means you won’t get the Thieves Guild benefits from completing the quest peacefully and may incur a bounty.

11. Are there any unique urns in Skyrim?

While there might be urns with unique designs or placements, there are no specifically named or unique urns that offer special bonuses or abilities when broken.

12. Can I use a follower to break the urn for me?

You can instruct a follower to attack the urn, but it’s often easier and more reliable to do it yourself.

13. Will breaking the urn void any other quests?

Generally, no. As long as you’re only breaking the urn for the intended quest purpose, it shouldn’t interfere with other storylines.

14. Is it possible to pick up and move urns?

Yes, you can pick up and move some urns, but not all of them. The heavier ones are usually static objects.

15. Does breaking the urn contribute to my crime statistics?

Yes, if you are seen breaking the urn and are reported to the guards, it will count as a crime in your statistics.

The Moral of the Story: Break Urns Responsibly

Breaking an urn in Skyrim is a simple but potentially impactful action. Whether you’re a budding thief collecting debts or just a Dragonborn with a destructive streak, remember to consider the consequences and break responsibly (or as responsibly as possible in a world filled with dragons and magic!). And if you’re interested in the broader educational aspects of gaming, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.