The Forsworn Conspiracy: Unraveling Skyrim’s Most Intriguing Mystery
The Forsworn Conspiracy quest in Skyrim is a complex and morally ambiguous tale of intrigue, betrayal, and ancient grudges. To “end” the Forsworn Conspiracy technically means completing its associated quests. You initiate the questline by encountering a murder in Markarth. You will need to investigate and gather evidence, leading to your arrest and imprisonment in Cidhna Mine. The final resolution involves either escaping with Madanach, the King in Rags, or killing him to earn the favor of the Silver-Blood family. Both choices have lasting consequences on your standing within the Reach.
The Walkthrough
The beginning of the quest involves investigating the murder of Margaret. Here is a quick walkthrough of the events that lead to the ending of the conspiracy.
- Meet with Eltrys in the Shrine of Talos: This triggers the quest after you receive his note.
- Find evidence about Margret: Investigate her murder and speak to witnesses.
- Find evidence about Weylin: Locate Weylin and uncover his connection to the Forsworn.
- (Optional) Talk with Eltrys in the Shrine of Talos to get your reward: Receive a small reward for your initial findings.
- Find evidence about Thonar: Investigate Thonar Silver-Blood’s involvement in the conspiracy. He is located inside The Treasury House.
- Find out who “N” is: Uncover the identity of “N,” who turns out to be Nepos the Nose.
- Find evidence about Nepos: Investigate Nepos’s house and uncover his Forsworn connections.
- Return to the shrine: You’re ambushed, leading to your arrest.
Completing the quest and “ending” the Forsworn Conspiracy requires navigating Cidhna Mine and its associated quest, No One Escapes Cidhna Mine.
- In Cidhna Mine: you will be presented with a choice: help Madanach escape or betray him.
- Helping Madanach: Complete his tasks within the mine. You escape, receive Forsworn armor, and Madanach and his followers become friendly.
- Betraying Madanach: Kill Madanach and escape with the help of the Silver-Bloods, earning their favor and a reward.
It’s a choice between the Forsworn and the Silver-Bloods. Both have their own repercussions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Forsworn Conspiracy
What happens after The Forsworn Conspiracy quest in Skyrim?
After completing “The Forsworn Conspiracy,” you immediately begin the quest “No One Escapes Cidhna Mine.” This quest focuses on your imprisonment in Cidhna Mine and your choices regarding Madanach, and your escape from prison.
Should I kill Madanach or help him escape?
The decision is yours. Killing Madanach earns you the favor of the Silver-Blood family and a reward. Helping Madanach escape results in receiving a set of Forsworn armor and having the Forsworn at Druadach Redoubt become friendly towards you. There is no inherently “right” answer, as it depends on your character’s moral compass and desired alliances.
Should you go quietly with the Markarth guards? Can I kill all the guards and still continue the quest?
You must submit to arrest to continue the quest. Fighting the guards will only result in an endless bounty in Markarth, preventing you from progressing in the questline.
Are you supposed to kill Madanach?
You are not required to kill Madanach. You have a choice to either help him escape or betray him to the Silver-Bloods. Each path has its own rewards and consequences.
Is Madanach a bad guy?
Madanach is a complex character. He’s a leader fighting for his people’s freedom but is also willing to use violence to achieve his goals. He can be considered an antagonist, but his motivations are rooted in the historical oppression of the Forsworn.
Can you become friendly with the Forsworn?
Yes, if you help Madanach escape Cidhna Mine, the Forsworn at Druadach Redoubt will become friendly towards you. They won’t attack you, and you can even interact with them.
Why can’t I become Thane of Markarth?
Becoming Thane of Markarth requires completing quests for the Jarl and helping the citizens of the hold. You need to assist five citizens. Completing “The Forsworn Conspiracy” is not a prerequisite for becoming Thane, though it may impact the Jarl’s opinion of you depending on your choices. Furthermore, if the Jarl has changed due to the Civil War, you may need to redo the Jarl’s special quest. Make sure you have retrieved the shield and purchased Vlindrel Hall.
Do I have to go to jail for the Forsworn Conspiracy?
Yes, being arrested and going to jail is mandatory to progress through the questline. It’s the only way to initiate the “No One Escapes Cidhna Mine” quest.
What happens if you let Madanach live?
If you let Madanach live and help him escape, you’ll receive a set of Forsworn armor, and the Forsworn at Druadach Redoubt will become friendly towards you. However, you may occasionally encounter suspicion from NPCs, and Madanach will disappear from the game after the quest’s conclusion.
Are the Silver-Bloods bad?
The Silver-Blood family is depicted as ruthless and corrupt. They are willing to manipulate and exploit others to maintain their power and wealth. Thonar Silver-Blood, in particular, is portrayed as a morally reprehensible character within the questline. They are a family with a dark secret at the heart of Markarth.
Who should I give Markarth to in the Civil War?
The decision of whether to give Markarth to the Stormcloaks or the Imperials is separate from “The Forsworn Conspiracy.” It depends on your allegiance in the Civil War.
Can you fail the Forsworn Conspiracy?
You can fail “The Forsworn Conspiracy” by becoming Thane of the Reach before starting or completing the quest. This prevents your arrest and blocks the questline’s progression. If you kill a guard and submit to arrest, you still won’t be able to complete the quest if you are already Thane.
What race are the Forsworn?
The Forsworn are primarily a group of Bretons with some Nord ancestry who inhabit the Reach region of Skyrim. Their cultural practices and beliefs are distinct from those of other Bretons. They are the native people of the Reach, and are fighting to reclaim their homeland from the Nords.
Who replaces the Jarl of Markarth?
Igmund is the Jarl of Markarth if the Imperials are in control. If the Stormcloaks take control of the hold, he will be replaced by Thongvor Silver-Blood.
Can you meet Madanach again after escaping Cidhna Mine?
Yes, if Madanach survives your escape from Cidhna Mine, he can be found at Druadach Redoubt along with his fellow escapees.
The Forsworn Conspiracy delves into the complexities of conflict, and the player’s choices have profound and lasting effects on the game world. Just as learning through games can influence our understanding of complex issues in the real world, this quest demonstrates the intricate narratives and meaningful choices that games can offer. For more insights into the educational aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The GamesLearningSociety.org is a testament to the power of gaming to shape our knowledge and perspectives.