How to Become a Necromantic Hoarder: Storing Dead Bodies in Skyrim

So, you’ve developed a peculiar fascination with preserving the dearly departed in Skyrim? Perhaps you’re a budding necromancer, a collector of curiosities, or just tired of tripping over corpses in your meticulously decorated Dragonborn abode. Whatever your reasons, let’s delve into the various methods, both vanilla and modded, to satisfy your morbid inclinations.

The unvarnished truth is that vanilla Skyrim offers limited, imperfect solutions for truly storing bodies. Think of it more as creative management than long-term preservation. However, with the right tricks and a sprinkle of console commands, you can achieve results that are… well, let’s just say “satisfactory.”

Here’s the primary method for keeping corpses around:

• Persistent Reanimation: The most straightforward, albeit unsettling, method is to use reanimation spells like Dead Thrall or Dread Zombie. These spells permanently raise a corpse (until they are destroyed in combat), allowing you to drag your undead companion (or collection) to a non-respawning location. Your purchased homes in Whiterun, Riften, Windhelm, Markarth, and Solitude are your best options. These homes are not reset by the game, unless you did something like place a mod that affects the reset, and killing the reanimated corpse in that area will keep it there permanently. This will keep the corpses from despawning, but they can still be targeted in combat.

Now, for the reality check. Vanilla Skyrim is notorious for its cell resets and corpse despawning mechanics. Bodies are generally designed to disappear after a set time (around 24 in-game hours away from a given cell). So, how do we circumvent this?

1. Choose Your Location Wisely: Your best bet is to use player homes you’ve purchased. Vanilla homes, unlike many dungeons and outdoor areas, are generally safe from cell resets. If you install a custom home mod, it is best to find a mod where the author specifically stated the area will not reset.

2. Frequent Visits: Make it a habit to check in on your… collection. Regularly visiting the cell where your corpses reside reduces the likelihood of them despawning.

3. The Dreaded “Disable” Command: This is a last resort and should be used with caution. Open the console (typically the tilde key ~), click on the corpse, and type disable. This permanently removes the object from the game. There is no recovering the corpse after using this command. It can cause issues with quests as well, so use this sparingly.

Modded Solutions: For the True Corpse Connoisseur

For those seeking a more refined (and less glitchy) experience, the Skyrim modding community has you covered. Here are a few must-have mods:

• Clean Up Your Corpses: A straightforward mod that aims to prevent despawning, allowing you to keep bodies as permanent fixtures. (Search for it on NexusMods.)

• Burial Mods: Several mods let you bury NPCs. While technically not “storing” in the traditional sense, it offers a more dignified (or ironic, depending on the deceased) final resting place.

• Storage Mods: Certain mods add storage options, such as coffins, specifically designed for preserving bodies. Some add the ability to turn a corpse into a skeleton for a collection.

A Word of Caution: Stability and Load Order

When installing mods, always pay attention to the mod author’s instructions and be mindful of your load order. Incompatible mods can lead to crashes, glitches, and even corrupted save files. Mod organizers like Mod Organizer 2 can help manage your mods and prevent conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Corpse Management in Skyrim

Q1: How long do dead bodies last in Skyrim?

In vanilla Skyrim, bodies typically despawn after approximately 24 in-game hours if you’re away from the cell they occupy. However, this can vary. Some unique NPC corpses might persist longer or even indefinitely.

Q2: Do all bodies despawn in Skyrim?

No. Essential NPCs, those crucial to the main questline or other important storylines, are usually protected. You can knock them unconscious, but you can’t permanently kill them until the game allows it. Some unique, named NPCs might also be flagged to prevent despawning.

Q3: Can I revive a dead person in Skyrim?

Yes, with console commands. Open the console, click on the corpse, and type resurrect. This brings the NPC back to life, with their default equipment and stats. However, it doesn’t undo any story progress.

Q4: What happens if I use “disable” on the wrong corpse?

That corpse is gone forever, unless you have a backup save. This command removes the object from the game entirely. Be absolutely certain before using it!

Q5: Can I feed on corpses as a vampire in Skyrim?

Yes, but only if you are a vampire. Sneak near the body to feed on it, or you will just loot the corpse.

Q6: Is there a penalty for dying in Skyrim?

In vanilla Skyrim, there’s no XP penalty for dying. You’re simply reloaded to your last save. Some mods, however, introduce death penalties, such as losing gold or skills.

Q7: Do Skyrim NPCs respawn if killed?

Generally, no. Named NPCs with unique dialogue and roles do not respawn. Generic bandits and creatures, however, will respawn in their respective locations after a certain period.

Q8: What happens if my spouse dies in Skyrim?

You can only marry once per playthrough, unless you use mods or console commands. If your spouse dies, they’re gone for good, and you can’t remarry.

Q9: Can my followers go to jail in Skyrim?

Yes. If you command your followers to commit crimes, they can be arrested. You can then choose to pay their fines or break them out of jail.

Q10: Can I play Skyrim by killing everyone?

Unfortunately, no. Some NPCs are marked as essential, preventing you from killing them because their deaths would break quests. Others may respawn.

Q11: Can you get through Skyrim without killing anyone?

While challenging, it’s technically possible to complete the main questline with minimal killing. It requires stealth, persuasion, and creative problem-solving.

Q12: What’s the Corpse Curse ability in Skyrim?

Corpse Curse is a Vampire Lord ability that paralyzes enemies, making them vulnerable to attack. It’s a powerful tool for crowd control and can be combined with other Vampire Lord abilities for devastating effect.

Q13: Who can’t be killed in Skyrim?

Several essential NPCs are immortal, including Mjoll the Lioness, Serana (during certain quests), and some quest-givers.

Q14: What are the consequences of dying in Skyrim?

The main consequence is being reloaded to your last save. You might lose progress on a quest or have to replay a difficult section. Some mods add additional consequences.

Q15: Is there a personal stash in Skyrim?

Yes! Player homes offer numerous safe storage options, including chests, barrels, and wardrobes. These containers won’t reset, allowing you to store items (and bodies) indefinitely.

Skyrim offers near limitless role-playing options, and the decision to amass and display corpses in your home, or construct a personal dungeon is entirely up to the Dragonborn. You can discuss if games such as Skyrim should be used in education at the Games Learning Society by following the link to GamesLearningSociety.org.

Ultimately, storing bodies in Skyrim is a combination of clever gameplay mechanics and a willingness to embrace the… unconventional. Whether you’re a mod user or a vanilla purist, there’s a way to satisfy your desire for morbid preservation in the land of dragons and draugr. Just remember to keep your burial locations stocked with candles and mead. Happy hoarding!