Should You Return the Golden Claw in Skyrim? A Deep Dive into the Riverwood Trader’s Dilemma
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The Golden Claw. It’s the first major fetch quest in Skyrim, an iconic symbol of early adventure, and the source of much debate: should you return it to Lucan Valerius, or should you keep it? The answer, as with most things in Skyrim, is it depends. However, generally speaking, yes, you should return the Golden Claw. The reward, the disposition boost, and the progression of the main quest line outweigh the marginal benefits of keeping it.
The reward from Lucan is a leveled amount of gold. While not game-breaking, it’s a welcome boost in the early game. More importantly, returning the claw improves Lucan and Camilla’s disposition towards you, making them friendlier and potentially unlocking better prices when bartering. Finally, handing over the claw is a necessary step to progress the main quest and ultimately delve deeper into the mysteries of Skyrim’s dragons.
While the idea of a 24/7 open shop is appealing, it’s offset by the quest remaining active in your journal, which can become a source of annoyance for completionist players. Also, the actual time saved by avoiding the store’s closing hours is minimal in the grand scheme of a Skyrim playthrough.
The Allure of the Unreturned Claw
There are, of course, arguments for not returning the Golden Claw. The main one stems from a desire to exploit a perceived loophole: keeping the Riverwood Trader open 24/7. This allows you to sell items and purchase goods at any hour, which could be useful for certain playstyles. However, consider the following drawbacks:
- Quest Log Clutter: The quest “The Golden Claw” will perpetually remain active in your quest log. This can be irritating, especially if you’re a completionist seeking to clear every quest in the game.
- Minimal Time Savings: The time saved by having a 24/7 shop is negligible. You can easily find other merchants available at different times or simply wait a few in-game hours.
- Missing Disposition Boost: By returning the Golden Claw, you gain a boost in disposition with Lucan and Camilla Valerius. This can lead to better prices when buying and selling goods from their shop in the future.
Ultimately, the perceived benefits of keeping the Golden Claw are outweighed by the disadvantages. The quest log clutter and missed disposition boost are significant drawbacks, while the actual time saved by the 24/7 shop is minimal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I sell the Golden Claw to someone else?
No. The Golden Claw is essential for completing the “The Golden Claw” quest and progressing the main storyline. Selling it to another merchant will prevent you from finishing the quest and getting the reward from Lucan Valerius.
What if Lucan Valerius dies?
If Lucan dies, his sister Camilla Valerius will take over the store. You can still return the Golden Claw to Camilla to complete the quest and receive the reward.
Can I marry Camilla Valerius?
Yes, Camilla Valerius is a potential marriage candidate in Skyrim. You need to complete the “The Golden Claw” quest and then speak to her while wearing an Amulet of Mara.
Is the Golden Claw considered stolen?
Yes, the Golden Claw is initially marked as stolen. However, returning it to Lucan Valerius removes the stolen tag and completes the quest.
Can I remove the stolen tag without returning it?
The only way to remove the stolen tag is to sell the Golden Claw to a fence or a merchant who buys stolen goods. However, this will prevent you from completing the quest and receiving the reward.
What happens if I kill Lucan and Camilla after stealing the claw?
Even if you kill Lucan and Camilla Valerius, the Golden Claw will still be marked as stolen. There is no way to legitimately claim ownership of the Golden Claw without returning it to them.
Is the Sapphire Dragon Claw important?
The Sapphire Dragon Claw is required to open a puzzle door in a different dungeon. You will need it to progress and retrieve unique loot.
How much is the Sapphire Dragon Claw worth?
The Sapphire Dragon Claw has a base value of 500 gold. The actual price you receive will depend on your Speech skill and any perks that improve your bartering abilities.
Where do I sell Dragon Bones and Scales?
General goods traders like Belathor in Whiterun or Tonilia in the Thieves Guild will buy them. Alchemists may also purchase them.
Is Dragon Claw a good move in other games?
The article suggests that Dragon Claw is a good move in some other games, offering solid damage at a low energy cost.
How do I get to Bleak Falls Barrow?
Bleak Falls Barrow is located west of Riverwood. Follow the path leading out of Riverwood and head towards the mountains.
Why can’t I give the Golden Claw to Lucan?
Make sure you have read the word wall in Bleak Falls Barrow. This unlocks the dialogue option with Lucan.
Is there a curse associated with the Golden Claw?
The article mentions a curse that increases encounter rates, but it is unclear if this is a feature of the game or a mod.
What is the best player house in Skyrim?
According to the article, Arch-Mage’s Quarters is considered one of the best player houses in Skyrim.
Should I save gems in Skyrim?
Yes, you should save gems in Skyrim for crafting jewelry, which can be used to level up your smithing and enchanting skills. Games like Skyrim show the value of virtual economies, much like those discussed at the GamesLearningSociety.org, where they explore the intersections of gaming and education.
The Final Verdict
Returning the Golden Claw to Lucan Valerius is the most beneficial course of action in Skyrim. It progresses the main questline, improves your relationship with the Riverwood Trader, and provides a small but useful gold reward. While keeping the claw might seem appealing due to the potential for 24/7 shop access, the drawbacks of quest log clutter and missed disposition are not worth the minor convenience. So, unless you’re intentionally roleplaying a thief who delights in hoarding stolen goods, do the right thing and give the Golden Claw back to its rightful owner. Your Dragonborn will thank you.