Should You Give Staada the Sheogorath-Shaped Amber in Skyrim? A Deep Dive
The decision of whether to part ways with the Sheogorath-Shaped Amber or the Sword of Jyggalag during the Staada Quest in Skyrim’s Anniversary Edition is one that plagues many a Dragonborn. There’s no universal ‘right’ answer, as the optimal choice hinges on your character build, playstyle, and personal preference. However, let’s break it down to help you make the best decision for your Skyrim adventure.
The core trade-off is this: Giving either item to Staada nets you the original Staada’s Helmet, a unique helmet boasting a +70 stamina bonus. However, withholding both triggers a battle with Staada, denying you the helmet but allowing you to retain both the Amber and the Sword. Crucially, regardless of your decision, you’ll unlock replica recipes for all four items: The Sword, the Amber, the Armor, and the Helmet.
If you value stamina above all else and don’t mind sacrificing a unique collectible or a powerful weapon, handing over the Amber (or the Sword) is the way to go. The Staada’s Helmet is a significant boost, particularly for warriors and archers who rely heavily on stamina for power attacks, sprinting, or drawing bows.
If you’re a completionist collector who can’t bear to part with unique items, or if you’re particularly interested in using the Sheogorath-Shaped Amber for its unique crafting application at the Atronach Forge (to conjure Staada permanently), then holding onto it is the better choice. Be prepared for a tough fight against Staada though!
If you like being a necromancer, conjuring a permanent Staada companion with the Sheogorath-Shaped Amber in the Atronach Forge is the only way to do that!
Ultimately, the “best” choice depends on what you prioritize in your Skyrim experience. Don’t worry too much, because you can forge replicas of anything.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly is the Sheogorath-Shaped Amber used for besides the Staada quest?
The Sheogorath-Shaped Amber has two main uses: serving as the offering to Staada for her helmet or being used at the Atronach Forge to create the Spell Tome: Conjure Staada. This tome teaches you a master-level conjuration spell that allows you to summon Staada as a powerful ally in combat. Keeping the Amber and crafting the spell tome provides a unique and potentially powerful advantage, especially for conjuration-focused characters.
Is the Sword of Jyggalag a better weapon than other swords in Skyrim?
The Sword of Jyggalag possesses a unique enchantment. According to lore, it allows those who gaze upon its edge to see the past, present, and future flow as one. The Sword of Jyggalag can be quite powerful, it is considered one of the finest greatswords to be obtained outside of crafting and smithing.
How good is Staada’s Helmet compared to other helmets?
Staada’s Helmet’s +70 stamina bonus is a substantial boost, but its overall effectiveness depends on your character build and stage in the game. It’s particularly useful in the early to mid-game for characters who are struggling with stamina management. However, as you progress and acquire better armor and enchantments, you might find other helmets that offer better overall protection or more synergistic effects with your build. For example, the Konahrik Dragon Priest mask, with its complex bonuses and strong armor rating, is widely considered one of the best helmets in the game overall.
Can I still get the Staada summoning spell if I give her the Amber?
No. If you give Staada the Amber, you will not be able to use it at the Atronach Forge to learn the Conjure Staada spell. The Forge requires the original Amber. This is a key consideration for conjuration-focused players.
If I choose to fight Staada, is it a difficult battle?
The difficulty of the fight against Staada depends on your character level, gear, and skills. She is a formidable opponent, equipped with powerful armor and weapons. If you are not adequately prepared, the battle can be challenging. Summoning allies, using strong weapons and armor, and utilizing strategic tactics (such as kiting or exploiting environmental advantages) can significantly increase your chances of victory. If you do defeat her, remember her body will vanish afterwards, and you will not be able to loot her helmet.
How do I use the Atronach Forge to conjure Staada?
To use the Atronach Forge, you must first travel to The Midden beneath the College of Winterhold. Place the Sheogorath-Shaped Amber, a Grand Soul Gem (filled), a Daedra Heart, and a Ruined Book into the offering box. Activate the lever, and you’ll receive the Spell Tome: Conjure Staada. The requirements can be steep early on, but the rewards are well worth it for Conjuration-focused characters.
Can I disenchant Staada’s Helmet to learn its enchantment?
Unfortunately, Staada’s Helmet cannot be disenchanted. Its stamina enchantment is unique and cannot be transferred to other items. This makes the helmet’s value as a stamina booster even more significant, as there is no other way to replicate its specific effect.
Is there any way to get Staada’s Helmet and keep the Amber/Sword?
No. The only way to acquire the original Staada’s Helmet is by giving her either the Sheogorath-Shaped Amber or the Sword of Jyggalag. You can later craft a replica of the helmet, but it won’t be the original item.
What are Golden Saint and Dark Seducer armors?
Golden Saint armor and Dark Seducer armor are unique light and heavy armor sets, respectively, introduced in the Saints & Seducers Creation. Completing the related questline allows you to craft these armors, which offer unique aesthetics and valuable stats. Golden Saint armor is crafted using Amber and is a powerful choice for light armor users.
Where can I find Madness Ore to craft Madness armor and weapons?
Madness Ore is found in various locations throughout the world after installing the Saints & Seducers Creation. It can be smelted into Madness Ingots and used to craft powerful Madness armor and weapons, providing powerful options for players.
What’s the connection between the Shivering Isles and Skyrim?
The Shivering Isles are the plane of Oblivion ruled by Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness. The Saints & Seducers Creation brings elements of the Shivering Isles to Skyrim, including the Golden Saints and Dark Seducers, their armors, and related quests, adding a touch of madness and intrigue to the game world.
What are the best enchantments for a stamina-focused build?
For a stamina-focused build, consider enchantments that boost stamina, stamina regeneration, weapon damage, and fortify your combat skills. Key enchantments include Fortify Stamina, Fortify Stamina Regeneration, Fortify Archery/One-Handed/Two-Handed, and enchantments that increase your resistance to damage. Combining these enchantments with the Staada’s Helmet can create a formidable and stamina-efficient character.
Is there any way to get the Sword of Jyggalag after giving it to Staada?
Yes, After completing the quest, you will be able to forge a replica.
Does keeping the Amber/Sword affect any other quests in Skyrim?
No, keeping the Sheogorath-Shaped Amber or the Sword of Jyggalag only impacts the immediate outcome of the Staada Quest. It does not affect any other quests in Skyrim or related questlines.
What is the importance of game design in fostering learning and creativity?
Game design can be an incredibly powerful tool for fostering learning and creativity. By carefully crafting game mechanics, narratives, and challenges, designers can create engaging experiences that encourage players to explore, experiment, and develop new skills. GamesLearningSociety.org actively researches these dynamics, providing valuable insights and resources for educators and developers interested in leveraging games for educational purposes. The Games Learning Society website (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) is a great resource for learning more.