Should I Let Erandur Destroy the Skull of Corruption in Skyrim? A Definitive Guide
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The decision of whether to let Erandur destroy the Skull of Corruption in Skyrim is a classic conundrum faced by many a Dragonborn. The answer, as with most things in Skyrim, depends entirely on your goals. If you are chasing the Oblivion Walker achievement, you must kill Erandur and claim the Skull of Corruption. If you aren’t concerned with the achievement and value a strong follower with a compelling backstory, letting Erandur destroy the Skull is the better option. The Skull itself, while powerful in the right hands, is somewhat niche, so it is important to consider all factors before making your decision.
Understanding the Quest: Waking Nightmare
The quest “Waking Nightmare” begins in Dawnstar, where the townsfolk are plagued by terrible nightmares. Upon investigation, you discover a hidden temple dedicated to the Daedric Prince Vaermina. You’ll meet Erandur, a former priest of Vaermina who seeks to undo a past transgression involving the Skull of Corruption, an artifact that feeds on dreams.
The Crossroads: Kill or Spare?
As you delve deeper into the temple, you’ll eventually have the option to either help Erandur destroy the Skull of Corruption or betray him and claim it for yourself. Vaermina herself will urge you to kill Erandur. Your choice has significant consequences:
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Killing Erandur: You claim the Skull of Corruption as your own, adding it to your arsenal of Daedric artifacts. This is crucial if you’re pursuing the Oblivion Walker achievement.
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Letting Erandur Destroy the Skull: Erandur becomes a follower, and the Skull of Corruption is destroyed, removing it from the game. You miss out on the Oblivion Walker achievement if you haven’t acquired enough other artifacts.
The Skull of Corruption: A Worthy Prize?
The Skull of Corruption is a unique staff that deals damage to enemies by stealing their dreams. It is powered by using soul gems as well as stealing the dreams of sleeping NPCs to increase its damaging power. Here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Daedric Artifact: Collecting it contributes to the Oblivion Walker achievement.
- Dream-Powered Damage: It deals more damage the more dreams you steal, potentially making it a powerful weapon.
- Unique Gameplay: Stealing dreams from sleeping NPCs offers a different way to power up a weapon.
Cons:
- Underwhelming Early Game: Before it’s charged with dreams, it’s not particularly powerful.
- Niche Playstyle: Stealing dreams can feel tedious for some players.
- Better Alternatives: More consistent and powerful weapons are readily available in Skyrim.
Erandur: A Valuable Ally?
If you choose to spare Erandur, he becomes a follower. Here’s what you need to know:
Pros:
- Capable Combatant: Erandur is a proficient mage with strong combat abilities.
- Interesting Backstory: He has a compelling story, adding depth to his character.
- Unique Dialogue: He offers unique insights and comments on your adventures.
Cons:
- Stoic Personality: Some players find him uncharismatic.
- Potential Disappearance: There are reports of Erandur disappearing from the game if dismissed.
Oblivion Walker Achievement: A Key Consideration
The Oblivion Walker achievement requires you to collect 15 Daedric artifacts in a single playthrough. Some quests offer a choice between two artifacts (like Clavicus Vile’s quest, where you can get either the Rueful Axe or the Masque of Clavicus Vile). You must make the correct choices during these quests to avoid missing one of the artifacts. It is also crucial to note that you can miss items or the Oblivion Walker achievement by selling certain quest items such as the Rueful Axe that you are supposed to turn into a Daedric artifact.
Alternative Artifacts
Fortunately, Skyrim offers more than 15 Daedric artifacts. This means you can miss one or two and still achieve Oblivion Walker. One notable alternative is the Masque of Clavicus Vile. This is one of the 16 Daedric artifacts available.
Key Decision: Barbas
When completing Clavicus Vile’s quest, you have the choice to either kill Barbas, or hand the Rueful Axe to Clavicus Vile and receive his true daedric artifact, the Masque of Clavicus Vile. You must spare Barbas.
Making the Right Choice for You
Ultimately, the decision of whether to let Erandur destroy the Skull of Corruption depends on your priorities. If you want the Oblivion Walker achievement and don’t mind a niche weapon, kill Erandur. If you value a strong follower with an interesting story and don’t care about the achievement, let him destroy the Skull.
Quick Recap
- Kill Erandur: Obtain the Skull of Corruption (required for Oblivion Walker if you missed other artifacts).
- Spare Erandur: Gain a powerful follower and destroy the Skull of Corruption (miss out on one artifact for Oblivion Walker).
FAQs: All Your Questions Answered
1. Can I still get the Oblivion Walker achievement if I let Erandur destroy the Skull?
Yes, you can! There are a total of sixteen Daedric artifacts available in Skyrim. You only need 15 for the achievement, so you can miss one. Just make sure you obtain all the others.
2. Is the Skull of Corruption a good weapon?
It can be. It’s best for those who enjoy stealing dreams to maximize its damage. However, there are more powerful and consistent weapons in Skyrim.
3. Is Erandur a good follower?
Yes, he is. He’s a capable mage with a unique backstory, and he offers interesting dialogue.
4. What happens if I dismiss Erandur?
He should return to Nightcaller Temple, but some players have reported that he disappears from the game. Be cautious when dismissing him.
5. Can I get Erandur back if he disappears?
If you are on PC, you may be able to use console commands to teleport him to your location. This will allow you to add him back as a follower.
6. How do I charge the Skull of Corruption?
You charge it by casting it on sleeping NPCs to steal their dreams. You also need to charge it with soul gems.
7. Is Vaermina evil?
Yes, Vaermina is considered a Daedric Prince of nightmares and negative thoughts, with a desire to steal the memories of mortals. She has a dark alignment in The Elder Scrolls universe.
8. What level do I have to be to start the Waking Nightmare quest?
There is no level requirement to start the Waking Nightmare quest.
9. What other Daedric artifacts are missable?
The Rueful Axe is missable if you choose to keep it instead of giving it back to Clavicus Vile and receiving the Masque of Clavicus Vile. Therefore, you need to give back the Rueful Axe for the proper artifact.
10. Are there any other achievements in Skyrim that can be missed?
Yes, The achievements Werewolf Mastered or Vampire Mastered can be missed if you decide to cure Lycanthropy or cure Serana and yourself from Vampirism.
11. Can I sell Daedric artifacts after getting the Oblivion Walker achievement?
Yes, once you’ve unlocked the achievement, you can sell the artifacts without affecting your progress.
12. Is the Skeleton Key considered a Daedric artifact?
No, the Skeleton Key is not considered a Daedric artifact for the Oblivion Walker achievement in Skyrim.
13. How many Daedric quests are there in Skyrim?
There are 15 Daedric quests in Skyrim.
14. Can you get achievements on modded games?
This depends on the mod. Some mods disable achievements in Skyrim.
15. What is one of the hardest achievements to get in Skyrim?
The Oblivion Walker achievement is considered one of the hardest to get in Skyrim.
Further Exploration of Game-Based Learning
Understanding the nuances of game choices and their consequences, like the one presented in “Waking Nightmare,” demonstrates the complex decision-making skills that games can foster. For more on the educational aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society explores the use of games and game-based learning to improve educational outcomes and enhance cognitive development.