Should You Kill Madanach in Skyrim? A Deep Dive into a Difficult Choice
The decision of whether to kill Madanach, the King in Rags, in Skyrim’s “No One Escapes Cidhna Mine” quest, is a pivotal one that dramatically alters the quest’s outcome and your character’s relationship with the Forsworn. There isn’t a definitively “right” answer; it depends entirely on your character’s moral compass, roleplaying intentions, and desired reward. In short: killing Madanach earns you the Silver-Blood Family Ring, aligning you with the corrupt Silver-Blood family, while sparing him grants you the Armor of the Old Gods and makes the Forsworn at Druadach Redoubt friendly. The choice is yours, Dragonborn.
Understanding Madanach and the Forsworn
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to understand Madanach’s motivations and the context surrounding the conflict in The Reach. He is the leader of the Forsworn, a group of native Reachmen fighting to reclaim their homeland from Nordic rule. They see themselves as freedom fighters, resisting oppression and reclaiming their ancestral lands. The Forsworn’s methods, however, are often brutal, leading to conflict with both the Nords and the Empire. This complex situation makes Madanach a morally ambiguous character. He’s fighting for what he believes is right, but his methods are undeniably violent.
The “The Forsworn Conspiracy” quest reveals the deep-seated corruption within Markarth and the involvement of the Silver-Blood family in supporting the Forsworn to destabilize the region. This quest highlights the grey areas of morality in Skyrim, forcing you to question who the real villains are. Is it Madanach, whose methods are violent but motivated by a desire for freedom? Or is it the Silver-Bloods, who manipulate events for their own personal gain? Understanding this context is essential for making an informed decision about Madanach’s fate.
The Consequences of Your Choice
Choosing to kill Madanach during the “No One Escapes Cidhna Mine” quest has several significant consequences:
- Reward: You receive the Silver-Blood Family Ring, which increases your carry weight, from Thonar Silver-Blood.
- Faction Alignment: You align yourself with the Silver-Blood family, further entrenching yourself in their corrupt dealings.
- Forsworn Hostility: The Forsworn remain hostile to you, except for the initial escape sequence.
- Quest Completion: You complete the quest by eliminating Madanach, fulfilling the terms of your agreement with the Silver-Bloods.
Choosing to help Madanach escape also has consequences:
- Reward: You receive the Armor of the Old Gods, a set of enchanted Forsworn armor, from Kaie.
- Faction Alignment: You gain the favor of the Forsworn, specifically those at Druadach Redoubt, who become friendly towards you.
- Silver-Blood Hostility: The Silver-Bloods may become hostile towards you, especially Thonar Silver-Blood. (Casting a Calm spell on him may fix this.)
- Quest Completion: You complete the quest by aiding Madanach’s escape, effectively siding with the Forsworn.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your character’s values. If you prioritize personal gain and are willing to align with a corrupt family, killing Madanach might be the preferred option. However, if you believe in the Forsworn’s cause or simply disapprove of the Silver-Bloods’ methods, helping Madanach escape is the more logical choice.
Making the Decision: Factors to Consider
Several factors should influence your decision:
- Roleplaying: How does your character view the conflict in The Reach? Do they sympathize with the Forsworn’s plight, or do they see them as violent rebels?
- Moral Alignment: Is your character more inclined towards good or evil? Killing Madanach aligns you with a corrupt family, while helping him escape supports a rebellion with questionable methods.
- Desired Reward: Are you more interested in the Silver-Blood Family Ring or the Armor of the Old Gods? The choice of reward can be a significant factor.
- Faction Affiliations: Do you want to align yourself with the Forsworn and have a friendly faction in Druadach Redoubt? This can be strategically advantageous.
By carefully considering these factors, you can make a decision that aligns with your character’s personality and goals, enriching your Skyrim experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Madanach and the “No One Escapes Cidhna Mine” quest:
1. Is Madanach good or bad?
Madanach is a complex character. He fights for the freedom of the Reachmen but uses violent methods, making him neither entirely good nor entirely bad.
2. What happens to Madanach after escape?
If he survives, Madanach goes to Druadach Redoubt, and the Forsworn there become friendly towards you.
3. Is it possible to save Betrid Silver-Blood?
Yes, Betrid’s death can be avoided by pickpocketing and reading Thonar’s journal instead of questioning him directly, or by going straight to Eltrys after questioning Nepos the Nose.
4. What happens if you kill all the guards in The Forsworn Conspiracy?
Killing all the guards results in a bounty, and any Markarth City Guard will attempt to arrest you on sight for “murder and conspiracy against the city of Markarth.”
5. What do I get for killing Madanach?
For killing Madanach and escaping, you receive the Silver-Blood Family Ring from Thonar Silver-Blood.
6. Can I save the Silver-Blood wife (Margret)?
Yes, you can save Margret by killing Weylin before he attacks her when you first enter Markarth.
7. Can you spare Nepos the Nose?
Yes, you can spare Nepos by stealing and reading his diary without speaking to him. This allows you to continue the quest while keeping him alive.
8. What race is Madanach Skyrim?
Madanach is a Breton.
9. Are the Silver-Bloods bad?
Yes, the Silver-Bloods are portrayed as corrupt and manipulative, especially Thonar, who is deeply involved in the Forsworn Conspiracy.
10. How do you beat Madanach in Skyrim?
To kill Madanach quietly, lead him away from the exit door, then use a sneaky dagger attack. Loot his body quickly and exit the mine.
11. Can you become friendly to the Forsworn?
Yes, rescuing Madanach makes the Forsworn at Druadach Redoubt friendly to you.
12. Can I save Eltrys?
Yes, you can save Eltrys by dealing with the Silver-Bloods through various means, including completing the “No One Escapes Cidhna Mine” quest or skipping it entirely and escaping Markarth without killing the guards.
13. Should I submit to jail in Markarth?
Yes, submitting to jail in Markarth is necessary to continue the “The Forsworn Conspiracy” quest.
14. Where does Madanach go after Markarth?
Madanach goes to Druadach Redoubt after escaping Markarth.
15. Can I go back to Cidhna Mine?
Yes, you can return to Cidhna Mine by being arrested in Markarth and choosing to serve your sentence there.
Conclusion
The choice of whether to kill Madanach in Skyrim is a complex one with significant consequences. By considering your character’s values, roleplaying intentions, and desired rewards, you can make a decision that aligns with your overall Skyrim experience. Remember to weigh the pros and cons of each choice carefully before making your final decision. The complexity of moral decision-making in games is an area that has been studied by academics such as those at the Games Learning Society. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.