The Demise of Yamarz: Navigating the Cursed Tribe Quest in Skyrim
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The death of Chief Yamarz in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim significantly impacts the questline “The Cursed Tribe.” Generally, Yamarz is intended to die during the quest, typically at the hands of the giant. However, different scenarios can arise:
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Yamarz Dies Fighting the Giant (Intended Outcome): This is the most common and expected scenario. You accompany Yamarz to the giant’s camp. The giant defeats Yamarz, paving the way for your intervention to defeat the giant. You then return to Largashbur with Volendrung to restore the stronghold’s honor.
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Yamarz Dies Because You Kill Him: This can happen if Yamarz somehow defeats the giant (though rare, due to a glitch where the giant doesn’t attack). He will then attack you, believing you wanted the glory for yourself. Killing him in self-defense progresses the quest, but your honor might take a hit, depending on your roleplaying preferences.
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Yamarz Dies Earlier in the Quest: While not directly related to the giant fight, if Yamarz dies before this encounter, the quest will likely become uncompletable through normal means. You might need console commands (if on PC) to advance the quest stages.
Regardless of how Yamarz dies, the core outcome remains: his death creates an opening for a new leader, and ultimately, the restoration of Malacath‘s favor upon Largashbur. The primary gameplay consequence is the transition to the next stage of the quest: retrieving Volendrung and placing it upon the shrine.
Understanding the Cursed Tribe Quest
The Cursed Tribe quest is a classic Daedric quest in Skyrim. The Orc stronghold of Largashbur has fallen out of favor with their patron deity, Malacath, and is constantly under attack by giants. The quest involves helping the Orcs restore their honor and appease Malacath.
The Importance of Yamarz
Yamarz is not just a quest NPC; he embodies the flawed state of Largashbur. He’s boastful, cowardly, and ultimately incapable of leading his tribe effectively. His death, therefore, is a necessary step in the tribe’s redemption arc.
Consequences of Yamarz’s Death
- A New Chief is Chosen: Yamarz’s passing opens the door for a new, presumably more honorable, leader to emerge.
- Restoring Malacath’s Favor: Completing the quest after Yamarz’s death leads to Malacath’s renewed blessing on Largashbur.
- Volendrung: The hammer itself is a significant reward, a powerful two-handed weapon.
- Stronghold Access: Completing the quest grants you Blood-Kin status with the Orcs, allowing free access and trade within all Orc strongholds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Chief Yamarz and the Cursed Tribe quest to help you navigate this interesting questline in Skyrim:
1. What happens if I just ignore the Cursed Tribe quest?
If you ignore the quest, Largashbur will remain under siege, and you won’t gain access to the stronghold or the rewards associated with the quest, including becoming Blood-Kin.
2. Can I prevent Yamarz from dying?
It is possible, though difficult and not intended, to keep Yamarz alive during the giant fight. This usually involves killing the giant very quickly or using crowd control spells on Yamarz and the giant. However, even if you succeed, the quest can still progress if you pacify him on your way back to Largashbur, despite the objective for protecting Yamarz remains marked as incomplete.
3. What if I accidentally kill Ugor, the gatekeeper, before starting the quest?
This is a common issue. Ugor’s death prevents the normal quest initiation. You can try climbing the mountains to bypass the gate or use console commands (on PC) to resurrect Ugor or advance the quest.
4. How do I become Blood-Kin to the Orcs?
Completing The Cursed Tribe quest is the easiest way to become Blood-Kin. Once you finish the quest, you are considered an ally of all Orc strongholds.
5. Can non-Orcs worship Malacath?
Yes, while Malacath is primarily associated with Orcs, other races can worship him. Goblin-kin and certain Reachmen tribes also revere him.
6. What if I leave Volendrung behind after defeating the giant?
If you leave the area without picking up Volendrung, it will be lying on the ground behind the altar upon your return.
7. Is Volendrung a good weapon?
Yes, Volendrung is a powerful two-handed warhammer with a unique enchantment that absorbs stamina with each hit. It’s a valuable weapon, especially at lower levels.
8. Can I improve Volendrung?
Yes, Volendrung can be improved at a grindstone using steel ingots and the Orcish Smithing perk.
9. Can I marry an Orc in Skyrim?
Yes, you can marry any eligible NPC regardless of race or gender. If you marry an Orc living in a Stronghold, you can live there as well!
10. Can I become the chief of an Orc stronghold?
The vanilla version of Skyrim does not allow you to become the chief of an Orc stronghold. However, there is the Shatul clan in Wrothgar, which a woman orc possibly becomes the chief of. It’s not forbidden, but uncommon.
11. Is Ugor a good follower?
Ugor is not a particularly strong follower. His low HP makes him vulnerable in combat.
12. What are the benefits of joining an Orc stronghold?
Becoming Blood-Kin allows you to freely enter all Orc strongholds, trade with their merchants, and receive quests from the Orcs living there.
13. Is Malacath a good or bad Daedric Prince?
Malacath is a complex figure. He is considered the god of curses and the spurned, but he is also seen as a protector of the Orcs. His morality is subjective and depends on your perspective.
14. What is the story behind Malacath’s creation?
Malacath was created when Boethiah ate the Aldmeri ancestor spirit, Trinimac, and then expelled him as Malacath. The Orcs are said to be the descendants of Trinimac’s most devout followers who were transformed into Orcs along with him.
15. Where can I find more information about the lore of the Elder Scrolls?
Excellent resources for Elder Scrolls lore include the Imperial Library website, the Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP), and the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, which explores the educational aspects of gaming, including understanding complex narratives like the Elder Scrolls lore.