The Unbreakable Bond: What Happens When You Don’t Return the Skeleton Key in Skyrim?
So, you’ve reached the Blindsighted quest in Skyrim’s Thieves Guild storyline, stared into the twinkling abyss of the Skeleton Key, and thought, “Hmm, unbreakable lockpick… tempting.” You’re not alone. Many a Dragonborn has wrestled with this decision. The simple answer? If you don’t return the Skeleton Key to Nocturnal, you cannot complete the Thieves Guild questline and ascend to the position of Guild Master. However, the ramifications extend beyond a mere title and some fancy armor. Let’s delve into the intricate details of this pivotal choice.
The Perks and Penalties of Keeping the Key
The immediate and most obvious benefit of retaining the Skeleton Key is its function as an unbreakable lockpick. This single advantage can dramatically alter your gameplay, particularly in the early to mid-game. Forget about hoarding lockpicks and worrying about snapping them in a particularly stubborn Master lock. With the Skeleton Key, any lock becomes surmountable, limited only by your Lockpicking skill level.
However, this power comes at a price. As mentioned earlier, you’ll be locked out of the final Thieves Guild quests. This means no Guild Master armor set (arguably not the best armor in the game, but a symbolic reward nonetheless), no key to the tribute chest (which provides a regular income), and no official recognition as the head of the Thieves Guild. The guild will continue to function, and you can still participate in smaller jobs for Delvin and Vex, but the main storyline remains unfinished.
Furthermore, keeping the key throws a wrench into Nocturnal’s plans. She expects you to return it to its proper place within the Twilight Sepulcher. By keeping it, you are essentially disrupting the natural order, a decision that some lore enthusiasts find unpalatable from a role-playing perspective.
Is the Trade-Off Worth It?
Ultimately, the decision to keep or return the Skeleton Key rests on your individual playstyle and priorities. Are you a completionist who wants to experience every facet of the Thieves Guild storyline? Or are you more interested in maximizing your utility and convenience?
If you prioritize gameplay efficiency and despise the tedium of lockpicking, the Skeleton Key is a game-changer. It allows you to access valuable loot, hidden areas, and essential quest items without ever having to worry about breaking another lockpick.
However, if you are invested in the narrative and role-playing aspects of Skyrim, returning the key might be the more satisfying choice. Completing the Thieves Guild questline provides a sense of closure, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the story and experience the satisfaction of restoring the guild to its former glory. Plus, you receive one of Nocturnal’s unique agent abilities.
Alternative Strategies
Many players advocate for keeping the Skeleton Key until their Lockpicking skill is sufficiently high, usually around level 90-100. At this point, with the right perks and enchantments, picking even Master locks becomes relatively trivial. You can then return the key without feeling like you’re sacrificing a significant advantage. This strategy allows you to enjoy the benefits of both worlds: the convenience of the unbreakable lockpick and the satisfaction of completing the Thieves Guild questline.
Another option is to simply create a separate save file before embarking on the Blindsighted quest. This allows you to experience both outcomes: one where you return the key and complete the Thieves Guild storyline, and another where you retain the Skeleton Key and enjoy its benefits indefinitely.
This highlights the importance of player choice and agency in video games. As researchers at the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) would attest, this kind of impactful decision-making can have a significant influence on the player’s engagement and overall experience. Games like Skyrim can also act as models for learning through the consequences of actions.
FAQs: Unlocking the Truth Behind the Skeleton Key
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision about the Skeleton Key:
1. Can I restore the Thieves Guild without returning the Skeleton Key?
Yes, you can complete the radiant quests given by Delvin Mallory to restore the Thieves Guild’s influence in various holds without returning the Skeleton Key. However, you will not become the Guild Master or finish the main questline.
2. Do I have to return the Skeleton Key to become Guild Master?
Yes, you must return the Skeleton Key to Nocturnal at the Twilight Sepulcher to complete the main Thieves Guild questline and become the Guild Master.
3. What happens if I never start the Thieves Guild questline?
If you never start the Thieves Guild questline, the Skeleton Key remains locked away, and you will never have the opportunity to acquire it.
4. Is there any benefit to returning the Skeleton Key?
Yes. Upon returning the key and completing the questline, you receive the Agent of Nocturnal ability, which allows you to choose one of three powers: Shadowcloak of Nocturnal (invisibility while sneaking), Agent of Stealth (improved sneak), or Agent of Subterfuge (affects NPCs). You also receive the Guild Master’s Armor and the key to the tribute chest.
5. Can I duplicate the Skeleton Key using glitches?
While glitches may exist to duplicate items in Skyrim, exploiting them may negatively impact your gameplay experience and potentially corrupt your save file. Additionally, some glitches may be patched out in subsequent updates.
6. What is the best Agent of Nocturnal ability to choose?
The best ability depends on your playstyle. Shadowcloak of Nocturnal is generally considered the most useful, providing reliable invisibility while sneaking. Agent of Stealth is a good choice for players focused on pure stealth, while Agent of Subterfuge is less impactful.
7. Does the Skeleton Key level with my Lockpicking skill?
No, the Skeleton Key does not have any direct scaling. The difficulty of locks is determined by their type (Novice, Apprentice, Adept, Expert, Master) and your Lockpicking skill level. The Skeleton Key simply eliminates the risk of breaking lockpicks.
8. Can I get the Guild Master’s Armor without returning the Skeleton Key?
No, the Guild Master’s Armor is a reward for completing the main Thieves Guild questline, which requires returning the Skeleton Key.
9. Is there a mod that allows me to keep the Skeleton Key and complete the questline?
Yes, several mods exist that allow you to bypass the requirement of returning the Skeleton Key, effectively allowing you to have both the unbreakable lockpick and the completed Thieves Guild questline. However, using mods may alter your gameplay experience and potentially introduce instability.
10. Will I lose the Skeleton Key if I’m arrested?
No, the Skeleton Key is a quest item and cannot be removed from your inventory, even upon arrest or death.
11. How difficult is it to pick Master locks without the Skeleton Key?
Picking Master locks without the Skeleton Key can be challenging, especially at lower Lockpicking skill levels. However, with a high skill level, relevant perks, and enchanted equipment, it becomes significantly easier.
12. Does the Skeleton Key prevent me from leveling up my Lockpicking skill?
No, you still gain Lockpicking skill experience when using the Skeleton Key to open locks.
13. What level should my Lockpicking skill be before returning the Skeleton Key?
Most players recommend having a Lockpicking skill of at least 75-90 before returning the Skeleton Key. At this level, you should be able to pick most locks with relative ease.
14. Are there any other unbreakable lockpicks in Skyrim?
No, the Skeleton Key is the only unbreakable lockpick in the base game of Skyrim.
15. Is the quest to return the Skeleton Key timed?
No, there is no time limit on the Blindsighted quest or the subsequent quest to return the Skeleton Key. You can hold onto the key for as long as you like before returning it.
The Key to Your Own Adventure
In conclusion, the decision to keep or return the Skeleton Key in Skyrim is a deeply personal one. There’s no objectively “right” answer. Weigh the pros and cons, consider your playstyle, and choose the path that best aligns with your vision for your Dragonborn. Whether you choose to embrace the convenience of the unbreakable lockpick or the fulfillment of completing the Thieves Guild questline, remember that the most important thing is to enjoy your adventure in the vast and captivating world of Skyrim.