What is the Quest That Farkas Gives You?
The primary quest that Farkas, a member of the Companions in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, gives you is a series of radiant quests collectively known as “Hired Muscle.” These quests involve intimidating individuals on behalf of the Companions. He tasks you with roughing up someone who owes the Companions money, typically by engaging in a fistfight. Completing these quests helps you build your relationship with Farkas and progress within the Companions faction.
Understanding the “Hired Muscle” Quest Line
The “Hired Muscle” quest line, assigned by Farkas, is one of the repeatable, or radiant, quests available after joining the Companions. Radiant quests are randomly generated and sent to different locations within Skyrim, providing players with an endless stream of content. The primary objective of these quests is to collect debts or “persuade” individuals to fulfill their obligations to the Companions.
The Core Objective
The core objective of Farkas’s “Hired Muscle” quests is always the same: Intimidate an individual who owes the Companions money. The quest marker leads you to the target, usually located in a city or town across Skyrim. Upon finding the target, you must engage them in a fistfight. You don’t need to kill them; the objective is simply to beat them into submission. Once they yield, the quest is complete, and you can return to Farkas for your reward.
Variations and Locations
While the objective remains constant, the location and the targeted NPC vary with each iteration of the quest. You could be sent to Whiterun, Riften, Solitude, or any other major hold in Skyrim. The target could be a merchant, a farmer, or even a Jarl’s servant. This variety keeps the quest line relatively fresh, even after multiple repetitions.
Progression within the Companions
Completing “Hired Muscle” and other radiant quests for the Companions is crucial for advancing through their ranks. These quests improve your standing within the faction and eventually lead to more significant story-driven quests.
Building Rapport with Farkas
Repeatedly completing quests for Farkas will increase your relationship with him, potentially leading to him becoming a follower. Having him as a follower offers advantages in combat and provides a sense of camaraderie.
Unlocking Further Quests
Successfully completing the initial radiant quests will unlock the main questline for the Companions. This questline involves discovering the secrets of the Companions, dealing with internal conflicts, and ultimately finding a cure for their lycanthropy.
Benefits of Completing “Hired Muscle”
Beyond progressing within the Companions faction, the “Hired Muscle” quest line offers several benefits:
Gold Rewards
Each completed “Hired Muscle” quest earns you a gold reward from Farkas. While the amount may vary, these rewards can contribute significantly to your overall wealth, especially in the early game.
Skill Development
Engaging in fistfights during these quests provides opportunities to level up your Unarmed skill. This is particularly useful for players interested in developing a character who relies on their fists in combat.
Exploration of Skyrim
The radiant nature of the “Hired Muscle” quest line encourages you to explore different regions of Skyrim. You’ll travel to various cities, towns, and villages, discovering new locations and encountering diverse characters.
Limitations and Considerations
While the “Hired Muscle” quest line is a valuable part of the Companions experience, it also has limitations:
Repetitive Nature
The objective of the quest remains constant, which can become repetitive over time. The only variation is the location and the targeted NPC, which might not be enough to maintain long-term engagement for some players.
Ethical Concerns
The quest involves intimidating and assaulting individuals, which may clash with the moral compass of some players. If you prefer playing a character who avoids violence, this quest line might not be suitable for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I start the “Hired Muscle” quest?
You must first join the Companions in Whiterun. After completing the initial initiation quests, talk to Farkas, and he will offer you the “Hired Muscle” radiant quest.
2. Can I fail the “Hired Muscle” quest?
Yes, you can fail the quest. If you kill the target, or if they report you to the guards before you can intimidate them, the quest will fail.
3. Is it possible to avoid the fistfight?
No, the primary objective of the quest is to engage the target in a fistfight. You cannot complete the quest by simply talking to them or using other methods of persuasion.
4. What happens if I accidentally kill the target?
If you accidentally kill the target, the quest will fail. You will need to wait for Farkas to offer you another radiant quest.
5. Are there any level requirements for the “Hired Muscle” quest?
No, there are no specific level requirements for the “Hired Muscle” quest. It is available regardless of your character level.
6. Can I get arrested for completing this quest?
Yes, if you are caught assaulting the target by guards or witnesses, you can be arrested and fined. It’s best to find a secluded location to engage in the fistfight.
7. Does completing “Hired Muscle” affect my reputation with the targeted town or city?
It is not supposed to. It can, however, if guards interfere and you accrue a bounty in the town you are in.
8. Can I complete “Hired Muscle” multiple times?
Yes, “Hired Muscle” is a radiant quest, meaning it can be completed multiple times. Farkas will continue to offer you the quest as long as you are a member of the Companions.
9. Does completing “Hired Muscle” contribute to becoming a Harbinger?
While “Hired Muscle” helps you build rapport within the Companions, it does not directly contribute to becoming a Harbinger. You need to progress through the main questline to achieve that.
10. What other quests does Farkas offer?
Besides “Hired Muscle,” Farkas also offers other radiant quests such as “Trouble in Skyrim,” where you have to defeat wild animals near a hold.
11. Is there a limit to how many radiant quests I can have active at once?
Yes, there is a limit to the number of active quests you can have at one time. If you reach this limit, you will need to complete or abandon some quests before accepting new ones.
12. Can I use weapons during the fistfight in “Hired Muscle”?
No, using weapons will result in failing the quest. You must engage the target in a fistfight using only your fists or unarmed attacks.
13. What happens if the target attacks me first?
Even if the target attacks you first, you must still engage them in a fistfight without using weapons. Defending yourself with weapons will result in failing the quest.
14. How do I know when the target has yielded?
The target will usually yield by surrendering or begging you to stop. You will also receive a quest update confirming that you have successfully intimidated them.
15. Can I do “Hired Muscle” for other members of the Companions?
Yes, other members like Aela the Huntress or Vilkas also offer radiant quests, such as “Animal Extermination” or “Escort.” You can take on radiant quests from multiple members simultaneously. Completing them will also improve your standing in the faction.