So You Want to be Thane of Markarth? Buckle Up, Buttercup.
Markarth. City of stone and silver. It has corruption too. Want to be Thane? Here’s the catch. It’s not easy. More like a trek through danger. And a Jarl who keeps an eye on you. Don’t back down. Challenges await, like politics and a housecarl who might be useful.
The Thane-Dom Gauntlet: What Jarl Igmund Expects
First off, you can’t walk into Markarth and request Thane status. Jarl Igmund has requirements. He expects you to do some tasks. Consider it your initiation into Markarth’s politics. Spoiler: it is not glamorous.
- Forsworn Foe-Slaying 101: Igmund believes you prove yourself by fighting Forsworn. Expect a quest from him or his steward. Go bash some Forsworn heads. This is your welcome gift. It involves a lot of violence.
- Level Up to Level 20 (Minimum, Seriously): Feel under-leveled? Tough luck. Igmund won’t hand out titles easily. You must be at least level 20 for a quest about Hrolfdir’s Shield. Grind dragons, bandits, or something else. Then come back.
- The Shield of… Someone: Hrolfdir’s Shield: Yes, the legendary Hrolfdir’s Shield exists. You must retrieve it. The quest only appears when you reach level 20. Coincidence? I doubt it. The Jarl loves drama.
- Become Markarth’s Miss/Mister Congeniality: Being a Thane means you need people’s approval. Igmund wants you known throughout the hold. Help five citizens of Markarth. Fetch firewood or deliver messages are tasks. It’s all part of the job.
- Property Mogul in Training: Vlindrel Hall: No Thane lives on the streets. You need to buy Vlindrel Hall. Yes, a house in Markarth. It won’t be easy to acquire, but want that Thane title? Start saving.
The Forsworn Factor: Why All the Hate?
So, why does Igmund hate Forsworn? They are the native people of the Reach. History hasn’t favored them. They are independent and devoted to the Old Gods. Outsiders, especially Nords, make them uneasy. Igmund sees them as troublemakers. He wants you, the Dragonborn, to rectify this.
Need help with Forsworn? Meet Cosnach at the Silver Blood Inn. He drowns sorrows in booze. The Forsworn hinder his job opportunities. Challenge him to a fistfight and win. He will join you. Cosnach is not brilliant but he is enthusiastic. He complains about the Forsworn often. Treat him as comic relief in this grim quest.
Markarth: More Than Just Pretty Rocks (But Mostly Pretty Rocks and Corruption)
Markarth has character. By character, I mean corruption. The city is built on it. The questline here shows betrayal and shady deals. Remember Cidhna Mine? Those prisoners are having no fun at all. Exploited workers and corrupt guards rule here. Want to be Thane? Expect moral dilemmas.
Thane-ly Privileges and Perils
You completed the tasks and became Markarth’s Thane! But what comes next? Besides a title and Jarl’s vague acknowledgment?
- Thane-ly Perks (Limited Edition): You earn “Thane’s privilege.” What is that? A one-time use option. A way to get out of minor crimes. Don’t expect much more if you violently attack the city guard.
- The Perils of Politics: Thane Title Instability: Think your title is forever? Think again. Skyrim is in civil war now. If Stormcloaks take the Reach, your title vanishes.
- Re-Thane-ification: Don’t worry, ambitious Dragonborn! If you lose your title, you can regain it. Repeat the tasks for the new Jarl. Take out new enemies, help different citizens, buy another house if needed.
Meet Your Housecarl: Argis the Bulwark (Finally, Some Muscle)
The real reward for becoming Thane is Argis the Bulwark. He becomes your housecarl once you earn your title. Argis stays in Vlindrel Hall and is ready for battle or just looks strong in your home. Need a bodyguard? Argis fits the bill. If you wear an Amulet of Mara, you might even marry him.
Abandoned Houses and Marital Mayhem (Bonus Content!)
Markarth has an “Abandoned House.” To enter, start the “House of Horrors” quest by speaking with Vigilant Tyranus. The house is not just abandoned; it’s influenced by Daedric forces. Expect Molag Bal inside. Want to turn your spouse into a vampire? Marriage is a must first.
So, there you have it. Becoming Thane of Markarth is a journey filled with challenges and corruption. But at the end, you gain a title, a house, a housecarl, and bragging rights. Just try not to ponder on your moral compromises along the way. Corruption fills Markarth’s air.
