Boethiah’s Calling: A Skyrim Guide to Betrayal and Ebony Mail
You found a mysterious book or perhaps defeated a cultist. Now, you hear whispers of Boethiah. Welcome! Boethiah’s Calling is a Daedric quest in Skyrim. It’s about proving ruthlessness. You’re expected to climb high, even if it’s over your follower’s bones. Let’s break it down.
Sacrificing a Follower: Who, How, and Why (Not)?
The core of Boethiah’s game is sacrifice. Lure a follower to her shrine and proceed. But wait. Before targeting Lydia, consider a few things.
Who’s the Best Lamb for the Slaughter? (Morally Speaking)
No one deserves to be sacrificed. However, if your character has a darker moral compass, think about Ralis Sedarys. This Dunmer mage from the Dragonborn DLC is involved in shady dealings. Sacrificing him may feel like justice. Plus, he’s strong, which might satisfy Boethiah.
Luring Your Unsuspecting Pal to the Sacellum
Bringing your chosen follower to Boethiah’s Shrine is easy. They don’t sense doom. Just fast travel to the Sacellum of Boethiah, east of Windhelm. Your follower will join you. Bad AI or loyalty? It’s unclear.
Once there, lead them to the Pillar of Sacrifice. Command them to stand there. They will comply. No questions asked. Skyrim followers are obedient, perhaps overly so.
Pillar Problems: When Your Follower Refuses to Cooperate
Sometimes, your follower may hesitate. They might refuse to be the sacrifice. What’s up? You might have chosen an essential follower. These NPCs are unkillable, plot-critical characters. Skyrim protects them, even from Daedric Princes. Try a companion without plot armor.
Can You Be a *Slightly* Less Terrible Person and Spare Your Follower?
Maybe you have second thoughts. Sacrificing feels harsh, even for Boethiah. It’s complex, but you can technically spare your follower. Here’s how:
- Start the sacrifice ritual.
- Focus on the cultists.
- Eliminate them until only one is left.
- Lead that cultist to the Pillar of Sacrifice.
- Lower the cultist’s health dangerously low.
Now, simultaneously kill your follower and the cultist. Timing is crucial. The aim is to fool the game into recognizing the cultist’s death as the sacrifice. It’s messy. Did you spare your follower? Maybe. Your conscience may vary.
Completing Boethiah’s Calling: A Checklist for the Aspiring Champion
You’ve navigated the sacrifice. What’s next? Boethiah has more tasks for you. Think of it as a Daedric job application. Here’s how to complete Boethiah’s Calling and receive that sweet Ebony Mail.
The Steps to Daedric Glory (or Infamy)
- Find the Shrine: The Sacellum of Boethiah is still east of Windhelm. Look for mountains and cultists.
- Sacrifice a Follower: Select your volunteer. Lure them to the pillar. Let Boethiah handle the rest.
- Slay the Cultists: When Boethiah possesses your sacrificed follower, she’ll chat and task you with eliminating her champions. Fight through remaining cultists.
- Knifepoint Ridge: Clean House: Boethiah wants a new champion at Knifepoint Ridge. Your mission? Kill everyone—bandits and cultists alike.
- Retrieve and Equip the Ebony Mail: After cleansing Knifepoint Ridge, Boethiah will reward you with the Ebony Mail. Loot it from her former champion.
Can You Mess This Up? Boethiah’s Forgiveness (or Lack Thereof)
You can technically fail Boethiah’s quest. If you refuse to murder everyone at Knifepoint Ridge, she won’t be happy. But don’t worry! Failure opens an interesting path. Instead of becoming her champion, you can recruit her *ex*-champion as a follower. Nice move.
Stealth or Brute Force? Boethiah’s Style Guide
Does Boethiah care how you accomplish tasks? Nope. Sneak through Knifepoint Ridge or charge in swinging your axe. She may scold you for brute force but it won’t affect the quest outcome. Play however you prefer. Just finish the job.
Sacellum of Boethiah: Location, Location, Location
Need to find this shrine? As said earlier, the Sacellum of Boethiah lies east of Windhelm. Go directly east and look for mountains. You can’t miss it, with its giant statue and ominous chanting.
Knifepoint Ridge: Bandit Bonanza (Soon to Be Bandit Graveyard)
Your next stop after the shrine is Knifepoint Ridge. Here’s what you should know about this bandit haven.
Where’s the Boss? Finding the Bandit Leader
Your target at Knifepoint Ridge is the bandit leader. He’s not hiding, but he isn’t out in plain sight either. Go to the mine in the southwestern corner. You’ll find him there, likely organizing his minions. Time for a new leadership approach.
Can You Clear Knifepoint Ridge *Before* the Quest?
Interesting question! Yes and no. You can mark Knifepoint Ridge as “Cleared” only if you haven’t started “Boethiah’s Calling.” Once active, it becomes a quest location, so “Cleared” status no longer matters. If you’re a completionist, clear it out beforehand. Otherwise, treat the quest as your clearing operation.
Ebony Mail: Fashionable and Deadly
Your reward for your efforts is the Ebony Mail. What is it? Let’s analyze this Daedric artifact.
Ebony Mail: Stealthy Tank Armor?
The Ebony Mail is a piece of heavy armor. It may seem odd for stealth. Yet, it’s one of the few heavy armor pieces that can assist in stealth. Despite its weight, it muffles your movements and makes detection more difficult. When foes get close, it releases a poison aura, damaging them.
It’s great for those who want both sneakiness and durability. High armor rating and enchantments help in close combat, even if stealth fails. Think of it as perfect “Plan B” armor.
Followers in Skyrim: A Companion Compendium
Since followers are essential for Boethiah’s Calling (and general adventuring), let’s explore companions in Skyrim. Who are the best? Who is easy to recruit? And who shouldn’t you *ever* sacrifice?
General Follower FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Who are the crème de la crème of Skyrim companions?
Choosing the “best” companion varies by playstyle. Yet, some followers prove popular and effective.
- Serana: Found in Dawnguard DLC, she excels as a vampire mage. Essential and unique, her questline shines. If you own the DLC, don’t miss her.
- Frea: From the Dragonborn DLC, Frea is a warrior with useful shouts. She has an engaging backstory and is also essential.
- Cicero: A divisive character, Cicero excels in combat. This jester assassin stands out with unique skills and depth.
- Aela the Huntress: A skilled archer and werewolf within the Companions. She offers ranged support and furry backup in battles.
- Ralis Sedarys: The sacrifice candidate. Ralis is a robust mage with a high level cap. He’s a decent option… before sacrifice.
- J’zargo: A cocky Khajiit mage at the College of Winterhold. He scales with your level and has unique AI behavior.
- Illia: A strong early-game mage. Illia casts powerful ice spells that devastate enemies, making her ideal for magical needs.
- Lydia: Your first housecarl! Often a joke, yet she is a reliable warrior. Essential and capable of carrying burdens, Lydia is a solid choice.
Easiest Follower to Snag?
Want an easy follower? Belrand, a mercenary mage, waits at the Winking Skeever in Solitude. Pay some gold and he will join you. Simple.
Who’s the Toughest Housecarl in Town?
Building a home in Morthal? Your housecarl will be Valdimar, the strongest option. Great for home defense and adventures.
Looking for a Wife (or Husband)? Who’s a Good Spouse in Skyrim?
For a hardworking spouse, try Ysolda in Whiterun. Smart and capable, she can run a shop well. Considered one of the best marriage options.
Essential Followers: The Unkillables
Need nearly immortal followers? These characters are essential and can’t die from enemies. (Though you might find ways…)
- Aela the Huntress
- Barbas (Clavicus Vile’s dog)
- Cicero
- Plus, many quest-specific followers
Specific Follower Deep Dive: Lydia, J’zargo, Sven, Ralis, Serana, and Cicero
Let’s take a closer look at some followers and answer common questions about them.
Lydia: Your Sworn Shieldmaiden (and Meme Queen)
- Where to Find Her?
- Dragonsreach (Whiterun): If you haven’t purchased Breezehome, she’s in Dragonsreach, in the Jarl’s hall or dining area.
- Breezehome (Whiterun): If you *have* bought Breezehome, she’s at your house instead. Loves home.
- Lydia’s Stats:
- Nord warrior. Level caps at 50. She has decent health (671), stamina (around 214), and base magicka (50). A solid tank.
- Is Lydia a Good Follower?
- Yes, particularly for those seeking a strong combat ally. She’s reliable, though a bit predictable.
- Can Lydia Catch Vampirism?
- Yes. If you marry her and then turn her into a vampire. Morbidly romantic decision.
- Where Does Lydia Go When She’s Lost?
- If Lydia loses you, just wait a few hours. She’ll respawn and return to you. Like a loyal puppy.
J’zargo: The Arrogant but Powerful Khajiit Mage
- Is J’zargo a Good Follower?
- Yes! Great for mage players. No level cap, unique personality, and scales with your level. A magical powerhouse.
- Is J’zargo Unkillable?
- No, he’s protected, not essential. Enemies can’t kill him, but *you* might. Be cautious with spells!
- Can I Marry J’zargo?
- Yes! Thanks to updates and mods, you can marry J’zargo without console commands. Perfect for Khajiit lovers.
Sven: The Lovestruck Bard (and Not-So-Great Follower)
- How to Get Sven as a Follower?
- Help him woo Camilla Valerius in Riverwood. Complete his quest to make Sven look good. Clever move.
- How to Fight Sven? (The Packmaster Version)
- “Sven Packmaster” refers to a tougher enemy named Sven during specific encounters. If struggling, try fighting him in water. Limits his movement.
- Sven or Faendal? Who to Choose?
- Faendal is the better choice. He’s more skilled and helpful than Sven. Sorry, Sven.
Ralis Sedarys: The Relic Hunter (and Sacrifice Material)
- How to Get Ralis as a Follower?
- Complete the “Unearthed” quest in Dragonborn DLC. Spare his life at the end after helping excavate Kolbjorn Barrow. He’ll swear loyalty.
- Should You Spare Ralis?
- Yes, for a follower. Sparing him gets you a loyal, if questionable, mage follower.
- Is Ralis Lying?
- Possibly. His dialogue suggests he might have been lying about his actions. Shady Dunmer indeed.
- Who Deserves to be Sacrificed to Boethiah?
- Ralis Sedarys. If seeking a justifiable sacrifice, Ralis fits well with dark dealings.
- Should You Let Ralis Live? (Again?)
- Yes, for a follower! Sparing him gets you a follower. Sacrificing him doesn’t lead to companionship.
Serana: The Vampire Princess Extraordinaire
- How to Get Serana as a Follower?
- Complete the Dawnguard questline. In the quest “A New Dawn,” you’ll find and release her from her tomb. Meet Skyrim’s favorite vampire!
- Where is Serana in Skyrim?
- Post-Dawnguard questline, she becomes a permanent follower at Fort Dawnguard or Castle Volkihar, depending on your choice. Pick your side!
Cicero: The Jester Assassin of Night Mother Fame
- How Good is Cicero as a Follower?
- Fantastic! Cicero ranks among the best followers, boasting high stats and an intriguing personality. Often divisive yet effective.
Other Skyrim Tidbits: Daedra, Leveling, Quests, and More
The world of Skyrim offers lore and mechanics galore. Let’s cover some other topics that might interest you.
Daedric Shenanigans: Boethiah and Friends (and Enemies)
Who are Boethiah’s Buddies?
- Mephala and Azura. Boethiah belongs to the “Three Good Daedra,” alongside Mephala (the Webspinner) and Azura (the Dusk and Dawn). Daedric alliances are intricate.
Malacath’s Nemesis?
- Ebonarm. Malacath (the Orcish Daedric Prince) allies with Mephala; his enemy is Ebonarm, an obscure figure in Elder Scrolls lore. Daedric politics are curious.
Leveling Up: Gotta Go Fast!
Speed Leveling in Skyrim?
- Prioritize skills yielding frequent experience gains. Target lockpicking, crafting (smithing, alchemy, enchanting), and spells like “Muffle.”
- Use buffs! Guardian Stones(The Thief Stone, Warrior Stone, Mage Stone) and “Well Rested” bonuses(from sleeping) enhance skill experience gain. Stack those buffs!
Questing and Questionable Decisions
Investigating a Boethiah Cultist?
- If you find a dead Boethiah cultist, you’ll receive a quest to “Investigate Boethiah Cultist.” Just search the body for the book. It initiates Boethiah’s Calling.
“A Night to Remember” Quest Start?
- If you desire an amusing adventure, converse with Sam Guevenne. He’s a mysterious figure who appears in various taverns.
- in taverns. Just… prepare for the hangover.
“Waking Nightmare” Quest Trigger?
- To start the “Waking Nightmare” quest, talk to Erandur, a priest, at the Windpeak Inn in Dawnstar. Sweet dreams… or nightmares.
What Does the Jarl of Falkreath Want?
- Jarl Siddgeir of Falkreath wants you to kill a bandit leader. Same old business.
Skyrim’s Cursed Tribe?
- The Orcs of Largashbur are known as the “Cursed Tribe.” Their Daedric quest, “The Cursed Tribe,” involves contacting Malacath for help. Orc issues, Daedric solutions.
Item Rundown: Ebony Mail, Nettlebane, and More
Ebony Mail: Revisited
- It’s heavy armor. We know that already. Still cool.
Nettlebane: Dagger of Supernatural Doom
- Nettlebane is a dagger that inflicts extra damage on supernatural beings like spriggans and hagraves. Followers can use it to… assassinate unsuspecting targets. Yikes.
Boethiah’s Weapon of Choice?
- Blade of Sacrifice. Worshippers at the Sacellum carry these. Fittingly named.
Black Star: Reusable Soul Gem Goodness
- The Black Star is a reusable soul gem that can hold any soul type, including black souls (human/mer souls). Handy for enchanting weapons.
Game Mechanics: Rejection, Remarriage, and Rest
Can You Get Rejected in Skyrim?
- Yes! If you attempt to marry someone disinterested, they will reject you. Full voiced rejections too! There are about 100 new lines for rejection. Ouch.
Remarrying After a… Mishap?
- Yes, you can remarry. Either after divorce (through console commands or mods) or if your spouse… meets an unfortunate end. Skyrim is quite forgiving about marriage.
Sleep Benefits in Skyrim?
- Sleeping in an inn or your own bed gives you the “Well Rested” ability. This grants a 10% boost for 8 in-game hours. Get some sleep, Dragonborn! It helps.
Boethiah’s Proving Location? (Elder Scrolls Online)
- Boethiah’s Proving is in Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), not Skyrim. It is south of Ebonheart in Stonefalls. Wrong game, but still related to Boethiah!
Abandoned House Location in Skyrim?
- The Abandoned House is located in Markarth. It is part of the “House of Horrors” quest involving Molag Bal. Creepy things.
Can You Save Logrolf the Willful?
- Yes, you can save Logrolf the Willful in “House of Horrors.” Molag Bal deals with him but will resurrect him, and he eventually submits to Molag Bal. So, technically saved? In a Daedric way.
Pillar of Sacrifice: What Is It?
- The Pillar of Sacrifice is key to “Boethiah’s Calling.” It sits at the base of the Sacellum of Boethiah. That pillar where bad things happen to followers.
Best Armor in Skyrim? The Eternal Debate
- The “best” armor is subjective but generally, Daedric armor (heavy) and Dragonscale armor (light) are top-tier. Daedric for heavy protection, Dragonscale for light and agile. Choose your poison… or armor.
And there you have it! A comprehensive guide to Boethiah’s Calling, followers, and various Skyrim-related goodies. Now go forth, Dragonborn, sacrifice wisely (or not), and may your Ebony Mail serve you well!
