Quest The Forsworn - Skyrim's Third Civil War Faction

[MushroomGenius]

(Disclaimer: While not truly a quest, this was kind of my brainchild for a series of quests that would introduce the Forsworn as a third element in Skyrim's Civil War. While they do not have aspirations of control of the region, they would like to reclaim their homeland and defend it against all comers. I appreciate all that have taken the time to read what I've written. Thank you.)​

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Had I been given the chance, I would have written Skyrim differently. The Forsworn are a fascinating community that unfortunately, don't play as large a role as they could have or should have in Skyrim's narrative. I intend to fix that.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Forsworn's plight or just gloss over them as mere savages, think again. Their history is filled with fleeting moments of triumph, but longer bouts of sadness and tragedy. From even before the time of their First Era hero Red Eagle, the emigrated Bretons of High Rock proudly occupied the area of Skyrim known as The Reach.

The People of The Reach had suffered numerous bloody invasions to their territory including several attacks by Hestra, the Imperial Empress of the South during the First Era. It was during this conflict that the Reach-child Faolan became the child of prophecy, Red Eagle. Red Eagle united the tribes of The Reach and dispatched the Imperial invaders. It was Red Eagle who made the pact with the Hagravens. The Hagravens offered power, for a price. Faolan gave up his heart, his will, and his humanity so that he could continue to defend his people from the hordes of soldiers sent by Empress Hestra. From that day forth, his was a spirit of vengeance, pitiless and beyond remorse. The rebels grew in strength and numbers, and none could stand against them. Faolan's eyes burned coldly in those days, black opals reflecting a mind not entirely his own. Two years passed, and the foreigners were all but driven from the Reach.

However, the Empire would not be denied. Again Hestra launched an assault on The Reach. For a fortnight, Hestra's generals laid siege to Red Eagle's stronghold, until Red Eagle himself came forth for battle, alone and robed in nothing but his righteous fury. A thousand foreigners fell before his flaming sword, and the enemy was routed. Yet, when night fell, so too did he. The warriors who came to him said Faolan's eyes were clear again on that final night. He was taken to the place prepared for him, a tomb hidden deep within the rock. With his remaining strength he presented his sword to his people, and swore an oath: Fight on, and when at last the Reach is free, his blade should be returned, that he might rise and lead them again.

Towards the end of the Second Era, the People of The Reach would again face invasion by the Empire, this time, however, it was by an unproven 20 year old commander by the name of Tiber Septim. The Battle of Old Hroldan was Tiber Septim's first significant victory in his now legendary life. Using "The Voice", Septim and his invading army claimed The Reach for the Empire.

For centuries following their harrowing defeat at Old Hroldan, the People of the Reach became outlaws on their own lands, forbidden from outwardly worshipping their own gods. Forced to live in the shadows of civilization, out in the wild, in cold, dank caves, in run down forts and scattered campsites. For centuries the People bided their time, stewing, waiting for their opportunity to rise again and take back what was theirs. The Great War gave the People of The Reach their opportunity.

As the Great War between the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion raged on throughout Tamriel, the Imperial heartland of Cyrodiil called out for help from outlying Imperial forces in Skyrim. The garrison of Imperial soldiers at Markarth answered that call. With Markarth left unprotected, the Reachmen were able to take Markarth after the elimination of Jarl Hrolfdir. A small number of Markarth's civilian population was also killed during the raid. It was at this time that Madanach was recognized as the King of The Reach.

For two years, from 4E 174 - 4E 176, Madanach and his Reachmen peacefully ruled their reoccupied homeland. The Reach was declared an independent kingdom, free from the politics and conflict that surround Imperial rule. Madanach even applied for recognition by the Empire as a legitimate kingdom. In 4E 175 the White-Gold Concordat was signed, ending The Great War and banishing the worship of Talos (Tiber Septim) as a diety.

However, because of the backlog of matters in the wake of the Great War, a peace treaty by the re-established Kingdom of The Reach and the Empire was put on hold. During these two years of re-establishment, the son of Jarl Hrolfdir, Igmund, struck a deal with a militia lead by an upstart Ulfric Stormcloak that spat directly into the face of the newly established White-Gold Concordat. Igmund promised Ulfric that people could once again freely worship Talos within the city walls if he aided him in retaking his fallen city. Ulfric agreed and once again The People of The Reach were under siege.

What happened during that battle was war, but what happened after the battle was over was nothing short of war crimes.

Every official who worked for the Forsworn was put to the sword, even after they had surrendered. Native women were tortured to give up names of Forsworn fighters who had fled the city or were in the hills of the Reach. Anyone who lived in the city, Forsworn and Nord alike, were executed if they had not fought with Ulfric and his men when they breached the gates. "You are with us, or you are against Skyrim" was the message on Ulfric's lips as he ordered the deaths of shopkeepers, farmers, the elderly, and any child old enough to lift a sword that had failed in the call to fight with him. The deposed King of The Reach, Madanach, was imprisoned in Cidnha Mine. What few survivors there were ended up fleeing into the wilds establishing themselves as "The Forsworn".

So when a "grateful" Empire accepted Ulfric's victory and sent soldiers to re-establish the rule of law in the Reach, it was no surprise that he would demand to be allowed to worship Talos freely before the Legion could enter. With chaos running through the streets of Markarth and the reports of deaths rising every day, the Empire had no choice but to grant Ulfric and his men their worship. The Empire allowed them to worship Talos, in full violation of the White-Gold Concordat. Ironic that Ulfric fights for a diety no longer recognized as legitimate when it was the Forsworn who fought for the very same thing ages ago.

Madanach, the deposed "King in Rags" now serves a life sentence in Cidhna Mine, a puppet of the Silverbloods. The Silverbloods are well established supporters of Ulfric and his Stormcloak soldiers. They have used the Forsworn to attack Imperial targets as well as eliminate individuals that threaten their power within Markarth.

Now that the history lesson is out of the way, where do we go from here? Let me paint a different picture for you Dragonborn. Back to that fateful carriage ride into Helgen....

 

[MushroomGenius]

Scene I - Helgen
You awaken to the jostling of a carriage and the sound of heated conversation. Still groggy and unsure of your surroundings you remain quiet, vigilant. Your eyes still unfocused, your hands bound at the wrist. A Nord soldier sits across from you, another man, possibly a noble of some sort sits next to you, his mouth gagged. Across from the noble sits another man, a Breton, hatred burning in his eyes but he remains quiet at this point. The Nord Soldier turns to you.

Nord Soldier (Ralof): "Hey you, you're finally awake. You were trying to cross the border right? Walked right into that Imperial ambush, same as us, and that savage over there."

Breton: "Damn you Stormcloaks. The Reach was peaceful until you came along. Our negotiations with the Empire was going to guarantee peace for us. If it wasn't for you, my family wouldn't be struggling to put food on the table; starving and cold living in the back of a Redoubt."

The Breton turns to you.

Breton: "You there. You and me - we shouldn't be here. It's these Stormcloaks the Empire wants."

Nord Soldier (Ralof): "We're all brothers and sister in binds now, savage."

Imperial Carriage Driver: "Shut up back there!"

Breton: "Life shouldn't be this way. And it's all thanks to him."

The Breton glares with hatred at the gagged noble.

Nord Soldier (Ralof): "Watch your tongue. You're speaking to Ulfric Stormcloak, the true High King!"

Breton: "I know who he is, 'Jarl of Windhelm', 'Leader of the Rebellion'. He's a murderer if you ask me. I'm going to die happy knowing that justice for Markarth has finally been served."

Nord Soldier (Ralof): "Calm down, we've all spilled our share of blood. we all journey to Sovngarde this day."

Breton: "I hope you go first Stormcloak that I may die with a smile on my face."

Nord Soldier (Ralof): "Hey, what's your name Reachman?"

Breton: "Why do you care?"

Nord Soldier (Ralof): "A Nord honors those he's spent a lifetime battling."

Breton: "Weylin. My name is Weylin."

Imperial Soldier: "General Tullius, sir! The headsman is waiting!"

General Tullius: "Good. Let's get this over with."

Weylin: "Hircine, give me strength. Madanach, avenge me that my death not go unpunished!"

Nord Soldier (Ralof): "Look at him, General Tullius the Military Governor. And it looks like the Thalmor are with him. Damn elves. I bet they had something to do with this. This is Helgen. I used to be sweet on a girl from here. Wonder if Vilod is still making that mead with juniper berries mixed in. Funny, when I was a boy, Imperial walls and towers used to make me feel so safe."

Boy: "Who are they daddy, where are they going?"

Father: "You need to go inside, little cub."

Boy: "Why? I want to watch the soldiers."

Father: "Inside the house. Now."

Imperial Carriage Driver: "Whoooa!"

Imperial Captain: "Get these prisoners out of the carts. Move it!"

Weylin: "Your minutes are fleeting Stormcloak. Prepare for your day of reckoning."

Nord Soldier (Ralof): "We share the same fate Weylin. End of the line. Let's go. Shouldn't keep the gods waiting for us."

Weylin: "Justice, Stormcloak. Justice."

Nord Soldier (Ralof): "Face your death with honor and dignity Reachman. None of us are innocent."

Weylin: "Your head will roll Stormcloak. Penance for my people."

Imperial Captain: "Step towards the block when we call your name. One at a time."

Nord Soldier (Ralof): "Empire loves their damn lists."

Imperial Soldier (Hadvar): "Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm."

Nord Soldier (Ralof): "It has been an honor, Jarl Ulfric!"

Imperial Soldier (Hadvar): "Ralof of Riverwood."

Ralof heads to the block.

Imperial Soldier (Hadvar): "Weylin of Markarth."

Weylin: "For the Forsworn, I die for my people!"

Imperial Captain: "Silence savage or my archers will cut you down! Anyone else feel like speaking up?"

Imperial Soldier (Hadvar): "Wait. You there. Step forward. Who are you?"

Pauses

Imperial Soldier (Hadvar): "Wrong place at the wrong time huh? Captain, what should we do? He's not on the list."

Imperial Captain: "Forget the list, he goes to the block."

Imperial Soldier (Hadvar): "By your orders Captain. Sorry about this, we'll try to locate your kin. Follow the Captain, prisoner."

General Tullius: "Ulfric Stormcloak, some here in Helgen call you a hero, but a hero doesn't use a power like 'The Voice' to murder his King and usurp his throne. You started this war, plunged Skyrim into chaos and now the Empire is going to put you down and restore the peace!"

A roar is heard in the distance.

Imperial Soldier: "What was that?"

General Tullius: "Nothing, carry on."

Imperial Captain: "Yes, General Tullius! Give them their last rites."

..... We all know how this ends, but this is where another fork in the road is presented.

Normally, you have the option to follow Hadvar (Imperial) or Ralof (Stormcloak), but what about Weylin (Forsworn)? If he survives the initial attack on Helgen by Alduin, what becomes of him? Could you possibly follow him? Let's find out!

Unbound - Revisited (The Forsworn Path)
After Alduin's initial attack on Helgen, you follow Hadvar through the burning rubble as Alduin continues to lay waste to the small town. As you make your way through the devastation, you are alerted by Ralof, the Stormcloak Soldier, to follow him into the tower. Hadvar shouts at you to follow him into the keep. Weylin silently signals you to head towards the unguarded gate. You sprint to Weylin, never looking back.

Just inside the gate, Weylin releases your bindings and points you towards some dead Imperial Soldiers, the result of Alduin's siege. He advises you to gear up, raiding the nearby satchel for potions and lockpicks and scavenging the dead for weapons and armor. He points out a chest half buried in the rubble and asks that you try and pick the lock, recovering a bit of gold and a few more potions. You then both leave Helgen in extreme haste.

Along the way, you encounter some wolves and deer, Weylin offers some advice on stealth. As you continue along together, he tells you of a man named Arrianus Arius, an Imperial Scholar, that has taken up residence in Riverwood's Sleeping Giant Inn. He informs you that Arius is a man sympathetic to the cause of his people and that you should hear him out before getting involved in the Civil War that's gripping Skyrim. Lastly, he tells you that Arius is a friend of his, someone who will be able to help you out with a bit of fresh supplies. As the two of you arrive at the Guardian Stones, Weylin gives you a final word of advice about the three different stones. With that last bit of knowledge, Weylin disappears into the forest.

Next stop: Riverwood.

 

[MushroomGenius]

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Scene II - Riverwood
You arrive in Riverwood to the sound of the mill and the hammering of a blacksmith as iron strikes steel. An elderly woman pleads with her son to listen to her. She emphatically declares that she saw a dragon fly over head. Her son, a haughty looking Nord, brushes her off ignoring her warnings.

With Weylin's instructions in hand, you stroll through town until you see the Sleeping Giant Inn. The haughty looking Nord you saw earlier glances at you and preceedes you into the Inn, allowing the door to close in your face.

The smell of horker stew and mead permeates the Inn. The haughty Nord takes up residence near the bar, picks up his lute and begins to play. He's better than you would have thought, but that still doesn't excuse his rudeness.

Tucked into a corner you see a man struggling to write by candlelight, a stack of books lay fallen at his feet. You approach the man even though he doesn't look like he's amicable to interruptions.

"I'm looking for Arrianus Arius, do you know him?", you ask.

"I am him you fool," the writer doesn't bother to look at you. "And who are you? Another Nord wanting to gut me for exposing Ulfric? I'm surprised he hasn't had all of the copies of The Bear of Markarth burned!"

"No, I'm a friend of Weylin's."

"Oh," Arrianus replies. "Please excuse me, I get harassed all the time. I'm not exactly Skyrim's most popular writer. Please, sit. What can I do for you, friend of Weylin?"

You sit and chat with Arrianus, he reveals to you the history of Weylin's people, from tragedy to triumph to tribulation, the People of The Reach have endured it all. Arrianus then reveals to you a plot to free the deposed King of The Reach, Madanach. He tasks you with seeking out Uaile, a Forsworn agent currently working in Markarth. He said that he will send word to her to meet you at Rorikstead's Frost Fruit Inn. He offers you a Hagraven's feather to deliver to Uaile to prove that you are legitimate.

Next stop: Rorikstead. (Begin Quest: To Free a King)

Quest: To Free A King
Scene III - Rorikstead
Following Arrianus' detailed instructions, you head to Rorikstead and rent a room at the Frost Fruit Inn. You chat the night away with Mralki, the owner, learning of the comings and goings in this small hamlet. After an evening of mead and gossip you head to your room for some rest closing the door behind you.

Just as your head hits the pillow you notice the door to your room is still open. You swear you closed it. You again rise and walk over to shut the door. Turning around, you see a woman lying in your bed.

"Greetings traveler, I believe you have something for me?" she asks. "Ah yes, our matriarch's feather. If you see Arrianus again, give him my regards."

You take a seat in the chair next to the bed. The woman, Uaile, begins to pace the room. Uaile describes to you their current plan to free Madanach and how it involves a woman named Margaret and the highly influential Silverblood family of Markarth. She mentions that she will disavow any knowledge of you or your actions after she leaves the Inn so not to threaten her cover. Uaile offers you a choice, kill Margaret yourself or have Weylin do it.

-- Break from narrative.

From here you have two choices:
Option A: Kill Margaret. If you choose to kill Margaret, you will be tasked with assassinating her in her room at the Silverblood Inn. Once she is killed, you are immediately arrested before you can exit the Silverblood Inn. The quest "No One Escapes Cidhna Mine" begins immediately and plays out as normal.

Option B: Have Weylin do the deed. If you choose to have Weylin do it, you meet him near the Markarth Stables. Together, you enter Markarth's gates. Weylin immediately spots Margaret in the marketplace and kills her. He is then immediately killed by the guards. The quest "The Forsworn Conspiracy" begins immediately and plays out as normal. Despite your knowledge of the inner workings of Markarth, you are still tasked to help Eltrys conduct a proper investigation.

Quest: No One Escapes Cidhna Mine
The Cidhna Mine quest plays out as normal. Madanach again goes through his dialogue about the plight of his people, perhaps with some dialogue changes if you had previously met Arrianus in Riverwood. Madanach offers you a chance to join the Forsworn provided that he makes it out of Markarth safely.

If you happen to choose to kill Madanach at any point, or he happens to die during the escape, the "Join the Forsworn" miscellaneous quest fails.

Madanach and Thonor Silverblood have the same argument after escaping the prison through the Markarth Ruins. If Madanach is escorted to safety, he tells you to meet him at Druadach Redoubt in a few days.

 

[MushroomGenius]

Thanks for being patient guys while I write the updates for this. At this point, I'm not going to write the narratives as that takes too long. I can write them later if requested. I mapped out a general flow chart of how the Civil War questline intertwines. Some of you may be pleasantly surprised by the outcomes.

Quest: Joining the Forsworn
After safely escorting Madanach out of Markarth, Madanach instructs you to wait a few days before visiting him again in Druadach Redoubt. He will send for you via Courier when the time is ready. He also advises you to stay clear of Forsworn encampments for the time being.

Several days pass and the Courier arrives with a note. Madanach has spoken with the other elders and has granted you peaceful entry into the Forsworn camp - Druadach Redoubt.

Upon your arrival, Madanach tasks you with intercepting an Imperial reinforcement caravan heading towards Markarth. The caravan must be destroyed, no witnesses to remain.

Once completed, you are sworn in in a ceremony.

Quest: The Jagged Crown
Forsworn agents within the cities have heard rumblings of a plot by both Imperials and Stormcloaks of their desire to obtain the ancient relic, The Jagged Crown, in Korvanjund. Both sides have put a high priority on this and have assigned their best field commanders, Legate Rikke and Galmar Stone-Fist to oversee its recovery. Madanach tasks you with recovering The Jagged Crown and eliminating both commanders.

Upon arrival near Korvanjund, you see the signs of battle. Dead Imperials, dead Stormcloaks. A Forsworn scout informs you that the fighting appears to have continued into the ruins, with both commanders present. You team up with a group of Forsworn to take the fight to both sides inside the ruin.

Once inside, you witness a troop of Stormcloak soldiers gathering for a large assault. It appears that the Imperials were first on the scene and have progressed deeper into Korvanjund. As you approach the Stormcloaks, they draw their weapons but are not initially hostile. The soldiers part as the burly Galmar Stone-Fist approaches you. Galmar questions why the Forsworn would be way out here. What business would they have so far from The Reach?

Galmar: "Heh. You look like a smart man. Why don't you join us? We've crushed these Forsworn before in Markarth, sent them fleeing to the hills. These savages you brought here, they couldn't possibly appreciate a man of your... talents. Help us recover The Jagged Crown for Ulfric Stormcloak, the TRUE High King of Skyrim!"

You are presented with a choice, join Galmar and renounce the Forsworn or refuse his offer and prepare to battle. Once Galmar is killed, you can progress further into the ruin. (Quest: Join the Stormcloaks FAIL)

(If you choose to side with Galmar, the quest proceeds along the traditional Stormcloak questline, but Rikke is nowhere to be found, apparently she escaped. Quest: Join the Forsworn FAIL, Quest: Join the Empire FAIL)

Leading your Forsworn troop inside, you come across the Imperial contingent as they stand around trying to figure out how to activate the Claw Door. Once again, the commander of the faction questions what the Forsworn are doing so far from home.

Rikke: "Reachmen, I do not know why you are here, but the fire in your eyes concerns me. Know full well that attacking an Imperial patrol will be seen as an act of war. Think wisely before you proceed any farther. I give you this one chance now to leave. You there, why not take up arms with the Empire and fight for a united Tamriel? Stop wasting your obvious gifts running with this rabble."

Again a choice is presented, renounce the Forsworn and help Rikke open the door, or refuse and prepare to battle. Once Rikke is killed, you can loot the claw from her inventory and proceed past the door. (Quest: Join the Empire FAIL)

(If you choose to side with Rikke, the quest proceeds along the traditional Imperial questline. Quest: Join the Forsworn FAIL. If you chose to follow Galmar to this point, no such dialogue is presented as Rikke has somehow escaped Korvanjund.)

Proceed deeper into Korvanjund to recover The Jagged Crown for Madanach and return to Druadach Redoubt.

Quest: Unite the Tribes
After recovering the crown, dealing a significant emotional and strategical blow to both the Imperials and Stormcloaks, Madanach decides that it is time to unite the tribes. Working as his personal emissary, Madanach assigns you to visit Deepwood Redoubt, Lost Valley Redoubt, and Karthspire. If you are wearing The Jagged Crown, the Forsworn that you encounter will not be hostile. At each location, you must engage in conversation with the Briarheart or Matriarch Hagraven and deliver a note from Madanach. Each tribe will agree to unification to strengthen their forces.

Quest: Retake the Reach
Once the tribes are united, it's time to cleanse The Reach of all trespassers. Madanach sends you to Salvius Farm and Dushnikh Yal to convince the owners that it would be in their best interest to leave. He also has a special assignment for you at Karthwasten.

The owners of Salvius Farm immediately comply. They will leave following a persuasion or intimidation check. You could also kill them if you wish. Madanach prefers you don't.

At Dushnikh Yal, the Orcs won't go so easily. They have a lucrative mine here and a heavily fortified stronghold. After engaging in conversation with Chief Burguk, the Orcs immediately beoome hostile. Fight your way through the Orcs and reclaim this area of The Reach.

When you arrive at Karthwasten, Ainetach will immediately approach you and explain his dilemma to you. Silverblood Sellswords are guarding the mine and his men are unable to work. Retake the mine for the Breton owner through coercion, bribery, or violence.

The outlying areas of The Reach are now yours. You control the Redoubts, the farms, the mines, it's now time to march on to the Hold capitol. Brace yourself people of Markarth.

 

[MushroomGenius]

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Quest: Message to Markarth

Now that the united Forsworn control all Redoubts, farms, mines, the Orc Stronghold, and all roads into and out of The Reach, it's time to put pressure on the Reach capitol.

Madanach summons you back to Druadach Redoubt for some strategic planning. Wanting to minimize the number of possible civilian casualties, Madanach tells you to deliver a stack of notes to Uaile in Markarth. Since she's been undercover in Markarth for so long, she's aware which of Markarth's citizens are sympathetic to the Forsworn cause.

Uaile​

Uaile receives the notes and tasks you with distributing them to Endon the Silversmith, Bothela the Breton Alchemist, Brother Verulus (if alive), Banning the Breton Stable Owner, Senna the Breton priestess at the Temple of Dibella, Eltrys (if alive) and Briada the Breton couple, and Imedhnain the Breton shophelper at Arnleif's. The notes warn them of the impending raid and to either take cover or take up arms.

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Once the notes are distributed, you return to Druadach Redoubt and King Madanach. Madanach then hands you a small wooden box to personally deliver to Jarl Igmund. You return to Markarth with extreme expedience.​

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Once inside Markarth's walls, you make your way into Understone Keep to deliver the "gift" to Jarl Igmund. Igmnud's Housecarl, Faleen stops you as you approach. You explain that you have a gift in tribute for the Jarl, of course she's suspicious and outright refuses to let you pass. You are forced to hand over the small wooden box to her. Faleen requests that you accompany her to the Jarl. As the two of you walk to the Jarl, you overhear the guards insulting you for helping free Madanach.​

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Faleen approaches Jarl Igmund with the small wooden box and explains that it is a gift from Madanach. Igmund snatches the box from Faleen and opens it revealing a silver ring with a fiery red ruby. A folded up note is also contained within.​

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Igmund: "What? This is my mother's ring! That bastard! How did he get it? My father carried this ring with him always after my mother died. I assumed it lost. He must have looted it from my dead father's corpse when they murdered him!"

Faleen: "Sir, there is a note here, shall I read it?"

Igmund: "Yes, let's see what the bastard has to say."

Faleen (reading): "Igmund, even though you did not extend the same courtesy to my people when you unleashed Ulfric Stormcloak and his militia, I will give you one chance to leave Markarth peacefully. There need not be bloodshed on the streets of Markarth. Return the city to the rightful owners of The Reach. My emissary awaits your decision."

Igmund: “This is an outrage! I should have your head on a spike! You tell Madanach we will not yield. Markarth is mine. Prepare for blood.”

As you make your way out of Understone Keep, you are stopped by Tongvar Silver-Blood.

Thongvar: “So, the Forsworn rise up again? Thanks to your meddling, more blood will be shed on the streets of Markarth. I hope you sleep well at night. I advise you to watch your back.”

You exit Understone Keep (no matter which exit you choose, Hall of the Dead included) and are immediately attacked by three Silver-Blood Mercenaries. After dispatching the Mercenaries, the Markarth Guards start attacking. Fight your way out of Markarth and back to Druadach Redoubt.

 

[MushroomGenius]

Other Options:

If you chose not to follow Weylin from Helgen, or chose not to visit Arrianus at the Sleeping Giant Inn in Riverwood, you still have the option to join the Forsworn at a later time. Upon your first visit to Markarth, the Forsworn Conspiracy questline will immediately begin upon Weylin's assassination attempt of Margaret. Once inside Cidhna Mine, you still have the option of befriending Madanach and helping him escape.

The quest to meet Arrianus can also be given by locating either of the two books he has written: "The Madmen of The Reach" or "The Bear of Markarth".


Open to comments. Thanks all.

 

[Neriad13]

This is great - Weylin fits so seamlessly in and his story is riveting. I wonder what the Empire would think if the Forsworn do succeed in reclaiming Markarth.

 

[The_Deadliest_Troll]

I salute you! The Forsworn are indeed very interesting, and are my favorite faction in the game and this is very well thought out. Awesome!

 

[MushroomGenius]

This is great - Weylin fits so seamlessly in and his story is riveting. I wonder what the Empire would think if the Forsworn do succeed in reclaiming Markarth.

Thanks Neri! Aside from the humor in Lokir taking an arrow to the back as he tries to flee the execution, he really serves no purpose. Why not re-roll the scene with a character that has more meat?

I salute you! The Forsworn are indeed very interesting, and are my favorite faction in the game and this is very well thought out. Awesome!

Thanks TDT! The Forsworn are my favorite too, sadly they're under-represented.

 

[xaraan]

I just wish the forsworn were given different equipment, the savage look doesn't suit them. And hard to sympathize with people hanging with hagravens.

 

[Demented_Demon]

Well thought out and very interesting. Thanks for uploading.

 

[Lady Redpool the Unlifer]

I gotta say, I like this idea, if only we could be true freedom fighters of the reach

 

[HowlHMS]

Wow... Imagine if this came out as a DLC. Awesome stuff!

 

[imaginepageant]

Very cool! I've always been intrigued by the Forsworn and I do wish it was a joinable faction in Skyrim. Looking forward to more!

 

[bulbaquil]

Something I just realized with respect to this:

In the actual game, you can re-enter Helgen Keep after you leave it - you have the key, and it's basically the way you left it. If you went the Forsworn path, you wouldn't have the key to begin with, but the chest with the key is still there in the "Hadvar room." What would Helgen Keep look like in the Forsworn path - empty except possibly for Gunjar, the dead Stormcloak you are asked to loot if you follow Ralof?

Probably should be special dialogue as well if your race is Breton and/or possibly Nord, but of course that can't be done until after character creation.

 

[PelagiusIV]

Love this idea! I always wished the Forsworn were a joinable faction. After helping Madanach escape prison, I thought for sure I'd be welcome among the forsworn, only to be disappointed that they will still attack me on sight. Can't wait for the next quest! Keep up the great work.

 

[MushroomGenius]

I just wish the forsworn were given different equipment, the savage look doesn't suit them. And hard to sympathize with people hanging with hagravens.

I actually like the equipment that they have, only wish there was more variety to it. Similar to say "Fur Armor" which has a few different variants of the same. Anything that's so natural should have greater variation as the exact same crafting techniques would be hard to replicate.

I tend to think the Hagravens found among the Forsworn are ascended female Forsworn Shamans (Petra and Melka - Quest The Affairs of Hagravens). Kind of the female version of the Briarheart warrior. While the Hagravens found outside the tribes are simply witches who have communed with Hircine.

It has been speculated that Moira (the Hagraven in A Night to Remember) and Anise (the Witch in Anise's Cabin) are actually sisters. The note found in Anise's cabin mentions a sister, not by name, however, there have been reports by other players that stealing items from Anise's Cabin may trigger a world encounter with "Thugs" that have been hired by Moira to attack you. Moira's name is mentioned on the note in their possession. It is also speculated that the "Helgi" mentioned in the note in Anise's Cabin is actually supposed to be Hilde, Sven's mother in Riverwood.

There is a Helgi in the game in Morthal, however only in spectral form. She is still a child so it's hard to imagine that she is the Helgi mentioned in that note. Her story is a tragic one, no spoilers here.

Remember, the Forsworn (and Hagravens) worship the "Old Gods" not the Eight (Nine) Divines. Many parallels can be drawn between the Forsworn and Native Americans. The thought of being "trespassers on their own lands", the ignorant idea that they are savages because of a radically different set of beliefs, their use of nature in fashioning clothing and weaponry, etc. Many of the opinions about the Forsworn by the Nords are similar to the opinions of the early colonists of America.

Well thought out and very interesting. Thanks for uploading.

Thanks DD!

I gotta say, I like this idea, if only we could be true freedom fighters of the reach

Yeah it would be nice... we can only hope!

Very cool! I've always been intrigued by the Forsworn and I do wish it was a joinable faction in Skyrim. Looking forward to more!

Thanks Imagine.. hopefully I can keep this going!

Something I just realized with respect to this:

In the actual game, you can re-enter Helgen Keep after you leave it - you have the key, and it's basically the way you left it. If you went the Forsworn path, you wouldn't have the key to begin with, but the chest with the key is still there in the "Hadvar room." What would Helgen Keep look like in the Forsworn path - empty except possibly for Gunjar, the dead Stormcloak you are asked to loot if you follow Ralof?

Probably should be special dialogue as well if your race is Breton and/or possibly Nord, but of course that can't be done until after character creation.

Thanks bulba for the comment, and thanks for the conversation we had about this, it definitely helped me flesh out a lot of my ideas.

You're probably right, Helgen Keep would probably look no different if you revisited. Helgen is pretty inconsequential to the rest of the Skyrim story, I don't believe you're ever tasked with going there for any reason, so it may not really matter.

Additional/Different dialogue options are definitely an option based on race. Once you hit the ground running with Weylin, those cues could appear. Similar to Galmar's "So, why's an Argonian want to fight for Skyrim?"...

Love this idea! I always wished the Forsworn were a joinable faction. After helping Madanach escape prison, I thought for sure I'd be welcome among the forsworn, only to be disappointed that they will still attack me on sight. Can't wait for the next quest! Keep up the great work.

I shared your disappointment. I kinda brushed off the Forsworn too initially, but then I started reading the in-game books. Changed my mind about it all.

 

[Demented_Demon]

You're welcome. Really the thanks needs to be directed to you for takeing the time to write and upload this. Thank you.

 

[Flint firestorm]

This sounds greate! But I feel that the quest should be more closely linked with the other civil war quests like madonack should want the jagged crown and when you arrive the storm clocks and the imperials should be fighting. Another cool quest I thought of was on where you return the red eagles fury to him and he comes back to life. Not as a drauger but as a human

 

[MushroomGenius]

This sounds greate! But I feel that the quest should be more closely linked with the other civil war quests like madonack should want the jagged crown and when you arrive the storm clocks and the imperials should be fighting.

Oh it will be intertwined... this is all still a work in progress. Stay tuned.