The Cardinal Sins of Skyrim Explained

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Summary

  • Skyrim has a few decisions players can make that could be classed as cardinal sins, and some might want to know why.
  • Some actions, such as killing Paarthurnax, are widely regarded as a massive sin.
  • Not buying flowers from Sofie in Windhelm is just heartless, considering her difficult circumstances and need for help.

In the vast world of Skyrim, there’s a multitude of activities an adventurer can engage in. Among these, there are some noble deeds that stand out, but there are also certain actions that transcend the boundaries, actions so heinous they would make even the most hardened Skyrim fan gasp. These aren’t just about joining the Dark Brotherhood for sheer sadism, but rather, they are deeds so abhorrent they might cause Reddit’s Skyrim community to faint, clutching their pearls in shock. While the game allows for almost limitless freedom, and no one can truly stop you from doing these things, they are actions that most in the Elder Scrolls community go to great lengths to avoid, and few dare to discuss them publicly, lest they receive a mysterious message from the community: “We know.

Instead of listing every surprising offense in Skyrim, I’ll mention a few honorable mentions. Killing chickens might stir up trouble with Whiterun’s entire community, and it feels unfair to an innocent creature. Players should also refrain from selling or carelessly discarding Daedric/unique weapons as they could end up in the wrong hands. Gathering 30 Crimson Nirnroot isn’t necessarily a sin, but it often indicates that the Dragonborn has been afflicted by Brain Rot at some point, which may lead to odd reactions from other players. These are just a few examples of actions Skyrim players tend to avoid, but there are many more intriguing cardinal sins in this game.

Killing Paarthurnax in Skyrim

‘A Friend of Delphine Is No Friend of Mine’

Towards the conclusion of the primary mission, Delphine plans to reestablish the Blades with the Dragonborn’s assistance. As their inaugural task in loyalty to the reformed faction, the player is required to eliminate Paarthurnax. In his past, during the First Era, Paarthurnax was one of Alduin’s lieutenants and had committed several questionable acts. However, he managed to transform his wicked nature and allied with humans, even teaching Nords the Thu’um, which contrasted with his previous allies. Despite this transformation, Delphine contends that a remnant of his domineering character persists, hidden beneath the surface, and he could pose a threat in the future.

One major issue that some gamers struggle with in this game is the fact that it has a significant challenge for newcomers. Those who have been playing Skyrim for a while might find themselves rolling their eyes at this obstacle, as Paarthurnax played a crucial role in the Dragonborn’s triumph and has safeguarded the time rift for 4,000 years without ever going rogue. This wise dragon even ponders whether it is more advantageous to be inherently good or to overcome an evil nature. If, for some unknown reason, Paarthurnax meets his end, the Dragonborn can then join the Blades on endless quests known as radiant quests. Unfortunately, this group of essentially kidnapped NPCs is so insignificant that most players tend to forget they are even one of Skyrim’s factions to join, and it’s best if they remain forgotten.

Hunting Skyrim’s Giants

In ancient times, it was said that one could escape Earth’s atmosphere by hitching a ride on a Giant’s club shockwave – an idea of doubtful practicality. However, players attempting the ‘Skyrim’ space program might find themselves hurtling towards Aetherius at incredible speeds, an achievement worthy of Reman admiration. The immense power behind a Giant’s club swing serves as a warning to avoid these imposing adversaries; yet, there are other reasons to keep your distance.

As a fan, it’s disheartening to see that the noble Giants are becoming scarce in our world. Unlike common Bandits who instigate conflicts, Giants prefer to live peacefully with their Mammoth herds. They generally avoid causing harm unless provoked, focusing on preserving their own existence. I’ve heard tales of them accepting painted cows from Nord farmers as a gesture of goodwill, which seems to maintain a harmonious relationship between the two. Thankfully, they are not known for terrorizing society in Skyrim.

Killing Essential Skyrim NPCs

Even if Maven Deserves It

During my adventures in Skyrim, I can easily take down hordes of random bandits and NPCs alike, whether it’s for the greater good or personal gain. However, there’s a specific type of NPC that always seems to evade me – the indestructible ones. For some reason, their health never depletes completely, often leading to hefty bounties and long-lasting hostility. No matter how many powerful strikes with Volendrung I land, they just keep getting back up. If any town guards happen to be nearby, they’re more likely to side with these elusive NPCs rather than me.

In essence, this scenario creates quite an uncomfortable predicament, since these non-player characters (NPCs) are now enraged and invulnerable to death. Many PC gamers might consider using console commands to take away their “essential” status, but it’s important to note that doing so isn’t always the best solution. Killing crucial NPCs such as this could potentially shatter entire questlines entirely. Even though Maven may be detestable, her demise would cause numerous scripting issues beyond just the Thieves Guild questline. Only seasoned players who understand when they can safely manipulate an essential status should attempt to do so.

Helping the Thalmor

In the realm of Skyrim, there are numerous contentious topics related to its factions, yet one point where most gamers find common ground is their dislike for the Thalmor. The Thalmor aren’t just intolerant towards Talos worship; they also regularly kidnap and torment political prisoners, fomenting rebellions and plots in the territories they control. Their ultimate ambition: to eradicate men from Mundus. Assisting the Thalmor isn’t merely a breach of trust for Skyrim’s people, but it also goes against the interests of the larger world.

The Thalmor asserted false claims about halting the Oblivion Crisis, and subsequently orchestrated several brutal overthrows to gain control.

Absolutely, role-playing can involve a player choosing to support the Thalmor for character-driven reasons. After spending some time playing Skyrim, it’s enjoyable to develop a character whose objectives may not mirror your own. One intriguing example is creating a Thalmor sympathizer. However, it’s crucial to note that despite any affection towards them, the Thalmor remain an unpopular faction, and if rumors are true, their role in potentially dismantling Creation by deactivating Nirn’s Towers could cause even their strongest allies to question their actions.

Not Buying Flowers From Sofie in Windhelm

A Colder Heart Than Windhelm’s Climate

In the game Skyrim, the orphaned children face a tough existence. With no parents in a world engulfed by civil war, they often lack protection from Skyrim’s harsh weather unless they find sanctuary under the cold-hearted Grelod the Kind in Riften. Many of these kids deserve better in life, but luckily, a compassionate Dragonborn can adopt some of them with the help of the Hearthfire DLC. This allows them to have shelter while their new parent is away for extended periods, often joining the Dark Brotherhood.

Unlike many others, little Sofie in Windhelm’s Gray Quarter faces a harsher existence. She spends her days peddling flowers on the streets, struggling to afford food for survival. Her conversations are deeply moving and it seems no one else is helping to improve her situation. The cold northern Skyrim nights find her sleeping outdoors without a roof over her head. It’s hard to imagine anyone as callous as a Dragonborn refusing her flowers. Even after saving the world from Alduin, a true hero cannot claim moral virtue if they don’t purchase something from her at least once.

No Stone Unturned in Skyrim

The Stones Yearn for the Quest Markers

As a gamer, I’ve found myself often grappling with the debate surrounding the quest markers in Skyrim since its launch. Many players, including myself, argue that these markers can hinder immersion and critical thinking, as they merely require us to follow a floating arrow instead of exploring and observing our surroundings. It’s easy to lose track of time while playing this way, and before you know it, hours have slipped by without much recollection, with you finding yourself in the depths of your third dungeon in a row.

However, I must admit that quest markers aren’t always detrimental, and it can be frustrating when they’re absent, especially during a quest that could have greatly benefited from their presence. It seems Bethesda missed an opportunity to make the game more intuitive for players like me who often find ourselves lost in the vast world of Skyrim.

Although “No Stone Unturned” is frequently found in players’ quest logs, it’s likely one of the least completed due to its challenging nature. The task of locating all 24 Stones of Barenziah would undoubtedly amuse Sheogorath, and the fact that their whereabouts are unknown only adds to the difficulty. Since Skyrim is vast, players can collect these stones anywhere they go, making it essential to keep track of which ones have been found to avoid the tedious task of matching known locations with the gems in their inventory. Fortunately, a mod is available that marks each stone on the map, and its popularity on the Nexus is well-deserved. Unfortunately, the reward for this quest isn’t particularly impressive either.

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2025-06-03 01:35