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Markarth

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition guide · Arriving at the city of stone

Markarth is an ancient Dwemer city carved entirely into the side of a mountain, serving as the capital of the Reach. Upon first entering the gates, you immediately witness a public murder committed by a Forsworn agent, which kicks off an extensive conspiracy investigation. Beyond this central conflict, the city houses the Palace of the Kings, Understone Keep, access to ancient Dwemer ruins, and multiple Daedric prince shrines.

Region: The Reach
Getting there: West along the main road through The Reach, west of Kolskeggr Mine and Salvius Farm
Connects to: The Reach, Understone Keep, Cidhna Mine, Markarth Ruins
Related quests: The Forsworn Conspiracy · No One Escapes Cidhna Mine · The House of Horrors · The Taste of Death · The Heart of Dibella · Kolskeggr Mine · Search and Seizure
Services and people: Silver-Blood Inn · Arnleif and Sons Trading Company · Understone Keep · Cidhna Mine · Temple of Dibella · The Hag's Cure · Calcelmo · Thonar Silver-Blood
Enemy types: Forsworn

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Mace of Molag Bal: From the main entrance of Markarth, head up the stone stairs to the left to find the Abandoned House, then descend into its lowest basement chamber to the Altar of Molag Bal.How: Beat Logrolf the Mindless into submission with the Rusty Mace twice, kill him when commanded, and speak with Molag Bal.Missable because: permanently locked out if you refuse to help Vigilant Tyranus, kill Logrolf before Molag Bal's altar traps him, or fail to complete the quest.Ring of Namira: From the city entrance, head to the Understone Keep, access the Hall of the Dead to begin the quest with Eola, then travel southeast of Markarth to Reachcliff Cave's deepest shrine room.How: Lure Brother Verulus to the altar, kill him on it, and choose to feed on his corpse.Missable because: permanently locked out if you kill Eola at any point before the ritual or refuse to feed on Brother Verulus.

Items

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Aretino Family Heirloom: Given by Aventus Aretino during "Innocence Lost" (not native to Markarth)Spell Tome: Bound Bow: Located inside the treasury room of Fort Amol (outside the city)Markarth Guard's Shield: Carried by any standard Markarth city guard patrolling the streets

Secrets

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The Abandoned House locks you in as part of a Daedric encounter with Molag Bal, triggered simply by walking past it with the Vigilant of Stendarr named Tyranus.

Key fights

Ambush at the Shrine of Talos

Enemies: Three Markarth City Guards (including Legate Emmanuel Admand or commander variants)

Threats: Heavy armor melee attacks, power strikes, blocking, and forced surrender/arrest dialogue triggers

Weaknesses and resistances: Susceptible to all standard damage types, Magic, and Poison; no specific resistances

Tactics: Back away from the altar into the narrow staircase chokepoint to fight them one at a time with ranged or melee attacks, or yield by sheathing weapons to surrender

Rewards: "The Forsworn Conspiracy" quest completion, initiation of "No One Escapes Cidhna Mine", Gold, and Markarth Guard Armor set

Battle of Markarth City Gates (Forsworn Escape)

Enemies: Madanach and his Forsworn escapees (Kaie, Odvan, Nana Ildene, Tona, Duach, Braig, Banning) versus Markarth City Guards and Silver-Blood Guards

Threats: Dual-wield melee power attacks, Destruction magic (Flames/Frostbite), high physical damage, guard crossfire

Weaknesses and resistances: Standard humanoid weaknesses (no inherent magic/elemental resistances); susceptible to paralysis and stagger

Tactics: Position yourself on the high stone terrace steps overlooking the main market to avoid crossfire, using ranged spells or archery to support your chosen faction (or let Madanach's group clear the guards at the main gate choke)

Rewards: Armor of the Old Gods set (if siding with Madanach) or Silver-Blood Family Ring (if siding with Thonar Silver-Blood), Forsworn equipment, and Guard loot

Enemies

Weylin

Steal / drop Iron Dagger

The Forsworn agent who attacks Margaret at the front market stalls upon your initial entrance to the city.

Shops and people

Arnleif and Sons Trading Company: General goods, weapons, armor, and crafting components.
The Hag's Cure: Alchemy ingredients, potions, and apothecary recipes run by Bothela.
Silver-Blood Inn: Food, drinks, rented beds, and rumors run by Kleppr and Frabbi.
Cindha Mine Smelter / Blacksmith: Smithing services, ingots, ore, and smithing materials run by Moth gro-Bagol inside Understone Keep.

Tips

You can sprint forward immediately upon entering Markarth and kill Weylin before he executes Margaret in the market, saving her life and granting a small reward.
Do not commit serious crimes in the city until you resolve "The Forsworn Conspiracy," as your bounties and jail logic interact heavily with Cidhna Mine.

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The Reach

Understone Keep

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