Who Should I Sacrifice to Boethiah in Skyrim?

Ah, fellow Dragonborn, gather ’round the campfire and let me spin you a tale from my own adventures in the frosty lands of Skyrim. I remember it like it was yesterday: I was standing atop the Throat of the World, gazing down at the vast expanse below, when a thought struck me like an arrow from an expert Bosmer archer. Who, in all of Tamriel, would I be willing to sacrifice to the enigmatic Daedric Prince, Boethiah? The weight of such a decision felt heavier than a full set of Daedric armor. I pondered, debated, and even consulted the stars (and by stars, I mean fellow gamers at the local inn). I realized that if I, the Dragonborn, was grappling with this, surely others like you would be too. Wouldn’t it be grand to have a guide, a beacon of light in this dark moral dungeon?

Here’s a quick quest log of what we’ll delve into:

Who is the mysterious Boethiah?
How does one embark on the quest “Boethiah’s Calling”?
And the million-septim question: Who should be the unfortunate soul to meet Boethiah’s blade?

So, adventurer, ready your potions and sharpen your blade. Dive into this guide, and let’s navigate this moral maze together. Keep on reading, and may your path be clear and your choices ever wise!

Who is Boethiah?

Boethiah is one of the seventeen Daedric Princes in the Elder Scrolls universe, a series of action role-playing video games created by Bethesda Game Studios. These Daedric Princes are powerful entities that exist in the realm of Oblivion, each governing their own plane and representing various aspects of reality, both good and malevolent.

Here’s a deeper dive into Boethiah’s character:

Title and Domains: Often referred to as the “Prince of Plots,” “Deceiver of Nations,” and “Queen of Shadows,” Boethiah is the Daedric Prince of deceit, conspiracy, treachery, and sedition. Boethiah loves the process of overthrowing authorities, particularly through secretive and underhanded means.

Appearance: Like all Daedric Princes, Boethiah can assume any form. However, Boethiah is often depicted in two primary forms: a strong, caped warrior or a seductive, agile figure. Regardless of the form, Boethiah’s appearance is always imposing and intimidating.

Personality and Traits: Boethiah is known for valuing the concepts of betrayal and the overthrow of authority. This Daedric Prince revels in the suffering that comes from deceit and treachery. However, Boethiah also values strength, cunning, and ambition, often rewarding those who display such traits.

Worship and Cults: Boethiah has a dedicated following in the Elder Scrolls universe. Cultists of Boethiah often participate in brutal rituals, including sacrifices, to gain the favor of their deity. The most dedicated followers believe that by enduring trials and demonstrating their strength and cunning, they can earn Boethiah’s blessings.

Notable Events: One of the most famous legends associated with Boethiah is the “Trinimac Transformation.” According to legend, Boethiah consumed the Aldmeri god Trinimac and later excreted him, leading to the birth of the Daedric Prince Malacath and the transformation of Trinimac’s followers into the Orsimer (or Orcs).

In-Game Interactions: In the game “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” players can interact with Boethiah during the quest “Boethiah’s Calling,” where they are tasked with making a personal sacrifice to gain the Daedric Prince’s favor.

In summary, Boethiah is a complex and intriguing figure in the Elder Scrolls lore, representing the darker aspects of ambition, treachery, and power struggles.

Boethiah’s Calling Walkthrough

“Boethiah’s Calling” is one of the more morally challenging quests in “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.” Here’s a detailed walkthrough to help you navigate its intricacies:

1. Starting the Quest:

There are a few ways to initiate this quest:

Random Encounter: You might come across a Boethiah cultist while exploring Skyrim. Defeating them will yield a book called “Boethiah’s Proving.” Reading this book will start the quest.
Directly Visiting the Shrine: If you stumble upon the Sacellum of Boethiah, located east of Windhelm in the mountains, you can directly start the quest by speaking to the Priestess of Boethiah.

2. Finding the Sacellum of Boethiah:

If you haven’t already found it, head east from Windhelm. The shrine is located up in the mountains, so be prepared for a bit of a climb.

3. Speaking to the Priestess:

Once at the Sacellum, you’ll find the cultists of Boethiah. Speak to the Priestess of Boethiah, who will inform you about the need to prove your loyalty to Boethiah by sacrificing a follower.

4. Preparing for the Sacrifice:

You’ll need to lead a follower to the Pillar of Sacrifice, which is near the Sacellum.

Choosing a Follower: This is the morally challenging part. You can choose any follower, but some are more “expendable” than others, like mercenaries you can hire from inns. Remember, once sacrificed, you can’t get them back.
Equipping the Blade: Once your follower is near the pillar, you’ll need to equip the Blade of Sacrifice given to you by the priestess.
Making the Sacrifice: Command your follower to touch the pillar. They’ll be bound to it. Now, with the Blade of Sacrifice, end their life.

5. Battle Royale:

After the sacrifice, Boethiah will speak to you and the remaining cultists. She’ll command everyone to fight to the death, with the last one standing proving their worth. Prepare for a challenging battle against the cultists. Use any means necessary to survive.

6. Becoming Boethiah’s Champion:

Once you’re the last one standing, Boethiah will appear in the form of the last follower you sacrificed. She’ll task you with killing her previous champion, who has become unworthy in her eyes.

Locating the Champion: The former champion is hiding out at Knifepoint Ridge, a bandit camp located northwest of Falkreath.
Infiltrating Knifepoint Ridge: The camp is heavily guarded, so you can choose to either sneak in or confront the bandits head-on.
Defeating the Champion: The champion will be equipped with the Ebony Mail, a powerful piece of armor. He won’t be alone, so be prepared for a tough fight.

7. Claiming the Ebony Mail:

After defeating the champion, loot his body to obtain the Ebony Mail, a unique piece of armor that grants the wearer the ability to poison nearby enemies and move more quietly.

8. Completing the Quest:

With the Ebony Mail in your possession, Boethiah will speak to you one last time, acknowledging you as her new champion. The quest will then be completed.

Tips:

Before heading to Knifepoint Ridge, stock up on health potions and consider bringing along another follower (one you don’t intend to sacrifice).
The Ebony Mail is best suited for stealth-based characters, but its poison aura can benefit any playstyle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaJrYgYQqw8&t=1s

Remember, “Boethiah’s Calling” is a quest that challenges your moral compass. The choices you make, especially regarding who to sacrifice, can weigh on your conscience, so choose wisely!

Who should I Sacrifice to Boethiah?

Ah, the dilemma of choosing a sacrifice for Boethiah in “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim”! This decision can be tough, especially if you’ve grown attached to certain followers. Here are some factors to consider and potential candidates:

Factors to Consider:

Moral Implications: How do you feel about sacrificing a loyal follower? Some players choose a follower they genuinely dislike, so they don’t feel as guilty. Others might pick someone they feel “deserves” it based on their backstory or actions.
Utility: Some followers are incredibly useful in battle, have unique skills, or carry sentimental value due to shared adventures. You might not want to lose them.
Availability: There are several followers in Skyrim who are more “expendable” than others. Some are mercenaries who can be hired for a bit of gold, while others might be characters you’ve barely interacted with.

Potential Choices:

Cosnach: Found in Markarth’s Silver-Blood Inn, he’s a bit of a drunk and can be recruited after a simple brawl. Not the most upstanding citizen, so some players might not feel too guilty about this choice.
Uthgerd the Unbroken: Located in Whiterun, she’s another follower you can recruit after a brawl. She has a bit of a dark past, having accidentally killed someone in a fistfight.
Any Hired Mercenary: There are several mercenaries for hire in various inns across Skyrim. They’re skilled in combat but don’t have much of a personal story, making them a more detached choice. Examples include Jenassa in Whiterun or Vorstag in Markarth.
Eola: If you’ve completed the “Taste of Death” quest and sided with her, you’ll know she’s a cannibal. Some players feel less guilty sacrificing her due to her dark preferences.
Someone Personal: If you’re looking for a more emotional or challenging gameplay experience, you might choose a follower you’ve grown attached to. This choice can make the quest more memorable and impactful.

Final Words and Summary

Ah, fellow adventurer, our journey through the treacherous decisions of “Boethiah’s Calling” comes to an end. As we sheathe our swords and reflect upon our choices, let’s recall the crossroads we’ve traversed:

The Enigma: Unraveling the mystery of who Boethiah truly is.
The Quest’s Call: Embarking on the perilous “Boethiah’s Calling.”
The Moral Mountain: Grappling with the weighty decision of sacrifice.
The Cultist Conundrum: Engaging in a battle royale with Boethiah’s followers.
The Champion’s Challenge: Facing Boethiah’s former champion.
The Ebony Enchantment: Claiming the coveted Ebony Mail.

As the sun sets on our tale, remember that every choice carves a unique path in the vast world of Skyrim. Curious about what lies beyond the horizon? Venture forth to the “What Next?” section.

What Next?

In every tale, I believe there should always be a next step, a new challenge to conquer. Here are some actionable tasks for you, Dragonborn:

Research More Daedric Quests: Delve into the lore and challenges of other Daedric Princes.
Character Reflection: Journal your character’s moral stance after this quest. How has it evolved?
Replay Value: Consider playing the quest again with a different choice. How does it change the outcome?
Engage with the Community: Share your experience and decisions on gaming forums. What did others choose?
Craft the Ebony Mail: Enhance and customize the Ebony Mail to suit your playstyle.