Table of contents
Complete Guide to the "Blood on the Ice" Quest in Skyrim
Introduction
"Blood on the Ice" is one of the intriguing and somewhat eerie side quests in Skyrim, set in the bustling city of Windhelm. In this quest, players become embroiled in a murder investigation as they seek to uncover the dark secrets hidden within the snow-covered streets of Windhelm. This guide will walk you through each step necessary to complete the quest and become a hero of the city—if you choose to be.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
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Starting the Quest
- Begin your adventure in Windhelm. You can find the quest initiated after entering the Windhelm at any time, provided it’s past a certain point in the game.
- A murder scene will unfold near the graveyard in Windhelm. Approach the crowd gathered around the body to trigger the quest.
- You'll overhear the guards discussing the murder of a woman named "Marron," which prompts your curiosity.
- Speak to the guards and other NPCs to gather information about the victim.
- You'll overhear the guards discussing the murder of a woman named "Marron," which prompts your curiosity.
- A murder scene will unfold near the graveyard in Windhelm. Approach the crowd gathered around the body to trigger the quest.
- Begin your adventure in Windhelm. You can find the quest initiated after entering the Windhelm at any time, provided it’s past a certain point in the game.
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Investigating the Scene
- Once you’ve learned about the murder, visit the body lying just outside the cemetery.
- Inspect the body closely by crouching down and examine her wounds.
- Look for clues, particularly a strange symbol on her body that hints at a darker plot.
- Interact with the victim to start piecing together the mystery.
- Look for clues, particularly a strange symbol on her body that hints at a darker plot.
- Inspect the body closely by crouching down and examine her wounds.
- Once you’ve learned about the murder, visit the body lying just outside the cemetery.
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Gathering Clues
- After viewing the crime scene, your next step is to begin questioning the citizens of Windhelm.
- Speak with the following key characters:
- Jora – Found at the Candlehearth Hall. She can offer insights about the victim and her life.
- Hjerim – The house where the victim lived. You can explore her home to find additional clues.
- Look through her belongings for any documents that might shed light on her connections and the nature of her death.
- Check the locked chest in her room (you may need to pick the lock or have the key).
- Look through her belongings for any documents that might shed light on her connections and the nature of her death.
- Speak with the following key characters:
- After viewing the crime scene, your next step is to begin questioning the citizens of Windhelm.
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Tracking Down Leads
- If you have spoken to Jora and found some clues in Hjerim, the next step involves gathering leads on other potential suspects.
- Visit Ulfric Stormcloak to learn about the political situation and how it might relate to the murder.
- Pay attention to any mentions of enemies of the Stormcloak faction that may tie into your investigation.
- Gaining intel from his dialogue may prove useful later in the quest.
- Pay attention to any mentions of enemies of the Stormcloak faction that may tie into your investigation.
- Visit Ulfric Stormcloak to learn about the political situation and how it might relate to the murder.
- If you have spoken to Jora and found some clues in Hjerim, the next step involves gathering leads on other potential suspects.
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Uncovering the True Culprit
- After gathering enough information, return to the crime scene to review your findings.
- Look at any new evidence or conversations you've had with the townsfolk, especially regarding Nilsine Shatter-Shield and her association with the deceased.
- Speak to Maven Black-Briar at the Black-Briar Meadery, where you can gain deeper insights into Windhelm’s underbelly and the Shatter-Shield family.
- Gaining her trust or favor might unlock further dialogue options regarding your investigation.
- Speak to Maven Black-Briar at the Black-Briar Meadery, where you can gain deeper insights into Windhelm’s underbelly and the Shatter-Shield family.
- Look at any new evidence or conversations you've had with the townsfolk, especially regarding Nilsine Shatter-Shield and her association with the deceased.
- After gathering enough information, return to the crime scene to review your findings.
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Confronting the Suspect
- With all clues gathered, the city begins turning against certain individuals. You'll eventually have enough evidence to confront the main suspect.
- Track down Nilsine Shatter-Shield again. Speak to her in either the courtyard or at her family home.
- Depending on your choices, you can choose to report her or confront her about the evidence you possess.
- A fight may ensue depending on your interactions and your choices throughout the quest.
- Depending on your choices, you can choose to report her or confront her about the evidence you possess.
- Track down Nilsine Shatter-Shield again. Speak to her in either the courtyard or at her family home.
- With all clues gathered, the city begins turning against certain individuals. You'll eventually have enough evidence to confront the main suspect.
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Ending the Quest
- After a confrontation, the final part of the quest will lead you to a showdown with the true killer, Jorleif.
- Follow the breadcrumbs back to his hideout. Be prepared for a battle as you near the conclusion.
- Once he has been apprehended, speak to the guards to officially close the case and complete the quest.
- Follow the breadcrumbs back to his hideout. Be prepared for a battle as you near the conclusion.
- After a confrontation, the final part of the quest will lead you to a showdown with the true killer, Jorleif.
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Aftermath
- After the murder case reaches a conclusion, you can roam Windhelm and see the effects of your actions on the townsfolk.
- You may receive a reward or additional quests based on your interactions during this quest.
- After the murder case reaches a conclusion, you can roam Windhelm and see the effects of your actions on the townsfolk.
Conclusion
Completing the "Blood on the Ice" quest not only adds depth to your Skyrim experience but also rewards you with a plethora of lore and an engaging story. With careful investigation and character interactions, you unravel a gripping murder mystery that reveals the complexities of Windhelm's political scene. By following this guide, you'll ensure a thorough understanding of the quest and its intricacies. Enjoy unraveling the chilling tales of Skyrim!