Table of contents
A Comprehensive Guide to Completing "Harsh Master" in Skyrim
Introduction
The quest "Harsh Master" in Skyrim is part of the Companions' questline, tasked to players looking to align with the noble fighters in Whiterun. In this guide, we’ll provide a thorough walkthrough on how to successfully complete this quest, highlighting key decisions, potential challenges, and tips for smooth gameplay. Whether you’re new to the game or revisiting, this step-by-step guide will ensure you navigate the quest efficiently.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
- Starting the Quest
- Begin by ensuring that you have progressed far enough in the Companions' questline. You should complete "Take Up Arms" and "The Silver Blood Family."
- Speak to Athis or Farkas in Jorrvaskr. They will mention that they have a job for you, starting the quest.
- Begin by ensuring that you have progressed far enough in the Companions' questline. You should complete "Take Up Arms" and "The Silver Blood Family."
- Meeting with Skjor
- After the initial conversation, head to the training room at Jorrvaskr to find Skjor, who will provide you with more details about the task.
- Skjor will reveal that you need to inform a man named "Sinding" about a werewolf hunt. You may also receive a hint about the hunt's dangers.
- After the initial conversation, head to the training room at Jorrvaskr to find Skjor, who will provide you with more details about the task.
- Travel to Falkreath
- Make your way to Falkreath, which is to the south of Whiterun. You can fast travel if you've already discovered the location.
- Once in Falkreath, approach the Falkreath cemetery, where the quest will trigger a cutscene.
- Make your way to Falkreath, which is to the south of Whiterun. You can fast travel if you've already discovered the location.
- Finding Sinding
- Look for Sinding at the nearby Falkreath jail located on the east side.
- After entering the jail, speak to Sinding; he’ll share his situation and ask for help.
- Look for Sinding at the nearby Falkreath jail located on the east side.
- The Hunt Begins
- Sinding will request you to retrieve the Ring of Hircine, a powerful artifact that will aid him in controlling his transformations.
- Accept the quest and prepare for the hunt.
- Sinding will request you to retrieve the Ring of Hircine, a powerful artifact that will aid him in controlling his transformations.
- Locating the Skeleton Key
- Your next objective is to reach the Glade of Trust, where a beast will spawn. Be ready for combat.
- You'll face several enemies along the path; handle them stealthily if possible.
- Keep your distance to avoid unnecessary damage.
- Utilize sneak skills or ranged attacks.
- Your next objective is to reach the Glade of Trust, where a beast will spawn. Be ready for combat.
- Combat with the Beast
- Upon reaching the Glade of Trust, engage the beast:
- Use strong melee attacks or powerful spells to subdue it effectively.
- Keep an eye on your health and potions; this battle can be challenging.
- Upon reaching the Glade of Trust, engage the beast:
- Confronting Hircine's Spirit
- After defeating the beast, Hircine’s spirit will appear. You must choose whether to keep or give the Ring of Hircine to Sinding.
- Option 1: Keep the ring for yourself, granting potential werewolf abilities.
- Option 2: Give the ring back to Sinding, allowing him to control his transformations.
- After defeating the beast, Hircine’s spirit will appear. You must choose whether to keep or give the Ring of Hircine to Sinding.
- Return to the Companions
- Regardless of your choice, return to the Companions in Jorrvaskr to report back, triggering additional dialogue with Skjor.
- This will wrap up the quest and lead you deeper into the Companions' storyline.
- Regardless of your choice, return to the Companions in Jorrvaskr to report back, triggering additional dialogue with Skjor.
- Completion of "Harsh Master"
- Upon completion, you’ll receive experience points, gold, and a potential increase in your relationship with the Companions.
Conclusion
Completing the "Harsh Master" quest in Skyrim enriches your journey within the Companions' storyline and expands your abilities, depending on the decisions made during the quest. Whether you choose loyalty to Sinding or embrace the powers granted by Hircine, enjoy the consequences of your actions in the world of Skyrim! This complex quest not only adds depth to your character but also enhances the overall narrative experience in the game. Happy adventuring!