Complete Walkthrough for Investigating the Bards College in Skyrim

Introduction

In the enchanting world of Skyrim, quests are the heart of the gameplay experience, and one such captivating quest is Investigate the Bards College. This quest involves diving into the musical underbelly of Solitude and involves several intriguing encounters and discoveries. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through every step to complete this quest, helping you immerse yourself fully in the lore and atmosphere of Skyrim.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

1. Starting the Quest

   • Head to Solitude, the capital of Skyrim. The Bards College is located in the southwestern part of the city, next to the bustling marketplace.
   • Enter the Bards College to initiate the quest. Speak to Viola Giordano, who is encountered in the main hall. She will tell you about the strange occurrences and the need to investigate the missing items.
     • If you choose to accept the task, you will start your investigation into the sudden disturbances at the college.

2. Investigate the College Grounds

   • After speaking with Viola, explore the college grounds thoroughly to gather clues about the disturbances.
     • Look for notes or books scattered around, particularly near Tobias’ room.
     • Investigate trophies or items that might have been displayed prominently but are now missing.

3. Speak with the Bards

   • Talk to the various bards at the college to gather more information. Key figures include:
     • Inge Six Fingers - He often mentions rivalries among the bards, leading you toward potential suspects.
     • Karla - She's more secretive and could offer insights on personal conflicts among the bards.
     • Farnad - A bard who may hint at deeper stories rooted in the college's history.

4. Follow Up on Leads

   • Focus on leads provided by the bards you've spoken to. Head towards the surrounding areas if they hint at locations outside the college.
     • Check the nearby taverns and homes for further clues or possible witnesses.
     • Specifically, go to the Winking Skeever and speak to patrons who may have witnessed suspicious behavior.

5. Uncover the True Culprit

   • After gathering enough clues, return to the college and confront any suspicious individuals you’ve identified.
     • Use Persuasion, Intimidation, or Bribery to extract information from them.
     • The quest may lead you to a specific bard who is either the culprit or someone connected to the events.

6. Complete the Investigation

   • With all the evidence collected, return to Viola Giordano. Report your findings and decide how you want to present the case.
     • You can opt for a more diplomatic approach or reveal the full truth based on your character’s personality.
     • Completing the quest successfully will also involve a meaningful choice that could affect your standing at the Bards College.

7. Claim Your Reward

   • Regardless of the choices you made, you will receive a reward at the end of the quest, usually something related to lore or perhaps a unique item.
   • Enjoy the final scenes that wrap up your investigation and the overall narrative interaction at the Bards College.

Conclusion

Completing the Investigate the Bards College quest in Skyrim immerses you in the rich tapestry of Solitude's musical heritage. By following this detailed walkthrough, you can ensure that every last detail is explored, and every secret unveiled. Your journey through the Bards College not only enriches the gaming experience but also deepens your appreciation of the game’s storytelling. Enjoy your adventures in Skyrim and may your path be filled with enigma and melody!