How to Complete the Kill Helvard Quest in Skyrim

Introduction

In the expansive world of Skyrim, players often find themselves embroiled in various quests that require cunning, stealth, and sometimes, a fair bit of violence. One such quest is "Kill Helvard," which involves a covert assassination that can impact the storyline significantly. This guide will take you through the necessary steps to successfully complete this quest, including preparation and execution.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

• Accept the Quest
  • Travel to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary located near Dawnstar.
  • Speak with Astrid to receive the quest "Kill Helvard."
  • She will provide you with a brief overview of the target and the reasons for the assassination.
• Gather Information
  • Helvard can usually be found in the town of Riverwood.
  • Before setting out, consider speaking to other Dark Brotherhood members for additional insights about your target's schedule or weaknesses.
• Prepare for the Assassination
  • Equip stealth-enhancing gear or potions to improve your chances of remaining undetected.
    • • Consider equipping the Boots of Hiding or using a potion of Invisibility.
    • • If you have access to the Alteration school, use the Invisibility spell for a valuable enhancement.
• Travel to Riverwood
  • Head south from the Sanctuary towards Riverwood.
  • It may be prudent to travel at night to minimize the chances of being spotted.
• Locate Helvard
  • Upon arriving in Riverwood, head to the Sleeping Giant Inn as Helvard often visits this location.
  • Alternatively, check near the local blacksmith area, as he frequently is working there.
• Assess the Situation
  • Observe Helvard to identify his patrol routes and routines.
  • Identify if there are any guards or witnesses around that could complicate your assassination attempt.
• Execute the Assassination
  • Approach Helvard once you are confident that the area is clear of witnesses.
  • Use a stealth attack with a dagger for maximum effectiveness, or use your bow if you prefer ranged options.
    • • Make sure to aim for a sneak attack to inflict critical damage.
    • • If you're caught, utilize a quick escape to avoid confrontation.
• After the Kill
  • Once Helvard is dead, you will receive a notification confirming the completion of the killing contract.
  • Quickly flee the area to avoid any potential fallout or retaliation from local guards.
• Return to Astrid
  • Head back to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary.
  • Report your success to Astrid.
  • You will be rewarded with gold and possibly gain further quests from the Dark Brotherhood.

Conclusion

Completing the "Kill Helvard" quest in Skyrim is a hallmark of the Dark Brotherhood's roleplaying experience. By following the detailed steps outlined in this guide, players can navigate this assassination flawlessly, reinforcing their reputation as a skilled assassin in the Elder Scrolls universe. Remember, preparation and stealth are your best allies in this chilling contract. Good luck!