A Comprehensive Guide to Completing the Quest "Served Cold" in Skyrim

Introduction

"Served Cold" is a unique quest in Skyrim that involves intrigue, betrayal, and assassination. As part of the Dark Brotherhood questline, players investigate a plot against a foul character in the realm, leading to a thrilling and immersive experience. This guide will provide a step-by-step walkthrough to ensure that no player is left in the dark when it comes to successfully completing this quest.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

• Starting the Quest

  • After completing the quest "The Silence Has Been Broken," you’ll receive a new quest from Astrid or Bug from the Dark Brotherhood.
  • Speak to Astrid in the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary. She will inform you about the target - a man named Moirae.
    • Tip: Ensure you have a good amount of lockpicks, potions, and stealth gear to make the quest easier.

• Locate Moirae

  • Travel to the city of Windhelm, where Moirae resides.
  • Once inside, find the home of Moirae, located in the Windhelm's residential area and marked on your map.
    • Tip: Use stealth to avoid guards and any unnecessary confrontations on your way to Moirae’s house.

• Gather Information

  • Before confronting Moirae, you need to gather information about him. Interact with various NPCs around Windhelm, particularly in the taverns or marketplaces.
    • Tip: Speaking with local guards can sometimes yield extra lore about your target that might aid you later in the quest.

• Choose the Right Approach

  • You have multiple options to deal with Moirae: direct confrontation, stealth assassination, or using the environment to your advantage.
    • Direct Confrontation: Equip your strongest weapons and be prepared for a fight.
    • Stealth Assassination: Equip a dagger or bow, sneak into his home during the night, and take him out swiftly.
    • Environmental Advantage: Consider using traps or environmental elements to incapacitate him during your approach.

• Execute the Plan

  • Once you’ve chosen your approach, execute it.
    • If Moirae is killed stealthily, remember to hide the body in a safe location to avoid alerting others.
    • If using direct confrontation, ensure you’re prepared for any guards that may intervene.
  • After execution, search Moirae’s house for any additional information or items that may help you later.

• Returning to Astrid

  • After completing your task and ensuring no one is suspicious of you, return to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary.
  • Speak with Astrid to inform her of your success or seek her guidance if necessary.
    • Tip: Make sure to rest and stock up on supplies before returning.

• Completion and Rewards

  • Upon reporting back to Astrid, you will receive your rewards, including gold and potentially weapons or armor.
  • The quest will also advance the Dark Brotherhood storyline, unlocking further quests for you to undertake.
    • Important Note: Depending on your actions, this quest can branch into different storylines, so be prepared for different possibilities.

Conclusion

Completing the quest "Served Cold" in Skyrim requires a mix of stealth, strategy, and combat skills. By following this detailed walkthrough, players can successfully navigate through the various challenges while immersing themselves in the rich narrative of the Dark Brotherhood. Whether you choose a stealthy approach or a head-on attack, this quest is one of the many fascinating elements that make Skyrim a beloved classic in the gaming world.