Liberation of Skyrim (continued) – Compelling Tribute

Raerek’s Silver

Galmar Stone-Fist has set up a hidden Stormcloak Camp in the rocky mountainous region northeast of Karthwasten, which has the same benefits as the one in Falkreath, although this has a few Stormcloak casualties from the ongoing hostilities. Report to Galmar, and he orders you to Markarth. Rumor has it that the Jarl’s Steward, Raerek, is a faithful Talos worshipper but not a true Son of Skyrim—he still supports the Empire, after all. If you confront him with his belief, you might be able to “persuade” him to aid the cause. This requires both stealth and discretion.

Head to Markarth, sheath your weapons, and enter the mighty Understone Keep hewn into the rock to the city’s southwest. Head west into the keep, toward the Jarl’s impressive throne room. You may pass Faleen, the Jarl’s Housecarl, who looks at you suspiciously. If you’re simply wandering the keep, it’s not necessary to speak with those surrounding the Jarl, including Raerek or Raerek’s nephew Igmund. In fact, you need not meet Jarl Igmund, as Raerek’s quarters are to the right (north) of this chamber. Figuring out where some evidence is located is your top priority.

The evidence is located in Raerek’s quarters, which is north and west of the Jarl’s throne room. Watch for patrolling Markarth Guards witnessing your trespassing, as this clandestine robbery cannot escalate into hostilities! Reach this area without being detected by doing one of the following:

• (Sneak) You can sneak into the chamber, preferably after dark when the keep has fewer folk awake.
• (Spells) You can cast Invisibility or some other helpful spell that diminishes the chances of you being seen.
• Or you can slowly, and without weapons drawn, enter the keep and head immediately to Raerek’s bedroom.

Enter (he is either sleeping here or wandering the keep, usually close to the throne room) and search the dresser for the Amulet.

• Raerek’s Inscribed Amulet of Talos

Locate Raerek within the keep, and show him the Amulet by speaking to him. He asks what kind of extortion racket you’re running. Reply that he should be worshipping Talos out in the open, but Raerek is fearful that the Thalmor would make an example of him. He is the Jarl’s uncle, and they both swore oaths to the Empire to abandon Talos in return for presiding over Markarth again. He is loyal to them over his own beliefs. You ask to come to some agreement, wondering whether both of you could prosper. He mentions a large shipment of silver and weapons the Imperials are transporting. You can:

• (Persuade) Ask about receiving some of it for yourself.
• Agree to the deal and ask where this shipment is.

If your persuasion works, you receive a sizable purse of coins. Either way, you must confirm the agreement. He reveals the Imperials are taking this booty by wagon to Solitude. If you hurry, you can catch them before they get too far.

• Leveled gold pieces

Head back to the hidden camp and report to Galmar, telling him about the shipment of coin. Coincidentally, he already has a small group of scouts on the same road that the enemy caravan is traveling along. You are to meet up with them and try to overpower the wagon’s guards.

Ralof’s Rebels

Judging by your world map, the scouts are waiting on the road to the east of Broken Tower Redoubt, in the eastern part of the Reach. Travel there. Beware if you’re approaching from the east—you’ll run into the Imperial caravan without any help from the scouts. Approach along the road from the west, heading east, and meet up with an old friend as the path crosses the top of a rocky hillside. Ralof greets you when you speak with him. At this point, you have two choices to make:

Plan A: Ralof’s Reasoning

Chat with Ralof, answering any way you wish. Steer the conversation back to your mission and explain the enemy wagon loaded with coin and weapons is farther down this slope. As luck would have it, Ralof has been tracking the wagon, which has lost an axle and is stranded. Although you’re outnumbered (there are six foes), Ralof has a plan: His troops will remove the enemy sentry, then situate themselves overlooking the camp. Afterward, you’ll infiltrate their position, gain their attention, and Ralof’s troops will unleash a volley of arrows, winning the day tactically. Agree to this plan.

Crouch and follow Ralof, watching as his bowmen drop the enemy scout. Wait for them to reach the rocks overlooking the broken-down caravan, and then walk toward the enemies. Sneaking, firing from range, or rushing to attack are all excellent ideas, while your brethren shoot arrows down on them from above and around the path.

Plan B: Good Riddance to Ralof

Chat with Ralof, then either refuse to go along with his plan or ignore him altogether.

Head down the path to the southeast and begin to battle the six Imperials guarding the caravan of silver. You can begin with the sentry atop the rocks overlooking the caravan. Then rain death from above with ranged attacks, or swarm the foes with melee weapons. A couple of enemy soldiers may be sleeping, so carve them up before they fully wake up.

Quest Conclusion

With the caravan’s guards removed, Ralof remains here to guard the silver. Speak to him to end the quest.

Postquest Activities

Civil War Quests: Liberation of Skyrim is still ongoing. Civil War Quests: The Battle for Fort Sungard begins shortly. Loot any weapons and valuables you wish from the wagon.

• Spoils of War