The Skyrim Blood on the Ice quest is one of the most intriguing and captivating quests. Despite its ominous title, it’s not about a horror ice show or a spree of murders against ice skaters, but rather a murder mystery quest set in the chilling city of Windhelm. In this quest, you will be faced with the task of solving a series of gruesome murders, targeting young women late at night. The guards in Windhelm are preoccupied with the Civil War, leaving the city vulnerable to these horrific crimes. Your role is to step up and put an end to these murders, but the path to success is filled with mysteries, dangers, and unexpected twists.
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Location of the Skyrim Blood on the Ice Quest
This chilling quest unfolds within the city of Windhelm, located on the far northeast side of the Skyrim map. To initiate the quest, simply take a carriage from any major hold to Windhelm and embark on your journey into the heart of this ancient city.
Recommendations
Before venturing into the Skyrim Blood on the Ice quest, there are several recommendations to keep in mind:
- Save Often: Be vigilant about saving your progress regularly. This quest is notorious for containing bugs and glitches, some of which can even softlock your game.
- High Lockpicking Skill: A proficient Lockpicking skill is invaluable throughout the quest, as you’ll encounter various locked doors and chests.
- Enchanted Lockpicking Gear: Equipping gear that enhances your Lockpicking skill can make your investigative journey much smoother.
Notable Loot
As you delve into the Blood on the Ice quest, you’ll have the opportunity to acquire some valuable items, including:
- The Necromancer’s Amulet: This amulet boasts potent magical properties and is highly sought after by mages and necromancers.
- Hjerim: The quest allows you to obtain Hjerim, a residence in Windhelm. While initially marred by blood and body parts, it can be transformed into a comfortable home.
Starting the Skyrim Blood on the Ice Quest
Your quest begins when you arrive in Windhelm. The following steps will guide you through the initial stages:
- Make your way to Windhelm via carriage, fast travel, or foot.
- Once inside the city, take a left down the path, then head right until you reach the second courtyard of the Stone Quarter between 7 PM and 7 AM.
- There, you’ll discover several citizens and a guard standing around the lifeless body of Susanna the Wicked.
This chilling discovery marks the commencement of your investigation.
Obtaining Permission to Investigate
After discovering the gruesome crime scene, the guard shares information about the ongoing killing spree in Windhelm, further emphasizing the urgency of your mission.
- Inquire about an ongoing investigation, and the guard will express frustration over the Civil War preoccupying the city’s guards.
- Offer your assistance with the investigation, and the guard will direct you to question the nearby bystanders.
These bystanders include Calixto Corrium, Silda the Unseen, and Helgird. Calixto claims to have seen someone fleeing the crime scene, Silda heard a scream and rushed to the source but saw no one, while Helgird, though not witnessing the crime, notes that Susanna’s coin purse remains untouched.
Finding a Killer
Return to the guard after speaking with the three bystanders and offer to help further with the investigation. The guard will inform you that you require official authorization from the city’s steward, Jorleif.
- Head to the palace and speak with Jorleif in the throne room. Recognizing the guards’ limited resources due to the war, Jorleif gratefully accepts your offer to help.
The Secrets of Hjerim
A pivotal location in your investigation is Hjerim, and your journey will encompass:
- Investigating eight key locations within Hjerim Manor, revealing critical evidence.
- Pay special attention to the bloodied chest, which is a crucial piece of the puzzle.
The Strange Amulet’s Origins
After uncovering the Strange Amulet and various revelations, make sure to seek out Calixto to resolve the mystery. Despite some quest bugs, asking Calixto about the Strange Amulet will lead to significant revelations.
Speaking with Jorleif
Whether you heed Viola’s advice or follow your intuition, your conversation with Jorleif is a pivotal moment in the quest, influencing the outcome of your investigation.
The Arrest of Wuunferth
Should Wuunferth be arrested, you’ll witness the implications and potential consequences of your actions. Depending on your choices, the quest may not yet be fully resolved.
Catching the Butcher
Patrolling the Stone Quarter at night becomes a crucial task to capture the Butcher in the act. The outcome of this phase can vary depending on your decisions.
The Necromancer’s Amulet
For successfully completing Blood on Ice, your reward is none other than The Necromancer’s Amulet. This remarkable amulet offers substantial magical enhancements, making it an invaluable tool for any aspiring mage or conjurer.
FAQs
Q: Are there any game-world consequences to the death of one of the Butcher’s potential final victims?
A: Only one victim, Hermir Strong-Heart, has a significant consequence. Should Oengul War-Anvil, the head blacksmith, meet an untimely demise, Hermir takes over as the new head blacksmith and merchant.
Q: Is Hjerim worth purchasing?
A: While Hjerim has its advantages, such as the ability to outfit it with useful amenities, it comes with a hefty initial purchase cost of 12,000 gold and additional expenses for cleanup and furnishings. The location may also be inconvenient for some players due to its distance from Windhelm’s fast travel point.
Q: Does Jorleif offer any rewards for completing the quest?
A: Regrettably, apart from the opportunity to purchase Hjerim, there are no immediate rewards. Your actions in the quest may ultimately determine Windhelm’s fate in the ongoing Civil War.
Conclusion
The Skyrim Blood on the Ice quest is an excellent beginner’s side quest that offers a refreshing change of pace in the world of Skyrim. It doesn’t involve challenging battles and offers a significant reward. Even if you don’t plan on using The Necromancer’s Amulet yourself, it holds considerable value and can be sold for a handsome sum of gold. Don’t dismiss this quest as just another task to complete; it’s a captivating murder mystery that’s worth experiencing, especially early in your Skyrim adventure.
