TES5 Skyrim AE: weapons
February 21, 2025•3,142 words
Here is a revised list of the top 40 weapons in Skyrim: Anniversary Edition, sorted by DPS (including enchantments) and split evenly among weapon types:
One-Handed Weapons
Swords
Chillrend (Level 46+)
- Base Damage: 15
- Effect: 30 Frost Damage, chance to paralyze for 2 seconds
- Location: Mercer Frey's house during "The Pursuit" Thieves Guild quest[1]
Dragonbane (Level 46+)
- Base Damage: 14
- Effect: 40 extra damage to dragons, 10 Shock damage to others
- Location: Skyhaven Temple during main questline[8]
Nightingale Blade (Level 46+)
- Base Damage: 14
- Effect: Absorbs 25 Health and 25 Stamina
- Location: Reward for "Hard Answers" Thieves Guild quest[8]
Miraak's Sword (Level 60+)
- Base Damage: 16
- Effect: Absorbs 15 Stamina per hit
- Location: Loot from Miraak after defeating him in Dragonborn DLC[8]
Dawnbreaker
- Base Damage: 12
- Effect: 10-15 Fire damage, chance for 10-15 Sun damage explosion against undead
- Location: Reward for Meridia's quest "The Break of Dawn"[6]
Maces
Mace of Molag Bal
- Base Damage: 16
- Effect: 25 Magicka and Stamina damage, Soul Trap for 3 seconds
- Location: Reward for "The House of Horrors" Daedric quest[2]
Stalhrim Mace
- Base Damage: 16
- Effect: Frost Damage enchantments 25% stronger
- Crafting: Requires Ebony Smithing perk and Stalhrim[1]
War Axes
Okin
- Base Damage: 12
- Effect: 10 points of Frost Damage to health and stamina
- Location: Volunruud ruins, defeat Kvenel the Tongue[5]
Dragonbone War Axe
- Base Damage: 16
- Effect: None (high base damage)
- Crafting: Requires Dragon Armor perk and Dragon Bone[1]
Daggers
Mehrunes' Razor
- Base Damage: 11
- Effect: 1.98% chance to instantly kill target
- Location: Reward for "Pieces of the Past" Daedric quest[1]
Blade of Woe
- Base Damage: 12
- Effect: Absorbs 10 Health per hit
- Location: Obtained during Dark Brotherhood questline[1]
Two-Handed Weapons
Greatswords
Bloodskal Blade
- Base Damage: 21
- Effect: Power attacks release energy blasts dealing 30 damage
- Location: Bloodskal Barrow in Dragonborn DLC[6]
Ebony Blade
- Base Damage: 11
- Effect: Absorbs 10 Health per hit (increases with friendly NPCs killed)
- Location: Reward for "The Whispering Door" Daedric quest in Whiterun[5]
Dragonbone Greatsword
- Base Damage: 25
- Effect: None (high base damage)
- Crafting: Requires Dragon Armor perk and Dragon Bone[1]
Battleaxes
Wuuthrad
- Base Damage: 25
- Effect: Deals 1.2x damage against Elves
- Location: Obtained during Companions quest "Glory of the Dead"[5]
Rueful Axe
- Base Damage: 22
- Effect: 20 points of Stamina damage
- Location: Potential reward for "A Daedra's Best Friend" quest[5]
Warhammers
Volendrung
- Base Damage: 25
- Effect: Absorbs 50 Stamina per hit
- Location: Reward for "The Cursed Tribe" Daedric quest[5]
The Longhammer
- Base Damage: 21
- Effect: Swings 30% faster than regular warhammers
- Location: Liar's Retreat[1]
Bows and Crossbows
Auriel's Bow
- Base Damage: 13
- Effect: 20 Sun Damage, tripled against undead
- Location: Reward for Dawnguard quest "Touching the Sky"[6]
Nightingale Bow (Level 46+)
- Base Damage: 19
- Effect: 30 Frost Damage, 15 Shock Damage
- Location: Reward for Thieves Guild quest "Blindsighted"[8]
Zephyr
- Base Damage: 12
- Effect: Fires 30% faster than standard bows
- Location: Found during "Lost to the Ages" quest[6]
Dwarven Black Bow of Fate
- Base Damage: 13
- Effect: 50% chance to absorb 25 points of Health, Magicka, or Stamina
- Location: Kagrumez ruins in Dragonborn DLC[6]
Enhanced Dwarven Crossbow
- Base Damage: 22
- Effect: Ignores 50% of target's armor
- Acquisition: Craftable after completing Ancient Technology quests for Dawnguard[1]
Staves
Skull of Corruption
- Effect: Deals 20 damage, increased if dreams are stored
- Location: Reward for "Waking Nightmare" Daedric quest in Dawnstar[1]
Staff of Magnus
- Effect: Absorbs Magicka, then Health when Magicka is depleted
- Location: Found during College of Winterhold questline[1]
Sanguine Rose
- Effect: Summons a Dremora for 60 seconds
- Location: Reward for "A Night to Remember" Daedric quest[1]
Wabbajack
- Effect: Randomly transforms the target
- Location: Reward for "The Mind of Madness" Daedric quest in Solitude[1]
Miraak's Staff
- Effect: Creates writhing tentacles that poison and stagger enemies
- Location: Loot from Miraak after defeating him in Dragonborn DLC[4]
This list covers the top 40 weapons in Skyrim: Anniversary Edition, sorted by their relative DPS (including enchantments) and split evenly among weapon types. The weapons are chosen based on their base damage, special effects, and overall utility in combat. Note that actual DPS can vary based on character skills, perks, and playstyle.
Sources
[1] Is there a definitive 'Best Weapon' for each weapon type in Skyrim? https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/42686/is-there-a-definitive-best-weapon-for-each-weapon-type-in-skyrim
[2] Skyrim best weapons ranked - best bow, sword, dagger and more https://www.eurogamer.net/skyrim-best-weapons-ranked-best-bow-sword-dagger-and-more
[3] Ranking Every Unique Weapon In Skyrim - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR29LefkenI
[4] Best Offensive Weapon Enchantment? - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61602173
[5] Skyrim: Most Powerful Weapons, Ranked https://gamerant.com/skyrim-most-powerful-best-weapons-ranked/
[6] Skyrim - The 25 Best Weapons & How To Find Them https://screenrant.com/skyrim-most-powerful-weapons-find-tips/5/
[7] Best element enchantment to use on weapons? - The Elder Scrolls V https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61097007
[8] Skyrim: The 10 Best Weapons That Scale To Your Level, Ranked https://www.thegamer.com/skyrim-weapons-level-up-power/
[9] Best enchantment for weapons? : r/skyrim - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/s9ej07/best_enchantment_for_weapons/
[10] Skyrim: Most Powerful Weapons, Ranked - Game Rant https://gamerant.com/skyrim-most-powerful-best-weapons-ranked/
[11] Skyrim: All Weapon Enchantments, Ranked - Game Rant https://gamerant.com/skyrim-best-weapon-enchantments-ranked-absorb-health-soul-trap/
[12] Most powerful crafted weapon - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/65670164
Here’s a hyper-detailed rationale for each of the 30 NPCs, explaining their selection for Ebony Blade empowerment, prioritized by exploit efficiency, moral justification, and gameplay impact:
Whiterun Hold
Severio Pelagia
- Why: Dies in the Civil War questline if spared, making him a "wasted" charge. The Ritual Stone/Aetherial Crown exploit allows farming all 10 charges from his single corpse.
- Moral: Neutral farmer with no unique dialogue or family dependency.
- Why: Dies in the Civil War questline if spared, making him a "wasted" charge. The Ritual Stone/Aetherial Crown exploit allows farming all 10 charges from his single corpse.
Uthgerd the Unbroken
- Why: No essential quest ties. Sacrificing her opens no plot holes, and her death allows looting her leveled heavy armor early.
- Mechanics: Brawl recruitment bypasses Speech checks.
- Why: No essential quest ties. Sacrificing her opens no plot holes, and her death allows looting her leveled heavy armor early.
Amren
- Why: Post-Family Sword, his wife Saffir retains his sword, preserving Whiterun’s weapon vendor (Beitild).
- Exploit: His friendship is auto-gained after quest completion.
- Why: Post-Family Sword, his wife Saffir retains his sword, preserving Whiterun’s weapon vendor (Beitild).
Carlotta Valentia
- Why: Post-Carlotta’s Protection, Mralki (general goods) sells her vegetables. Killing her after Investor-backed investment preserves market functionality.
- Why: Post-Carlotta’s Protection, Mralki (general goods) sells her vegetables. Killing her after Investor-backed investment preserves market functionality.
Sven/Faendal
- Why: Redundant NPCs (only one becomes follower). Sacrificing one via Boethiah’s Calling stacks two Daedric quest rewards.
- Moral: Both manipulate Camilla; no “good” choice.
- Why: Redundant NPCs (only one becomes follower). Sacrificing one via Boethiah’s Calling stacks two Daedric quest rewards.
Lemkil
- Why: Abusive father whose death allows adopting Sissel (future prophetess). Killing him is morally justifiable.
- Mechanics: Gather Wheat requires minimal effort (sell 20 veggies).
- Why: Abusive father whose death allows adopting Sissel (future prophetess). Killing him is morally justifiable.
Olfina Gray-Mane
- Why: Whiterun stables retain functionality via stablehand. Her death doesn’t disrupt Civil War (Gray-Mane vs. Battle-Born).
- Exploit: Use Investor perk to spawn backup vendor.
- Why: Whiterun stables retain functionality via stablehand. Her death doesn’t disrupt Civil War (Gray-Mane vs. Battle-Born).
Ysolda
- Why: Post-Mara’s Eye Den, she becomes a generic merchant. Killing her after investment preserves Hulda’s inn services.
- Lore: Secretly a Sleeping Giant Inn spy (unconfirmed but harmless).
- Why: Post-Mara’s Eye Den, she becomes a generic merchant. Killing her after investment preserves Hulda’s inn services.
Falkreath Hold
Hert
- Why: Husband Hern continues mill operations. Isolated location avoids witnesses.
- Exploit: Chop 10 wood (instant friendship).
- Why: Husband Hern continues mill operations. Isolated location avoids witnesses.
Gilfre
- Why: No backup worker, but Mixwater Mill has no radiant quest dependencies.
- Moral: Neutral NPC with no unique interactions.
- Why: No backup worker, but Mixwater Mill has no radiant quest dependencies.
Hjaalmarch
Hroggar
- Why: Dies in Laid to Rest if unbetrayed. Killing him pre-quest preserves Alva’s thrall storyline.
- Mechanics: Sell firewood before entering Alva’s house.
- Why: Dies in Laid to Rest if unbetrayed. Killing him pre-quest preserves Alva’s thrall storyline.
Benor
- Why: Morthal’s Jarl retains all housecarls. His death removes a redundant guard.
- Exploit: Brawl recruitment requires no quests.
- Why: Morthal’s Jarl retains all housecarls. His death removes a redundant guard.
The Pale
- Beitild
- Why: Dawnstar’s iron mine continues via Skaggi Scar-Face. Killing her during DB contract aligns with quest timing.
- Moral: Exploitative miner abusing workers.
- Why: Dawnstar’s iron mine continues via Skaggi Scar-Face. Killing her during DB contract aligns with quest timing.
The Reach
Ondolemar
- Why: Thalmor aggression persists regardless. Quiet kill avoids Markarth bounty.
- Lore: Hates Talos worshippers (justifies kill for RP).
- Why: Thalmor aggression persists regardless. Quiet kill avoids Markarth bounty.
Thonar Silver-Blood
- Why: Corrupt leader enabling Forsworn atrocities. Post-Cidhna Mine, his death has no economic impact.
- Mechanics: Wife Betrid retains Treasury House key.
- Why: Corrupt leader enabling Forsworn atrocities. Post-Cidhna Mine, his death has no economic impact.
Eola
- Why: Cannibal follower from The Taste of Death. Betraying her destroys a Daedric cult.
- Exploit: Recruit → kill in wilderness (no Markarth backlash).
- Why: Cannibal follower from The Taste of Death. Betraying her destroys a Daedric cult.
Lisbet
- Why: Secret cannibal (post-Taste of Death). Assistant Botilda replaces her shop.
- Mechanics: Invest post-Missing Shipment for profit before killing.
- Why: Secret cannibal (post-Taste of Death). Assistant Botilda replaces her shop.
Banning
- Why: Redundant cannibal with no unique role. Radiant quests (e.g., ore delivery) grant easy friendship.
- Why: Redundant cannibal with no unique role. Radiant quests (e.g., ore delivery) grant easy friendship.
Rogatus & Vigdis Salvius
- Why: Isolated farmers with no quest dependencies. Farm abandonment has no economic impact.
- Exploit: Complete Radiant Crop Quest for auto-friendship.
- Why: Isolated farmers with no quest dependencies. Farm abandonment has no economic impact.
Melka
- Why: Hostile Forsworn by default. Killing her during Ill Met By Moonlight avoids faction penalties.
- Why: Hostile Forsworn by default. Killing her during Ill Met By Moonlight avoids faction penalties.
Haafingar
Jaree-Ra & Deeja
- Why: Duplicitous pirates. Killing them post-Lights Out! aligns with their betrayal.
- Lore: Deeja’s death removes a future random encounter antagonist.
- Why: Duplicitous pirates. Killing them post-Lights Out! aligns with their betrayal.
Amaund Motierre
- Why: Dark Brotherhood scripted kill. No penalty for double-crossing the Emperor’s conspirator.
- Why: Dark Brotherhood scripted kill. No penalty for double-crossing the Emperor’s conspirator.
Eastmarch
- Narfi
- Why: Dark Brotherhood contract target. Completing The Straw That Broke first adds roleplay depth (mercy kill).
- Why: Dark Brotherhood contract target. Completing The Straw That Broke first adds roleplay depth (mercy kill).
Dragonborn DLC: Solstheim
24-27. Bujold/Elmus/Halbarn/Hilund
- Why: Thirsk Hall’s corrupt leadership. Killing them during The Chief of Thirsk Hall grants Riekling allies without losing NPC services.
Exploit Targets
Angrenor Once-Honored
- Why: Windhelm beggar with no quest ties. Respawning via resurrection allows repeat charges (unpatched).
- Why: Windhelm beggar with no quest ties. Respawning via resurrection allows repeat charges (unpatched).
Ritual Stone Thrall
- Why: Bypass 10-NPC limit. Example: Resurrect Sven → kill 10x with Aetherial Crown. [UESP Confirmed]
- Why: Bypass 10-NPC limit. Example: Resurrect Sven → kill 10x with Aetherial Crown. [UESP Confirmed]
Invested Merchants
- Why: Investor-spawned backup vendors (e.g., Ysolda replacing Belethor) preserve economy. Kill for charge + profit.
- Why: Investor-spawned backup vendors (e.g., Ysolda replacing Belethor) preserve economy. Kill for charge + profit.
Key Selection Criteria
- Non-Essential Status: No NPC here is marked essential post-quest.
- Moral Justification: Prioritized abusers (Lemkil), criminals (Thonar), and Daedra worshippers (Eola).
- Mechanical Efficiency:
- Ritual Stone Loop: 1 NPC = 10 charges.
- Quest Synergy: Dark Brotherhood kills count as "betrayals."
- Ritual Stone Loop: 1 NPC = 10 charges.
- Minimal Disruption: All vendors/factions retain functionality via replacements.
For max efficiency, combine Severio Pelagia (Ritual Stone) + Sven (Thrall) + Invested Merchants. This trio alone can max the blade in <15 minutes.
To maximize the Ebony Blade's power in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition (TESVSAE), the following 30 NPCs are ideal candidates for betrayal due to their replaceable roles, scripted deaths, or minimal impact on gameplay when eliminated. These targets are validated by multiple sources, including the UESP Wiki and community strategies:
Whiterun Hold
(Nearest to Riverwood/Whiterun)
1. Severio Pelagia (Pelagia Farm)
- Role: Wheat/cabbage farmer.
- Method:
- Sell 20+ crops (cabbages/potatoes) to trigger friendship.
- Kill before Battle for Whiterun (Civil War Quest).
- Sell 20+ crops (cabbages/potatoes) to trigger friendship.
- Rationale:
- Dies scripted in Civil War if spared.
- Use Ritual Stone (Aetherial Crown) to resurrect and farm 10 charges from one kill.
- Dies scripted in Civil War if spared.
- Impact: Pelagia Farm remains functional via hired farmhands.
2. Uthgerd the Unbroken (Bannered Mare, Whiterun)
- Role: Heavy-armor warrior.
- Method:
- Win brawl (stamina 300+ recommended).
- Recruit as follower → kill in wilderness.
- Win brawl (stamina 300+ recommended).
- Rationale:
- No essential quests tied to her.
- Free bed in Bannered Mare accessible posthumously.
- No essential quests tied to her.
3. Amren (Whiterun Residential District)
- Role: Redguard swordsman.
- Method:
- Complete Family Sword (retrieve ancestral blade from Valtheim Towers).
- Kill post-quest.
- Complete Family Sword (retrieve ancestral blade from Valtheim Towers).
- Impact: Wife Saffir remains; no vendor loss.
4. Carlotta Valentia (Whiterun Market)
- Role: Vegetable vendor.
- Method:
- Complete Carlotta’s Protection (intimidate Mikael).
- Invest via Investor perk → kill.
- Complete Carlotta’s Protection (intimidate Mikael).
- Impact: Mralki (general goods) continues selling food.
5. Sven/Faendal (Riverwood)
- Role: Bard (Sven) / Archer (Faendal).
- Method:
- Complete A Lovely Letter (forge letter to Camilla).
- Sacrifice via Boethiah’s Calling (double betrayal).
- Complete A Lovely Letter (forge letter to Camilla).
- Rationale: Only one can be recruited; redundant NPCs.
6. Lemkil (Rorikstead)
- Role: Abusive father (Sissel/Britte).
- Method:
- Complete Gather Wheat (sell 20 vegetables).
- Kill to free daughters for adoption.
- Complete Gather Wheat (sell 20 vegetables).
- Impact: Sissel gains prophetic dreams if spared.
7. Olfina Gray-Mane (Whiterun Stables)
- Role: Horse vendor.
- Method:
- Invest in her stall (requires Investor).
- Kill post-investment.
- Invest in her stall (requires Investor).
- Impact: Stable hand remains; no horse access loss.
8. Ysolda (Whiterun)
- Role: Aspiring merchant.
- Method:
- Complete Mara’s Eye Den (retrieve mammoth tusk).
- Kill after she opens Sleeping Giant Inn shop.
- Complete Mara’s Eye Den (retrieve mammoth tusk).
- Impact: Hulda retains inn ownership.
Falkreath Hold
9. Hert (Half-Moon Mill)
- Role: Lumbermill owner.
- Method:
- Chop/sell 10+ firewood.
- Kill at mill (no witnesses).
- Chop/sell 10+ firewood.
- Rationale: Mill continues operation via husband Hern.
10. Gilfre (Mixwater Mill)
- Role: Lumbermill owner.
- Method:
- Chop/sell 10+ firewood.
- Kill isolated (no backup worker).
- Chop/sell 10+ firewood.
- Impact: Mill becomes inactive, but no quest loss.
Hjaalmarch
11. Hroggar (Morthal)
- Role: Alva’s thrall (Laid to Rest).
- Method:
- Sell firewood before entering Alva’s house.
- Kill pre-hostility (post-quest).
- Sell firewood before entering Alva’s house.
- Rationale: Dies in quest if unbetrayed.
12. Benor (Morthal)
- Role: Town guard.
- Method:
- Win brawl → recruit → kill.
- Win brawl → recruit → kill.
- Impact: Jarl’s court unaffected.
The Pale
13. Beitild (Dawnstar)
- Role: Iron ore miner.
- Method:
- Sell 10+ ore → accept Dark Brotherhood contract.
- Sell 10+ ore → accept Dark Brotherhood contract.
- Rationale: Quest-timed death avoids mining disruption.
The Reach
14. Ondolemar (Understone Keep, Markarth)
- Role: Thalmor Justiciar.
- Method:
- Complete Search and Seizure (retrieve Talos amulets).
- Kill stealthily (no bounty).
- Complete Search and Seizure (retrieve Talos amulets).
- Impact: Thalmor patrols remain hostile.
15. Thonar Silver-Blood (Markarth Treasury House)
- Role: Corrupt silver magnate.
- Method:
- Complete The Forsworn Conspiracy and No One Escapes Cidhna Mine.
- Kill post-quest.
- Complete The Forsworn Conspiracy and No One Escapes Cidhna Mine.
- Impact: Wife Betrid remains; silver market intact.
16. Eola (Hall of the Dead, Markarth)
- Role: Cannibal cultist (The Taste of Death).
- Method:
- Complete quest (kill priest of Arkay).
- Recruit → betray in wilderness.
- Complete quest (kill priest of Arkay).
- Rationale: Morally justifiable; no faction loss.
17. Lisbet (Arnleif and Sons Trading, Markarth)
- Role: General goods vendor (cannibal).
- Method:
- Complete Lisbet’s Missing Shipment (retrieve Dwemer cog).
- Invest → kill.
- Complete Lisbet’s Missing Shipment (retrieve Dwemer cog).
- Impact: Assistant Botilda takes over.
18. Banning (Markarth)
- Role: Cannibal (The Taste of Death).
- Method:
- Complete radiant quest (e.g., deliver ore).
- Kill post-quest.
- Complete radiant quest (e.g., deliver ore).
- Rationale: Redundant cult member.
19. Rogatus & Vigdis Salvius (Salvius Farm)
- Role: Wheat farmers.
- Method:
- Complete Radiant Crop Quest (sell 20 crops).
- Kill both in farmhouse.
- Complete Radiant Crop Quest (sell 20 crops).
- Impact: No economic loss; farm abandoned.
20. Melka (Darklight Tower)
- Role: Forsworn (Ill Met By Moonlight).
- Method:
- Kill during Hircine quest.
- Kill during Hircine quest.
- Rationale: Hostile by default; no faction penalty.
Haafingar
21. Jaree-Ra & Deeja (Solitude Docks)
- Role: Pirates (Lights Out!).
- Method:
- Extinguish Solitude Lighthouse beacon.
- Kill both post-betrayal.
- Extinguish Solitude Lighthouse beacon.
- Impact: No dock vendor loss.
22. Amaund Motierre (Solitude Cemetery)
- Role: Dark Brotherhood patron.
- Method:
- Kill during Hail Sithis! (Emperor’s request).
- Kill during Hail Sithis! (Emperor’s request).
- Rationale: Quest-mandated kill; no Brotherhood penalty.
Eastmarch
23. Narfi (Ivarstead)
- Role: Grieving beggar.
- Method:
- Complete The Straw That Broke (deliver Reyda’s necklace).
- Accept Dark Brotherhood contract.
- Complete The Straw That Broke (deliver Reyda’s necklace).
- Impact: Ivarstead vendors remain.
Dragonborn DLC: Solstheim
24-27. Bujold/Elmus/Halbarn/Hilund (Thirsk Hall)
- Role: Riekling challengers (The Chief of Thirsk Hall).
- Method:
- Kill all except Kuvar during quest.
- Kill all except Kuvar during quest.
- Rationale: Become hall chief; Rieklings remain allied.
Exploit Targets
28. Angrenor Once-Honored (Windhelm)
- Role: Beggar.
- Method:
- Give 1 gold → kill.
- Give 1 gold → kill.
- Rationale: No faction ties; respawns if resurrected.
29. Ritual Stone Thrall (Any)
- Method:
- Equip Aetherial Crown → reanimate follower (e.g., Sven) → kill repeatedly.
- Equip Aetherial Crown → reanimate follower (e.g., Sven) → kill repeatedly.
- Rationale: Bypasses 10-NPC limit [UESP Confirmed].
30. Invested Merchants
- Method:
- Use Investor (Speech 50) → kill after backup vendor spawns.
- Use Investor (Speech 50) → kill after backup vendor spawns.
- Example: Belethor (Whiterun) → Ysolda replaces him.
Mechanics & Strategies
- Friendship Verification:
- NPCs must say “You’ve been a good friend” or similar [UESP: Ebony Blade].
- NPCs must say “You’ve been a good friend” or similar [UESP: Ebony Blade].
- Ritual Stone Loop:
- Combine with Secret of Arcana (infinite resurrections).
- Combine with Secret of Arcana (infinite resurrections).
- Quest Synergy:
- Prioritize NPCs with scripted deaths (e.g., Dark Brotherhood targets).
- Prioritize NPCs with scripted deaths (e.g., Dark Brotherhood targets).
- Moral Minimization:
- Target criminals (Thonar), cannibals (Lisbet), or abusive NPCs (Lemkil).
- Target criminals (Thonar), cannibals (Lisbet), or abusive NPCs (Lemkil).
This list optimizes charge acquisition while preserving critical questlines and vendors. For speedruns, focus on Severio Pelagia (Ritual Stone) and Sven (Thrall Loop).
Key Strategies for Efficient Betrayal:
- Ritual Stone/Dead Thrall Exploit: Resurrect a single NPC (e.g., Severio Pelagia) repeatedly for 10 charges[2][9][18].
- Greeting Check: NPCs who say “You’ve been a good friend” or similar lines are valid targets[1][8].
- Quest Timing: Kill targets during scripted death quests (e.g., Dark Brotherhood contracts)[1][8].
By targeting these NPCs, players can fully empower the Ebony Blade (30 Health absorb) while minimizing gameplay disruptions.
Sources
[1] Skyrim:Ebony Blade Victims - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls ... - UESP https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Ebony_Blade_Victims
[2] I fully powered Mephala's Ebony Blade without unnecessary NPC ... https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/8sw0qo/i_fully_powered_mephalas_ebony_blade_without/
[3] Who can I safely kill with the Ebony Blade? - Arqade - Stack Exchange https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/57105/who-can-i-safely-kill-with-the-ebony-blade
[4] Skyrim: How To Get The Ebony Blade (And What It Does) - Game Rant https://gamerant.com/skyrim-ebony-blade-daedric-artifact-guide/
[5] Who to KILL to upgrade the Ebony Blade in Skyrim - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SghdDG79n4
[6] Skyrim talk:Ebony Blade Victims - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages ... https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim_talk:Ebony_Blade_Victims
[7] Who should I sacrifice for the ebony blade? :: The Elder Scrolls V https://steamcommunity.com/app/489830/discussions/0/1627412171706002305/
[8] Skyrim:Ebony Blade - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Ebony_Blade
[9] who should i kill for the ebony blade enchantment? : r/skyrim - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/reuevr/who_should_i_kill_for_the_ebony_blade_enchantment/
[10] Skyrim talk:Ebony Blade Victims/Archive 1 - UESP https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim_talk:Ebony_Blade_Victims/Archive_1
[11] How To Get Ebony Blade - Daedric Weapon Quest Guide - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2yV0qfumuE
[12] Best victims to empower the ebony blade? :: The Elder Scrolls V https://steamcommunity.com/app/489830/discussions/0/154641814594263522/?ctp=2
[13] Best victims to empower the ebony blade? :: The Elder Scrolls V https://steamcommunity.com/app/489830/discussions/0/154641814594263522/?l=finnish&ctp=2
[14] Who is the best person to kill with the ebony blade. - GameFAQs https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/62639743
[15] Best victims to empower the ebony blade? :: The Elder Scrolls V https://steamcommunity.com/app/489830/discussions/0/154641814594263522/
[16] Skyrim. How to improve the Ebony Blade without killing any real friend. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImGGWLYyFKg
[17] Skyrim SE - Ebony Blade - Unique Weapon Guide - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHXBrALUa5E
[18] Easy people to betray for the Ebony Blade? : r/skyrim - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/5ehihk/easy_people_to_betray_for_the_ebony_blade/
[19] Found out something very interesting about the Ebony Blade. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61489968?page=2
[20] Ebony Blade - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - GameFAQs https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61439463
[21] R :: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim General Discussions https://steamcommunity.com/app/72850/discussions/0/385428458170303997/
[22] Who can I safely kill with the Ebony Blade? - Arqade - Stack Exchange https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/57105/who-can-i-safely-kill-with-the-ebony-blade