On this page of our TES V Skyrim guide, we provide a detailed walkthrough of the first part of the No-one Escapes Cidhna Mine side quest. The player character will be arrested by the Markarth guards and imprisoned in the Cidhna Mine. Our guide covers all interactions with other prisoners and the choice to ally with the Forsworn (or the Nords).
- New main objective: Ask a prisoner about Madanach
- New optional objective: Talk to Grisvar about getting a Shiv
- New optional objective: Obtain the Skooma for Grisvar
- New optional objective: Bring Grisvar the Skooma
- New main objective: Get past Borkul the Beast
- New main objective: Talk to Madanach
- New main objective (Forsworn): Hear Braig’s story
New main objective: Ask a prisoner about Madanach
Note: This quest is only available after completing The Forsworn Conspiracy side quest!
Upon being arrested by the Markarth guards, the player character will be taken to the Cidhna Mine, from which no one has ever escaped. The player character will lose all their inventory and be thrown into a cell. The first person they encounter will be Urzoga gra-Shugurz, a prison guard. She will inform them that they can only leave the mine after making up for their sins – which may mean never leaving.
After listening to the guard, the player character will be let into the mine. They should find Uraccen, a prisoner sitting beside a fire in the large cave below. He will inform the player character that none of the prisoners have the right to speak to Madanach, and reaching him is nearly impossible, as he’s guarded by a giant Orc – Borkul the Beast. Continuing to talk with Uraccen will reveal that the prison currency is skooma, a rare alcohol beloved by the Khajiits. Asking about the “Shiv” will reveal that the weapon can be obtained from Grisvar, who will likely require some form of payment in exchange. Obtaining it is not necessary, but it can be useful (mini-quest Miscellaneous: Talk to Grisvar about getting a Shiv).
New optional objective: Talk to Grisvar about getting a Shiv
Note: This mission is optional and does not appear under No-one Escapes Cidhna Mine, but in Miscellaneous.
After learning from Uraccen or Borkul that Grisvar has some Shivs, the player character can approach him and ask for one. Grisvar can be found in the corridor on the right side of the cave, sitting beside a brazier. Speaking with him will reveal that he will give the player character a Shiv in exchange for some Skooma. Duach, who is working on the opposite side of the mine, has the Skooma.
This will unlock another objective – Miscellaneous: Obtain the Skooma for Grisvar.
New optional objective: Obtain the Skooma for Grisvar
Note: This mission is optional and does not appear under No-one Escapes Cidhna Mine, but in Miscellaneous.
In order to obtain the Skooma, which is needed for the mini-quest Miscellaneous: Bring Grisvar the Skooma, you need to find the prisoner Duach. He can be found in the left corridor of the cave and possesses the rare alcohol. When you approach him and ask about Skooma, he won’t be pleased that this information is widely known. You can either persuade him to give you the goods or beat him until he faints and take it by force. After obtaining the Skooma, give it to Grisvar and receive the Shiv in return. Bring the Shiv to Borkul, the guard of Madanach’s cell, and you will be able to enter the cell.
To get past Borkul, speak to him and he will demand the Shiv. If you don’t want to complete the prisoners’ requests, you can find an alternative way of reaching Madanach. You can steal the key, challenge him for a fight, or convince him with high Speech. After entering Madanach’s cell, you will need to make a decision that will affect your and Markarth’s future. If you listen to Madanach and accept his task, you will support the Forsworn. If you kill him, you will support the Nords.
If you choose to support the Forsworn, head to the left corridor of the mine and speak to Braig at the end of the tunnel. He will tell you the tragic history of his daughter and how he ended up at the Cidhna Mine. Afterwards, head back to Madanach.
FAQ
What is the quest “No-one Escapes Cidhna Mine” about?
The quest “No-one Escapes Cidhna Mine” is a side quest in the game “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim”. It involves the player character being wrongly accused of murder and being sent to the Cidhna Mine, a prison located in Markarth. The player must navigate through the mine and complete various tasks in order to escape and clear their name.
How do I start the “No-one Escapes Cidhna Mine” quest?
The quest can be started by speaking to Nepos the Nose in Markarth. He can be found in the Silver-Blood Inn. Alternatively, the quest may be triggered by simply entering Markarth and witnessing a murder take place. The guards will then accuse the player of the crime and send them to Cidhna Mine.
What challenges will I face in Cidhna Mine?
The mine is filled with various obstacles and challenges. The player will encounter hostile prisoners and guards, as well as traps and locked doors. The player will also need to navigate through the mine’s tunnels and find a way to obtain a key to unlock the gate to the outside world. Additionally, the player will need to make choices regarding their interactions with the other prisoners and decide whether to align with any of the factions within the mine.
What are the rewards for completing the “No-one Escapes Cidhna Mine” quest?
Upon completion of the quest, the player will be able to clear their name of the murder accusation and receive a reward of gold and a leveled enchanted weapon. Additionally, the player will be able to join the Forsworn faction and gain access to their hideout in Markarth.
James, a young and enthusiastic gamer. With a passion for gaming, he personally plays and experiences the games he writes about, providing authentic and insightful content to fellow gamers.