Even almost ten years after its initial release, the open-world RPG that is The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is still brimming with secrets. Bethesda made sure to include a wide array of content within the game’s world to keep players coming back for more. Even the most unlikely of places, such as Markarth, have some interesting tidbits hidden in plain sight.
With a waterfall flowing through it and its seemingly alien architecture, Markarth is one of the most unique cities in the game. Much like with the city of Whiterun, there are a number of things players might have missed in Markarth.
10 The Architecture’s Origin
One thing that will stick in player’s minds about Markarth is its unique and foreign architecture. The reason for this is that the city was built by the Dwemer who are sometimes referred to as dwarves.
The Dwemer were an advanced civilization that seemingly went extinct during the first era, centuries before the events of Skyrim. It seems as though Markarth was one of the cities they built and the reason for its construction remains a mystery.
9 Where The Forsworn Came From
When the Dragonborn first enters the city, they will witness a murder which triggers The Forsworn Conspiracy quest. But who are they and where do they come from?
It is revealed that the Forsworn were Breton citizens of The Reach, the region of Skyrim where Markarth is located, who seized the city when the Empire was still reeling from the Great War with the Thalmor in 4E 174. They ruled for two years before they were driven out.
8 Plays A Key Role In Ulfric Stormcloak’s Backstory
Ulfric Stormcloak is the leader of a rebellion against the Empire in Skyrim, a conflict that caused the Civil War that is ravaging the nation. It is waged over the worship of the divine Talos, which Ulfric supports, and his reasons for it possibly go back to Markarth.
Ulfric was the one who drove the Forsworn out of Markarth in what is described in-game as the Markarth Incident. He did so under false pretenses that the city’s jarl would restore Talos, which he did not. This was one of many moments that would eventually lead Ulfric to ignite the Civil War.
7 What Calcelmo’s Stone Says
Calcelmo is an old high elf in Understone Keep who studies the Dwemer quite intensely. In a quest for the Thieves Guild, the Dragonborn will have to copy what the tablet says on a piece of paper. Though unknown at first as to what it reads, it has since been translated.
The tablet describes an encounter between the Dwemer and the Falmer, the blind elf-like people that inhabit some of Skyrim’s caves. It describes how the Dwemer essentially tricked the Falmer into eating a strange fungus that would eventually be the reason the race went blind. Basically, the Dwemer are the reason the Falmer are so messed up. Seems like karma that the Dwemer are no more.
6 A Hidden Boat Can Be Found Right Outside The City
Who does not love free loot? Outside of Markarth is Kolskeggr Mine. Near the mine is a river that players can head down to find a nice surprise waiting for them.
That surprise is a boat containing some nice loot such as a wide arrange of flawless gems, an apothecary’s satchel, and a strongbox. The cherry on top, though, is that there is a sunken chest. Overall, it is a good place to load up on supplies.
5 Cosnach Exploit
Cosnach is a follower in Skyrim that can be recruited at Markarth’s Sliver-Blood Inn. The player will have to defeat him in a brawl in order to recruit him. Doing so though causes an odd exploit to occur within the inn.
Cheaper, low-value items can be looted within the inn without the player being accused of stealing. No need to place a bucket on someone’s head here.
4 The Forsworn Players Escape Cidhna Mine With Will Become Friendly
At the end of the Forsworn Conspiracy quest, the Dragonborn will be thrown into the mine which serves as Markarth’s prison. They have the option of escaping with the Forsworns and their leader Madanach.
Once the Dragonborn escapes the mine with them, they can be found at the Druadach Redoubt encampment where they will not attack the Dragonborn. Though these Forsworn are friendly and remember their debt, others outside this group will still attack the player.
3 Garvey In The Warrens
The Warrens serve as Markarth’s underground slums where the city’s less fortunate live out their days. One of this area’s denizens is Garvey. He may seem like a random NPC, but he can actually help the player increase their sneak skill if they talk to him.
Garvey will also treat the player as if they are from the Warrens themselves should they talk to him while sick. It gives people an idea as to just what these people must go through on a daily basis.
2 Pac-Man Easter Egg
Pac-Man is one of the most beloved video game characters of all time. It makes sense that developers would want to pay homage to the character in some way and in Skyrim’s case, it can be found on a bookshelf in a Markarth house.
In the home of Kerah and Endon, the latter of which is a fence for the Thieves Guild and aspiring thieves, a bookshelf can be found. This bookshelf has an assortment of items made to resemble Pac-Man eating pac-dots and a power pellet.
1 Do Not Forget About Customer Service
A neat interaction can be found the first time the player enters the Silver-Blood inn. A not so quiet argument between the two owners of the inn, Kleppr and Frabbi, can be witnessed. The argument ends on a pretty funny note.
Kleppr will remind his wife about the importance of customer service which will trigger a conversation with Frabbi. Sometimes it is best to wait and see if something interesting will happen in games. Doing so could result in a unique encounter like this one.
