Should you give back the Skeleton Key?

Should You Give Back the Skeleton Key?

The Skeleton Key, a prized possession of the Thieves Guild, is a delicate topic in the world of Elder Scrolls Online. Acquired through a quest, the key unlocks doors, gains access to secret areas, and proves that you are a skilled enough thief to wield such power. But with great power comes great responsibility, and you’re left wondering whether you should keep or return the key.

Keep the Skeleton Key?

At first glance, the benefits of keeping the Skeleton Key might seem attractive. With the power to unlock any door in Skyrim, you could claim treasure and treasure galore, flaunting your criminal expertise to the rest of the land. And let’s not forget the thrill of having such an incredible ability in your arsenal, especially in PvP matches.

Reasons to Return the Skeleton Key

But there’s another side to the story. As bolded, if you don’t return the Skeleton Key, the Thieves Guild won’t grant you any more access to their resources or missions, hindering your progress. You won’t be able to take part in the guild’s grand scheme and receive exclusive rewards. What’s more, other thieves and factions won’t trust you with such valuable knowledge, making social interactions rather tricky.

Becoming Master of the Thieves Guild

One option is to wait until you level up your lockpicking skill enough to become the Master of the Thieves Guild. Until then, keeping the Skeleton Key might provide you with an upper hand. At the current level, your lockpicking skills are only so high, while the Skeleton Key provides you with infinite attempts, allowing you to crack even the most secure doors with ease.

A Compromise?

Perhaps you’ve completed some tasks, yet haven’t had time to become a master thief? It’s not impossible to find yourself with a hybrid strategy, where you retain the Skeleton Key and its benefits for now. Who knows what opportunities may arise, such as stealing powerful artifacts, raiding a key facility, or manipulating a quest.

Consequences of Keeping the Skeleton Key

If you fail to return the key, you’ll become a target for Nocturnal herself, not to mention other members of the Thieves Guild. Your relationships will begin to deteriorate, as others recognize the Skeleton Key as a powerful and valuable object. The world’s balance may be threatened as you’ll be walking an fine line, constantly struggling to keep secrets from others, juggling double lives, and taking ever-growing risks.

Decision Time

In the end, your choice rests on the kind of character you’ve chosen to play: the cautious strategist, the confident mastermind, or the thrill-seeking outlaw. Have you grown weary of carrying around the burden of the Skeleton Key? Do the potential gains and secrets outweigh the benefits of unity, trust, and a united Thieves Guild?

Here are a few questions to guide your decision-making:

• Can you maintain secrets effectively? Be honest – your loyalty to the Guild will wane if kept in a fragile state.
• Do the perks outweigh the risk? Your progress may hinder; keep weighing options carefully.
• Can you take pride in keeping the Guild whole? Will you join or support your fellow members with a Skeleton Key on the loose?
• Has it become time to set free the Skeleton Key? Might releasing it usher in new horizons for both yourself and your in-game society?

As for whether you should give back the Skeleton Key?, answer lies within you, dear gamer. May your choices determine the course of this pivotal moment. Will you surrender it, allowing unity and order to prevail? Or will you risk keeping it and embracing an exciting, uncertain path?

Table Summary: Decision Criteria

A Call to Arms: Give Back the Skeleton Key

Return it, and unite with fellow Thieves. Your contribution to a better society will grow. Embracing honesty, dual lives dwindle, no longer shrouding in deceit or suspicion.

Keep the key, and tread a risky, complicated path. Maintain secrets; live with a Skeleton in the closet. If your answer falls with the latter option, heed my warning – be brave enough to hold that burden alone. The rest of the guild won’t likely follow in your footsteps.