Skyrim:Forsworn

This page or parts of this page were previously transcluded from lore pages per this discussion. This page should be checked for potential unrelated lore and other information. Please remove this banner when the page has been cleaned up.

Kaie, Duach, Odvan, Borkul the Beast, Madanach, Uraccen, and Braig

The Forsworn, also known as the Madmen of the Reach, are a faction of Reachmen formed following the Markarth Incident in 4E 176. The Forsworn claim that they are the true sons and daughters of The Reach, but are often considered "two septims short of a pint of ale".

Despite appearing primitive in nature, the Forsworn have proven to be an aggressive political force which has an astute grasp of insurgency warfare, and even have agents living among the populace of Markarth in secret. They directly oppose all other major political groups active in the Reach, including the Thalmor. They wish to drive both Nords and the Empire out of the Reach and attain independence. The Forsworn are the most common type of hostile NPC encountered in the Reach. Encounters with them will not occur under normal conditions outside of the Reach. It is not possible to join the Forsworn, but you can side with them through a quest series and one area will become non-hostile.

Overview

The Markarth Incident

While the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion fought the Great War, much of the Empire was abandoned by the Imperials. The Reachmen long held that they were the true owners of the Reach and for centuries begrudgingly accepted Nord rule. Seeing the perfect opportunity, they rebelled against the Nords and captured the nearly undefended city of Markarth and all of the Reach. Their control over the hold lasted for two years, from 4E 174 to 4E 176, and was administered relatively peacefully, with only a few of the harshest Nord landowners put to death.

In 4E 176 Igmund's father, the deposed Jarl Hrolfdir, and the Empire, promised Ulfric Stormcloak free worship of Talos in exchange for putting down the rebellion and retaking the Reach. Hrolfdir knew this promise was in direct violation of the White-Gold Concordat, but wagered that the Thalmor would not discover it. Ulfric led a Nord militia against the Reachmen and used the Thu'um to shout them from the very walls of Markarth and drive them from the city. After Hrolfdir reclaimed control of Markarth, captured Reachmen were brutally tortured and executed by the Nords regardless of allegiance, with the few that were spared being imprisoned in Cidhna Mine.

The surviving Reachmen fled to the wilds of the Reach, creating what would become the Forsworn. Their leader, Madanach, was secretly imprisoned in the Cidhna Mine by Thonar Silver-Blood in an attempt to leverage control over the Forsworn. When the Thalmor discovered the presence of Talos worship, they demanded the arrest of the Nord militia. Hrolfdir was forced to arrest Ulfric and his men or risk outright war over religious conflict. The Nord militia were eventually allowed to leave, but the Empire and Hrolfdir's broken promise left a fissure that would eventually widen into the Stormcloak Rebellion. The Forsworn still remember the cruelty of the Nords who deposed them, and seek vengeance against all Nords as a result.

Society

A Briarheart is born

Driven from Markarth, the Forsworn spread across the Reach fortifying any defendable spot they could find. Large tented campsites are built into reinforced redoubts from the remains of various caves and ruins. Their members sport a unique tribal garb and adopt many of the traditions depicted in The Legend of Red Eagle. Forsworn gear is made up of a distinctive combination of fur, feathers, bone, and antlers that gives them a savage appearance. Their weapons also appear primitive, constructed of bone, wood, and stone in lieu of metal. The most archaic of their practices involves their reverence for hagravens, who are treated as matriarchs in their society. The hagravens offer leadership and access to a bizarre rite through which a Forsworn may become a spirit of vengeance, known as a Briarheart. The hagravens can remove a willing participant's heart and replace it with a Briar Heart that imbues vastly enhanced strength at the cost of their will and humanity.

"Heart of thorn... bones of the wild... in life, Forsworn...
...rise from death, Blood of our Blood."
- Briarheart Ceremony

The Forsworn operate largely as a terrorist organization that attempts to strike fear into the hearts of their Nord occupiers. Each redoubt is as an individual cell operating under the orders of a Forsworn Briarheart or matriarch. The cells in turn may receive orders from Madanach, the imprisoned King in Rags. Forsworn raids are specifically aimed at non-Bretons living or passing through the Reach. They differentiate from common bandits in that they will often waylay an entire caravan or settlement leaving no survivors, but taking little loot. They've refused all attempts at making peace and will accept only the return of their land as a solution to the conflict.

Forsworn Types

Forsworn come in a number of variants. The specific variety you will meet is level-dependent, though you will continue to meet low-level versions even at high levels. Boss-level Forsworn will always be at the highest possible level, and will be identified as "Forsworn Briarhearts." In addition, Forsworn may be spellcasters, archers, or one-handed melee fighters. The Forsworn name does not normally provide information on the fighting style of the Forsworn. There are twice as many male Forsworn as females, and—aside from some of the Forsworn Agents listed below—they are all Breton. Forsworn Warlords are defined in the game data as a variant that is even more powerful than the Forsworn Ravager. However, warlords do not appear in any of the leveled lists that generate generic Forsworn enemies and therefore do not appear in the game. ^?

With the exception of Briarhearts, all Forsworn wear Forsworn Armor and Forsworn Boots, and may be wearing Forsworn Gauntlets and a Forsworn Headdress as well (50% chance each).

Melee Fighters

All of the following Forsworn fighters carry two one-handed Forsworn weapons (either two Forsworn swords, two Forsworn axes, or one of each). They also carry a random selection of other items, including gems, food, raw meat, recipes, potions, soul gems, and gold. There are three female varieties and five male varieties for each of the types listed below.

A Forsworn warrior dual-wielding her savage weapons

Name	Level	IDs			Sta.	Perks
Forsworn	1	00043be1 00043bde 00043be0 00043bdf 00043be2 000ad7b4 00043bdd 000f9616	50	50	50	None
Forsworn Forager	6	00044256 0004425a 00044257 0004425b 00044258 000ad7b6 00044259 000f9617	95	70	85	• Fighting Stance • Regeneration
Forsworn Looter	14	00044268 0004426c 00044269 0004426d 0004426a 000ad7b8 0004426b 000f9618	192	102	126	• Augmented Flames • Hack and Slash • Bladesman • Impact • Custom Fit • Recovery • Dual Flurry • Regeneration • Fighting Stance
Forsworn Pillager	24	0004427a 0004427e 0004427b 0004427f 0004427c 000ad7bd 0004427d 000f9619	357	142	146	• Augmented Flames • Impact • Bladesman 2 • Magic Resistance • Custom Fit • Recovery • Dual Flurry 2 • Regeneration • Fighting Stance • Savage Strike • Hack and Slash 2
Forsworn Ravager	34	0004428c 00044290 0004428d 00044291 0004428e 000ad7bf 0004428f 000f961a	447	182	116	• Augmented Flames • Magic Resistance • Bladesman 2 • Recovery • Custom Fit • Regeneration • Dual Flurry 2 • Respite • Dual Savagery • Savage Strike • Fighting Stance • Wind Walker • Hack and Slash 2

^1These Forsworn do not carry any of the miscellaneous items listed above.

^2This melee fighter also has the following perks: Extra Damage 2.5, Bone Breaker 2.

Archers

All of the following Forsworn fighters wield a Forsworn Bow. They also carry a leveled dagger (iron, steel, or orcish) and a number of Forsworn Arrows, in addition to a random selection of gems, food, raw meat, recipes, potions, soul gems, and gold.

There are three female varieties and four male varieties for each of the types listed below.

A Forsworn archer readying his arrow

Name	Level	IDs			Sta.	Spells	Perks
Forsworn	1	00043be4 00043be7 00043be5 00043be8 00043be6 00043be9 000ad7b5	50	50	50	• Healing	None
Forsworn Forager	6	0004425c 0004425f 0004425d 00044260 0004425e 00044261 000ad7b7	95	60	70	• Healing	None
Forsworn Looter	14	0004426e 00044271 0004426f 00044272 00044270 00044273 000ad7b9	192	76	152	• Fast Healing	• Critical Shot • Custom Fit • Magic Resistance
Forsworn Pillager	24	00044280 00044283 00044281 00044284 00044282 00044285 000ad7be	357	96	192	• Fast Healing	• Critical Shot 2 • Power Shot • Custom Fit • Ranger • Extra Damage 2 • Recovery • Magic Resistance • Regeneration
Forsworn Ravager	34	00044292 00044295 00044293 00044296 00044294 00044297 000ad7c0	447	116	182	• Fast Healing	• Bladesman • Magic Resistance 2 • Bone Breaker • Power Shot • Critical Shot 2 • Quick Shot • Custom Fit • Ranger • Extra Damage 2.5 • Recovery • Fighting Stance • Regeneration • Hack and Slash • Respite

Forsworn Shaman

Forsworn Shamans are the primary spellcasters of the Forsworn, and appear at all levels (although they are only called Shaman at level 1; at higher levels they follow the same naming pattern as other Forsworn). They carry a leveled dagger (iron, steel, or orcish) and have a random selection of other items, including potions, soul gems, ingredients, and a leveled Destruction staff. All Shamans are female.

A Forsworn Shaman defending her redoubt

Name	Level	IDs			Sta.	Spells	Perks
Forsworn Shaman	1	00043beb 00043bec 00043bed	50	100	50	• Flames • Healing • Lesser Ward	None
Forsworn Forager	6	00043bf1 00043bf2 00043bf3	95	130	50	• Conjure Flame Atronach • Flames • Healing • Lesser Ward	None
Forsworn Looter	14	00044265 00044266 00044267	192	178	50	• Conjure Flame Atronach • Firebolt • Flames • Healing • Lesser Ward	• Atromancy • Magic Resistance • Augmented Flames • Recovery • Destruction Dual Casting • Regeneration • Impact
Forsworn Pillager	24	00044277 00044278 00044279	357	288	50	• Conjure Frost Atronach • Ice Storm • Fast Healing • Steadfast Ward • Ice Spike • Stoneflesh	• Atromancy • Magic Resistance • Augmented Frost 2 • Recovery 2 • Custom Fit • Regeneration • Destruction Dual Casting • Respite • Impact
Forsworn Ravager	34	00044289 0004428a 0004428b	447	248	50	• Conjure Frost Atronach • Icy Spear • Frost Cloak • Steadfast Ward • Ice Spike • Stoneflesh • Ice Storm	• Atromancy • Magic Resistance • Augmented Frost 2 • Recovery 2 • Custom Fit • Regeneration • Deep Freeze • Respite • Destruction Dual Casting • Ward Absorb • Impact

Forsworn Briarhearts

Forsworn Briarhearts can be found wherever the Forsworn have set up camp. Briarhearts are named for the Briar Heart crudely embedded into their chest cavity and held in with leather straps. If the Briar Heart is stolen from them with the Pickpocketing skill, they will immediately die. Briarhearts can be deadly spellcasters and melee fighters, and appear at all levels. They are also frequently scripted to have unusually keen hearing, making it difficult to sneak up on them.

Despite the ritual they have undergone to gain their power, Briarhearts are not classed as undead NPCs and are immune to undead-specific spells and receive no additional damage from silver weapons. They are also detected with Detect Life rather than Detect Dead.

There are two varieties of Forsworn Briarhearts that appear: one with the normal "Forsworn" class, and one with the "Forsworn Shaman" class. All Briarhearts wear a special variety of Forsworn Armor (which cannot be equipped by the player) in addition to Forsworn Boots and a Forsworn Headdress. All Forsworn Briarhearts are male.

The "Forsworn" class Briarhearts carry two leveled one-handed swords or axes in addition to their Briar Hearts and an assortment of gems, food, raw meat, recipes, potions, soul gems, and gold. These Briarhearts have the following perks:

A fearsome Forsworn Briarheart

Name	PC Level	NPC Level	IDs			Sta.	Perks
Forsworn Briarheart	1-23	7	000442d7 000442d8 000442d9	104	74	112	None
Forsworn Briarheart	24	16	000442dd 000442de 000442df	235	110	130	• Augmented Flames • Hack and Slash • Bladesman • Impact • Custom Fit • Recovery • Dual Flurry • Regeneration • Fighting Stance
Forsworn Briarheart	34	27	000442e3 000442e4 000442e5	434	154	152	• Augmented Flames • Impact • Bladesman 2 • Magic Resistance • Custom Fit • Recovery • Dual Flurry 2 • Regeneration • Fighting Stance • Savage Strike • Hack and Slash 2
Forsworn Briarheart	46	38	000442e9 000442ea 000442eb	533	198	174	• Augmented Flames • Magic Resistance • Bladesman 2 • Recovery • Custom Fit • Regeneration • Dual Flurry 2 • Respite • Dual Savagery • Savage Strike • Fighting Stance • Wind Walker • Hack and Slash 2
Forsworn Briarheart	58	51	000442ef 000442f0 000442f1	623	250	195	• Augmented Flames 2 • Magic Resistance 2 • Bladesman 3 • Matching Set • Custom Fit • Recovery 2 • Dual Flurry 2 • Regeneration • Dual Savagery • Respite • Extra Damage 2.5 • Savage Strike • Fighting Stance • Wind Walker • Hack and Slash 3

"Forsworn Shaman" class Briarhearts carry a leveled dagger and an assortment of potions, soul gems, ingredients, and a leveled Destruction staff.

Note that the level 16 Briarhearts on the following table have the same amount of magicka as those of the same level in the table above; this seems to be due to the fact that these Briarhearts use the regular "Forsworn" class rather than the "Forsworn Shaman" class (most likely in error).

Name	PC Level	NPC Level	IDs			Sta.	Spells	Perks
Forsworn Briarheart	1-23	7	000442d4 000442d5 000ad7bb	104	86	50	• Conjure Flame Atronach • Flames • Healing • Lesser Ward	None
Forsworn Briarheart	24	16	000442da 000442db 000ad7ba	235	110	50	• Conjure Flame Atronach • Firebolt • Flames • Healing • Lesser Ward	• Atromancy • Magic Resistance • Augmented Flames • Recovery • Destruction Dual Casting • Regeneration • Impact
Forsworn Briarheart	34	27	000442e0 000442e1 000ad7bc	434	306	50	• Conjure Frost Atronach • Ice Storm • Fast Healing • Steadfast Ward • Ice Spike • Stoneflesh	• Atromancy • Magic Resistance • Augmented Frost 2 • Recovery 2 • Custom Fit • Regeneration • Destruction Dual Casting • Respite • Impact
Forsworn Briarheart	46	38	000442e6 000442e7	533	272	50	• Conjure Frost Atronach • Icy Spear • Frost Cloak • Steadfast Ward • Ice Spike • Stoneflesh • Ice Storm	• Atromancy • Magic Resistance • Augmented Frost 2 • Recovery 2 • Custom Fit • Regeneration • Deep Freeze • Respite • Destruction Dual Casting • Ward Absorb • Impact
Forsworn Briarheart	58	51	000442ec 000442ed 000ad7c1	620	350	50	• Chain Lightning • Ironflesh • Close Wounds • Lightning Bolt • Conjure Storm Atronach • Lightning Cloak • Expel Daedra • Thunderbolt • Greater Ward	• Atromancy • Impact • Augmented Shock 2 • Magic Resistance 2 • Custom Fit • Regeneration • Destruction Dual Casting • Ward Absorb • Elemental Potency

Forsworn Agents

Not all Forsworn traipse about in the wilderness dressed in tribal garb. A large number walk among the general population of Markarth and are indistinguishable from normal citizens. From there they are able to keep tabs on the goings-on in the city and strike terror directly into the heart of the Nord populace. While they are effectively imprisoned there, the Forsworn also control the Cidhna Mine. The mine is the heart of their leadership structure and a pivotal force in recruiting members to their cause.

Member	Location	Description
Borkul the Beast	Cidhna Mine	An Orc prisoner and Madanach's personal protector.
Braig	Cidhna Mine	A prisoner that allied himself with the Forsworn.
Donnel	The Treasury House	A Forsworn agent employed as a servant by the Silver-Blood family.
Dryston	The Warrens	A Forsworn agent acting under Nepos.
Duach	Cidhna Mine	An imprisoned Forsworn.
Kaie	Markarth Ruins	A Forsworn that is instrumental in the plot to free Madanach.
Madanach	Cidhna Mine	The imprisoned Forsworn leader known as the King in Rags.
Morven	Nepos's House	A Forsworn agent that guards Nepos.
Nana Ildene	The Treasury House	A Forsworn agent employed as a servant by the Silver-Blood family.
Nepos the Nose	Nepos's House	A Forsworn steward serving directly under Madanach.
Odvan	Cidhna Mine	A Breton prisoner that allied himself with the Forsworn.
Tynan	Nepos's House	A Forsworn agent that guards Nepos.
Uaile	Nepos's House	A Forsworn agent that guards Nepos.
Uraccen	Cidhna Mine	An imprisoned Forsworn. His daughter is Uaile.
Weylin	The Warrens	A Forsworn agent that attacks Margret when you first enter Markarth.

Forsworn Matriarchs

Most of the Forsworn Matriarchs are generic hagravens, but not all hagravens are Forsworn matriarchs. Matriarchs typically make their nests within the safety of a Forsworn redoubt and may retain hags and witches in their service. There are a few named matriarchs:

A hagraven matriarch

Name	Location	Description
Drascua	Dead Crone Rock	Matriarch of Hag's Rock and a Keeper of the Razor.
Melka	Blind Cliff Bastion	Feuding with Petra. Will ally with you during The Affairs of Hagravens.
Petra	Blind Cliff Bastion	Feuding with Melka whom she has imprisoned.

Occupied Areas

Throughout all of the Reach, a majority of the marked areas are controlled by the Forsworn. Caves, forts, and Nordic ruins are easily fortified as redoubts. Within these makeshift forts, the Forsworn make sprawling camps that protect their matriarchs' nests.

Place	Type	Description
Bleakwind Bluff	Nordic Tower	An isolated tower that is home to a matriarch and a small band of Forsworn.
Blind Cliff Cave	Cave	A large cave and fort system that is home to the feuding matriarchs Melka and Petra.
Broken Tower Redoubt	Military Fort	A medium-sized fort built into a cliffside that is used as a prison.
Bruca's Leap Redoubt	Cave	A small cave used as a ritual site for creating Briarhearts.
Cidhna Mine	Mine	Markarth's prison and secret base of operations for the King in Rags.
Cradle Stone Tower	Nordic Tower	The nest of the matriarchs for the Lost Valley forces.
Dead Crone Rock	Nordic Tower	The nest of matriarch Drascua.
Deepwood Redoubt	Nordic Ruin	A large redoubt built into a barrow used to protect the Deepwood Vale.
Deepwood Vale	Campsite	A sprawling campsite serving under the matriarch at Hag's End.
Dragon Bridge Overlook	Campsite	A small scouting camp overlooking the pivotal Dragon Bridge.
Druadach Redoubt	Campsite	A cave and campsite set up as a village and base of operations for Forsworn leaders.
Fort Sungard	Military Fort	A large strategic fort located near Whiterun and Falkreath Holds.
Hag's End	Nordic Ruin	The nest of the matriarch for the Deepwood Vale forces.
Hag Rock Redoubt	Nordic Ruin	A redoubt used to protect the matriarch Drascua at Dead Crone Rock.
Karthspire	Campsite	An ancient area that hides the way to Sky Haven Temple.
Karthspire Camp	Campsite	A fortress that sits across the Karth River.
Kolskeggr Mine	Mine	A gold mine invaded by Forsworn forces.
Lost Valley Redoubt	Nordic Ruin	A massive fort system that is home to several matriarchs.
Rebel's Cairn	Nordic Ruin	The ancient burial tomb of the Forsworn folk hero Red Eagle.
Red Eagle Ascent	Cave	A small pass that protects Red Eagle Redoubt from the south.
Red Eagle Redoubt	Campsite	A sprawling camp and ritual site for the Red Eagle's Rite.
Serpent's Bluff Redoubt	Campsite	A small camp west of Rorikstead.
Sundered Towers	Nordic Tower	Ruined towers that protect Red Eagle Redoubt from the north.

Forsworn Equipment

More information about Forsworn weapons and armor can be found at Specialty Gear.

In addition to these generic items, there are also a few unique Forsworn items that can be found in Skyrim.

Name	Type	Notes
Armor of the Old Gods	Light Armor	Reward for siding with the Forsworn in No One Escapes Cidhna Mine
Bloodthorn	Dagger	Found on top of Hag's End
Boots of the Old Gods	Light Boots	Reward for siding with the Forsworn in No One Escapes Cidhna Mine
Briarheart Geis	One-handed Axe	Not available normally in the game*
Eye of Melka	Staff	Reward for The Affairs of Hagravens
Gauntlets of the Old Gods	Light Gauntlets	Reward for siding with the Forsworn in No One Escapes Cidhna Mine
Helmet of the Old Gods	Light Helmet	Reward for siding with the Forsworn in No One Escapes Cidhna Mine
Predator's Grace	Light Boots	Hidden in Deepwood Vale
Reachmen Map	Activated Item	Found in Druadach Redoubt Cave, reveals Forsworn encampments
Red Eagle's Bane	One-handed Sword	Reward for Find Red Eagle's sword
Red Eagle's Fury	One-handed Sword	The initial version of Red Eagle's Bane

*Item can be obtained through the console command player.additem 000ae087 1.

Related Quests

Major quests revealing important lore about the Forsworn include:

• The Affairs of Hagravens: After discovering an imprisoned hagraven, you must help her reclaim her lost tower.
• Find Red Eagle's sword: Find Red Eagle's sword.
• The Forsworn Conspiracy: Investigate a murder in Markarth to discover a sinister plot surrounding the Forsworn.
• No One Escapes Cidhna Mine: Escape from Cidhna Mine!

Other Forsworn Quests

Quests and favors that merely involve the Forsworn or going into Forsworn controlled areas include:

• Alduin's Wall: Locate the prophecy within Sky Haven Temple.
• Bounty: Forsworn: Kill a Forsworn leader for a bounty reward. (radiant)
• Briarheart Necropsy^DB: Examine a Briarheart for Neloth.
• Dungeon Delving: Do a favor for Igmund, the Jarl of Markarth, by retrieving a shield. (radiant)
• The Ghost of Old Hroldan: Put an ancient ghost to rest. (radiant)
• The Heart of Dibella: Find a new Sybil for the Temple of Dibella.
• The House of Horrors: Help Molag Bal take revenge upon a servant of Boethiah. (radiant)
• Kill the Forsworn Leader: Do a favor for Jarl Igmund by killing a Forsworn leader. (radiant)
• Kolskeggr Mine: Clear the Forsworn from Kolskeggr Mine.
• Lisbet's Missing Shipment: Retrieve a missing Dibella Statue for a struggling store. (radiant)
• Locate the Assassin of Old: Find the Dark Brotherhood Assassin.
• No Stone Unturned: Find the 24 gems to restore the Crown of Barenziah.
• Pieces of the Past: Retrieve the scattered pieces of Mehrunes' Razor and reforge this deadly blade.
• Repairing the Phial: Acquire the materials necessary to repair the White Phial.

World Interactions

• Forsworn Attacking Merchant
• Forsworn Attacking Soldiers, Imperial
• Orcs Fighting Forsworn

Dialogue

Combat

• "Come. Come and face the Forsworn..."
• "First you... then all of the Reach!"
• "For the Reach!"
• "The Forsworn will reclaim what is rightfully ours!"
• "Forsworn forever!"

Miscellaneous

A Forsworn warrior who has discovered a corpse may say:

• "Kill one of us, and three more will take their place. The Forsworn are unstoppable."

Bugs

• A group of Forsworn spawn near Dragontooth Crater. These Forsworn are not hostile and when they die they will say a greeting.

See Also

For more information on Forsworn in the Elder Scrolls universe, see the lore article.

Books

• The Bear of Markarth by Arrianus Arius, Imperial Scholar — An account of Ulfric Stormcloak's short-lived independent reign over the Reach
• Forsworn Missive — A biting letter between two Forsworn members
• Forsworn Note — An oath of readiness to a Forsworn Matriarch
• Forsworn Note — An urging to hasten the taking of Fort Sungard
• Herbane's Bestiary: Hagravens by Herbane — A guide to Hagravens
• The Legend of Red Eagle by Tredayn Dren — An ancient tale about the invasion of the Reach by the First Empire
• The "Madmen" of the Reach by Arrianus Arius, Imperial Scholar — A defense of the Forsworn
• Nepos's Journal by Nepos the Nose — The regretful musings of an elderly Forsworn agent
• Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition: High Rock by Imperial Geographical Society
• Red Eagle's Rite — A rite to raise the legendary Red Eagle from death
• Thonar's Journal by Thonar Silver-Blood — Revelations that Thonar Silver-Blood is having secret dealings with the Forsworn
• Weylin's Note by N — A mysterious letter signalling Weylin to kill Margret