Online:Skordo the Knife

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Skordo the Knife
Location Shornhelm, Northpoint, Stirk, Tower of Lies, Western PlainsDragonhold
Race Orc Gender Male
Health 39959
Reaction Friendly
Other Information
Faction(s) Fighters Guild
Skordo the Knife

Skordo the Knife is an Orc Shornhelm guard, who was imprisoned beneath the Montclair Manor in Shornhelm. Afterwards, he becomes the bodyguard of Baron Alard Dorell as he travels through Rivenspire and he helps House Dorell retake Northpoint.

After the destruction of the Lightless Remnant, Skordo decides to join the Fighters Guild and later participates in the invasion of Coldharbour. However, like everyone else who entered the Daedric realm, he was scattered across Coldharbour and found himself imprisoned in the Tower of Lies. Once he is freed he takes part in the final assault at The Endless Stair and ultimately survives.

He can later be found in Wrothgar, acting as the bodyguard to the Daggerfall ambassador Lady Sovelle. Skordo also travels to Southern Elsweyr and gets caught up in some business. In between his work, he found the time to write and publish the Adventurer's Almanac, full of advice for prospective adventurers and a Second and Third Edition when the first one became popular.

Related Quests[edit]

Quest-Related Events[edit]

Rivenspire[edit]

Shornhelm Divided[edit]

You will first come across a caged Skordo beneath the barracks in Shornhelm:

Skordo the Knife: "Hey, you there. A little help here. Damned Montclair bastards caught me snooping around."

You can then approach the cage to see what the Orc wants.

"If you unlock this cage, I'll be your best friend for life."
What are you doing inside that cage?
"I needed some quiet time. What do you think I'm doing in here? I went and got myself captured! I'm one of the Shornhelm Guard.
Look, let me out of this cell and I can help you."
Why should I trust you?
"Good question. You shouldn't. But that doesn't mean we're not on the same side. I bet they sent you to find information about Montclair.
Open the cell and I'll tell you what I know."
I'll open the cell.

Before you open the cell, speak to him again:

"I signed on with the Shornhelm Guard because Baron Dorell is a man of action. He's someone who gets things done."

After you have freed Skordo, he will mention something he saw while imprisoned. This counts as evidence.

Skordo the Knife: "I hate being caged. Makes me all ... itchy. Anyway, Orlozag shoved a letter in that chest over there. It explains a lot."
Skordo the Knife: "I appreciate the help. You're all right in my book. Now I need to report back to Baron Dorell."

Once you have dealt with the things in the Fevered Mews, Skordo can be met outside while he's looking for you.

"I was just about to go in after you. Thought maybe you were stuck in a cage or something."
The upper city has been retaken?
"Bunch of whiners, Montclair's troops. The moment we really pushed back, they broke off and demanded we accept their surrender.
Dorell wants to execute the lot of them, but the Countess wants to consult with the High King. Too soft-hearted, she is."
Why were you looking for me?
"Wanted to let you know that High King Emeric has arrived. He's in Shornhelm Castle with the Baron and the Countess.
Me? I think I might leave when this is all over. Join the Fighters Guild. See the world. I certainly could use the change."

Northpoint in Peril[edit]

Skordo in Northpoint

If you choose to start the quest from him, speaking to him:

"Well, kick an Elf and call me sunshine! I know you! From Shornhelm! Am I glad to see you!
I was the Orc. In the cage. Not my shining moment, but it's not like I'm a noble or anything. No matter. I'm just glad you're here."
What are you doing out here and dressed like that?
"It's a disguise! Don't you like it?
We're trying to sneak into Northpoint. Find out why the Montclairs sealed the city. I'm not usually good at sneaking, but Countess Tamrith and Darien helped us get this far."
Where is Darien?
"No idea. He went to scout around and hasn't come back yet. Maybe you could go find him.
We did learn that they're using soldiers to keep people away from Northpoint. Only the officers seem to know what's going on inside, though."
I'll see if I can find Darien.

Speaking to him again:

"We'll finish patching up these farmers and then send them south, toward Fell's Run, at the first opportunity.
Meanwhile, go find Darien. And if he's lollygagging with some lonely farm girl instead of working, punch him in the head for me."

Otherwise if you started the quest through Verandis or Baron Dorell and when you walk in on him:

Skordo the Knife: "You walked into the wrong farm house, Montclair!"

Speak with him:

"Well, kiss a troll and call me pumpkin! I know you! From Shornhelm! Did Baron Dorell send you?
I was the Orc. In the cage. Not my shining moment, but it's not like I'm a noble or anything. No matter. I'm just glad you're here."
Why are you dressed as a Montclair soldier?
"It's a disguise! What's wrong? Don't you like it? Is my helmet on crooked or something?
We're going to sneak into Northpoint. Not usually my approach, but Countess Tamrith and Darien helped us get this far."
Where is Darien?
"No idea. He went to scout around and hasn't come back yet.
So far, we've learned that the patrols outside the city consist of untrained fighters with orders to keep people away. Only the officers seem to know what's going on inside."
Have you found a way to get inside yet?
"I suggested busting a hole in the wall, but the Countess decided we should save that as a last resort.
Darien went out to search while we took care of the farmers. They came to us for help, and you know how the Countess feels about refugees ...."

After getting the key from Captain Lagra, Gwendis will lead you to the group. Speak to Skordo and he'll say:

"We slipped the farmers out and sent them south with a few soldiers. Now I'm ready to break a few Montclair heads!"

The Liberation of Northpoint[edit]

"So it's just us mortals from here on in? That's fine with me. I don't mind admitting that the idea of friendly vampires kind of creeps me out."
Gwendis said you have a plan?
"Northpoint was my home for the last few years, so I know the place pretty well. Never snuck in through a smuggler's tunnel, though. That's going to be a new experience.
Just remember that we're part of House Montclair and things should go fine."
Maintain our disguise. Right. What else?
"We sneak in slowly, one at a tome. Wandering around as a group would just be inviting trouble.
The tunnel is supposed to lead through the lighthouse. We need to get inside and find a place we can use to get the lay of the land."
All right. Let's go enter the smuggler's tunnel.

Speaking to him again:

"Remember. Move slowly and enter the tunnel one at a time. If we raise any alarms, this mission will be over before it's begun.
Go on. We'll follow right behind you."

Once you're through the smuggler's tunnel, Skordo will catch up to you"

Skordo the Knife: "Hold on. I'm coming with you."
"The others are going to give us a little time to find a safe location to use as a base. No point in all of us getting captured together."

House-Hunting for a good base of operations:

Skordo the Knife: "Let's check the buildings. There has to be one we can use as a safe location."
Skordo the Knife: "Innkeep Balik lived here. I hope he isn't one of these bloodfiends. Anyway, this place is too small for our needs. Let's keep looking."

After finding that Chirane Manor is a suitable place to set up camp in:

Skordo the Knife: "This should do nicely. Let's make sure it's clear."
"Go on. Go find the rest of our assault team. I'll have this place all cozy like in no time!"
How will the others know where to gather?
"Because you're going to go back out there and let them know where we are. And see if you can figure out where Lleraya is hiding while you're at it.
I'll get the place settled and make sure we don't attract any unwanted visitors."
I'll head out and gather the others.
"Watch your arse out there. I mean, did you see all the vampires and bloodfiends?
Well, you better hurry. We don't want to leave His Lordship and Her Ladyship alone out there too long. It isn't safe."

If you speak to him again, he'll only say:

"You know what I hate more than a nasty bloodfiend? Two nasty bloodfiends!"

Once you've gathered your party, return to Chirane Manor and Skordo and the baron will be discussing the situation:

Skordo the Knife: "Lleraya has been here all along? And your son didn't do a damn thing about it?"
Baron Dorell: "According to Ellic's journal, yes. He seems to have been infatuated with the woman. Didn't even get alarmed when she's started turning people into bloodfiends."
Skordo the Knife: "More bloodfiends? I hate this. Just give me something to hit already! But it does sound like your son betrayed Northpoint, Baron."
Gwendis: "It's the remnant. It put Ellic under her spell. I'm surprised he was even able to write in his journal. Maybe that was his way of warning us."

Speak to him and he'll tell you:

"The Baron was just filling us in on what was written in his son's journal. Spell or no, Ellic has a lot to answer for.
If he's even still alive."
So now that we have a safe house and an assault team, what's next?
"First, we need to find out if anyone survived Lleraya's private party. The Countess heard noises coming from the inn. It's not much to go on, but at least it's a place to start looking."
What do you think we'll find in the inn?
"Part of me wants to find Lleraya in there. Then we can put a blade through her and be done with this business. But I really hope the townsfolk have crowded in there and barricaded the doors.
Either way, we need to get in there and see."
Darien said the innkeeper gave him a key.
"So Darien accomplished something useful after all? Go upstairs and get that key!
Funny thing. Darien was scratched and battered. Claimed the bloodfiends bit him. But the Countess didn't find a single bite mark on him. Guess he was mistaken."

Speaking to him again:

"Go upstairs and get the inn key from Darien. Then we can find out what's locked in there and making all that racket."

After getting the key, you can speak to him before heading out:

"Remember, if you find Lleraya, don't talk to her. Don't try to reason with her. Just kill her before she can seduce you with her vampiric wiles.
And if you find any survivors, send them back here where we can protect them."

Defeat Lady Lleraya Montclair at Dorell Manor and Baron Alard Dorell will sentence his son, Lord Ellic Dorell. Skordo will not be pleased with the father's leniency:

"If you ask me, the Baron was too easy on his son. People died. On his watch. Blatant incompetence at its finest."

If you speak with him after deciding what should happen to Ellic but before actually finishing the quest, he will say:

"You should talk to the Baron. I'm ready to go hit something, but he's been waiting to talk to you before he gives us any orders."

After the quest:

"So Montclair is at the Doomcrag? Perfect. I always wanted to assault a haunted pinnacle high in the mountains."

Puzzle of the Pass[edit]

Once you reach the pass, you'll find the Countess Tamrith arguing with Baron Dorell on the route to take. Take the path through the ruins and you'll find Skordo inside:

"Are the nobles still bickering? Or discussing strategy, as they like to say? Gives me a headache.
I needed to do something, so I decided to look around in here. Seems to be something up ahead, past the angry skeletons."

When you advance further, he will join in to help you battle the skeletons:

Skordo the Knife: "Time to kick some skeletal arse!"

As you encroach further in the ruins he'll holler:

Skordo the Knife: "This was just what I needed! You go on ahead. I'll wait here and make sure the way stays clear."

Speaking to him again when he returns back to the entrance:

"Have to say, a little violence and mayhem always clears my head. It's exhilirating!"

Later you can come across Skordo again:

"I should probably be more frightened, what with fighting vampires and dodging blood curses and all. But damn if I'm not having fun!"
You don't seem too worried about what's going to happen.
"Once the fighting starts, there's no time to second guess. You move forward, follow orders—at least the reasonable ones—and kill the enemy. Simple as pie!
And when it's all over, you drink up and tell tall tales about what you did."

The Lightless Remnant[edit]

"I didn't fight my way up here just to wiggle my toes in front of a fire. There's killing to do!
If Verandis tells me to wait here one more time, I may just have to stab him."
At least you made it this far.
"Right. I made it all the way to a cozy camp where we sit around and make nice while Verandis contemplates his navel. Oh, what joy.
Where I really want to be is next to Montclair with my hands around his neck."

Darien and Skordo come running up the mountain after you save Gwendis and the nobles:

Darien Gautier: "What's going on in here? Is the Countess all right?"
Skordo the Knife: "Damn it, Darien! Slow down! Wait for me, you long-legged bastard!"

Speaking with Skordo here:

"Look at this! We leave you alone for a bit and look what happens. The Countess, the Baron, even the little vampire—down and out for the count!
Well, we're here now. So what are you waiting for? Go and kick Montclair's arse!"

Speaking to Skordo before speaking with Darien after Verandis sacrifices himself to save Rivenspire:

"I thought for sure that dropping a mountain on top of you would turn you into a fine paste. Not sure how you got out of there, but I'm glad I was wrong."

The Crown of Shornhelm[edit]

After all the excitement of the Doomcrag, Skordo can be found relaxing with Darien in Shornhelm Castle.

"We need to give you a nickname. Something like "The Knife."
Hmm. How about "The Doomsmasher?" That sounds a little dark, I guess. I'll think about it."
Are you going to stick around now that all this is over?
"Nah. I'm not cut out to be a city guard. I think I'll go check out the Fighters Guild. I hear they're always looking for someone of my caliber."

Stirk[edit]

He can be found with Vikord Skullcleaver and Darien Gautier in the Fighters Guild camp on Stirk. If you met him before in Rivenspire he will recognize you and thank you for helping him.

"I remember you! I probably wouldn't be standing here today if it weren't for your help. Thanks!"

Otherwise he will say:

"Guard duty on a tropical island? Sure, why not?"

While waiting for the portal to Coldharbour to open, Skordo will be eager to fight:

"I don't know about you, but I'm ready to break a few Daedric necks."

Coldharbour[edit]

Truth, Lies, and Prisoners[edit]

Skordo in the Tower of Lies

Skordo can be found on the bottom level of the Tower of Lies, near the water.

"Did you really just leap down into this slime pit?
You're either remarkably brave or really stupid. My guess? A little of both."
Gwilir sent me to help.
"Of course he did, the skinny weakling! If it wasn't for him, we wouldn't be in this mess.
A Dremora mage runs the place. Clouds minds, breaks wills. I can't get my soldiers organized!"
So how can I help?
"The fat-bastard ogrims dragged away my friends. We joined the Guild together. It ain't right, them getting tortured by ogrims.
You rescue Sinfray [sic], Borgath, and Vikord. I'll find Overseer Aruz and then you and me can deal with him, permanently."

You can ask him a few questions before continuing.

I have a few more questions.
"Of course you do. Just make it quick."
What do they make you do down here?
"Me? Not much. No one pushes Skordo around.
But the others? They chip away at rocks until they drop and get tormented by ogrims. Some even have their souls yanked out. Turns them into empty husks. I wouldn't wish that fate on an Elf!"
Why haven't you tried to escape?
"We tried, but … well, this place is strange. Most of us just gave up, lost our will to resist. It doesn't affect everyone the same way, but it does make it hard to organize.
Maybe if you shake things up a bit we can snap out of this. Maybe."
Are all these prisoners from the Fighters Guild?
"What do I look like? The social committee?
There's a bunch of prisoners down here, from all over the place. There's even a Dremora. Probably pissed off Molag Bal. But I don't really know and I don't really care."
A Dremora? Is she a prisoner?
"Well, she isn't a guard. But if she's a prisoner, the ogrims certainly don't give her any grief.
To tell the truth, I'm curious about her myself. I've noticed she's been watching you since you dropped in on this little party."
Anything else you can tell me about this place?
"It's a prison pit. Ifriz the Unraveler runs the place. He loves the sound of his own voice.
They split us up. Some of us are down here. But our captains, Eilram and Arakh, they're upstairs. A locked passage keeps us apart."
How did a tough guy like you get captured?
"Wasn't just me. A whole group of us got caught by the Daedra. We teleported into Coldharbour to take the fight to Molag Bal, but that didn't work out so good.
We're down here, our captains are upstairs, and we're all up to our necks in ogrim dung!"

If you speak to him again after exiting the conversation, he'll say:

"Rescue my friends from the ogrims and then we'll deal with the Overseer."

Once you have found and rescued his friends, you can find him waiting for you outside Overseer Aruz's chamber.

Skordo fights Overseer Aruz
"How did it go? Are my companions safe?"
Borgath didn't make it, but I set Sinfay and Vikord free.
"Damn. Borgath was a good soldier. And a good friend. Thanks for helping the others, though.
I've been watching for Overseer Aruz, but he hasn't come out of his chambers yet. We need to get his key."
Why do we need the Overseer's key?
"The key opens the passage to the next level. That's where they took Captain Eilram and Captain Arakh. If there's a way out of this ogrim dung pit, it's up there.
Once you get the key, you need to head upstairs and find Captain Eilram."
Let's go deal with Overseer Aruz and get that key.

Once inside the chamber, Skordo will rush at the overseer, wielding his mace.

Skordo the Knife: "Hey, Aruz! I owe you one! For Borgath!"

When Aruz is dead, Skordo will point out the location of the key before running off:

Skordo the Knife: "Grab the key. It's in that chest over there. I'll go check on the others. Meet me by the passage door."

Skordo can be met on the opposite side of the bottom level along with Sinfay and Vikord. He will tell you to head on through the passage but you can ask him questions before you leave.

"Find the captains and find out what's going on up there. The passage is right behind me. We'll catch up with you as soon as we can."
I've got the key. What's the plan?
"The plan is to get you to the second level so you can find out what's going on up there. I refuse to believe the captains just gave up on us.
We'll get some weapons, rally the troops, and follow you shortly."
Who should I look for when I get up there?
"Find Captain Eilram. I know him. He's a good man. This place must have him confused. Or something worse has happened to him. Either way, we need to know."
Any idea what causes the confusion?
"I'm not big on speculating, but I'm certain that blackheart Ifriz has something to do with it. Be careful around that one.
Oh, and one more thing. If you see Gwilir again, kill him for me."
What did Gwilir do to deserve that?
"It's his damned fault we ended up down here! He blundered into a Dremora patrol during a scouting mission. Led them right to us! That imbecile couldn't scout his way out of an empty crate.
But we really need to find the captains now."
I'll head up to the next level. (Ends Conversation)

If you enter the Liar's Passage, exit it before speaking to the captain, then talk to Skordo, he says:

"Find out what's happening up above yet?"

After finding Captain Eilram and retrieving his sword, you will head over to Captain Arakh's camp, where Skordo and his friends have joined up with some of the other survivors. He will comment on Arakh's current mental state.

"This place sure got to Captain Arakh. I've never seen anyone so paranoid before."

Once you have found Captain Arakh's helmet, when you return he will urge you to hand it over to her quickly.

"Is that Captain Arakh's helmet? Well, return it to her already! She's about to rush us!"

If you speak to him after Lyranth appears, he will say:

"I knew that Dremora was going to be interesting."

Once he hears her proposal he will comment on her relative trustworthiness.

"I appreciate it when a beautiful monster needs something. That usually means you can trust her.
At least for a while, anyway."

After you kill Ifriz and dispel the wards barring the portal out of the Tower of Lies, you can meet Skordo on the road near the entrance to the Hollow City.

"You helped us get out of that terrible place. I won't forget that."
I'm glad you survived the Tower of Lies.
"You could've just taken care of your own business in there and left us to our fate. But you didn't.
I owe you. If that strange city over there has a tavern, the first drink's on me. And … thanks."

When you have completed the quest, Gwilir will run up to Skordo, relieved that his comrades were rescued. However, Skordo is none-too-pleased with him.

Gwilir: "Skordo, you're free! By Y'ffre, you don't know how relieved I am to see you."
Skordo the Knife: "Gwilir! If you had half a brain in your head, you'd run and hide."
Gwilir: "I'm really sorry, Skordo! I didn't mean to cause so much trouble!"
Skordo the Knife: "You led an army of Daedra right toward us! You ignorant, scatterbrained, sorry excuse for a Wood Elf, weakling!"
Gwilir: "I'll never do anything like that again! I promise!"
<Gwilir runs off towards the city.>
Skordo the Knife: "Thanks again for your help. Now excuse me while I go find that good-for-nothing Wood Elf and introduce his backside to my very large boot."
<Skordo walks up the road to the city gates.>

The Fighters Guildhall[edit]

After he is rescued, Skordo can be found outside the Fighters Guildhall in the Hollow City.

"Kill any ogrim lately? Wouldn't mind bashing a few of their thick skulls myself."

The Chapel of Light[edit]

Skordo will be one of the Fighters Guild members to attend the War Council held in the Chapel of Light, he just wants to get to work.

"Let's make this quick. There're monsters out there that need killing."

The Reaver Citadel[edit]

If you had rescued Skordo from the Tower of Lies, he'll appear on the bridge with Vanus and King Dynar. At Vanus Galerion's request, Skordo is keeping an eye on the Dremora who was talking to him previously.

"That pompous mage told me to keep an eye on her, and that's just what I'm doing. But I have the distinct feeling that I amuse her.
I'm not sure how I feel about that."
Have you noticed anything unusual?
"We left the province of usual a long time ago. But that Dremora's got something planned, that's for sure.
If I had to guess, I'd say it has something to do with vengeance. In my experience, it always has something to do with vengeance."
Vengeance? Against us, do you think?
"Well, I wouldn't trust her as far as I could throw her, but I don't think that has anything to do with us. At least not directly.
My gut says she won't stab us in the back. She's definitely a look-you-in-the-eyes kind of stabber. I can admire that."

After Lyranth has given you some information about getting into to the Citadel, Skordo will run back to tell the fighters.

"I'll let the others know that you've got a way in!"

If you did not rescue Skordo, Zosh will be there for this quest in his stead.

The Final Assault[edit]

You can meet Skordo again at the portal to the Labyrinth after you have secured the Citadel and obtained the Labyrinth Key.

"Win or lose, it's been an honor to fight alongside you.
That said, let's do our best to win this thing, all right? I'm not sincere very often, and I'd hate to have wasted it just before I die in battle."

Skordo is one of the people you can choose to accompany you during the initial assault.

"Let's tear this coward apart! Let's make Molag Bal wish he had never been born!
Wait a minute. Are Daedric Princes born? It doesn't matter! He'll wish something when we're done with him!"
Are you ready for the assault?
"I'm as ready as I'm going to get. This just makes me so angry! Why in Mauloch's name would somebody want to steal an entire world? It makes no sense!
Now look what you did. I'm just furious and I need something to hit."
I want you to accompany me on the initial assault.
"That's what I wanted to hear! I figure, the closer I am to you, the more things I get to hit.
Let's go crack some skulls and show them that nobody can steal our world!"
Let me talk to the others before I make my decision.

(Leaves Conversation)

After you listen to King Dynar's speech, you can enter the outskirts of the Endless Stair. Skordo will notice the portal in the distance.

Skordo the Knife: "That giant portal up ahead is the thing we need to smash? Hopefully this won't be too easy."

When you fight off the first ambush:

Skordo the Knife: "These creatures the Prince throws at us are nothing!"
Skordo versus Guardian of the Gate. (Assisted by Vampires)

The second ambush:

Skordo the Knife: "We must be getting close and that must be making them nervous. Why else throw all these monsters at us?"

When he notices the Guardian of the Gate:

Skordo the Knife: "Ah finally, a formidable foe!"

After you close the Reinforcement Portal:

Skordo the Knife: "With that portal closed, Molag Bal's reinforcements won't be able to overwhelm us. Now let's get to the Labyrinth."

Once you arrive at the entrance to the Labyrinth and Vanus teleports in, Skordo will head off to fight with the rest of then.

Skordo the Knife: "That was fun, but the main assault needs me now. Don't get yourself killed while I'm gone."

[verification needed — does he get more combat dialogue?]

You won't see him again in Coldharbour but his later appearance in Wrothgar suggests he survives the main assault.

Wrothgar[edit]

Where Loyalty Lies[edit]

Search the Pride of Northpoint for Lady Sovelle and you'll come across a very impatient Orc:

Skordo the Knife: "Anyone out there? Anyone that's not a Riekr, that is? I could use a hand!"
Skordo the Knife: "Whoever you are, can you move some of these damn crates? I'm stuck!"

Free the Orsimer and he'll be no more grateful:

Skordo the Knife: "Damn furniture tore up my sword arm. I'm practically useless!"
"Stupid ship started collapsing around me. Figured I was going to sink before I got out from under this mess."
Are you all right?
"Sure. I enjoy being crushed under rubble as I slowly sink into icy water.
What kind of question is that? And just who in Oblivion are you?"

If you have had the pleasure of Skordo's company in the past, you can say:

Very funny, Skordo. It's good to see you, too.
"I had a feeling I'd be seeing you again. You do have a habit of wandering into the most disastrous situations."

If you helped him in Coldharbour:

What happened to you after Coldharbour?
"Coldharbour. I'd prefer to forget about that dismal place. I lost a lot of good friends there. A lot. Poor Darien. Do you remember Darien? He was a good man.
Bah! Let's talk about something less depressing!"
We can catch up later. Lady Sovelle's husband sent me.

If you helped him in Rivenspire:

Is everything all right in Rivenspire? / What about Rivenspire? Is everything all right?
"How should I know? This may shock you, but I'm not much of a "keep in touch" person. Honestly, I picked up my rucksack and walked not long after you left.
Things probably settled down, but I doubt we got all the vampires. Creepy bastards."
We can catch up later. Lady Sovelle's husband sent me.

Or if you have never met before:

I'm here to help. Lady Sovelle's husband sent me.

Regardless of reminiscing, he'll continue:

"He did, did he? Last time I saw that spineless skeever, him and Coris the mage were walking away. They left me under here to die.
I heard them talking about the captain and the ambassador as they left."
Who's Coris the mage?
"He's one of Captain Henrisa's lackeys, a shifty-eyed mage who was always skulking around. Didn't like him.
Look, help me out. I don't think I can swing a sword right now, but I need to make sure the ambassador is all right."
What about the captain and the ambassador?
"Hard to believe, but not every Breton likes that High King Emeric made peace with the Orcs. They call us savages and they want Lady Sovelle's mission to fail.
Captain Henrisa wasn't shy about telling the ambassador just what she thought about Orcs."
Let's try to find Lady Sovelle.
<Ends conversation>

Speak to him before leaving and he'll say:

"Damn it! That rubble did something to my arm when it fell on me. I can't even swing a blade.
We need to find the ambassador. I want to make sure she's all right."

Read the Note to Captain Henrisa and he'll remark:

Skordo the Knife: "That note from Lord Ethian's father. It isn't proof that the captain's done anything to the ambassador, but it doesn't make me feel all warm and happy."

Outside the wreck, he'll say:

Skordo the Knife: "I won't be much use in a fight, so I'll follow you. I suggest checking out more of the wrecks. Or maybe she headed for that tower over there."

If he's with you while you're doing Of Sentimental Value, he'll say:

Skordo the Knife: Hey, go ahead and loot the wrecks. Don't mind me. I'm sure Lady Sovelle isn't in any immediate danger or anything.

While searching for Sovelle, you'll happen upon Ethian and Holbert:

"Why don't you talk to Lord Ethian. I make the little skeever nervous. More nervous, actually. He's always kind of twitchy."

After speaking to Ethian, he'll realize his wife is in the nearby signal tower and makes a bee-line for it.

Skordo the Knife: "Damn milksop is going to get himself killed. Go after him. I'm in no condition to keep anyone safe at the moment."
"Go after his lordship and make sure he doesn't get himself killed. That would upset the ambassador, though I don't know what she sees in the rat-faced milksop."

Speak to Ethian at the tower. When the two of you emerge, Holbert will be waiting with news of a possible location of Captain Henrisa and Lady Sovelle. Go to the location and you'll find Skordo waiting:

"See that cave? That's an old smuggler's hole. I'd bet my last gold piece that Captain Henrisa is in there. Maybe even the ambassador."
What's so special about that cave?
"Nothing, really. Just a gut feeling. I learned a long time ago not to ignore my gut in situations like this.
Besides, I saw one of Henrisa's lackeys sneak in there, trying to be all stealthy. I'm sure that's where Lady Sovelle is!"
Do you think Captain Henrisa can be reasoned with?
"Why would you want to reason with someone like that? Do you reason with an angry wamasu when it's trying to eat your face? No, you—
Oh, ogre dung! What's that fool Ethian up to now?"
I guess I better go and see.

As you get intel from Skordo, you'll notice Lord Ethian approaching the door. He'll call out the captain and she comes to his call. Henrisa strikes his lordship then runs back into the cave:

Lord Ethian: "She … she stabbed me!"
Lord Ethian: "I feel … a bit … faint …."
Skordo the Knife: "I did not see that coming. Go after Henrisa. I'll see what I can do for Lord Ethian."
Lord Ethian: "Maybe I … should … sit down …."
"Go on. The ambassador needs you. I'll do what I can for his lordship.
Funny, I never expected him to try to be a hero. Maybe he isn't a complete milksop after all."

Kill Henrisa, save Sovelle, and return:

"His lordship didn't make it. Damn. At least he tried to make things right in the end."

After speaking to Sovelle, she'll order Skordo to continue the diplomatic mission:

"I need to go. The ambassador wants me to run to Orsinium and let them know she's on her way.
They'll negotiate with her or they'll have me to answer to. I owe her that much after all this trouble."

Orsinium[edit]

Post quest, you can find him and Lady Sovelle at The Greedy Gut where Skordo has drink by the fire while Lady Sovelle does her paper work:

"I'm impressed with what the Orcs have accomplished here. Orsinium is an amazing city.
I just hope it doesn't get sacked again in ten years."
"This city is way too religious for my taste! Malacath this and Trinimac that! Who cares?
Eat, drink, and fight, I say, and leave religion in the temple with the priests and the frightened horkers that don't know any better."
"I like taverns. Some of my best memories were made in places just like this. I wonder if anyone plans to start a good, old-fashioned brawl?
I suppose that with all the Orcs around, chances are pretty good. I can't wait!"
"Lady Sovelle expects to be in Orsinium for a while, conducting the High King's business.
That's fine with me. I like exploring new places—as long as she keeps paying me a decent wage, that is."
"Lady Sovelle extended my contract. Yes, I'm here bodyguard, but she also asked me to provide an Orc's point of view while she conducts the High King's business.
No one's ever asked for my opinion before. I hope I have one when she calls upon me."
"It's kind of strange seeing so many Orcs around. I mean, I'm used to city Orcs, but these clan Orcs? They're a bit too intense, even for me."
"He might have been an impulsive child with half the sense Malacath gave the horker, but he tried to do right at the end.
Here's to Lord Ethian, the stupid little milksop."
Was Lady Sovelle's negotiations successful?
"Her work seems to be going well, but it's a long process. She has the patience of a stone statue! I don't know how she can stand dealing with all those rules and regulations.
Me? I'm taking a long break in this comfortable tavern."
How is Lady Sovelle dealing with her husband's death?
"She's thrown herself into her work and trying not to think about it, far as I can tell.
On the other hand, he was kind of a skeever, so how much could she really miss him, right?"
What do you think about this Orc nation?
"Good for them, I say. Me? I was born and raised among the Bretons, so to me, Wrothgar is a nice place to visit, but it isn't my home. I don't have a durzog in this dog race, if you know what I mean."
No desire to go live in an Orc stronghold?
"Me? In an Orc clan? Oh, that wouldn't work out well. I'm used to the finer things in life—like doing what I want and fighting because I want to and not because I have to.
Not that there's anything wrong with the clans, but it's not my mug of beer."

If you two have a past, you can reminisce:

Do you remember that time when we …?
"Ha! Yeah, that was a hoot and a half!
But enough with the reminiscing. It's time to make some new memories! And this land of Orcs and ice has plenty of adventure for both of us. I'm sure we'll run into each other again sometime."

Southern Elsweyr[edit]

Skordo in Southern Elsweyr

The Deadliest Prey[edit]

While walking up the hill near Ri'Atahrashi's Training Ground, you'll hear Skordo yell out to you.

Skordo the Knife: "Hey! Over here! Could use a little help."

You can then see what he wants, his greeting to you will depend on whether you have met before:

If you've met before:
If this is the first time:
"Hey! Look who it is! Long time no see, pal.
I'd love to catch up and swap war stories, but these damned ropes really … knock the wind out of the reunion, you know? You want to give me a hand?"
"Damned ropes! You want to give me a hand here? I'm not going to bite you or anything. Orc's honor."
What happened here?
"A Dragon punted that wagon like a vosh ball. With me inside.
There were two others in there with me. I think the kidnappers dragged them out. Tough to remember. I banged my head pretty good. My skull's thick, but it ain't that thick, you know?"
Wait, kidnappers?
"Yeah. Real charmers.
They planned to put us in some kind of exhibition. The kind you don't walk away from, I wager. I'm not going to miss that cart, but the other prisoners, Tajahir and Marekki, are good folk. I mean to rescue them. Want to help?"
All right, I'll help you rescue your friends, Tajahir and Marekki.

He'll ask you to untie him.

Skordo the Knife: "Just get the ropes off. Can't feel my hands."

After untying him, he proceeds to look for his armor.

Skordo the Knife: "That's better. Now, where did those tuskless runts slow my armor?"
Skordo the Knife: "Ah, here is it. Now let's have a look around. Need to find out where those bastards ran off to."

Speaking with him again:

"Ah, that's better. Swore off fighting shirtless years ago. Almost losing a nipple … it gives you some perspective, you know? Story for another time.
Let's have a look around, eh? Hopefully we can get a sense of where those kidnappers took my pals."
How did you get kidnapped anyway?
"Embarrassing, I know.
I'd spin you a yarn, but you know I'm no good at lying. I got baited into a brawl in Anvil. Somebody called me "Skordo the Soup Spoon." Can you imagine? I let a lot of insults roll off, but poking fun at my name? No way."
So, you lost the fight?
"If you call getting hit on the neck with a sack full of coins while your back is turned losing, sure.
I woke up an hour later tied up in the cart. The kidnappers tossed Tajahir and Marekki in with me a couple days later."

If you haven't completed the Summerset questline:

I bet Darien would get a real kick out of that story.
"Yeah, yeah, I bet a lot of people would. But they're never going to hear about it because you're going to keep this little anecdote to yourself, right? I got a reputation to protect here. Ha!"

If you've completed the Summerset questline:

I bet Darien would get a real kick out of that story.
"Yeah, I bet a lot of people would. But they're never going to hear about it because you're going to keep this little anecdote to yourself, right? I got a reputation to protect here.
I heard about what happened in Summerset. I really miss that guy."
Me too.
"Ugh. But enough about that. We were busy talking about funny stuff like getting captured and thrown in a wagon."
Did you ever try to escape?
"Oh, I would've. Trust me. Couldn't wait to bust loose and beat the tar out of those runts! But once they put Tajahir and Marekki in there with me I had to take it easy. Neither one can swing a sword. If a fight broke out? Wouldn't have been pretty."
What can you tell me about your friends, Tajahir and Marekki?
"Good folks. Definitely don't deserve all this, I can tell you that.
Marekki's a mouthy one. Walks around on all fours, licks her paws, and everything. She says she's an Alfiq. Never seen a Khajiit like that before, but nothing surprises me anymore."
And Tajahir?
"Just a kid, really. Scrawny as a sapling, but sharp as a razor. He's the one that figured out what the kidnappers had planned for us. Well … the basics, anyway.
I worry about him the most. He's got a lamb's heart, that one."
So, do you know anything at all about this exhibition you mentioned?
"Well, I can't dance, I can't sing, and I'm not winning any beauty contests, so whatever it is, it's going to be short on whimsey.
If I had to guess, I'd say some kind of pit-fighting operation. Then again …."
Then again what?
"Tajahir and Marekki ain't exactly pit-fighting material. Nah, it's got to be something else.
Hmph. This whole thing stinks like an echatere's backside."

After finding the letter:

"Huh? Oh. Sorry, pal—still a little woozy. The Dragonfire swept the kidnappers' tracks pretty good. Frustrating.
How about you? You find anything useful?"
I found a note and half-melted token of some kind.
"Good. Let me take a look.
Hmm. So this Lady G's in charge, eh? Yeah, that makes sense. First lesson they teach you in bad guy school: only use the first letter of your name if you're up to no good."
So, if we find Lady G, we find your friends?
"Safe bet. Don't have much to go on, though.
The note mentions some blockhead named Selloe. Maybe if we show her that token she'll talk. It's got to be a ticket or something, right? I say we head to Senchal's waterfront and track her down."
Fair enough. Let's track down Selloe in Senchal.

He tells you his plan.

Skordo the Knife: "I need to walk of this headache. If you find Selloe before I do, meet me at Senchal's marketplace, all right?"

Speaking to him before leaving for Senchal:

"Hmph, I could use a good, strong drink."

Meeting him in Senchal:

"Hey, there you are. Did you find that Selloe lady?
I asked a few of the shopkeepers about Lady G. Got a lot of weird looks and not much else. I get the feeling she doesn't spend a lot of time with the common folk."
Yes, I found Selloe. She promised to arrange a meeting with Lady G if I did a job for her.
"A job, eh? What does she want you to do? Got to tell you, I'm not real excited about knocking heads together for those tuskless kidnappers."
She hired a Khajiit to deliver a token, but she thinks he decided to get drunk instead.
"Hard to blame him. This Selloe stinks.
Now, you're not going to believe this, but I just saw a Khajiit stumble by, slurring about a late delivery. Had some bottles tucked under his arm, too. Bet you a slice of my Aunt Murog's pie that he's our guy."
You're probably right. Let's see if we can find him.
Skordo in his courier's disguise, near a bottle of Sugar Brandy

Skordo starts looking for empty Sugar Brandy bottles.

Skordo the Knife: "Ah, yeah, here we go. Looks like he dropped a bottle over here."
Skordo the Knife: "Let's look for more of these bottles, eh? He can't have gotten far."

Speaking with him again:

"Haven't seen someone that drunk since my niece's forge-lighting ceremony. Good thing she didn't have a beard. Would have caught fire along with that pretty hat she was wearing.
Here's some free advice: don't get drunk at an anything-lighting party."

Speaking to him before talking to Zurnash:

"Yeah, that's him. Hehe. Don't let him get away!"

Speaking to him after talking to Zurnash:

"Did that—? That drunk Khajiit just took off his clothes. Why did he take off his clothes?
We're supposed to deliver a token, not some soused cat's dirty laundry."
It's a disguise. Sort of. This Auberic is expecting a well-dressed courier to deliver his token.
"'Course he is. Ugh. Always with the sneaking around.
All right, fine. Let's deliver the token. I'll keep Auberic distracted before I hand it over. You sneak around his house and see what you can learn about this little event they're planning."
I thought you weren't good at small talk.
"I'm even worse at sneaking. Anyway, I've got the upper hand. I bet he's not used to entertaining big scary Orcs.
It'll be fine. You just focus on finding more information, all right? I want to know what we're dealing with before you talk to Lady G."
So ... I guess you'll be needing these clothes.
"For the love of Mauloch. Yeah, fine. Give 'em here.
You know, if my friend Darien ever saw this he would die laughing."

After he puts on the disguise:

Skordo the Knife: "Ugh. Think you could have found something a little tighter? Let's get this over with."

Upon entering Auberic Dufont's Residence, Skordo engages with Auberic Dufont.

Auberic Dufont: "Oh. Hello there. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Skordo the Knife: "Yeah, I'm the, uh … the token guy. Lady G sent me to deliver this."
Auberic Dufont: "Ah, Lady Ghisiliane! I just love how she shortens her name like that. Lends an air of mystery, don't you think?"
Skordo the Knife: "Yeah, she's definitely mysterious, that Lady G. Anyways, sorry for the delay on your trinket there. You, uh … you all set for her party? Or whatever?"
Auberic Dufont: "Trinket? Ha! You scallywag. It's so much more than a trinket! This event … it's so classy. So exclusive! I even bought a new bow for the occasion!"
Skordo the Knife: "A new bow, eh? Yeah … I mean, everybody at the event should have a bow. I guess."
Auberic Dufont: "Why do you say it like that? Oh, you think the others would frown on a bow, don't you? I knew it. I just knew it! But a sword is so messy! Ugh, the swamp will be messy enough. Say, you're in the know. Have you been there?"
Skordo the Knife: "What, the swamp? Yeah … all the time. But Lady G doesn't like us talking about it."
Auberic Dufont: "More exciting if I don't know, eh? Ha! Classic Lady Ghisiliane. I heard her last event took place in a Daedric ruin. Can you imagine? But look at me, rambling on. Can I get you something before you leave? A beverage perhaps?"
Skordo the Knife: "Yeah, sure. You got any rum? I'm going to level with you Ric—I can call you Ric, right? My palate ain't that sophisticated."
Auberic Dufont: "Well, I was going to offer you some of my sour guar shein. Four sixty-seven. Very good year. But I suppose I can find some rum? Just give me a moment. It's probably somewhere behind the sujamma selection …."

Meeting him outside of Dufont's house:

Skordo the Knife: "Got everything? Good. Mauloch's jawbone, I have got to get out of these clothes."
Skordo the Knife: "Let's get out of here before he notices anything's missing. Follow me to the waterfront. We'll talk more there."
"All right, let's talk. What did you find in Auberic's house? Is this stinking event what I think it is?"
Lady G hosts a hunting expedition where wealthy customers can hunt people.
"Yeah, that sounds about right. Filthy bastards. This Lady G's got a troll-size arse-whipping coming to her and no mistake! Got to get into the event first, though. Hmph.
All right, I got a plan. I doubt you're going to like it, though."
What's your plan?
"They're down an Orc, right? I say we offer them a replacement. Me. I don't mean to brag, but they'd be idiots to turn down a specimen like this.
You demand a ticket to the hunt as payment, then we meet up and find Tajahir and Marekki together. Deal?"
All right, if you're sure ….

When you tie him up, he teases you.

Skordo the Knife: "Not a word of protest, eh? I see how it is. I'm just giving you a hard time. Tie me up and let's go."

The next time you see Skordo after handing him off to Selloe will be at the Hunting Grounds.

Skordo the Knife: "Oy! There you are. This way!"

He leads you to Tajahir.

Tajahir: "Skordo? My friend. You ... you came for us?"
Skordo the Knife: "Yeah, Taj. Just too late. Damn it. Can you walk? Come one. Stay with me, whiskers."
Tajahir: "I am spent, my friend. But Marekki … she was alive when …. She is in the ruins. North of here. She plans to do something rash. Go, Skordo. Find her!"
Skordo the Knife: "I'll find Marekki. You got my word on that. See if there's anything you can do for him, pal, then meet me at the ruins as soon as you can."

Marekki is in the Hunt Master's Ruins, facing Diserinei.

Diserinei: "You disgusting furball. Did you honestly think you could kill Lady Ghisiliane?

Skordo grabs her from behind and stabs her to death.

Marekki: "Skordo? Moons' mercy, am I glad to see you! We kill Lady G together, yes?"
Skordo the Knife: "She's here? Got to tell you, it's tempting, but we've got to get you out of here. Come on."
Marekki: "Your friend then? She's just through that door. It's locked, you see?"
Marekki: "I stole the key and hid it. Here. I just need to …."

She vomits.

Skordo the Knife: "Aw, again with the vomit?"
Skordo the Knife: "I've got to get this one to safety. Kill that damned Elf and end this. Meet you on the road—northeast, past the hunt master, all right? Come on, cat."
Marekki: "Make it hurt, walker!"

Meeting them on the road:

Skordo the Knife: "I'm sorry about Tajahir, Marekki. Just wasn't fast enough, you know?"
Marekki: "Don't blame yourself. You came back for us, yes? That's far more than most would do. You have a good heart, Skordo the Knife."
Skordo the Knife: "All right, all right. Don't go getting all sentimental on me."

Talking to him before talking to Marekki:

"Hmm? Yeah, just give me a moment. Talk to Marekki, eh? She'll want to say thank you, I bet."

Speaking him after talking to Marekki:

"You know, I never intended to come to Elsweyr. But now, looking out over these jungles and plains, I'm thinking it might be worth sticking around. For a little while, anyway."
I'm sorry about Tajahir.
"Yeah. Me too. He was just a pup, you know? Er, a kitten, I guess. You know what I mean.
Least we settled things with that skeeving Lady Ghisiliane. It's good to know what happened to Tajahir won't happen to anyone else."
Marekki seems no worse for the wear.
"Yeah, she's a scrappy little thing, eh? The flirting's a little weird, but she knows this place like the back of her paw. If we knock our heads together, maybe we'll have enough smarts to avoid getting kidnapped again. Ha!"
What will you do now, Skordo?

Speaking to him again after exiting the conversation:

"I've got a lot to learn about Elsweyr. Little talking cats, big talking cats, Dragons, Moon magic …. Glad I've got a guide like Marekki."
What will you do now, Skordo?
"Same as always, I guess. Keep wandering. Keep working. Sword arm's healing up. I wager there's plenty of gold around here for a thick-headed Orc.
Pleasure working with you, pal. Let's do this again some time. Just without the kidnapping bit. Ha!"

After the quest:

Marekki: "Parched. Marekki is parched. I could really use a drink, Skordo."
Skordo the Knife: "Funny, I was just thinking the same thing."
Marekki: "No you weren't. You were thinking of going back into that swamp and killing all those other hunters."
Skordo the Knife: "Bah! What are you? Some kind of witchy, mind-reading cat?"
Marekki: "Oh, Skordo. You hide your thoughts like a teenage Dagi hides his smutty picture-books. Not well, I mean. You're bad at it."
Skordo the Knife: "What? Ha! By Mauloch, what have I gotten myself into?"

Speaking with him:

"Good luck out there, pal. Dragons, outlaws, big hungry cats …. Elsweyr can get pretty rough."
What will you do now?
"Not sure. Looks like I have a salty, furry travel companion for a while.
That might be interesting. I have a suspicion she may be more likely to start a fight than me."
I think you two will get along fine.
"Of course, me being such a friendly, cheerful type. We'll see what's going on here in Southern Elsweyr. Maybe help out with this dragon problem they have.
Never fought one of those big boys. That'll be something to boast about."

The Pride of Elsweyr[edit]

Skordo in Senchal

If you completed his quest in Southern Elsweyr before finishing the zone story's epilogue, he appears at the ceremony in Senchal Palace.

"Well. You sure know how to stay out of trouble, don't you?
'Course, we'd all be dead five times over if you didn't keep sticking your nose into things."
Still hanging around Southern Elsweyr?
"Yeah. Marekki tells me we haven't taken in all the sights. Still got a few ancient ruins to poke around in, I guess.
Course there isn't much call for a sellsword after you sweep through an area! Leave a little adventure for the rest of us, eh?"

Notes[edit]

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