The Blades faction in Skyrim has a long and fascinating history. It goes back to the First Era. They were once the protectors of the Emperors of Tamriel. Over time, they’ve played a key role in the Dragon Crisis saga.
As a player in Skyrim, you might be drawn to the Blades. They’re on a mission to rebuild their order. This journey comes with its own set of challenges and rewards.
Key Takeaways
- The Blades faction in Skyrim requires players to complete a series of quests before becoming members.
- Players must slay a dragon to prove themselves as Dragonborn and demonstrate their worth to the Blades.
- The Blades faction embarks on Radiant Quests that involve dragon-slaying expeditions across Skyrim.
- Joinable factions in Skyrim include the Blades, Greybeards, College of Winterhold, and more, each with specific joining conditions.
- The Blades faction offers unique benefits, such as special armor sets and the ability to recruit followers for dragon hunting quests.
Origins and History of the Blades
The Blades faction started with the Akaviri invasion in the First Era. Reman Cyrodiil and his armies faced the Akaviri at the Pale Pass. When Reman shouted, the Akaviri knelt, swearing loyalty to him, the Dragonborn.
This moment formed the Blades, an order dedicated to protecting the Dragonborn.
Akaviri Invasion and Dragonguard
The Akaviri Dragonguard were Reman’s personal guards and spies. Over time, they became a specialized group. They focused on defending the Empire and hunting threats to the Dragonborn.
Downfall and Near-Extinction
The Oblivion Crisis marked the end of the Third Era and the Blades’ downfall. With Uriel Septim VII’s death, the Blades saw the Thalmor threat growing. By the Great War, the Aldmeri Dominion had killed all Blades in their territory.
The Aldmeri then attacked Cloud Ruler Temple, destroying it. This pushed the Blades to the edge of extinction.
| Blades Lore and History | Key Events | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Originated as the Dragonguard during the First Era | Akaviri invasion and Reman Cyrodiil’s rule | Formation of the Blades faction |
| Served as bodyguards and spies for the Reman Dynasty | Evolved into a specialized organization | Focused on defending the Empire and the Dragonborn bloodline |
| Began to decline after the Oblivion Crisis | Death of Uriel Septim VII and the Great War | Blades agents executed by the Aldmeri Dominion, Cloud Ruler Temple destroyed |
Skyrim Blades faction guide
In Skyrim, the Blades faction hid in Sky Haven Temple during the Dragon Crisis. Delphine, a surviving Blade, became the Grandmaster. She worked with Esbern, a Blades Archivist, who watched for dragon prophecies.
Delphine and Esbern
The Dragonborn meets Delphine and Esbern while searching for the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller. Delphine tests the Dragonborn by asking them to check a dragon burial site. After defeating the dragon, Delphine reveals she’s a Blade and asks for help to rescue Esbern from the Thalmor.
Joining the Blades
With Esbern safe, Delphine asks the Dragonborn to rebuild the Blades. The Dragonborn can bring followers to Sky Haven Temple. Delphine will then induct them into the Blades, giving them Akaviri armor and weapons.
Rebuilding the Blades
After recruiting three Blades, Esbern sends the Dragonborn to kill a dragon. This restores the Blades’ order. The Blades offer quests to hunt dragons, giving the Dragonborn Dragon parts and souls. Esbern also gives the Dragonslayer’s Blessing, boosting the Dragonborn’s critical hits against dragons.
| Blades Faction Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Maximum Followers Recruited | 3 |
| Eligible Follower Types | Housecarls, College of Winterhold members, The Companions, Dawnguard members, mercenaries, quest reward followers, and miscellaneous followers |
| Blades Armor and Weapons | Heavy Blades armor set, Blades Shield, and Blades Sword |
| Hold without Housecarl Recruit | Winterhold |
| Bug: Armor Removal | Armor given to Blades inductees prior to their induction may be removed from their inventory |
Conclusion
The Skyrim Blades faction guide has given a detailed look at this famous Elder Scrolls Skyrim faction. It started as the Akaviri Dragonguard and became the Dragonborn’s top guards. But, it has also faced big challenges, like fighting against dragons and the Greybeards.
Joining the Blades lets players get special gear and go on dragon-hunting missions. They also get strong blessings and potions from Esbern. But, this choice means the Dragonborn must choose between the Blades and the Greybeards, affecting their relationships and reputation.
The Blades play a key role in Skyrim’s main story, making them a fascinating faction to explore. As the Dragonborn, you must think about the outcomes of your choices. This guide helps players understand the Blades’ history, goals, and how they impact the Dragonborn’s adventure in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
FAQ
What is the history and origin of the Blades faction in Skyrim?
How did the Blades come to serve the Dragonborns?
What happened to the Blades during the Oblivion Crisis and the Great War?
Who are Delphine and Esbern, and what is their role in the Blades faction in Skyrim?
How can the player join and rebuild the Blades in Skyrim?
What are the benefits of joining the Blades in Skyrim?
Source Links
- https://screenrant.com/elder-scrolls-skyrim-join-blades-faction-guide/
- https://elderscrolls.fandom.com/wiki/Factions_(Skyrim)
- https://www.cbr.com/skyrim-best-factions/
- https://elderscrolls.fandom.com/wiki/Blades_(Skyrim)
- https://elderscrolls.fandom.com/wiki/Blades
- https://elderscrolls.fandom.com/wiki/Rebuilding_the_Blades
- https://www.thegamer.com/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-how-to-rebuild-the-blades/
- https://www.ign.com/wikis/the-elder-scrolls-blades/Tips_and_Tricks
- https://steamcommunity.com/app/72850/discussions/0/1732087825001324598/
- https://elderscrolls.fandom.com/f/p/2194563468886017207
- https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim_talk:Blades/Archive_1
