The quest No One Escapes Cidhna Mine stands out as one of the most memorable storylines in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Following the dramatic conclusion of The Forsworn Conspiracy, players find themselves stripped of their equipment and imprisoned inside Markarth's infamous penal colony. Navigating this underground prison requires strategic decision-making that influences both immediate survival and long-term faction dynamics.
Starting the Quest and Infiltrating the Mine
Upon regaining consciousness inside Cidhna Mine, players discover they are trapped without their weapons, armor, or standard supplies. To progress through the facility, the Dragonborn must find a way past Borkul the Beast to speak with Madanach, the imprisoned leader of the Forsworn. Obtaining access requires either acquiring a shiv, using high speechcraft skills, or engaging in a fistfight with the gatekeeper.
Siding with Madanach and the Forsworn
Choosing to assist Madanach involves completing a small favor by eliminating Grisvar the Unlucky to demonstrate loyalty. Once this task is fulfilled, Madanach rallies the prisoners and leads a jailbreak through ancient Dwarven ruins beneath Markarth. Upon escaping into the city streets, players receive their gear back along with the unique Armor of the Old Gods set.
Siding with Thonar Silver-Blood
Players who prefer to align with the city authorities can choose to kill Madanach directly inside his cell. After defeating the Forsworn king, players can take his key and escape through the tunnels on their own. Exiting the ruins brings a confrontation with Thonar Silver-Blood, who pardons all crimes and rewards the player with the Silver-Blood Family Ring.
Reaping Maximum Rewards from Both Factions
Crafty adventurers can secure rewards from both sides by following Madanach through the escape tunnel until he returns all confiscated gear. Before stepping outside into Markarth, players can eliminate Madanach and his followers inside the ruins. This strategy grants both the Armor of the Old Gods and the Silver-Blood Family Ring upon speaking with Thonar outside.
