Thane Title Useless?

[chrismathis215]

So it's occurred to me that it's really easy to become Thane in all nine holds. Almost like anybody could do it. The Jarl of Falkreath essentially asks you to grab him a beer and take care of a bandit for him. If it's that simple, why aren't there Thanes already? Very convenient for the Dragonborn that despite the fact that everybody is aware of this title, nobody in all of the nine holds yet has this title until you come along and take all of them. Given, there are some cool ones like Dawnstar's and Solitude's that are totally Thane-worthy. However, Winterhold is a radiant quest and too many others are like "Make five people in my town happy and you'll be given a title that no one else has, because apparently nobody else in my hold is liked by at least 5 people" Also, once you get the title, it's not really worth anything. You can be forgiven of a crime ONCE. That's it. It's more profitable to just be in the Thieves Guild. So yeah, excuse my rant, do you guys have any sort of explanation? Maybe something I'm missing that will have it all make sense to me.

[notmyhome]

As for the ease of becoming a Thane: I guess the Jarls actually *want* you to become their Thane, and thus make it easier for you.

[Xyroca]

While I agree that it's entirely too easy to become Thane in several of the holds, I know Solitude has at least two Thanes already, Bryling and Erikur. So you're not the only Thane.

[Noortje]

There's actually quite a few thanes. But the jarl of falkreath heard of you (hence he send you the letter) and obviously wants the dragonborn as his thane because it brings the town power. Also, killing an entire bandit camp by yourself is not something the average citizen of Skyrim can do. It's actually a very hard task to kill like ten armed to the teeth people on your own. It's easy for the player because the dragonborn has draconic powers and because the player can quicksave and has a large collection of potions.

Edited May 15, 2015 by Noortje

[chrismathis215]

As for the ease of becoming a Thane: I guess the Jarls actually *want* you to become their Thane, and thus make it easier for you.

Okay, this might be a thing. Disappointing in terms of gameplay, though.

 

While I agree that it's entirely too easy to become Thane in several of the holds, I know Solitude has at least two Thanes already, Bryling and Erikur. So you're not the only Thane.

I didn't pick up on this during my last play through. I'm glad that others have earned the title.

 

There's actually quite a few thanes. But the jarl of falkreath heard of you (hence he send you the letter) and obviously wants the dragonborn as his thane because it brings the town power. Also, killing an entire bandit camp by yourself is not something the average citizen of Skyrim can do. It's actually a very hard task to kill like ten armed to the teeth people on your own. It's easy for the player because the dragonborn has draconic powers and because the player can quicksave and has a large collection of potions.

Okay, that does make sense. It's just as much an honor for a hold to have a Dragonborn Thane as it is for the Dragonborn to be Thane. I suppose killing a whole bandit camp should be impressive. Although I would think at least a Companion would also be likely to complete these kinds of tasks. Though they do normally travel in groups, if I remember correctly.

 

These are some good points, but I still find the process of becoming Thane too simple and not rewarding enough. I'm hoping to get into modding soon. Perhaps I could fix that eventually.

[saurusmaximus]

Don't forget that, as every single Jarl will tell you, "It's an honorary title mostly". It's Court politics, you have curried favor with someone of importance, not necessarily because you are a badass, but because he/she likes you; which I think is something most of us in the modern world have trouble understanding. If you actually lived in Skyrim, earning the title would probably be a much bigger deal to you. I agree that the quest to be a thane is a bit inane, and I've always been mystified by the fact that the Jarls don't really seem to care if you already are a thane in a different hold; it kinda cheapens the whole thing in my opinion. It's one of the many places the writing kind of falls down in the game.

[Noortje]

Oh yeah definitely, having to choose between cities, sort of making that city your main city, and actually binding certain duties and actual advantages to the title would be an interesting concept. Although that would be a huge mod, rewriting parts of the main quest and lots of sidequests.

Edited May 15, 2015 by Noortje

[chrismathis215]

Don't forget that, as every single Jarl will tell you, "It's an honorary title mostly". It's Court politics, you have curried favor with someone of importance, not necessarily because you are a badass, but because he/she likes you; which I think is something most of us in the modern world have trouble understanding. If you actually lived in Skyrim, earning the title would probably be a much bigger deal to you. I agree that the quest to be a thane is a bit inane, and I've always been mystified by the fact that the Jarls don't really seem to care if you already are a thane in a different hold; it kinda cheapens the whole thing in my opinion. It's one of the many places the writing kind of falls down in the game.

Hmm, court politics. That is a good point. It makes it more logical that the title is not very rewarding to somebody like the Dragonborn then. I don't know much about the rules of being a Thane in Skyrim, but it would be interesting if the Jarls did not give the title to somebody who was already a Thane elsewhere. What with the civil war, the question of loyalty would logically be raised if you're already a Thane elsewhere.

 

Oh yeah definitely, having to choose between cities, sort of making that city your main city, and actually binding certain duties and actual advantages to the title would be an interesting concept. Although that would be a huge mod, rewriting parts of the main quest and lots of sidequests.

That is a pretty cool concept. It would add replay value if you had to choose like that, and would add to Skyrim feeling less unified.

[Relativelybest]

It's actually a very hard task to kill like ten armed to the teeth people on your own. It's easy for the player because the dragonborn has draconic powers and because the player can quicksave and has a large collection of potions.

 

Weeell, kinda sorta. Taking out an entire gang of bandits on your own should be an impressive feat, but they are actually fairly easy to dispose of even when you are low level, without any advanced skills and with gear not much better than what they use. Heck, taking out the bandits at Embershard and Bleak Falls Barrow are typically the first things you do after arriving to Riverwood since it's a good way to aquire starting equipment and funds. Realistically, that should be kinda suicidal at level 1. Sorta makes it seem like less of a feat than it is.

 

Kinda makes me wonder how badass the Dragonborn is supposed to be when the game starts. You can pretty much deal with an imperial soldier on your own, at least, so I guess it's implied you're already fairly accomplished. It still seems a bit too easy, though, at least in proportion to the finely tuned killing machine you end up becoming once you advance in levels.

[Noortje]

You're supposed to be a hero with the blood of a dragon. Of course mere mortals are going to be easily beaten. However put any regular npc up against a group of bandits and they will get their arse kicked on their own if they aren't essential. Oh and playing at highest difficulty bandits are actually a bit of a challenge at level 1 if there's like three+ of them because at least one of them will be shooting his bow at you so you either bunnyhop or die.

Edited May 16, 2015 by Noortje