8 Wholesome NPCs in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim · 6:40pm Dec 27th, 2019
So.
At least one dusty Old English tome begins in more or less the same manner, though I can't recall the word I'm translating roughly as the above. So, by using 'so' as I have (which I'm fairly certain I do mostly anyway), I'm conceding that this tired spiel is a lazy substitute for the well-structured, pertinent introduction I am chronically incapable of providing. And so to business.
Skyrim again? I suppose after eight years of consciously suppressing my subconscious desire to write about the darned thing, or any other thing, I'm compensating. But so what? I'll wheeze up whatever whenever I feel coming on a purposelessness tied to a lack of creative activity on my part. The Christmas period is tedious and tiring for everyone working to cater for it, which, in turn, renders everyone equally tedious and tiring. That may be why, with a manful determination to combat this festive torpor, my silly list is being realised as it is. I trust, however, that your gracious indulgence will permit me not to shrivel with embarrassment once I re-read the prolix nonsense.
Back to Skyrim and its wholesome NPCs. There aren't many, truth be told. I mean, there are a few who are wholesome at times, but… not quite the same. It's kind of odd. I wouldn't class the backdrop as fertile ground for such a character, yet here we are. If anything, Skyrim's harshness highlights wholesomeness when encountered. So, I'm sure to enjoy a subsequently straightforward session of panning for moral gold. That's right, I haven't even done it yet.
Acologic's most wholesome Skyrim NPCs. See you in 2020.
8. Sinding
Very much the controversial entry, as Sinding is responsible at the very least for the slaughter of an innocent child. And yet the mild, soft-spoken and regretful werewolf earns his inclusion, proffering the Dovahkiin his respect and friendship despite that we're out to slay him at Hircine's behest.
7. Aranea Ienith
Unswerving loyalty is a prerequisite for any follower of Azura willing to spend their life before her shrine in freezing Winterhold. Aranea does, praying daily to the Daedric prince, and has earned her favour to the degree that the latter grants Aranea visions. If aided by the Dovahkiin, she becomes a potential follower, but otherwise remains in the service of Azura, tending the shrine faithfully.
6. Mjoll the Lioness
The role of Riften's self-appointed protector may sound pretentious or patronising, but Mjoll takes it seriously and has proven herself to be no pretender. A seasoned adventurer who has faced death on at least one memorable occasion, she detests the Thieves' Guild and their ilk despite possessing qualities through which she could prosper in such organisations. A stalwart figure in a crooked town.
5. Narfi
Poor Narfi. A sad, lonely beggar in a broken house, mourning the disappearance of his sister, which the Dovahkiin can investigate. There are few things more wholesome in the game than when the poor wretch accepts the evidence of Reyda's death with as much courage, courtesy and dignity as a man in his position can manage.
4. Gwilin
He greets you with such positivity that induces skepticism – yet means every word. His life may not look like much to us, but, as he says, he is content, and isn't that all that matters? One you can trust to enjoy the little things.
3. Agmaer
Perhaps the most endearing example of courage in the game. Agmaer is a farm boy whose fighting experience amounts to killing a wolf or two with 'his pa's axe'. Affable yet blatantly ill-suited to combat, he nonetheless joins the Dawnguard, becoming a capable vampire hunter with whom the Dovahkiin can storm Castle Volkihar.
2. Scouts-Many-Marshes
Argonians have it hard in Windhelm. The Nordic prejudice has prompted many to respond in turn, yet Scouts remains above this and believes, in spite of his race's mistreatment, that their persecutors are not bad people, deep down – an altruistic perspective unpopular with his counterparts, but a good man adheres to his principles when they no longer serve him.
1. Titus Mede II
Would you ever have expected the Emperor of Tamriel to command such dignity in death? An honourable man, a humbling encounter. The recipient of Skyrim's most wholesome NPC award.
