After completing significant portions of the Thieves’ Guild questline in Skyrim, players are tasked with returning the Skeleton Key in the quest “Darkness Returns.” This pivotal journey involves overcoming various challenges known as the Pilgrim’s Path in order to restore balance to Nocturnal’s realm. Below is a detailed guide on how to complete this quest.
Prerequisites To Complete
Before embarking on the quest “Darkness Returns,” players must have completed the preceding key quests in the Thieves’ Guild questline:
- A Chance Arrangement
- Taking Care of Business
- Loud and Clear
- Dampened Spirits
- Scoundrel’s Folly
- Speaking with Silence
- Hard Answers
- The Pursuit
- Trinity Restored
- Blindsighted
Upon completion of “Blindsighted,” Karliah will assign you the quest “Darkness Returns.”
Traveling To The Twilight Sepulcher
The Twilight Sepulcher is located northwest of Falkreath. Navigate from Falkreath to this desolate tomb, which houses the Ebonmere, a portal to Nocturnal’s plane of Oblivion. The portal was disrupted when Mercer Frey stole the Skeleton Key, making it your objective to restore it.
Navigating Through The Twilight Sepulcher
Upon entering the Twilight Sepulcher, you will encounter Gallus, a Nightingale Sentinel. Gallus will explain the Pilgrim’s Path, consisting of five trials. Optionally, you can retrieve Nystrom’s Journal, which provides cryptic hints on navigating the trials. The journal is located to the right of Gallus, next to Nystrom’s skeleton.
Follow the Pilgrim’s Path
Below is a guide to each trial within the Pilgrim’s Path:
Trial One
The first trial involves facing aggressive Nightingale Sentinels. You can either fight these ghosts or sneak past them to proceed.
Trial Two
In this trial, you must avoid dire light that scorches and depletes your health. Carefully navigate around these spots to remain in the shadows and proceed safely.
Trial Three
At this stage, you will encounter a large statue of Nocturnal with two lit stone heads on either side. Pull the chains next to these heads to open the gate behind the statue.
Trial Four
This trial requires you to take a leap of faith into a deep cylindrical pit. At the bottom, you will find Anders’ remains and a message. The Skeleton Key will automatically unlock the floor, allowing you to continue.
Trial Five
The final trial encompasses a room with three niches and a lock in the center. Place the Skeleton Key into the Ebonmere Lock to summon Nocturnal and Karliah.
Return the Skeleton Key to the Ebonmere
Upon placing the Skeleton Key, a cutscene will occur where Nocturnal speaks to you. After the dialogue, Karliah will appear and converse with you. You will then have the choice to become one of Nocturnal’s agents:
- Agent of Stealth
- Agent of Subterfuge
- Agent of Strife
While the role can be chosen among the three options, it is possible to return to the Inner Sanctum later and choose a different role if desired. This decision effectively concludes the main Thieves’ Guild questline, marking your final interaction with the Pilgrim’s Path and setting your character as a prominent figure within the guild.
This guide ensures you navigate each challenge efficiently, restoring the Skeleton Key and fulfilling Nocturnal’s needs while securing your position in the Thieves’ Guild hierarchy.
