Borkul the Beast is an Orc inmate of Cidhna Mine beneath Markarth and the personal bodyguard of the Forsworn leader Madanach. He’s the only Orc among the Forsworn – and judging by his conversation, the one who enjoys the killing most.
Where to find them
Standing guard at the passage to Madanach’s cell in Cidhna Mine. If he survives the breakout, he turns up with the other Forsworn at Druadach Redoubt.
Quests
No One Escapes Cidhna Mine – to reach Madanach you need to get past Borkul, who wants a “toll”. Your options:
- Bring him a shiv, which Grisvar the Unlucky can make for you.
- Hand over a bottle of skooma.
- Persuade or intimidate him.
- Beat him in a brawl.
- Pickpocket the key to Madanach’s cell.
- Kill him – along with every prisoner who rushes to help him.
Personality & relationships
Borkul greets newcomers as fresh, tender meat and wants to know how your first kill felt. Say it was a thrill and he’s delighted; say you’re no murderer and he calls you a liar regardless. He’s been inside for about twelve years for a long list of crimes, mostly from his days leading a bandit gang, and admits the Forsworn are far deadlier than any crew he ever ran. Lose a brawl to him and he seems almost happy to taste his own blood again.
Good to know
- He’s the only prisoner wearing any armor – a pair of iron gauntlets.
- If Borkul and all the other inmates die, you may lose access to Madanach and get stuck in the quest.
Also in Markarth
DuachEEltrysQuest Giver
EndonMerchantRace, level, class and factions read from the Skyrim game files; story details checked against community wiki articles and written in our own words.
