Bloodscythe is one half of a cursed pair of scimitars from the Dragonborn add-on. Alone it’s a decent sword; dual-wielded with its twin Soulrender, it starts drinking blood.
History
Both blades belonged to the pirate king Haknir Death-Brand, who cursed them before they were buried with him in Gyldenhul Barrow on Solstheim.
How to get it
Haknir’s spirit wields Bloodscythe at the end of the quest “Deathbrand” in Gyldenhul Barrow. The entrance is sealed by stalhrim, so you’ll need an Ancient Nordic Pickaxe.
Enchantment
Only active when dual-wielded with Soulrender: each hit absorbs 15 health and has a 24% chance to lower the target’s armor by 50 points for 15 seconds. The armor reduction stacks.
The two blades drain charge independently – and Bloodscythe still uses charge even if Soulrender is the only one doing anything.
Best build
Pair both scimitars with the Deathbrand Armor set, which boosts one-handed damage for each piece worn. A Weakness to Magic poison makes both the absorb and the armor strip hit harder.
Smithing
Ebony Ingot; benefits from Daedric Smithing.
