So, you probably already know you can buy a house, but which house is the best in Skyrim? Before I tell you, know that you can only purchase a house once you have the Jarls approval, which is granted after speaking to him and completing a certain number of favours within the city. Once you are granted a dwelling, speak with the steward who will offer you a purchase. These are:

Breezehome, Whiterun
Jarl: Balgruuf the Greater or Vignar the Revered
Steward: Proventus Avenicci or Brill
Initial Cost: 5,000 Gold
Additional Decorations: Alchemy Laboratory (500 Gold), Bedroom (300 Gold), Dining Room (250 Gold) and Loft (200 Gold).
Total Cost: 6,250 Gold

Vlindrel Hall, Markarth, The Reach
Jarl: Igmund or Thongvor Silverfish
Steward: Raerek or Revurrus Quintilus
Initial Cost: 8,000 Gold
Additional Decorations: Alchemy Laboratory (1,000 Gold), Bedroom (800 Gold), Enchanting Laboratory (1,000 Gold), Entrance Hall (500 Gold) and Living Room (900 Gold).
Total Cost: 12,200 Gold

Honeyside, Riften, The Rift
Jarl: Laila Lawgiver or Maven Black-Briar
Steward: Anuriel or Hemming Black-Briar
Initial Cost: 8,000 Gold
Additional Decorations: Alchemy Laboratory (1,000 Gold), Bedroom (600 Gold), Enchanting Laboratory (1,000 Gold), Garden (800 Gold), Kitchen (500 Gold) and Porch (400 Gold).
Total Cost: 12,200 Gold

Hjerim, Windhelm, Eastmarch
Jarl: Ulfric Stormcloak or Brunwulf Free-Winter
Steward: Jorleif or Captain Lonely-Gale
Initial Cost: 12,000 Gold
Additional Decorations: Alchemy Laboratory (1,500 Gold), Armory (2,000 Gold), Bedroom (1,000 Gold), Clean up that murderers mess (500 Gold), Enchanting Laboratory (1,500 Gold), Kitchen (1,000 Gold) and Living Room (1,500 Gold).
Total Cost: 21,000 Gold

Proudspire Manor, Solitude, Haafingar Hold
Jarl: Elisif the Fair
Steward: Falk Firebeard
Initial Cost: 25,000 Gold
Additional Decorations: Alchemy Laboratory (2,500 Gold), Bedroom (2,000 Gold), Enchanting Laboratory (2,500 Gold), Kitchen (1,500 Gold), Living Room (2,000 Gold) and Patio Decorations (500 Gold).
Total Cost: 36,000 Gold

Throughout Skyrim there are stables and within them, unsurprisingly, are a range of horses. But these come at a cost of 1000 Gold, whether paid upfront or in the form of a bounty after its been stolen. But there are two special horses that you might consider instead:

Frost

This horse is actually the objective for the side quest Promises To Keep, where you must steal it from Black-Briar Lodge in The Rift. While you can give this horse back to the quest giver Louis Letrush you can also choose to betray him, and keep the horse for yourself. Unfortunately, this horse isnt actually better than any other horse except for the fact that it was free.

Shadowmere

This jet-black horse with glowing red eyes is the only horse in Skyrim worth your attention. But with twice the stamina, considerably upgraded health and speedy health recovery when injured, this horse wont die at the slightest touch either. Its more aggressive, too, making a useful combat ally. Youll need to start the Dark Brotherhood quest The Cure For Madness to acquire ownership of this horse.

Contracting Vampirism

Youll encounter Vampires throughout your adventure in Skyrim, during which they may use the Drain Life spell. Not only will this spell sap you of your life-force but each time it is used you may contract the disease Sanguinare Vampiris, which eventually turns you into a Vampire.

To check to see whether youve contracted this disease, refer to your Active Effects list in the Spells menu. Once youve acquired this disease you have three days to cure it, otherwise youll become a Vampire.

Curing Vampirism
To cure Vampirism within the first three days of contracting Sanguinare Vampiris you must either drink a Cure Disease potion, or visit a Shrine in one of the temples for healing.



After these three days, however, if you have not cured the disease you will become a Vampire. At this point there are only two ways of curing the affliction, the simplest is by becoming a werewolf by contracting Lycanthropy which cures you of all diseases.

Alternatively, you can visit Falion at Morthal in Hjaalmarch and complete his side quest of Rising at Dawn. Once done, youll be free of the disease.

(In depth look how to cure vampirism)

1.If youve contracted the disease, you wont become a vampire for three days. Until then, you can get rid of the disease with any common disease-curing potion.

2.You can also use the Shrine to Talos outside Whiterun or Dragonsreach, activating the shrine will cure you of all diseases.

3.Before speaking to anyone, make sure youre no longer a Stage 4 vampire. Stage 4 vampires are attacked on sight, to avoid this, wait until night and drink the blood of a sleeping person. Even sleeping beggars will do. Just crouch/sneak and interact with a sleeping NPC to drink their blood.

4.If youre still having trouble drinking blood, remember that you have two useful abilities as a Stage 4 vampires Embrace of Shadows, and Vampire Seduction. Embrace of Shadows turns you invisible, while Vampire Seduction will make an NPC calm and cease wanting to attack you.

5.Once youre a Stage 1 vampire, normal diseas cures will no longer work. Youll need a better wayTo begin your quest, speak with any Inn Keeper or Bartender about rumors. Theyll tell you that a man named Falion in Morthal is studying vampires

6.To begin your quest, speak with any Inn Keeper or Bartender about rumors. Theyll tell you that a man named Falion in Morthal is studying vampires.

7.Find Morthal east of Fort Snowhawk. Once there, talk to Falion and hell discuss how to cure vampirism.

8.Hell tell you to get a Black Soul Gem. If you dont have one, Falion will sell you one. Before being cured, youll need to fill the Black Soul Gem.

9.To fill a Black Soul Gem, youll need to cast a Soul Trap spell on a human, then kill them. Any human will work, including bandits and enemies.

10.Youll need to obtain a Soul Trap spell, sold by any magic vendor. If youre really desperate, try the College of Winterhold, or explore Whiterun to find a shop. If you dont have high magic skills, just purchase a Soul Trap scroll. NOTE: The Mage for the Jarl of Whiterun, the Jarls Court Mage, should have a Soul Trap spell.

11.With a filled Black Soul Gem, return to Falion and talk to him to complete the ritual. Youre now cured of vampirism!

Benefits And Negatives To Vampirism

Having Vampirism has both advantages and disadvantages, with enough powers and effects that may make you tempted to contract it intentionally. Once youre a Vampire, you will evolve across four stages and become affected more strongly whether positive or negative. At the fourth stage you are most powerful, but at the same time will be less liked in Skyrim.

To reduce the effect of Vampirism you must feed on the blood of any Skyrim citizen, be it beggar or guard, which will take you back down to Stage 1.

Negatives

- During Stages 1-3 you will be safe to travel the land, however NPCs may comment on how ill youre looking. At Stage 4, guards and citizens will openly attack you making interactions difficult without feeding on an NPC.
- Between the hours of 5am and 7pm you will be afflicted by an aversion to sunlight. This means your health, magicka and stamina will be reduced by 15 points for every Stage of Vampirism, up to 60 points at Stage 4, while out in sunlight.
- Similarly, you will be afflicted by a weakness to fire making you more susceptible to fire damage of any kind. This is 25% per Stage, meaning a maximum of 100% weakness to fire at Stage 4.

Benefits

- Immunity to disease, curing any diseases you might have had prior to becoming a Vampire and resisting any and all diseases afterwards.
- Immunity to poison, resisting all forms of poison that you might encounter.
- Champion of the Night, making Illusion spells are 25% more powerful.
- Nightstalkers Footsteps, making you 25% harder to detect while sneaking.
- Resistance to Frost damage, increasing 25% per Vampire Stage to a maximum of 100%.

Additionally, each stage of Vampirism provides new abilities that can be activated, these are as follows:

Stage 1 Powers

- Vampires Sight, enabling you to see better in dark environments for 60 seconds.
- Vampiric Drain, which absorbs 2 points of health every second from your target.
- Vampires Servant, enabling you to once a day reanimate a dead creature for 60 seconds. Only affects creatures up to level 8.

Stage 2 Powers

- Vampires Selection, preventing creatures and people up to level 8 from fighting or fleeing for 30 seconds.
- Vampiric Drain, upgraded to drain 3 points of health from an enemy every second.
- Vampires Servant, upgraded to affect creatures up to level 13.

Stage 3 Powers

- Vampiric Drain, upgraded to drain 4 points of health from an enemy every second.
- Vampires Servant, upgraded to affect creatures up to level 21.

Stage 4 Powers

- Embrace Of Shadows, once a day enabling you to gain Vampires Sight and Invisibility for 3 minutes.
- Vampiric Drain, upgraded to drain 5 points of damage from an enemy every second.
- Vampires Servant, upgraded to affect creatures up to level 30

Contracting Lycanthropy

Unlike Vampirism, becoming a werewolf is more of a choice than an affliction. When in Whiterun, speak to The Companions and begin their quests. During the mission The Silver Hand, you will be offered the opportunity though you can decline if you wish.

As a werewolf you will be able to use the ability Beast Form once a day, turning you into a wolf-like warrior. This ability lasts for 300 seconds, while feeding on a corpse restores 50 points of health and extends the ability for another 30 seconds.

Curing Lycanthropy

After completing The Companions quest line, if you tire of being a werewolf then you have the opportunity to permanently remove the curse though you wont ever be able to reacquire the power.

To remove the curse, begin the Companions Radiant Quest Purity. During the quest, bring a spare witches head for yourself then battle and defeat your own wolf spirit. Once defeated, you will be cured of Lycanthropy.

Benefits And Negatives Of Lycanthropy

Like Vampirism, there are downsides to having the power of the wolf most of which are linked to your wolf-form. These pros and cons are only effective during your Beast Form.

Benefits

- Your health is increased by 100 points.
- Your stamina is increased by 100 points.
- A faster sprint speed, which is even faster than a horse.
- Wolves will no longer attack you.
- Crimes committed (murder, etc.) dont add to the bounty of your human form.

Negatives

- Health no longer regenerates
- Cannot loot corpses, use items (such as keys, etc.) or use weapons, spells, Shout or Powers.
- You wont be able to speak to any NPCs.
- NPCs will flee in terror, while guards will try to attack you.

Powers Of A Werewolf

By becoming a werewolf you will have access to a handful of powers, each of which can only be used during Beast Form. These are:

- Increased melee damage, dependant on level. Base damage begins at 20 up until level 10, increasing to 60 points of damage for a character level 45 or over.
- Immunity to disease, curing you of any diseases and prevent you from contracting anymore. During the initial ritual, becoming a werewolf will even cure you of Vampirism. This is active during your human form, too.
- Increased Dexterity, meaning you can run at a much faster speed and can leap further.
- Restless Blood, preventing you from ever receiving a bonus from being rested.
- Howl Of Rage, causing enemies up to level 25 to be affected by fear, and will flee. Lasts for 30 seconds.
- Scent Of Blood, earned during the Companions Radiant quest Totems Of Hircine and enables the use of Detect Life for 60 seconds.
- Howl of the Pack, earned during the Companions Radiant quest Totems Of Hircine and lets you summon two wolves to fight alongside you.

While exploring Skyrim you may notice strange markings throughout the world on walls or chests that may have had you questioning exactly what they mean. They are left by members of the Thieves Guild, and detail the immediate vicinity and what you can expect. Heres our rundown of these Shadowmarks, that could one day save your life.

Danger
Shape: A triangle pointing into a circle, with a line through the centre
Meaning: Pinpointing an area that is dangerous whether trapped or filled with hostile enemies avoid or prepare for damage.

Empty
Shape: Circle with a square inside
Meaning: Highlighting a location or building that has already been cleared. Nothing of worth inside.

Escape Route
Shape: Circle with an arrow, with a line through the centre
Meaning: When locked in prison, look for this mark to pinpoint a hidden escape route.

Fence
Shape: Diamond with the top separated, with a line through the centre
Meaning: Details a place or person where you can sell stolen goods at a fair price.

Loot
Shape: Circle with a square, with lines crossed through the square
Meaning: Denoting a place with something valuable worth stealing.

Protected
Shape: A diamond with two circles
Meaning: Highlights someone who is protected by the Thieves Guild, whether shopkeeper or citizen.

Safe
Shape: Triangle with a circle
Meaning: Highlighting a safe route, detailing a corridor, hallway or even house that is free of traps or, more likely, already been cleared by the Thieves Guild. The triangle points in the direction of safety.

The Guild
Shape: Diamond with a circle
Meaning: Denoting a safe place to hide, usually with a member of the Thieves Guild nearby.

Thieves Cache
Shape: Diamond with a square, with lines crossed through the square
Meaning: Being part of a Thieves Guild will mean you can find loot or gifts hiding within these chests or barrels.

You may find one of these Unusual Gems scattered throughout the world of Skyrim, but no real clue as to what they do.

Take them to an appraiser - Vex at the Thieves Guild is your contact for this - and have her discover their worth. She'll tell you they are the Stones Of Barenziah.

From then on you will need to find 24 of these Stones Of Barenziah to complete a crown, earning you a sum of gold and the permanent Prowler's Profit perk.

I've listed the locations of all 24 Stones Of Barenziah below:

Unusual Gem 1
Location: Blue Palace, Solitude
Inside Jarl Elisif the Fair's quarters, on top of a shelf.

Unusual Gem 2
Location: Proudspire Manor, Solitude
In the master bedroom after purchasing Proudspire Manor.

Unusual Gem 3
Location: Thalmor Embassy, Solitude
Thalmor Embassy is located to the northwest of Solitude. The gem is in one of the bedrooms in Elenwen's Solar. This will only appear after the main quest 'Diplomatic Immunity'.

Unusual Gem 4
Location: Dainty Sload, Solitude
The Dainty Sload is the ship located to the northeast of Solitude, to the south of the lighthouse. The gem is on a small table in the Captain's Quarter's.

Unsual Gem 5
Location: College Of Winterhold, Winterhold
Inside the Arch-Mage Quarters, on a shelf.

Unusual Gem 6
Location: Yngvild, Winterhold
Yngvild is located to the northeast of Dawnstar. The gem itself is in the Throne Room, in a chamber behind the throne.

Unusual Gem 7
Location: Hob's Fall Cave, Winterhold
Hob's Fall Cave is located to the east of the Imperial Camp in Winterhold, which itself is southeast of Dawnstar. The gem is located in the necromancers' sleeping area.

Unusual Gem 8
Location: Treasury House, Markarth, The Reach
In the master bedroom on top of a bedside table.

Unusual Gem 9
Location: Understone Keep, Markarth, The Reach
Search inside the locked side room located in the Dwemer Museum.

Unusual Gem 10
Location: Dead Crone Rock, The Reach
Dead Crone Rock is located far to the south of Markarth in The Reach. The gem is located on top of a makeshift altar.

Unusual Gem 11
Location: Jorrvaskr, Whiterun
Search inside Kodlak Whitemane's bedroom for the gem on a set of shelves.

Unusual Gem 12
Location: Hall Of The Dead, Whiterun
Search the left hand walls in the Hall Of The Dead for a wall crypt with a skeleton inside. The gem is at the foot of the skeleton.

Unusual Gem 13
Location: Dragonsreach, Whiterun
Enter the Jarl's Quarters and search his bedroom for the gem.

Unusual Gem 14
Location: Rannveig's Fast, Whiterun
Rannveig's Fast is located to the east-northeast of Rorikstead, which is located to the far west of Whiterun. The gem can be found on a table next to the watery prison.

Unusual Gem 15
Location: Fellglow Keep, Whiterun
Fellglow Keep is located to the east of Whiterun, on the north side of the river. The gem can be found near the entrance, in the workroom at the top.

Unusual Gem 16
Location: House Of Clan Shatter-Shield, Windhelm, Eastmarch
The gem is located in one of the bedroom's in the building.

Unusual Gem 17
Location: Palace Of The Kings, Windhelm, Eastmarch
Search Wuunferth the Unliving's quarters for the gem on one of the tables.

Unusual Gem 18
Location: Stony Creek Cave, Eastmarch
Stony Creek Cave is located far to the southeast of Eastmarch, south of the Imperial Camp in the area. The gem will be found in the bandit wizard's area.

Unusual Gem 19
Location: Ansilvund, Eastmarch
Ansilvund is located to the south of Stony Creek Cave, near the border to The Rift. The gem can be found in the burial chambers, near Fjori's ghost.

Unusual Gem 20
Location: Sunderstone Gorge, Falkreath
Sunderstone Gorge is an area near the road by the two borders with Whiterun and The Reach in the northwest. The gem is easy to spot, on an altar near the Word Wall.

Unusual Gem 21
Location: Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary, Falkreath
On a dresser in Astrid's room, after completing the Dark Brotherhood quest 'With Friends Like These'.

Unusual Gem 22
Location: Pinewatch, Falkreath
Pinewatch is located to the northeast of the capital city Falkreath, in a locked treasure room in the bandit sanctuary.

Unusual Gem 23
Location: Black-Briar Lodge, The Rift
In the master's bedroom, upstairs in the Black-Briar Lodge. This is located to the east of Riften.

Unusual Gem 24
Location: Mistveil Keep, Riften, The Rift
Inside the Jarl's Chambers of a beside table.

To get married you'll need to first travel to Riften in The Rift and speak with the priest at the Temple Of Mara. After talking to him about marriage, you can purchase (or find throughout the world) a Necklass Of Mara, indicating your availability to prospective spouses.

From then on you must interact with the many possible wives and husbands to befriend them, after which you can talk to them about getting married.

I've listed all prospective spouses below, as well as their occupation. This affects the benefits you receive by being married to them, which are listed below:

Female

Aela The Huntress - Nord
Location: Jorrvaskr, Whiterun
Occupation: Companion

Aeri - Nord
Location: Anga's Mill, The Pale
Occupation: Lumberjack

Anwen - Redguard
Location: Temple Of Dibella, Markarth, The Reach
Occupation: Priestess

Avrusa Sarethi - Dark Elf
Location: Sarethi Farm
Occupation: Farmer

Borghak The Steel Heart - Orc
Location: Mor Khazgur, The Reach
Occupation: Warrior

Brelyna Maryon - Dark Elf
Location: College Of Winterhold, Winterhold
Occupation: Student

Camilla Valerius - Imperial
Location: Riverwood Trader, Riverwood, Whiterun
Occupation: Merchant

Dravynea The Stoneweaver - Dark Elf
Location: Kynesgrove, Eastmarch
Occupation: Mage

Ghorza gra-Bagol - Orc
Location: Blacksmith Shed, Markarth, The Reach
Occupation: Blacksmith

Gilfre - Imperial
Location: Mixwater Mill, Eastmarch
Occupation: Miller

Grelka - Nord
Location: Open Market, Riften, The Rift
Occupation: Merchant

Iona - Nord
Location: Honeyside, Riften, The Rift
Occupation: Housecarl

Jenassa - Dark Elf
Location: Drunken Huntsman, Whiterun
Occupation: Hireling

Jordis the Sword-Maiden - Nord
Location: Proudspire Manor, Solitude, Haafingar
Occupation: Housecarl

Lydia - Nord
Location: Dragonsreach, Whiterun
Occupation: Housecarl

Mjoll The Lioness
Location: Riften, The Rift
Occupation: Adventurer

Muiri - Breton
Location: Hag's Cure, Markarth
Occupation: Alchemist

Njada Stonearm - Nord
Location: Jorrvaskr, Whiterun
Occupation: Companion

Orla - Nord
Location: Temple Of Dibella, Markarth, The Reach
Occupation: Priestess

Ria - Imperial
Location: Jorrvaskr, Whiterun
Occupation: Companion

Senna - Imperial
Location: Temple of Dibella, Markarth, The Reach
Occupation: Priestess

Shahvee - Argonian
Location: Argonian Assemblage, Windhelm, Eastmarch
Occuation: Dockworker

Sylgia - Nord
Location: Shor's Stone, The Rift
Occupation: Miner

Taaroe - High Elf
Location: Radiant Raiments, Solitude, Haafingar
Occupation: Tailor

Uthgerd - Nord
Location: Bannered Mare, Whiterun
Occupation: Warrior

Viola Giordano - Imperial
Location: Candlehearth Hall, Windhelm, Eastmarch
Occupation: Busybody

Ysolda - Nord
Location: Open Market, Whiterun
Occupation: Citizen

Male
Ainethach - Breton
Location: Karthwasten, The Reach
Occupation: Mine Owner

Angrenor Once-Honored - Nord
Location: Candlehearth Hall, Windhelm, Eastmarch
Occupation: Beggar

Argis The Bulwark - Nord
Location: Vlindrel Hall, Markarth, Eastmarch
Occupation: Housecarl

Athis - Dark Elf
Location: Jorrvaskr, Whiterun
Occupation: Companion

Balimund - Nord
Location: Riften, The Rift
Occupation: Blacksmith

Belrand - Nord
Location: Winking Skeever, Solitude, Haafingar
Occupation: Hireling

Benor - Nord
Location: Morthal, Hjaalmarch
Occupation: Warrior

Calder - Nord
Location: Hjerim, Windhelm, Eastmarch
Occupation: Housecarl

Cosnach - Breton
Location: Silver-Blood Inn, Markarth, The Reach
Occupation: Drunk

Derkeethus - Argonian
Location: Darkwater Crossing, Eastmarch
Occupation: Fisherman

Erik The Slayer - Nord
Location: Rorikstead, The Reach
Occupation: Hireling

Farkas - Nord
Location: Jorrvaskr, Whiterun
Occupation: Companion

Filnjar - Nord
Location: Shor's Stone, The Rift
Occupation: Blacksmith

Gat gro-Shargakh - Miner
Location: Kolskeggr Mine, The Reach
Occupation: Miner

Ghorbash The Iron Hand - Orc
Location: Dushnikh Yal, The Reach
Occupation: Warrior

Marcurio - Imperial
Location: Bee And Barb, Riften, The Rift
Occupation: Hireling

Moth gro-Bagol - Orc
Location: Understone Keep, Markarth, The Reach
Occupation: Blacksmith

Octieve San - Breton
Location: Solitude, Haafingar
Occuation: Citizen

Omluag - Breton
Location: Markarth Smelter, Markarth, The Reach
Occupation: Miner

Onmund - Nord
Location: College Of Winterhold, Winterhold
Occupation: Student

Pavo Attius - Imperial
Location: Kolskeggr Mine, The Reach
Occupation: Miner

Perth - Breton
Location: Soljund's Sinkhole, The Reach
Occupation: Miner

Quintus Navale - Imperial
Location: The White Phial, Windhelm, Eastmarch
Occupation: Alchemist

Ravyn Sadri - Dark Elf
Location: Sadri's Used Wares, Windhelm, Whiterun
Occupation: Merchant

Roggi Knot-Beard - Nord
Location: Kynesgrove, Eastmarch
Occupation: Miner

Romlyn Dreth - Dark Elf
Location: Black-Briar Meadery
Occupation: Meadery Worker

Scours-Many-Marshes - Argonian
Location: Argonian Assemblade, Windhelm, Eastmarch
Occupation: Dockworker

Sondas Drenim - Dark Elf
Location: Darkwater Crossing, Eastmarch
Occupation: Miner

Sorex Vinius - Imperial
Location: Winking Skeever, Solitude, Haafingar
Occupation: Assistant Innkeeper

Stenvar - Nord
Location: Candlehearth Hall, Windhelm, Eastmarch
Occupation: Hireling

Torvar - Nord
Location: Jorrvaskr, Whiterun
Occupation: Companion

Vilkas - Nord
Location: Jorrvaskr, Whiterun
Occupation: Companion

Vorstagg - Nord
Location: Silver-Blood Inn, Markarth, The Reach
Occupation: Hireling

Wilhelm - Nord
Location: Vilemyr Inn, Ivarstead, The Rift
Occupation: Innkeeper

Alot of these sources from:
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