Deciding whether to keep or part with a powerful weapon like the Rueful Axe can be a difficult choice for any adventurer. The enchantment on this unique battle axe can certainly have its merits, but its drawbacks should not be overlooked. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of keeping the Rueful Axe and help you make an informed decision on whether it’s worth keeping in your inventory.
The Rueful Axe is known for its impressive damage output, making it a formidable weapon against formidable foes. Its weight and size make it a symbol of strength and power, and wielding it can give you a sense of invincibility on the battlefield. With its unique enchantment, it has the potential to deal additional damage to enemies with every swing, quickly turning the tide of any battle in your favor.
However, it is important to note that the Rueful Axe also comes with a significant drawback. Despite its power, the axe is cursed, causing a decrease in your overall health when equipped. This reduction in health can leave you vulnerable and may require more frequent use of healing spells or potions, potentially hindering your overall combat effectiveness. Additionally, the cursed nature of the axe means that it cannot be improved or enchanted further, limiting its potential for growth as your character becomes stronger.
Pros and Cons of Keeping the Rueful Axe
If you are considering whether to keep the Rueful Axe or not, it is important to weigh the pros and cons to make an informed decision.
Pros:
- Powerful Weapon: The Rueful Axe is a unique weapon that deals a significant amount of damage, making it a valuable asset in combat.
- Unique Design: The axe has a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other weapons, making it a visually appealing choice.
- Daedric Artifact: The Rueful Axe is categorized as a Daedric artifact, granting it special properties and potential benefits associated with Daedric items.
- Quest Item: The Rueful Axe is involved in a quest, which means that by keeping it, you may be able to complete the quest or receive additional rewards.
Cons:
- Reduced Speed: The Rueful Axe is a heavy weapon that may slow down your attacks, making it less effective against fast and agile enemies.
- Low Base Damage: Compared to other powerful weapons available in the game, the Rueful Axe has relatively low base damage, which may limit its usefulness in certain situations.
- Unfavourable Enchantment: The axe has a debuff on its enchantment, reducing your overall health while equipped. This can be a significant drawback, especially in challenging battles.
- Alternative Options: There are other weapons in the game that may provide better overall benefits in terms of damage output, enchantments, and usability. It is worth considering these alternatives before deciding to keep the Rueful Axe.
Ultimately, the decision to keep the Rueful Axe depends on your personal preferences, playstyle, and the specific circumstances of your gameplay. Consider the pros and cons mentioned above to determine whether the benefits of keeping this unique weapon outweigh its drawbacks.
Power and Damage Output
The Rueful Axe is a unique weapon in Skyrim that can be obtained during the quest “A Daedra’s Best Friend”. It has a base damage of 22, making it a decent choice for early to mid-game combat. However, there are some factors to consider when determining its overall power and damage output.
One important aspect to consider is the weapon’s speed. The Rueful Axe has a slow attack speed, which means it may not be ideal for characters who prefer quick strikes or dual-wielding. This can affect the overall damage output, especially in fast-paced combat situations.
Another factor to consider is the enchantment on the axe. The Rueful Axe has an enchantment called “Axe of Whiterun”, which absorbs 20 points of health, but it does not benefit from any smithing perks or improvements to increase its damage output. This can limit its effectiveness in late-game scenarios when enemies have higher health pools.
Furthermore, the Rueful Axe cannot be improved at a grindstone, unlike other weapons in the game. This means that its base damage cannot be increased through smithing or enchanting, further limiting its potential damage output compared to other weapons that can be improved.
Overall, while the Rueful Axe may be a unique and interesting weapon to possess, its power and damage output may be limited compared to other options available in the game. It is important to evaluate your character’s playstyle, preferred weapon types, and the level of difficulty you are playing on when deciding whether to keep the Rueful Axe or seek out a more powerful alternative.
Unique Enchantment
The Rueful Axe possesses a unique enchantment that sets it apart from other weapons in Skyrim. The enchantment, called “Lorekeeper’s Wrath,” allows the wielder to absorb 20 points of magicka from the target with each strike. This enchantment can be highly beneficial for magic users, as it provides a steady source of magicka replenishment during combat.
However, it is important to note that the Rueful Axe also has a drawback. Due to the nature of the enchantment, it counts as a Daedric artifact and therefore cannot be improved at a grindstone or workbench. This means that the damage inflicted by the axe cannot be increased through Smithing or fortifying enchantments.
Despite this drawback, the unique enchantment of the Rueful Axe can still make it a valuable weapon in certain situations. For magic users who rely heavily on their magicka reserves, the axe can be a useful tool for replenishing magicka during prolonged battles. Additionally, the absorb magicka effect can be particularly effective against enemy spellcasters, as it can drain their magicka pool and weaken their magical attacks.
Considerations
When deciding whether to keep the Rueful Axe, there are a few considerations to take into account:
- Playstyle: If you primarily rely on melee combat or prefer weapons that can be improved through Smithing, the Rueful Axe may not be the best choice for you. However, if you often find yourself running out of magicka during combat or enjoy using magic-related skills, the axe’s enchantment can be a valuable asset.
- Other weapons: If you already have powerful weapons that you prefer, it may be more beneficial to sell or store the Rueful Axe rather than carry it around as an additional weight burden.
- Quest completion: If you obtained the Rueful Axe as part of a quest, keeping it may have additional benefits, such as unlocking further quests or receiving special rewards. It is worth considering if the axe is required to complete any future objectives or if there are any other quest-related reasons to hold onto it.
In conclusion, the unique enchantment of the Rueful Axe can be a valuable asset for magic users or those looking for a reliable source of magicka absorption. However, it is important to weigh the drawbacks, such as the inability to improve the weapon, and consider your playstyle and other available weapons before deciding whether to keep or part ways with the axe.
Quest and Achievement
Completing the quest “A Daedra’s Best Friend” in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim unlocks the Achievement called “Savior of the Damned.” This quest can be acquired by speaking to Lod in Falkreath or by encountering Barbas, the talking dog while traveling.
The quest involves helping Barbas, the Daedric Prince Clavicus Vile’s talking dog, find and reunite with his master. Barbas tasks the player with retrieving the Rueful Axe, a powerful one-handed weapon, from Rimerock Burrow.
| Quest Name: | A Daedra’s Best Friend |
| Quest Giver: | Lod in Falkreath or Barbas |
| Objective: | Retrieve the Rueful Axe from Rimerock Burrow |
| Achievement: | Savior of the Damned |
Upon completing the quest, the player has the choice to either keep the Rueful Axe or return it to Clavicus Vile. Keeping the axe will grant a powerful weapon with a unique enchantment, but it will not count towards the Oblivion Walker Achievement, as Clavicus Vile will no longer reward the player with his Daedric artifact, the Masque of Clavicus Vile.
Ultimately, whether to keep the Rueful Axe or return it is a matter of personal preference and playstyle. Consider the benefits of owning a powerful weapon versus completing the Oblivion Walker Achievement when making your decision.
Weight and Carry Capacity
Weight is an important factor to consider when deciding whether to keep the Rueful Axe or not. The weight of an item affects the player’s carry capacity and can impact their ability to carry other valuable items or essentials during their adventures.
The Rueful Axe weighs 22 units, which is relatively heavy compared to other weapons in the game. This means that carrying the axe will take up a significant portion of the player’s carry capacity.
Carry capacity is the total weight that a player character can carry without becoming encumbered. When the player exceeds their carry capacity, they will move slowly and be unable to run or fast travel. This can greatly hinder their ability to explore new areas or complete quests efficiently.
It is important to consider how much the Rueful Axe weighs in relation to the player’s current carry capacity. If the player is already close to or at their carry capacity limit, carrying the axe may not be practical unless they are willing to sacrifice other items or find a way to increase their carry capacity.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that the value of an item is also related to its weight. The Rueful Axe has a base value of 2140 gold, which may make it tempting to keep even if it is heavy. However, it is important to weigh the practicality of carrying the axe against its potential value when deciding whether to keep it or find a lighter alternative.
In conclusion, the weight of the Rueful Axe should be taken into consideration when deciding whether to keep it. It may be necessary to evaluate the player’s current carry capacity and prioritize other essential items before adding the axe to their inventory.
Role-playing Considerations
When deciding whether to keep the Rueful Axe in your adventures, there are several role-playing considerations to take into account.
Moral Alignment
One of the key factors to consider is your character’s moral alignment. The Rueful Axe has a dark and cursed history, often associated with the Daedric Prince Clavicus Vile. If your character is an honorable and righteous hero, they may find it difficult to justify keeping such a weapon with sinister ties.
On the other hand, if your character is more morally ambiguous or willing to delve into darker powers, the Rueful Axe could serve as a potent tool in their arsenal.
Character Goals
Consider your character’s goals and motivations. Are they seeking power at any cost? Are they driven by vengeance or a desire for justice? The Rueful Axe, with its powerful enchantment and ability to drain the life force of enemies, could help your character achieve their objectives.
Alternatively, if your character seeks redemption or strives to be a force for good, they may find it more fitting to rid the world of such a cursed item.
Ultimately, the decision to keep the Rueful Axe should be based on the unique characteristics and journey of your character. Consider their moral alignment, goals, and the role they play in your immersive role-playing experience.
