Eliminating Amaund Motierre is a decisive action that reshapes the political landscape of Skyrim and alters the trajectory of the main quest. This targeted strike removes a key antagonist tied to the Dark Brotherhood and Imperial intrigue, forcing players to confront the consequences of assassinating a high-value target.
Understanding the fallout, prerequisites, and optimal methods for killing Amaund Motierre helps you plan a precise operation with minimal risk and maximum narrative impact. The following sections break down mission triggers, location details, combat strategies, and the broader effects of this assassination.
| Aspect | Details | Impact on Gameplay | Quest Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | Amaund Motierre, Imperial noble and assassination mark | Removes a key antagonist, advances Dark Brotherhood questline | Main quest branch |
| Location | Solitude, Honorhall Manor | Accessible early to mid-game, public space with guards | Assassination contract available |
| Method | Poisoning, stealth attack, or duel challenge | Influence bounty level and evidence left behind | Contract execution |
| Quest Giver | Astrid, leader of the Dark Brotherhood | Critical for advancing the guild questline | Post-Skyrim Civil War main quest |
| Consequence | Imperial crackdown, possible alert against the Brotherhood | Alters faction relations and future mission availability | Long-term world state change |
Contract Acquisition and Prerequisites
To kill Amaund Motierre, you must first acquire the contract through the Dark Brotherhood. This typically occurs after completing the 'With Friends Like These...' quest and establishing your sanctuary as the primary headquarters.
Ensure your character is ready for possible confrontation with Imperial authorities, especially if the assassination is carried out in a heavily guarded urban area. High sneak or magic proficiency can reduce the risk of detection during approach.
Location and Environmental Details
Honorhall Manor in Solitude
Amaund Motierre resides in Honorhall Manor within the city of Solitude. The manor is heavily guarded, and entering undetected requires careful planning, use of disguises, or diversion tactics.
The building layout includes multiple levels, with sleeping quarters and a study where Motierre can be found during the night. Windows and side entrances offer alternative infiltration routes for stealth-oriented players.
Execution Strategies and Methods
Stealth and Poison Approach
Many players prefer to poison Motierre's wine or food in his bedroom, which allows for a silent kill without raising an alarm. This method minimizes combat and reduces the chance of leaving hostile witnesses.
Direct Confrontation and Duel
Alternatively, confronting Motierre openly triggers a duel, which can be useful for players seeking combat experience or aiming to complete specific challenge feats. Success in dueling grants honor and improves standing with the Brotherhood.
Questline Integration and Consequences
Killing Amaund Motierre is not an isolated action; it directly ties into the broader Dark Brotherhood storyline and the political tension between the Empire and the Thieves Guild.
Choosing the right moment to eliminate him can prevent unnecessary combat with guards and avoid implicating innocent NPCs. Players should save before initiating any confrontation to preserve progress.
Strategic Implications and Final Notes
- Plan infiltration routes using map knowledge of Honorhall Manor
- Use high sneak or invisibility spells to bypass patrols
- Employ poison or paralysis to ensure a quiet kill
- Save before entering the manor to preserve progress
- Consider timing the assassination to avoid civil unrest or war declarations
- Monitor your bounty meter and flee if detection risk is high
- Coordinate with Brotherhood allies for backup and support
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I trigger the assassination contract for Amaund Motierre?
Speak to Astrid at the Dark Brotherhood sanctuary after completing 'With Friends Like These...'. The contract will appear in your journal once the sanctuary is set as your headquarters.
What is the best method to kill Amaund Motierre without raising my bounty?
Use stealth and poison in Honorhall Manor during the night to eliminate him silently. Avoid killing guards and leave no incriminating evidence to keep your bounty at zero.
Can I spare Amaund Motierre and complete the quest differently?
No, the contract requires his death to progress. Refusing or failing to eliminate him will stall the Dark Brotherhood questline until compliance.
What happens if I'm caught killing Amaund Motierre in public?
Witnesses and guards will raise the alarm, increasing your bounty and possibly triggering a city-wide guard response. You may need to flee or serve a jail sentence depending on your crime rating.