InsaneJournal

Capital: Markarth
Jarl: Igmund
Steward: Raerek
Court Wizard: Calcelmo
Thalmor Head Justiciar: Ondolemar
Alliance: The Imperial Legion
Typical Weather: The Reach is normally sunny and warm, though it is also prone to rainstorms. It is situated at the western-most side of Skyrim. The snowy Druadach Mountains line the outer edge, but the majority of the landscape is similar to that of Whiterun which sits directly east in the center of Skyrim.
Crime Rate: Markarth is notably one of the most dangerous cities in all of Skyrim. There are plenty of shady characters, and the guards always seem to have some sort of ulterior motive when it comes to dealing with the Silver-Blood clan. The city is not friendly to outsiders, so think twice before you enter the city.
Economy: Markarth's main source of income are the mines which harvest a variety of valuable ores such as silver, gold and iron. Because of the frequent sun and rainstorms, Markarth is also able to host a successful farm. Though there aren't many pine trees in this area, there is still a significant amount that enables Markarth to host a sawmill as well.

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Blood and silver is what runs through Markarth. Everything about The Reach and its capital city of Markarth is treacherous. The winding roads and Forsworn camps make the trip to Markarth dangerous enough, but even the city itself has some dark secrets that's enough to turn away most visitors.

Built on top of the Dwemer ruin of Nchuand-Zel, Markarth is an archaeologist's wet dream of history and ancient technology. The entire city has been crafted out of stone, and it is theorized the city itself was cut from the mountains. Though Markarth is loyal to the Empire, the city is practically owned by the Silver-Blood clan, a family of affluential Nords and Stormcloak sympathizers. They own the infamous "prison" Cidhna Mine, and their primary source of workers are prisoners that have committed a crime in Markarth. It's famous for being the one prison you can't break out of. You don't get out of Cidhna by sitting on your ass and doing nothing. If you want to get out, you do your time by mining until your hands are callused and your sentence is served.

There are plenty of conspiracies surrounding the Silver-Bloods, and further investigation might uncover there's truth to those rumors, though the Markarth guards are weirdly adamant about keeping those rumors just that - rumors.

If you do choose to visit the City of Stone, keep your wits about you, and try to avoid sticking your nose where it doesn't belong. You may find it covered in dirt when the "lawless nature" of the city surfaces and you're thrown into the prison.

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PLACES IN MARKARTH
These are the more notable locations within and near the city.

• Understone Keep
• Dwemer Museum

Historical Significance

• Sky Haven Temple
• Nchuand-Zel Excavation Site

Inns

• Silver-Blood Inn

Shops

• Arnleif and Son's Trading Company
• The Hag's Cure
• Ghorza gra-Bagol (Blacksmith)
• Hogni Red-Arm (Meat Stall)
• Kerah (Jewelry)

Mines

• Kolskeggr Mine (Gold)
• Cidhna Mine (Silver)
• Fenn's Gulch Mine (Silver)
• Sanuarach Mine (Silver)
• Left Hand Mine (Iron)

Other

• Hall of the Dead
• Temple of Dibella
• Shrine of Talos
• Abandoned House (linked to Daedric Prince Molag Bal)
• Salvius Farm
• Markarth Lumber Mill and Forge
• Markarth Stables