The MOST POWERFUL Family in Skyrim? - Black-Briars EXPLAINED! - Elder Scrolls Lore

[@jarlbalgruuf2415]

"I'll send the Dark Brotherhood after you" she says to the leader of the Dark Brotherhood

[@69inetails]

Jarl Balgruuf she said tht to the Dragonborn who killed the dark brotherhood... man I love being a good gurl/guy Dragonborn

[@matt36866]

One of my issues with skyrim is that dialogue doesn't change because of certain decisions or actions you do

[@sheogorath2600]

my favorite jarl

[@jarlbalgruuf2415]

@@sheogorath2600 my favorite Daedric Prince

[@sheogorath2600]

blagruuf how has that dragon problem been going ?

[@Prebondus]

Maven: *Threatens you with the Thieves Guild and the Dark Brotherhood* Dragonborn: I AM THE THIEVES GUILD AND THE DARK BROTHERHOOD!

[@Vulpine407]

Maven: Threatens you. You: Makes a save point, loads in a couple of mods, reloads save, draws weapon with a sinister smile... Maven: What... what are you doing? Nazeem's Ghost: I'll give you a hint...

[@radianstefan2445]

This reminds me of that scene from Star Wars where Palpatine says "I am The Senate".

[@Prebondus]

@@radianstefan2445 That's the idea

[@tonystank3091]

"I *am* the Senate!"

[@Prebondus]

@budsmoke bunny Exactly

[@shadowfirekarp]

I'm not saying the whole Helgen thing was an elaborate plan to get rid of Vilod, but mead with juniper berries is actually pretty good.

[@jenniferguajardo1335]

Those damn dragons even helped Maven. 😆

[@thenobletaco4232]

Confirmed Maven Blackbriar summoned Alduin

[@drippinwet774]

I'm not saying it was aliens...

[@triggeredmcshitmypants2760]

mead in general is amazing stuff lmaoo didn’t even know it existed before skyrim, eventually picked up a bottle for myself and i was instantly blown away by how sweet it was, it really does taste like honey wine

[@paladinheadquarters7776]

drippin wet well it’s either Nazeem or Maiq the Liar.

[@nazeem8085]

If they are the most powerful family in Skyrim why don’t they get to the cloud district very often?

[@connorsmith6517]

Nazeem GOD DAMNIT NAZEEM GO HOME

[@elfofcourage]

LoL

[@deshawnbrown5714]

This guy actually has a point. Why is maven living in one of the shittiest holds in skyrim. And have a really nice house there. Why doesn't she live in whiterun. She could offord to live in the cloud district (Thanks for the likes everyone this just really got me thinking that ulfric might be onto something here)

[@elfofcourage]

@@deshawnbrown5714 Actually, Maven could have lived in Proudspire Manor in Solitude if she wanted to.

[@ayami235611]

Fus Ro Dah

[@pelinalwhitestrake4196]

Being subbed to Fudgemuppet fortifies intelligence and mysticism but you gain no rest bonus. Edit: Also Praise be to Reman

[@celestialnoon]

Pelinal Whitestrake Who needs a rest bonus when you can jump all across Cyrodil and do sick back flips!

[@phatbassanchor]

Maybe no rest but having proper knowledge gives peace of mind. That is a priceless commodity.

[@Leto85]

Brilliant!

[@pelinalwhitestrake4196]

@The Doom Slayer A fellow Slayer.

[@hammerite6418]

It is known

[@thebruh1883]

One time I walked into riften and everybody was killing a thief, and for some reason Maven started attacking the towns folk, who then proceeded to revolt against her. Every guard, merchant, and beggar ganged up on her and everytime she got up they'd instantly put her right back down... Then they killed her daughter right in front of her as shes non essential but sides with the black-briars lol. I was doing the alchemist quest at the time so I had to reload a save to keep her alive but it was still cool to see the whole city shanking maven.

[@ammagon4519]

Unironically the best way to end her crap

[@philippeblais8594]

I think seeing Maven defending a thief makes people realize she's been helping them. And since most of Riften despise the thieves guild. Makes sense they'd attack her.

[@CloudsGirl7]

AMAZING. Wish I could've seen it myself.

[@TwistedMetel97]

I once pick-pocketed a beggar, and he caught me, but everyone in the town ran him down and killed him instead of me lol

[@kuddlesthekhajiit7768]

"A word of advice my friend, do not mix gambling and drink. Taken together they will empty your pockets of every septim" - Kharjo the Khajiit.

[@DelinquentChibi]

"I remember one time I got drunk, I woke up with a shaved tail and an ear full of goat cheese. It was a crazy night." Inigo the Brave.

[@sheogorath2600]

my second favorite cat in all of tamerial

[@thatonekid640]

sheo gorath are you done doing the fish stick though

[@phatbassanchor]

Too true my Khajiit friend. I prefer to drink in moderation and just skip the gambling all together. Khajiit Bard has music if this one has coin. Care for a sample? kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2Gpd2SCpd54rq8

[@Ares-hi2hw]

when i read you'r comment in my head i hear Real Khajit voice damn physiology effects

[@grimms1916]

I always wished there was a way to take down the thieves guild and black-briars in the same way you can the DB. Minus all the killing of course. Imagine a cloak and dagger, sabotage filled, slow and steady questline where you slowly dismantle both of the group's influences

[@danielcharland1374]

That would be amazing and I wish it were in the game. Perhaps we can hope for the next installment coming out in a century.

[@junkyardsanta8814]

They could have easily done that with Karliah. That would have been so cool

[@danielcharland1374]

@@junkyardsanta8814 they should have made her romanceable too. Of all the female characters she's one of the ones with the most unique voice and strongest personality.

[@markbenoit6811]

There is a mod for SSE called 'Outlaws and Revolutionaries' by ThuggySmurf which includes this as a possible quest line. I doubt it's entirely nonviolent, but something to look into. Haven't tried it yet as I tend to enjoy the Thieves Guild stuff. :)

[@joobletmaster5000]

@@danielcharland1374 I don't really get why people want to romance Karliah or Serana. Yeah, they're hot, but trauma is a huge piece of both of their characters. Serena clearly expressed that she doesn't want to be married, probably due to the horrible process of becoming a daughter of cold harbor. Karliah literally had to watch the ghost of her former lover fade, and she barely regained her freedom in the guild after that. It's a lot to go through, so jumping into a relationship doesn't make any sense with her character.

[@69inetails]

Maven : threatens the dark brotherhood Dragonborn: destroys dark brotherhood

[@Galimeer5]

The Ultimate Flex

[@brian.phillips1985]

God I love being a good guy

[@69inetails]

Hackerman best thing ever...:)

[@drippinwet774]

Maven: hires the Dragonborn Dragonborn: accomplishes all of Maven's goals

[@ihateallofyou8460]

Dragonborn: is the leader of the dark brotherhood

[@Chrisfragger1]

If she wasn't essential, there wouldn't be a black-briar family for long.

[@Mike-oz7fx]

That's what sucks. She is only mainly essential because she becomes Jarl if the Empire wins. I wish there was a mod in place that places someone else as Jarl if the Empire wins, so I could kill her, or AT LEAST a dialog option that shuts her up once she finds out you either KILLED the Dark Brotherhood, or the LEADER/LISTENER of it. Being the Leader/Listener WILL 100% shut pretty much ANY body up, even a Maven type character, because death would be imminent with no possibilities of escape. She'd throw her away her way life, her families, and business even if she was able to successfully flee, which means I win in the end either way, my dominance would be preserved. That's why I wish Bethesda had CD Projekt RED work on that dialog, because for their games especially such as Witcher 3... EVERY decision/choice counts.

[@ghostwarrior3878]

Exactly

[@alexandracohen0694]

When she became jarl I did a quick save and fus ro dah her butt so much the whole city was after me. I'd do it again..

[@MP-vf8qz]

@@Mike-oz7fx Exactly, you should destroy the Dark Brotherhood, they are only a bunch of traitors like the Thieves Guild. Too bad there wasn't a good guild to give you the weapons and armor you want without selling your soul to a Daedra.

[@justh3r338]

Mods and console commands exist

[@Kingneo0053]

you mean the 2nd most powerful family in skyrim. The most powerful family is whoever marries/is adopted by the Dragonborn

[@Valencetheshireman927]

I thought the Mede dynasty would be the most powerful.🤔

[@junkyardsanta8814]

@@Valencetheshireman927 Nah I ended that bloodline lol

[@camau79]

my dragonborn is bosmer, so the dragonborns family are the most powerful family in valenwood

[@liamwalker5274]

Unfortunately its 3rd as nazeem is the most powerful

[@Ares-hi2hw]

@@camau79 mine is NORD

[@mayorbradley3952]

No matter how strong a family is, there's nothing stronger than a pissed Dragonborn

[@ghostwarrior3878]

SPEAK TRUTH

[@4newestaccoun]

unless its a non-mod dragonborn against essentials

[@nd7042]

Still, a pissed off Dragonborn can kill everyone in the hold that isn't a demigod "essential" and whatnot... Effectively ruining that hold, ruining the Jarl's reputation... Which if you go Imp., that's Maven...

[@chazkorkosz1032]

Power can't stop poison from being slipped in ones drink, and Power can't stop someone from killing you in your sleep. The Dragonborn may have insane martial prowess, but there are other ways to kill someone then in open battle.

[@matthewdoherty803]

Pissess off the dragonborn The stormcloaks/ imperialise Dark brotherhood emperor of cyrdil And anyone else you killed: wrong move

[@TeeteringTod]

I didn't steal Maven's Dibella statue it was missing when I got there I swear!

[@ahandgrenade3640]

No no i totally stole it. I stole everything that wasn't nailed down.

[@alexanderstilianov]

Literally Maven at the Thalmor embassy: "Now, the party don't start till I walk in."

[@Jynx9921]

DONT STOP MAKE IT DROP

[@Kevin-wx7wu]

My only gripe with skyrim is not being able to kill Maven EDIT: I have mods installed, I could grab her heart out of her chest and destroy it rn, pls stop suggesting that I install them(although new ways to kill her are appreciated). What I actually wanted is for Bethesda to remove her flag as essential when you're done with her or give you a mission to end her.

[@carmelopappalardo8477]

Amen!

[@Valencetheshireman927]

And 99% of the other people I don’t like

[@Valencetheshireman927]

In Skyrim

[@unslaadkrosis3489]

And Erikur

[@jarlbalgruuf2415]

And you have to kill Narfi

[@Caposaurus]

I feel like Maven might be referred to as "Mother" by everyone, not because of blood but because she simply is the "Mother". A bit like the term "Godfather". OR maybe Hemming had such a scandalous lady who gave birth to Sibbi and Ingun, that they'd want to keep the truth hidden. o - o

[@rezandrarizkyirianto-1933]

Maven the Fairy-Godmother

[@Caposaurus]

@@rezandrarizkyirianto-1933 Bibbidi bobbidi boo.

[@rezandrarizkyirianto-1933]

@@Caposaurus Okay, now I seriously want a mod turning Maven into a fairy godmother companion

[@vanyavanilla7108]

I feel like Maven’s the type of woman to not want to be reminded of her age, so she prefers to be referred to as “mother” instead of “grandmother”

[@riftenguard4790]

Mommy Maven

[@elixxon]

Maven clearly expresses as jarl that she does not like you when you are doing the quest to become thane, and do not get over your head from your title because it doesn't make you part of the family. Maven is clearly frustrated with you gaining fame and popularity in Riften, which explains her funding the orphanage. She is carefully working on her reputation, and you overshadowing hers is the same as if her reputation were negatively affected. It's obvious you are the one she wants dead, and the assassination attempts stop if you become a member of or destroy the brotherhood.

[@Diptangshu813]

The assassination attempts take place even before you visit Riften.

[@elixxon]

@@Diptangshu813 The random encounters are rather buggy. sometimes I get attacked by Thalmor with a letter proclaiming me wanted even before I begin the main quest, but that encounter should only happen after you finish Diplomatic Immunity.

[@Diptangshu813]

@@elixxon Haven't had a chance to test this one yet. I always assumed that it might be related to all the kill all Thalmor in sight habit.

[@deshawnbrown5714]

Ulfric stormcloak has enterd the chat~

[@massaweed420am7]

@@elixxon I've had it happen before getting that letter before Diplomatic Immunity. I as well thought it was because I kill any Thalmor on sight.

[@thatpersonineverycommentse2195]

maven: *Does black sacroment to get you killed* LDB: *Shows up* "so you needed someone killed?" Maven: *suprised pikachu face*

[@ModdingNewbie]

Lol!

[@Ares-hi2hw]

she is such a arrogant O-men she doesn't know how to bow down and lick dragonborn boot

[@geneticemo]

@@Ares-hi2hw I mean with the right modddsssssss.......

[@Ares-hi2hw]

@@geneticemo can you give me mod name where i can destroy thief guild + maven for good

[@geneticemo]

@@Ares-hi2hw I didn't say you could destroy her, just humble her a bit

[@ironichoneybadger5066]

imagine a questline that would begin with mjola the lioness where you free riften from corruption

[@wiibrockster]

I wish you could kill Maven in the vanilla game. I just hate how she walks around acting like she's better than you,in my case a level 50 Altmer Arch-Mage who just happens to be a Vampire Lord.

[@sammerjay8128]

Maven is a condescending, delusional, hoser.

[@EndlessDreamer448]

Maven: Threatens you with the Dark Brotherhood. You: The Listener, Vampire Lord, Dragonborn and the power of mods. Proceeds to rip out her son's heart "literally" and turns her daughter into one of your Vampire concubines and takes her to your castle. ( Did this btw lol)

[@harrychalmers6546]

Outstanding move

[@danielcharland1374]

How do you do that? I'd love to give it a shot.

[@carmelopappalardo8477]

How? Was it a mod?

[@Valencetheshireman927]

It must have been a mod . It sounds to hilarious to be vanilla Skyrim

[@DeathDustDespair]

Shinigamimon (In the voice of Zelda from CDI) *“Good”*

[@kekero540]

I like how the Black briars, who own like a single beer factory are somehow just as or more influential than the silver bloods, who have almost monopolized silver production in skyrim.

[@arynrowland862]

The Black Briars have connections to the Thieves Guild, Dark Brotherhood, Empire, and the Thalmor. The Silver Bloods are really only influential in the Reach.

[@edward9232]

It's her political connection

[@piperbarlow1672]

politicians like good mead as much as the next nord. Close friends hear secrets, secrets grant power

[@callum1651]

She probably has loadsa property and land too

[@indorilx3]

Could be that Maven had Hemming and then he had Sibbi and Ingun (twins?) out of wedlock so Maven had the mother/s killed and took the role of mother to save embarrassment/family name tarnishment. And only Maven and Hemming know the truth.

[@junkyardsanta8814]

Or we could be looking at a nasty Oedipus incident here

[@AnonymousFREEZEpOp1]

They are sleeping together in the same bed, if he isn't her husband calling her "mother" then it's wrong no matter how you look at it.

[@fatty1040]

Honestly incest babies is the most likely considering how controlling she is. "Learn his place" when discussing Sibbi sounds like she's mad because he went and married some random girl into the family. Saying she's letting him consort with whomever goes against her standing that only black briars remain in power.

[@Jynx9921]

@@fatty1040 Maven had no problem with the relationship, what caused his punishment was the fact that he murdered the girl's brother after he confronted sibbi about him cheating, making a public scandal and possibly leaving a mark in the family's reputation

[@ZIGZAG12345]

Ingun must be blood daughter of Maven though, she looks just like a younger version of her mother.

[@kalt7990]

Maven: I could send the Dark Brotherhood after you. Dragonborn: I absorb the souls of an immortal race of demi-gods and my birth was foretold in an Elder Scroll. So, stick to making mead lady and I'll continue owning every enemy that was dumb enough to raise a weapon against me.

[@olynodren]

Ingun is an A grade cutie. That's all i need to know about the Black-briars.

[@aaronb6763]

Ingun and Sibbi are unhinged sociopaths due to the fact that they're incest babies from their brother daddy Hemming and mommy grandma Maven

[@brian.phillips1985]

@@aaronb6763 Uhhh, what?

[@olynodren]

@@aaronb6763 yeah like that doesn't make her hotter lmoa

[@jackhickman1217]

Ingun is a cutie, she looks like an ape and she also like likes poisoning animals that's fucked up.

[@Ares-hi2hw]

i killed her she is sadist you didn't know that man!!!!!!!

[@thunderbird7020]

I wish she was made unessential if you side with the Stormcloaks and complete the Thieves Guild questline.

[@delgottitv9246]

Love the channel man listen to the vids while laying down at night

[@skylerflores1025]

Same

[@calimeroisstoer]

Same

[@TheInsaneTeddy]

Same

[@orochimarussidepiece6138]

Same

[@thatonechannel8880]

Same

[@thuzan117]

I always kinda liked Maven, gotta respect that Machiavellian cunning and while it's easy to villify her she's actually remarkably capable and I'd certainly rather her be jarl than that twit who backs Ulfric. She runs a tight ship and generally, so long as you don't run afoul of her, you're ok. If you prove capable and useful she'll even remember it.

[@sammerjay8128]

She is condescending, putrid, hoser.

[@Dunarcarn]

Tywin: "You're a Lannister." Maven: " You're a Black-Briar."

[@SittingOnYourRoof]

Hagrid: "You're a wizard, Harry."

[@specialknees6798]

SittingOnYourRoof fuck, you beat me to it😂

[@philippeblais8594]

Interesting. Only in this scenario, Maven has one of her kids looking out for their rep while Tywin has none of his kids out for the rep of their house. Pray to Stendarr and the old gods that Tywin and Maven never meet. Otheriwse, they'll have both Westeros and Tamriel in their palms.

[@lonestarwolfentertainment7184]

philippe blais and it wouldn’t be long before the Player Character comes and destroys them both

[@Himmyjewett]

Maven is more powerful

[@DuskyPredator]

On the dark brotherhood, I always got the feeling that Astrid has been pretending that the sacrament has any influence on making a contract, as it befits the image, but they have no such Listener and have turned their back on traditions. Mavin may be annoyed that her assassination from performing the ritual is having no effect in forming a contract.

[@riftenguard4790]

After seeing that Astrid ignored Maven's ritual, I knew I had to wipe out the Brotherhood.

[@sammerjay8128]

I'm annoyed that Maven doesn't seem to know that I destroyed the Dark Brotherhood.

[@JackedUpLope]

Another note about the alchemist daughter is that she offers you a quest to collect some alchemical ingredients. These include nightshade and deathbells. Any alchemist worth their salt knows these make potent poisons.

[@WraythSkitzofrenik]

I want a mod to recruit friends into guilds. She's perfect for the Brotherhood

[@kynchan3332]

Soon to be the most powerful family will be the dragonborn's. Skills in alchemy, smithing, enchantment and transmutation. You could literally arrange for the merchants to bring you the raw materials and you just churn out the finished goods. With all that money and power buy out the businesses (legal and illegal) and assets around Skyrim and then become the bankster of Skyrim. And then onto the other provinces. After that the other realms.

[@jeffreylessard7538]

Lol what is a bankster????

[@kynchan3332]

​@@jeffreylessard7538 Its not just the legal businesses it has to be drugs (skoma and other hard drugs), loan sharking, brothel running, gambling businesses, slave trade and financing war that the dragonborn wants. Imagine organizing import and export between the realms and also the vices.

[@chibicthulhu4382]

With Hemming and Maven I don’t get a “keeping the blood line pure” feeling. I get a “really weird mother son relationship” feeling.

[@supernova582]

I wish you can destroy the thief's guild and purge the Corruption from the city

[@danielcharland1374]

Agreed. I was very confused as to why I couldn't do that in my first playthrough. I hope they can improve on faction relationships in the next game. Have an alternative for each faction, with the option to fight against the darker ones in particular if you want to.

[@69inetails]

I know there’s a mod tht does tht.. but it would’ve been cool to do it legit. Riften is my favorite looking city

[@Soleneus]

The corruption is the city.

[@LadyCoyKoi]

I would love to spread a rumor that would cause The Dark Brotherhood and Thieves Guild foght each other to the death... that is more interesting storyline than the Stormcloaks Vs Imperials.

[@1ruisu]

@@danielcharland1374 The Thieves Guild is sanctioned as one of the guilds of the Empire from the days of the first Akaviri empire seated in Cyrodill. Despite law enforcement trying to stop them the reason the guards never storm their hideout is precisely because they are allowed to exist as a guild.

[@raynmanshorts9275]

Hemming could have had a couple of kids with someone that Maven disapproved of, removed her from the family, and then adopted Hemming's children as her own. A grandmother adopting her grandchildren because her child is unfit to raise them is more common than you'd think. Edit: It could even be a bit of a secret that neither Ingun nor Sibbi know about.

[@AnonymousFREEZEpOp1]

Ok that doesn't explain Hemming and Maven sleeping in the same bed though 😂😂😂 is he her husband or her son?

[@TheAnomaly00]

@@AnonymousFREEZEpOp1 yes

[@Meow_Zedong_1949]

I'm sticking with the Alabama theory.

[@Uranium337]

The mother and son/daughter titles could be honorific instead of literal

[@doubledouble4g379]

Or someone just Bethesda'd the translation ;)

[@miagrace987]

Don’t know how it took me this long to realise your uploading everyday 🤨❤️

[@R1z1n_ttv]

Hated that i couldn't destroy the thieves guild

[@Valencetheshireman927]

I think the could have done a lot more with the thieves guild as a whole .

[@loraelstad8941]

Ria Fire Same. Since I couldn’t, I joined them, but only so I could purge the murderous traitor, Mercer, & rise to Guild Master, in the mind canon hope to separate them from their need for the Blackbriars. If they become independent and successful again, perhaps they will stop being petty thugs, abusing the populace and merchants of their own city & get back to being more thievery artists, like The Gray Fox, once more.

[@loraelstad8941]

1Dudelove Ya mean Delvin Mallory? Also, is that mod only for PC, bcuz I play on XB1?

[@ModdingNewbie]

I was just thinking today during a play session that I wasn't sure a rich supply of lockpicks was worth ruining the Honningbrew brand... :-(

[@loraelstad8941]

ModdingNewbie1974 I was thinking that, too, recently, but I did the quest anyway, only because this playthrough I had plans to do the whole Thieves Guild questline, as well as the Dark Brotherhood. In my good side playthroughs I always foul Maven’s plans or ignore the Guild altogether & I destroy the Brotherhood. Also, I have my own brewery in this one, so I had to get rid of my competition. Figure if Black Briar brand is as bad as reputed & Honningbrew was great, I should get rid of Honningbrew so that my own brews can be the better choice against Black Briar.

[@AKBear12]

The Family that made me install mods to kill essential NPCs

[@riftenguard4790]

Cowardly.

[@matthewbibby8921]

Maven Black Briar: Keeps her association with the Thieves guild on the downlow as nobody likes them and the Jarl/ guards are very much against them Also Maven Black briar: tells any random person who asks her about her influence that she has ties with the thieves guild … I'm very confused as to how she ever got and then kept her power with such an inability to keep secrets...

[@gizmoduck4292]

Maven's gonna make ya an offer you can't refuse.

[@thewolfpaladin1858]

I made her a offer her jaw drop along with the rest of her head

[@Ares-hi2hw]

even though i would killed her

[@riftenguard4790]

It's a pleasure to serve her.

[@integerrandom]

In a game where you can kill an emperor, the fact thay they made black-briar invincible is dissapointing

[@sp4zt4zt1c2]

Thank you for yet another great video. Keep up the great work.

[@rogerbrydon7215]

I thought the silver bloods would be the most powerful fam, fam.

[@maverickmason4946]

Nah.

[@sebastianprimomija8375]

The Silver-Bloods are the Pazzi to the Black-Briar's d'Medici

[@TheOllecool]

only in markarth, their influence doesn't extend much further.

[@Jakovdred]

Silver Blood have more stuff to steal, but Black Briar's house is more fun to break in.

[@Threadnaught]

The Silverbloods' influence is limited to the Reach and their hold on Markarth is contingent on their control over the Forsworn. They lose control of them and they lose Markarth, and with it the entire Reach. Which is why the Silverbloods must rely on the Dragonborn to take out the Forsworn within Markarth for them, as their ability to control the Forsworn is pretty much gone. Maven has most of Riften under lockdown with no opposition besides Mjol, she has several properties in the Rift, she doesn't need the Dragonborn to deal with Honningbrew Meadery, it's just cheaper. Her honey supplier is a far more tricky prospect, she needed the Dragonborn to increase her profits by eliminating the need for an outside supplier. Everything else, however, well she's important enough for the Empire to make her Jarl, she gets an invite to the Thalmor Embassy, she has the ear of the Dark Brotherhood before the Listener gets involved, the Thieves' Guild are more reliant on her than she is on them and the Dark Brotherhood combined. If there is any one NPC with as much influence as Dovahkiin, it is Maven. And that is only after Dovahkiin becomes Guildmaster, Listener, buys property in every hold and has an army (Companions, Volkihar or Dawnguard) of their own. Do any one of those things and you have as much influence at the Silverbloods, probably more.

[@Aziraal-Starhammer]

Unfortunately her and her family's influence and power to intimidate seem lacking when you're one of the most powerful beings on Nirn at that point. Let's be honest, you (the player) run almost everything in Skyrim. The Thieves Guild, Dark Brotherhood, College of Winterhold, Companions, etc. Not to mention physical and magical power...

[@alexanderyarbrough-fowler7420]

Especially if you became a Thane for most if not all strongholds in Skyrim, and Ulfric’s left hand man/Tullius’ War Hound

[@ВладиславШаклеин-ч7м]

If you'd be 'honest' and dig deeper than your fancy titles, you'd realize that the player still has next to no actual political power, shown no aptitiude for governing an organization (newsflash: you were being ordered around the entire questlines, what else than your ego makes you think you'd be a good leader?), let alone for careful political games of power and manipulation - something Maven has been played for years. Exposing the revered Dragonborn as the Listener alone will do irreversable damage to one's public image and that's something that could easily be done by someone as clever and resourceful as Maven. Especially considering the Brotherhood being in shambles after its questline. Don't delude yourself into thinking you 'run' things (which will most likely crumble under you guidance), for in the end there is only OPness of Thu'um you have, and Miraak also thought himself invincible back in the day.

[@Ares-hi2hw]

@@ВладиславШаклеин-ч7м power is every thing and dragonborn is in next level politic matter second but you'r comment has some punch. o + we can joining dark brotherhood as an option yo

[@ВладиславШаклеин-ч7м]

@Sky Dome "Loved"? More like there's more than a couple daedric princes he betrayed over the course of the game if you go 'THE WORLD IS MINE' route, so TLD is more or less fucked in the grand scheme of things. Plus you vastly overestimate DB's power - he's still a child compared to Miraak who was killed because plot demanded it. In the end, undermining his image - which Maven CAN do easily by exposing him as Listener - would leave him politically powerless. And he still is a mortal, so murderning him, while being tedious - isn't even close to impossible.

[@ВладиславШаклеин-ч7м]

@Sky Dome Well let's count shall we? Nocturnal - you're a Nightingale, forever bound to her service... Except you're also either Hircine's creature or the one who stirpped him of a continious supply of Compainon souls. On top of that, you might end up being a royal blood vampire, which makes you a pawn of Molag Bal. In service of which you gave a middle finger of Boethia and her prized priest - even worse if you're also her 'champion'. Possibly Azura as well, for... well, we do that in every playthrough. Oh, by the way, you're also now serving Mora in the end for the power he gave you. So, how many Daedric Princes are there who can just screw you over with the snap of their fingers and have a motive to do it? "Champion of all", lol. Exposure is extremely easy. You attack Dawnstar sanctuary. If Dragonborn is smart enough, they will not show up and defend. If they are stupid (and that's the general case of Dragonborn.) - you'll have a hard solid proof for everyone to see which nullifies any 'Thane influence' you delude yourself in having (and there was none to begin with in case of Dragonborn Thane) and crushing you 'hero' status - unlike Maven with which you don't have ANY actual proof of her connection with DB other than her claim. You think someone like Maven can't get the location (which is not actually a secret. And if it is supposed to be, Delvin knows it) and have an assassin get caputred to get the password out under the guise of a contract (and that's the easiest way to do it, there is plenty more)? Need I remind you Maven can easily feed it all to Thalmor on top of it who are also after your ass, and their reach is far greater than any of your 'organizations'? You better stop confusing gameplay with lore perspective, which is the context Maven spoke of in this particular video. DB shows no aptitude for game of political power neither ounstanding intelligence, he's a glorified henchman doing everyone else's bidding the entire time (in case you didn't notice), neither he is a demigod you imagine him to be after using enchanting loop over and over again. So if someone as intelligent and resourceful as her will try and ruin your image - she will.

[@cosmicwave9960]

Love the videos, noticed you’ve been uploading daily, keep it up. Never can get enough of Elder Scrolls content. Going through the Thieves Guild quest-line in a new Skyrim play-through and saw the video notification🔥

[@Abeisababe909]

So many videos in such a short span of time. Thanks for all your hard work!! Absolutely love all of these!

[@garrettfair7621]

Maybe she is funding the orphanage so she can have support from the dark Brotherhood, who is probibly using the orphines as new recruits?

[@msharmall7298]

More like the thieves guild is using them as their 'little birds' sitting around the city hearing everything. Has GoT taught you nothing? ;)

[@garrettfair7621]

@@msharmall7298 honestly haven't seen GOT but good point.

[@msharmall7298]

@@garrettfair7621 do urself a favor and only watch up to season 5 if you ever do lmao

[@akuladoctor7355]

I wonder how Maven would react, if we as Dragonborn were proposed her daughter. I mean we are pretty much the most powerful being on Skyrim, and might even have great wealth, and influence, and by tradition. We even stand a chance for the Ruby throne in the future.

[@livicent208]

Maven is one of my absolutely favourite characters! Gotta love her whole Godmother vibe lol Thank you guys for this great video!

[@redguardpuremage9641]

Her and Sybille Stentor, Neloth, and Serana.

[@jasonwolfe4205]

I know this has little to do with anything, but I love how Gopher retorted to Maul's quip, "stay outta trouble or there's gonna be trouble". He says, "that's a stupid catch phrase. It's like saying 'stay out of the water or else you'll be in the water'". That was the first time I genuinely laughed out loud since watching a Robin Williams stand up.

[@sammerjay8128]

After I did Brand Shei's quest to find his family lineage, Brand Shei deleted Maul. Maul attacked me in my very first game. I was trying to find a way to talk to Maul about finding the quill. Brand Shei took care of him for me. Saved my life.

[@DelinquentChibi]

The difference in taste between the meads is probably a lot like root beer. Big names like A&W and Dad's don't taste nearly as good as smaller glass bottle brands like Virgil's (my personal favorite), so if that's anything to go on, I'll bet Honningbrew is better. Also, you don't see anyone reveling on the roads with Black Briar.

[@sammerjay8128]

It's too expensive.

[@KOWAL19898]

Do you honeslty think that Maven would just age and die as a frail old lady?She'll get vampirism faster than an arrow reaches a gurd's knee.

[@69inetails]

Damian K. Knowing her she’d bend over for molag bal just to gain immortality. Just her actions prove tht

[@bonefetcherbrimley7740]

I could totally see that being a thing. Then she eats her competitors!

[@gilgameshthetreasurehunter2750]

First you say "Die monster, you don't belong in this world" and then you drive a steak through their heart.

[@darkgerry92]

Man, I've always wanted a video explaining the Black Briars... oh wait ;) thanks for more lore exploring, seriously work is nothing with all this lore context

[@sevensins3584]

Fudge is grinding out daily uploads and i love it!

[@williamJP305]

There should be a special bonus for nords, if you drink more then 5 bottles of mead you get a strength bonus but you're vision is messed up, kinda like orc rage

[@wheatknight124]

Considering Honningbrew became a problem for the Black-Briars so quickly, I think Honningbrew would be far superior.

[@sammerjay8128]

It could be that it is less expensive.

[@ezzatmustafa6553]

This is starting to be my favourite channel on KZbin

[@henrymarckisotto9025]

To know the name of the dark brotherhoods leader you've gotta be close in some manner. Maybe not close enough to get special treatment because the brotherhood doesn't really do that or get close with outsiders period so since she knew Astrid was the leader its either really REALLY good Intel network or she does have a personal relationship with the DB or maybe Astrid herself

[@rogerbrydon7215]

The black briar familes are still around today, with their more familiar name known as the Kardashians in the modern day. Mavin changed her name to Chris for security reasons. The Kardashians still uphold their traditional reputation as they are powerful and hated now more than ever

[@catrr2194]

🕳

[@KKoKoRR]

I don't know about Kardashians but I believe Maven is a jew. She has a long nose and arc shaped brow. She and her family is untouchable. She always wins after whatever happened.

[@Anmatgreen]

To be fair, mead is a real life drink. We may try finding out what Black Briar Mead tastes like by gathering as much info on what ingredients are used, if any fictional are used, substitute them with most similar real-life equivalents, and brew it ourselves.

[@stevebob3043]

Maven Black-Briar vs Tywin Lannister is the medieval fantasy showdown we deserve

[@siloseeairenicus5889]

Maven: With a single snap of my finger.... Thanos: Hold my beer!

[@briarrosegael2015]

Glares at him for interrupting permanantly disentigrating him...

[@toffeecrisp2146]

Loving these EXPLAINED videos, a nice compromise between [subject] worth it? And more generalised lore installments. The huge amount of content you guys have put out is amazing, just try not to burn yourselves out!! We all like your content too much for that to happen! Ps, where is the Dunmer, worth it video, I'm being patient my dudes but seriously, I needs it!

[@TheHumbleGeek]

fun twist Maven was once an orphan there and supports it

[@coffeecaesar1443]

Referring to your grandfather and grandmother as your father and your mother is a figure of speech. Heard it before, but not often. Also, Black Briar makes you intoxicated for longer, implying it's more potent.

[@gilgameshthetreasurehunter2750]

Coffee Caesar But innocence is far more grand and intoxicating

[@dominicrutledge7292]

I'd like to know who put the hit out on the player character that prompts the dark brotherhood to come calling.

[@mudd7779]

Maven herself

[@ARHZONE]

Had fun with the marry anyone mod and marrying Ingun Black Briar with my Dragonborn...went from being a cold and heartless swellsword into being a cold and hearltess rich nobleman with a belly full of black briar mead and a pocket full of coin

[@jrdn48]

We don't really know what ever happened to Mavens husband, so what if there is a sad story behind the Black-Briars? Like Mavens husband left her alone with her kids and maybe that's why she has no faith in anyone? Or maybe he died? It would explain why she's so cold hearted

[@LBPBumout]

Maybe she funds the orphanage because she can’t have children and none of them are actually hers/related to her…

[@ghost52k55]

Dang, your vids streak is on fire

[@ryankolick4117]

Honingbrew is probably better because game mechanics makes it so but the reason the owner has blackbrier is because you can only drink the same thing so much before you need a change

[@MrGreenThumbGrows]

loving the early morning uploads love sparking a morning joint and delving into the vids.. keep up the great work fellas

[@USMC_brue]

Ahh, a true man of culture I see.

[@AWACS_Snowblind]

I saw a shirt that had that Shadowmark symbol and my dumbass didn't buy it because I haven't played the Thieves Guild quest line in years lol

[@aoneko6813]

Wow. All of thease videos are above top-quality, and there's so many of them, too! Great work!

[@FudgeMuppet]

Thanks!!!

[@rinlaster2942]

Maven: I have the Jarl in my pocket. Me: I have achieved CHIM. *disable*

[@jaketurner7321]

I’d love to see a similar video about the powerful families in cyrodyll

[@root9065]

Understated content right here. Thanks guys, no really, thanks for doing this!

[@KaijuSlayer54]

"... I'll send the Dark Brotherhood after you." Me a few days prior: Failed: With Friends Like These... Started: Destroy the Dark Brotherhood

[@ryhi5]

I love your explained videos! Could you do the Silver Bloods next? In my opinion they’re worse than the Black Briars!

[@Cloud-ql3oy]

These videos are truly amazing. Fudge muppet is VERY TALENTED! The music and voice overs. Its very well done and smooth. Thank u

[@greyson3131]

As far as the Mead goes, I think Honing Beware would taste better, from the NPC dialog in game, but I suspect Black-Briar mead is a stronger drink given it's negative effects.

[@loreshelter1149]

How the fuck are you guys producing quality 10-30 minute videos daily? This is a huge improvement on the weekly 4 minute builds

[@duelsenpaidip2146]

Why do your Skyrim videos mostly always make me want to replay the game

[@Tobiasu]

Fudge, I cant express how much I love your videos, it's all perfect

[@rydernigga5675]

Do you want to know the cleanest, best pleasure? Killing Maven Black-Briar

[@manipulativeperson7313]

Finding the water works, too

[@Jynx9921]

Killing ulfric is mine

[@aray8266]

20:49 In the Colter that Skyrim is based on the matriarch of the family is called mother by all those lesser than her this includes grandchildren nieces nephews etc

[@radzilla748]

Not sure if I should be grateful for your hard work or worried about your health xd

[@korbensemaganis]

Their health is fine if this is what they do for a job. I don't worry about my health after clocking eight hours of repetitiveness haha

[@TheEmpireDabsBack]

I have to wake up very early in the morning for work and it just so happens that usually around when my alarm goes off, FudgeMuppet uploads a video. All these daily uploads have significantly improved the quality of my mornings!

[@FudgeMuppet]

Enjoy! Thanks for watching ♥️

[@ciscot54]

He could refer to Maven as “mother” sort of how in some cultures grandparents can be called “papa” or “nana”. Or it could be a nod to the Medici family and how much power they had in the Italian Renaissance.

[@PunkZombie1300]

I mean I call her mommy and I'm not even related to her.

[@coffee5981]

Great video guys, so interesting. I love how in-depth your content always is!

[@cecilchesley7406]

Maven is the type of person every middle manager thinks they are

[@lsswappedcessna]

I REALLY wish you could take the black briars down a few notches. Also, Geldis Sadri's Sujamma could wipe the floor with Black Briar Mead. Blow it the fuck out, HARD.

[@mssrodelmap5414]

Please do a moth priests explained video. Also do the thrasian plague, and the left handed elves.

[@loraelstad8941]

MSS Rodelmap I believe they already covered the left handed elves, but the other 2 would be fascinating, in as much depth as available.

[@WhiteNegative]

Sometimes you call a matriach mother regardless of there relation to you. Just like sometimes an older lady will have everyone call her grandma. And i doubt Maven would like to be called grandma considering her attitude.

[@SilverFang2789]

Is there a mod to destroy the Thieves Guild and the Black Briar family?

[@idc.magna.7169]

www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/28880

[@shadowstrider5033]

Only for oldrim.

[@SilverFang2789]

@@idc.magna.7169 thanks

[@jrdn48]

Yeah i heard the creator refuses to allow it to be ported to Xbox as a "f*ck you" to Bethesda?

[@loraelstad8941]

Jordan That makes me sad because I happily play Skyrim SE on XB1 & would dearly love to ruin both TG & Blackbriar fam.

[@Faolan-qe9vl]

Something else that no one's seemed to mention is that they seem to go way back, specifically the 2nd Era. back then, you can find a correspondence from a certain *Leidela Black-Briar* (in the Khajiiti town of Pa'alat), discussing sensitive information on the Dominion.

[@ssfbob456]

You can actually start getting attacked by the Dark Brotherhood after leaving Helgen, I actually got attacked on my way to Riverwood for the first time. The theory is that you're captured trying to flee Skyrim in an attempt to escape the Dark Brotherhood

[@scottlette]

Don't forget a certain old crone in Whiterun boasts about 'her friend Maven' and is a former Dark Brotherhood member who loves very strange forms of augury.

[@ryklatortuga4146]

"I feel the need... The need for Mead." Maven "Maverick" Black-Briar

[@ryklatortuga4146]

"Jester's Dead - Jester's Dead" Maven "Maverick" Black-Briar on learning of Cicero's fate in the Dawn Star Sanctuary.

[@isaaclux2128]

Interesting thing about Black-Briar mead is there is an unused ingredient in the creation kit with named Black-Briar secret ingredient, but its in game name is just Salt Pile.