Dealing with Crime & Bounties
In the world of Morrowind, actions have consequences. Committing crimes, such as theft or assault, will result in a bounty being placed on your head. Dealing with these bounties and avoiding the attention of the law is an important aspect of navigating Vvardenfell, especially for characters who engage in less-than-legal activities.
Law enforcement in Morrowind is primarily handled by the Imperial Legion and the local guards of various settlements. If you are caught committing a crime, you will be apprehended, fined, or imprisoned. If you have a bounty, guards will attack you on sight. Understanding how to manage your criminal record and avoid detection is crucial for continued freedom.
Consequences of Crime
- Fines: The most common penalty for minor offenses. You can pay the fine to clear your record.
- Imprisonment: For more serious crimes, you may be sent to prison, losing some time and potentially items.
- Bounties: If you evade capture or refuse to pay a fine, a bounty is placed on your head. Guards will become hostile.
- Reputation: Repeated criminal activity can negatively impact your reputation, making NPCs less willing to interact with you.
Avoiding Detection and Apprehension
- Stealth: Using the Sneak skill to avoid being seen committing crimes.
- Chameleon Effect: Spells or enchantments that grant Chameleon can make you nearly invisible, aiding in stealthy activities.
- Fleeing: If you are spotted, you can attempt to flee the area before guards can apprehend you.
Clearing Bounties and Records
- Paying Fines: The simplest way to resolve minor offenses.
- Imperial Legion: Joining the Imperial Legion can allow you to clear your bounty through certain quests or by speaking with specific Legionnaires.
- Thieves Guild: If you are a member of the Thieves Guild, you can often use their services or contacts to deal with bounties or clear your name.
- Temple Services: Certain Temple services or blessings might offer a way to cleanse your record, though this is less common.
- Waiting: In some cases, simply waiting for a sificant amount of time might cause minor bounties to expire, though this is not guaranteed.
For characters who rely on stealth and less-than-legal means, managing your criminal record and avoiding bounties is a constant challenge. The Thieves Guild offers the most direct support for those operating outside the law, providing a sanctuary and resources for those with a price on their head.