Derkeethus

Derkeethus is an Argonian who can be found in Darkwater Pass, a hive of Falmer and Chaurus, where he is being held captive. The Dragonborn can free him and afterwards he can be a follower and a potential marriage candidate.

Background
Derkeethus is a hard worker and miner, staying at Darkwater Crossing after being freed. He can be found working in Goldenrock Mine, the mining cave near the crossing. He also often can be seen sitting in front of the campfire outside of the mine. Though he is a friend to the Dragonborn, he will still (like any character) fight if attacked or commanded to leave if in Annekke's and Verner's house.

Extracting an Argonian
While battling the Shadowmaster and other Falmer in the boss room, Derkeethus will complain about there being another fight. After defeating all enemies, there is a secret lever to pull located just right of the trap door (tucked behind a pillar) above Derkeethus. Then, follow the pathway until arriving at spiraled wooden walkways down to darkness, where he will talk to the Dragonborn and ask for freedom. The key to open Derkeethus's door can be found in the left Burial Urn in his cage.

After freeing him, he can be recruited as a follower. If not, Derkeethus will eventually return to his home at Darkwater Crossing.

Follower
Initially after finding Derkeethus, he is dressed as a miner, even with a pickaxe. Any armor put on Derkeethus will be overridden by his initial gear (miner's clothes, boots). This will be changed with the installation of, however, and he will now wear any armor given to him.

His highest skills are Light Armor and Archery, but has some skill in Block, One-Handed, and Sneak. He will dual wield a one-handed weapon with his pickaxe but favors the bow.

Marriage
Derkeethus becomes eligible for marriage after rescuing him, and will run a shop as a marriage partner.

In cave
Derkeethus: "Yes?" or "Need Something?" or "You have questions?", etc. (Normal conversation quotes are the first thing heard when talking to Derkeethus; they are always random.)

Dragonborn: "Who are you?"

Derkeethus: "Derkeethus, from Darkwater Crossing. Should have known better than to swim all the way to the falls. Please, get me out of here!"

After freeing Derkeethus
Derkeethus: (Standard conversation quotes)

Dragonborn: "..."

Derkeethus: "Thanks. I'm out!

Follower quotes
{|class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" width="100%" data-expandtext="show" data-collapsetext="hide" !Click to see the list of Follower quotes.
 * "Lead on. I'm behind you."
 * "Ours is to smile at your passing, friend."
 * "Ours is to follow, friend."
 * "May the Hist guide you."
 * "May the Hist guide us."
 * "Look. A cave! Fine place to find trouble." – When passing by a cave.
 * "Look at those ruins. How long have they stood here, I wonder?" – When passing by a tomb.
 * "I dislike lurking near dwarven cities, it's like their ghost are watching us." – When passing by a Dwarven ruin.
 * "By the Hist, what a sight!" – When near an impressive sight, or vista.
 * "Yield, and I may show mercy!" – When attacking.
 * "Why are you doing that?" – If attacked.
 * "Don't do that again. Last warning." – If attacked.
 * "'To Oblivion and back', as they say."
 * "I'll be at home then, if you need me." – When dismissed from the Dragonborn.
 * "You're not supposed to be in here!" – If the Dragonborn is inside a house without permission.
 * "Die Beast!" – If fighting an animal such as a cave bear or sabre cat.
 * "Die Dragon!" – If fighting a Dragon.
 * "Die Beast!" – If fighting an animal such as a cave bear or sabre cat.
 * "Die Dragon!" – If fighting a Dragon.

Follower commands

 * When asked to do something:
 * "Go ahead. What is it?"
 * "What do you want?"
 * "Well, what is it?"
 * "You wanted me to do something, yes?" – When asked to do something.
 * "Need me to carry something?" – When asked to trade things.
 * "As you say, it will happen." – When doing the task asked of them by the Dragonborn.
 * "That can't be done." – When refusing to do something asked of them.
 * "Maybe you want to rethink what you're asking." – When refusing do something asked of them.
 * }

Marriage quotes
{|class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" width="100%" data-expandtext="show" data-collapsetext="hide" !Click to see the list of Marriage quotes.

Proposal
Derkeethus: "Is that Lady Mara's amulet? I'm shocked a fine person like yourself isn't married already."

Dragonborn: "Interested in me, are you?"

Derkeethus: "You have a kind heart. I'd be honored to walk by your side until the trees themselves fade away. If you would have me."

Option #1
Dragonborn: "Together until the end, then."

Derkeethus: "As short as life can be in this land, we will have each other."

Option #2
Dragonborn: "No, sorry."

Derkeethus: "Very well. I am poorer of it."

Wedding
Maramal: (Standard Marriage Speech)

Maramal (To Derkeethus): "Do you agree to be bound together, in love, now and forever?"

Derkeethus: "I do. Now, and forever."

Maramal (To Dragonborn): "Do you agree to be bound together, in love, now and forever?"

Dragonborn: "I do. Now and forever."

(Standard Wedding Lines)

Married life
Derkeethus: "We are united. But where should we live? My home is yours, of course."

Option #1
Dragonborn: "We could live in my house in [whatever Hold the Dragonborn's house is in]."

Derkeethus: "It will be our little nest. I'll be waiting for you there."

Option #2
Dragonborn: "We could live at your place."

Derkeethus: "It will be our little nest. I'll be waiting for you there."

Moving
Dragonborn: "I'd like us to move somewhere else."

Derkeethus: "You want to move? Where?"

Option #1
Dragonborn: "We could live in my house in [whatever Hold the Dragonborn's house is in]."

Derkeethus: "Very well. I'll see you there."

Option #2
Dragonborn: "Your old place should suit us just fine."

Derkeethus: "Very well. I'll see you there."

Married life quotes

 * All follower quotes when a follower.
 * "Yes, my love?"
 * "Hello, love."
 * "I'll be here if you need me, love."
 * "Oh, hello, love. Back from a hard day of adventuring?" – After being gone for over a day.
 * "Ah, it's my love, come to visit."
 * "I will walk along side you." –When asked to follow.
 * }

Trivia

 * As his default weapons, he has a pickaxe and a Hunting Bow with steel arrows.
 * His phrase said when passing caves implies that he likes searching through caves, hence why he was trapped in the first place.
 * Derkeethus is an essential character, therefore he cannot die and cannot become the sacrificial victim in Boethiah's Calling.
 * Derkeethus is the only Argonian follower in.
 * Sometimes he can be heard singing.
 * It is recommended (very highly) that you save your game when; first entering the cave, before getting to derkeethus and before talking to derkeethus; because, otherwise there is bug which makes the quest uncompletable as Derkeethus will not exit the cave due to it. Plus, do not over-save the three save files. Always do new saves when in this quest, until you finally get Derkeethus as your follower! Good luck, with getting your lizard friend!

Appearances


Derkeethus Derkeeto Деркитус Derkeethus Derkeethus