The Nightingale Bow is a unique weapon in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
Acquisition
It is given to the Dragonborn after completing the Thieves Guild quest, "Blindsighted". It was originally owned by Karliah.
Stats
The enchantment for all versions of the bow is "x points of frost damage" and "x/2 points of shock damage" to target. A side effect of the frost damage will result in the target being slowed by 50% for 3 seconds.
The base weapon damage and both aspects of the enchantment scale depend on the Dragonborn's level upon receiving the item.
| Level | Weight | Value | Damage | Charges/cost=uses |
Effect |
IDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-18 | 9 | 420 | 12 | 500/19=26 | Freezes the target for 10 points and shocks the target for 5 points | 0007E5C3 |
| 19-26 | 11 | 877 | 13 | 1000/30=33 | Freezes the target for 15 points and shocks the target for 7 points | 000F6529 |
| 27-35 | 13 | 1620 | 15 | 2000/43=46 | Freezes the target for 20 points and shocks the target for 10 points: | 000F652A |
| 36-45 | 15 | 2655 | 17 | 3000/54=55 | Freezes the target for 25 points and shocks the target for 12 points: | 000F652B |
| 46+ | 18 | 3700 | 19 | 3000/67=44 | Freezes the target for 30 points and shocks the target for 15 points: | 000F652C |
Smithing
The Nightingale Bow can only be improved with the Arcane Blacksmith perk and requires one Ebony Ingot. However, improving this bow is not affected by the Ebony Smithing perk.
Trivia
- It can be seen in a loading screen wielded by a female Wood Elf wearing leather armor and drawing a Steel Arrow.
- Cannot be used by Faendal. If the player takes the default Hunting Bow from his inventory and gives him the Nightingale Bow, he will still use a hunting bow despite the fact he does not possess one. However, when viewing his inventory, you can see he has the Nightingale Bow equipped. So in truth he will be using a Nightingale Bow with a hunting bow "skin".
- At Level 46 or higher, the Nightingale Bow has a higher base damage than a Daedric Bow, and is superior when taking enchantments into consideration. However since it is not affected by any smithing perks, the Daedric Bow will be superior once the Daedric Smithing Perk is obtained.
Bugs
- PC 360 PS3 It may not show up in the Grindstone menu if it is the highest tier, like the Nightingale Blade.
Appearances
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (First Appearance)