A creative Skyrim player discovers an interesting detail in the game in which killing non-combative NPCs while under the effects of a frenzy poison will not cause guards to be alarmed or count as a hostile action, as long as the kill is cinematic. Skyrim players are known for their enterprising and innovative playstyles, and the game's many different systems and operations allow for a lot of customization in how the game is played.
Dedicated Skyrim players use tricks to max out stats, avoid detection, get to areas that are otherwise inaccessible, find hidden chests that they might not easily find, and even optimize movement throughout the world for speedrunning purposes. It is incredible that players are still discovering different tricks and manipulations to gain the upperhand in Skyrim's world as they adventure as the Dragonborn, completing quests and defeating dragons.
Redditor Geta92 posted a fascinating video of a Dragonborn in Skyrim's iconic Daedric armor chugging a frenzy potion and then getting a cinematic kill on an NPC in the middle of Whiterun. Normally, this "hostile action" would alert the guards and the player would have to either run, fight, bribe the soldiers, or spend a night in jail. However, for some reason, the combination of a frenzy potion plus cinematic kill does not register as adding a bounty on the player.
In Skyrim, killing someone under the effects of "frenzy" normally counts as self-defense. But, as Geta92 points out in the comments, casting a frenzy spell on somebody or attacking them while under the effect of one of Skyrim's many potions that can cause frenzy would normally count as an assault and a hostile action, causing a 40 gold bounty to register on the player. However, applying the poison to the Dragonborn and then getting a cinematic kill causes the player to bypass getting the assault bounty.
Skyrim is full of dynamic characters and interesting locations, and players are always searching for fresh, new ways of interacting with the world. From using illusion magic to converse with Skyrim's bandits to getting giants and dragons to fight one another, Skyrim players are always on the hunt for interesting ways to manipulate the game's different systems to create a unique experience.
Skyrim is a massive game that has a lot to offer even to players that have put in hundreds of hours and completed the main quest multiple times. As fans wait patiently for more information about the next Elder Scrolls game, Skyrim still provides ample adventure and entertainment for all.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim - Anniversary Edition is out now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.