Becoming a Thane and Owning Property

• Posted by Mike October 30, 2011 - 1,023 views

  Recent info from the blurb of the Skyrim strategy guide revealed that you can become a Thane and own property.   http://www.amazon.com/Elder-Scrolls-Skyrim-Prima-Official/dp/0307891372         "Large map Poster inside
  Labeled with important locations, major roads, and hold capitals
  
  A Champion for Skyrim
  Multiple character builds based on hundreds of hours of playtesting reveal exactly what Skills, Perks, equipment, and other items to pick, and how to advance through the game, no matter the type of character you want to be.
  
  All Collectibles Gathered
  If you’re searching Skyrim for Skill Books, Unique Items and Weapons, every single Shout, Dragon Priest Masks, Treasure Maps, Unusual Gems, or even Captured Critters, we show you where every rare item is.
  
  The Atlas of Skyrim
  A comprehensive tour of every single location, from the vast Hold Cities to the smallest woodland den. Every major exploration point receives a walkthrough flagging important items, with detailed maps throughout.
  
  Prowess in Combat
  Every weapon, piece of equipment, and spell is detailed so you know which blade, bow, or incantation to crush your enemies with. Every type of combat is tactically analyzed, so you can better any foe in battle.
  
  Trainers and Traders
  Skyrim is full of merchants to barter with, and trainers to further
  increase your Skill, Crafting, and Bartering proficiencies. Every alchemist, blacksmith, innkeeper, trainer, Khajiit caravan, and other vendor revealed.
  
  Followers and Friends
  Build your friendships across Skyrim and locate every Follower with information inside this guide. Become a Thane. Own property. Marry your favorite Housecarl. Details inside.
  
  Massive and Complete Index"
  
  
   

  I have always had some interest in being a sort of lord in TES games.  I liked the Fighter's Stronghold DLC because you could become the lord of a castle.

  Now, in Skyrim, it seems we can become a Thane.  I was rather curious about this when I first read it, because I was not certain what a Thane was.  But then I did some research and came up with these definitions of Thane.

  "1: a free retainer of an Anglo-Saxon lord; especially : one resembling a feudal baron by holding lands of and performing military service for the king

  2: a Scottish feudal lord"

   

  But, how will you get your title of Thane?  My theory is that you become Thane by participating in the civil war, whether you fight for the Empire or the Stormcloaks.  If you fight for the Empire, you will likely be given land by the Imperial General.  If you fight for the Stormcloaks, you will receive the title from Ulfric Stormcloak himself.  Again, this is only a theory of mine.

   

  But, what does this mean, becoming Thane?  Will we receive our own village to rule over and protect?  Will we get a lush castle of our own?

   

  Will there be any gameplay associated with being Thane?  Can we collect taxes?  Will there be any quests involved, protecting villagers from marauders and dragons?

   

  What are your ideas of how being a Thane will work in Skyrim?  Will it just be a sort of end victory of a questline?  Will it just be some trophy, or will there be some cool things we can do as a Thane?  Is this a feature you find cool?