The Nightingale Bow is a unique bow found in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The bow is originally owned by Karliah, but it can be obtained during the Thieves Guild questline.
Characteristics
Because the bow is leveled, the magnitude of the enchantments, the base strength and value of the bow are based on character level; meaning that with every level the Dragonborn has advanced when the bow is obtained, the bow does more damage and is worth more.
Acquisition
It is a reward given to the Dragonborn by Karliah, after they complete the Thieves Guild quest "Blindsighted."
Enchantment
The enchantment is named "Nightingale Storm" and for all versions of the bow is:
Like many unique items, it cannot be disenchanted at an arcane enchanter.
Smithing
The Nightingale bow can be upgraded with an ebony ingot and the Arcane Blacksmith perk, however it does not benefit from any Smithing perks. This means that the weapon cannot be improved past flawless quality without boosting the Smithing skill over 100. This can be achieved by using enchanted items and/or smithing potions to fortify Smithing.
Levels
The damage and value, as well as the magnitude of the enchantment, are based on the Dragonborn's level when the bow is acquired. The best possible version is available at level 46.
| Level | 
|
|
|
Effect | ItemID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–18 | 12 | 9 | 420 | Freezes the target for 10 points and shocks the target for 5 points | 0007E5C3 |
| 19–26 | 13 | 11 | 877 | Freezes the target for 15 points and shocks the target for 7 points | 000F6529 |
| 27–35 | 15 | 13 | 1620 | Freezes the target for 20 points and shocks the target for 10 points | 000F652A |
| 36–45 | 17 | 15 | 2655 | Freezes the target for 25 points and shocks the target for 12 points | 000F652B |
| 46+ | 19 | 18 | 3700 | Freezes the target for 30 points and shocks the target for 15 points | 000F652C |
Trivia
- It can be seen in a loading screen wielded by a female Bosmer wearing leather armor and nocking a steel arrow.
- The damage of the level 46+ version is equal to a standard Daedric Bow.
Bugs
|
This section contains bugs related to Nightingale Bow. Before adding a bug to this list, consider the following:
|
- PC 360 PS3 It may not show up in the grindstone menu if it is already in the highest tier, like the Nightingale Blade.
- PC 360 The final tier bow appears to reveal a sneaking character much more easily than other, non-enchanted bows. Even with 100 Sneak in light armor, in very dark lighting conditions and under the effects of muffle, shooting this bow will reveal the user immediately at short range and very rapidly at long range (assuming that enemies investigate). This is in surprising comparison to unenchanted bows which can be fired nearly point blank and not reveal the shooter's location at 100 Sneak. This is because the sound is incorrectly set to "normal" instead of "silent" (verified with the Creation Kit).
- 360 When firing any type of arrow, even when fully drawn, it may not reach the maximum range a normal bow could achieve.