I spent close to an hour searching all of the Ebony Blade posts in the forums (yes there are over 1000) and still cannot find the answer so here goes:

I am having a heck of a time getting the sword to power up without becoming a criminal. I have hired mercs in taverns, taken them out to the woods and slay them to no avail. The sword does not speak to me afterwards. I have tried killing my wife, nothing. I have tried killing every guard and quest giver in Whiterun -- didn't power up completely and then I was KOS on half of the map.

Any ideas or tips for those that have actually powered this sword to the max?

Thanks!

http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/Ebony_Blade_(Skyrim) Read the description of how to power it up.

Which sword is this ?? Speak to me !!

Yeah .. so there is no information on this then

I upgraded the sword to the max by killing lydia in my first game (didnt need the house and all she did was eat and stand up and sit in her chair constantly lol) I believe it has to be friends (and mercenaries are just hired and not really 'followers' per say) Try people like faendal or others whom you have done a quest for. Ive heard followers in guilds (if you are the leader ofc) will also count.



Its part of the Whispering Door questline (level 20+ i think) Hulda is the quest giver: http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/The_Whispering_Door

You have to kill friends with the Ebony Blade. People you've helped out in the past with miscellaneous quests and what not. Read the book you found with the weapon behind the door.

this site has a better description of it: http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Ebony_Blade#Ebony_Blade

I know HOW TO power it up, but what I am asking I guess is where is the best place to do it without getting your faction killed.

Like I asked, can someone who has done this give tips or advice?

Find people you've down quests for and kill them when nobody is looking.

That's about it.

Unfort. quest givers are usually in town or near enough guards that your faction will be screwed.

Too bad sword is all buged.