So I'm a Bosmer chased north into Skyrim by the Thalmor. Archaeologist with an interest in the Ayleids, posing awkward questions of 'Aldmeri' purity etc... Thalmor not best pleased, purges, escaped into exile. Fortunate that this country is full of even older Elven ruins!

You know drill.

Anyhow, I just happened upon a column of Thalmor agents walking between Riverwood and Whiterun, and the single, most important RP rule I have was thus activated: if I see Robes and Gold, I'm shooting. It was a close fought thing but my arrows found their marks, and I beheld the ruins of a Thalmor party strewn across a lonely path. Imagine my surprise, however, when I continue onwards toward Whiterun only to be assailed by the Hold guards!

There were no witnesses, I killed all of them. But plausible or not, I was surrounded by Guards soon enough, and decided to accede to the inevitable and go to jail. I now have this single lockpick, and I consider my options...

1) In previous games I would have gone to the Thieves Guild to pay off my bounty remotely. Would I be correct in saying that this is no longer possible? The only way to clear bounties is to deal with the guards in the appropriate Hold?

2) Is there any way to clear a bounty remotely?

3) Are Thalmor agents part of the 'guards' faction, is this why my bounty for 'murder' stuck? Or did the Stormcloak prisoner count as a 'witness' whom I neglected to liquidate?

What I know for sure is that I'm Dawnguard material, I like the idea of 'escaping' my pursuers by joining them, only thing is I would like to visit Whiterun at some point to investigate the return of the Dragons. Might be a bit difficult to deal with the Jarl whilst his men are hacking at me from all directions!

Any ideas?

If you didn't see notification on your screen that the last witness was killed, then, stupid as it is, it was the prisoner who ratted. I hate that, but it's happened to me when I had not chosen a side yet.

Edit: you can reload a save and pay the bounty. The TG can't pay your bounty in Skyrim. No way that I know of to remotely pay it.

I had already quick saved after the battle. Reloading an Auto Save from back in Riverwood may still be possible... but I'm kind of liking the 'escape from prison' idea.

Of all the Holds for this to happen, It has to be Whiterun... I could always console command my way out of this one, but that feels like cheating. Because, I suppose, it is.

Still, it would be good role playing to just go with it.

By the way, I know I could serve time in Jail, which might work... but it's not the ideal situation. Better than just paying the bounty, though.

Serve your time because dragons are returing and you need to warn Jarl Balfgruuf, BUT... THERE IS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VbLTGy0TFk

Once you gain influence in a hold with the Thieves Guild, being apprehended by guards will allow you to mention your connections, and guards will allow you to pay off your bounty at a reduced fee.

You received a bounty for killing the Thalmor because they have their own crime faction and are not considered to be "okay" to kill. It's very possible that the prisoner counts as a witness to your deeds.

Psssh, just man up n do your time. Get some money on your books n order some commissary. Then rig up a tattoo gun n start gettin inked bra.
Come out all buff n tough.
Problem solved.
P.S. remember to get your ramen soups, that's straight jail money son, also learn how to play spades.

Also, save more often, in different slots. Believe me, the first time you hit an intractable bug and have to reload a previous save, you'll be grateful you're not relying only on auto- and quicksaves!

Save before trying to pick the lock. If the lockpick breaks just reload until you get lucky enough to pick it. Make a new save right after unlocking the cell and go look for your gear in the prisoners chest... If you get caught reload the save after you picked the lock. Then get the heck out of town for awhile.

Or, serve your time by resting in the bed.