The Shadow Knows: Unmasking the Traitor in the Dark Brotherhood of Skyrim
The Dark Brotherhood questline in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a twisting, turning tale of murder, intrigue, and betrayal. At its heart lies a crucial question: Who is the traitor that throws the Brotherhood into chaos? While the initial blame falls on Lucien Lachance, a skilled assassin and Speaker for the Brotherhood, the true architect of the disaster is revealed to be Astrid, the leader of the Skyrim Sanctuary, whose actions driven by greed and self-preservation bring about the Dark Brotherhood’s near destruction.
A Web of Deceit
The story begins with a seemingly routine assassination contract that quickly spirals out of control. You, the Dragonborn, are tasked with eliminating a false emperor, only to discover it’s a setup orchestrated by Astrid. Instead of eliminating the assigned target, you bring him to Astrid, in doing so Astrid betrays you for the Penitus Oculatus, the Imperial security force tasked with protecting the Emperor, to ensure that she and the rest of the Dark Brotherhood can live a life free of the Emperor.
Astrid has sold out the Dark Brotherhood for her own personal safety and the safety of the Skyrim Sanctuary of the Dark Brotherhood. This act initiates a chain of events leading to the destruction of the Dark Brotherhood sanctuary in Skyrim, culminating in a gripping showdown where you must choose between upholding the tenets of the Brotherhood or seeking revenge.
The False Accusation: Lucien Lachance
Initially, Lucien Lachance appears to be the culprit. The evidence is stacked against him, and his supposed betrayal is used as justification for the brutal attack on the Cheydinhal Sanctuary in Oblivion. However, this is a red herring, a cleverly constructed deception designed to mask the real traitor’s identity and motives. While Lachance was tragically manipulated and ultimately murdered, he was not the true betrayer.
The Revelation: Astrid’s Treachery
The shocking truth is that Astrid, fueled by ambition, fear, and the lure of power, orchestrated the entire plot. She believed that by cooperating with the Penitus Oculatus, she could secure her position and ensure the survival of her own Sanctuary at the expense of the rest of the organization. This shortsighted decision ultimately backfires, leading to chaos and the near-annihilation of the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim.
Moral Ambiguity and Player Choice
The brilliance of the Dark Brotherhood questline lies in its moral ambiguity. Players are forced to confront difficult choices, and there is no easy answer. The discovery of Astrid’s betrayal presents a difficult path: uphold the tenets of the brotherhood, or seek revenge on the one who has betrayed you. The decision shapes the remainder of the questline and ultimately determines the fate of the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim.
Consequences of Betrayal
Astrid’s actions have far-reaching consequences. The attack on the Sanctuary leaves many members dead, and the remaining survivors are scattered and demoralized. The Night Mother, the spiritual leader of the Brotherhood, is deeply disturbed by the betrayal, and it falls to the player to rebuild what remains and restore the Brotherhood to its former glory.
The story emphasizes the devastating effects of betrayal and the importance of loyalty, even within an organization built on deceit and violence. It explores themes of ambition, self-preservation, and the corrosive power of fear.
The Dark Brotherhood questline serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest corners of the world, choices matter, and the consequences of those choices can be profound.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Dark Brotherhood Traitor
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to delve deeper into the mysteries and intricacies of the Dark Brotherhood betrayal in Skyrim:
1. Was Lucien Lachance truly a traitor to the Dark Brotherhood?
No, Lucien Lachance was not the real traitor. He was manipulated and falsely accused, ultimately becoming a victim of the true traitor’s scheme.
2. How does Astrid betray the Dark Brotherhood?
Astrid betrays the Dark Brotherhood by selling out its location to the Penitus Oculatus in exchange for protection and the continued survival of her own Sanctuary.
3. What motivates Astrid’s betrayal?
Astrid’s primary motivations are self-preservation, fear of the Empire, and a desire to secure her own power and position within the Dark Brotherhood.
4. What are the consequences of Astrid’s actions?
Astrid’s betrayal leads to the destruction of the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary in Skyrim, the deaths of many members, and a period of chaos and rebuilding.
5. Can you save Astrid from her fate?
No, Astrid is destined to die as a consequence of her betrayal, though the player has a choice in how that death occurs.
6. What happens if you choose to kill Astrid?
If you choose to kill Astrid, you initiate the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” questline.
7. Is it possible to destroy the Dark Brotherhood after joining?
Yes, by killing Astrid, you can trigger a questline to destroy the Dark Brotherhood.
8. What are the Five Tenets of the Dark Brotherhood?
The Five Tenets are:
- Never dishonor the Night Mother.
- Never betray the Dark Brotherhood.
- Never disobey or refuse to carry out the orders of a superior.
- Never steal the possessions of another Dark Brother or Sister.
- Never kill a fellow Dark Brother or Sister.
9. How does the Night Mother react to the betrayal?
The Night Mother is displeased and communicates that the events transpired as they did to test and strengthen the surviving members of the Dark Brotherhood.
10. Who is the Spectral Assassin in Skyrim?
The Spectral Assassin is the spirit of Lucien Lachance, who can be summoned to aid the Dragonborn in combat.
11. Are there infinite Dark Brotherhood quests in Skyrim?
Yes, after completing the main Dark Brotherhood questline, you can receive endless assassination contracts from the Night Mother, known as the “Dark Brotherhood Forever” quest.
12. Can you start the Dark Brotherhood questline without talking to Aventus Aretino?
While talking to Aventus Aretino in Windhelm is the most common starting point, you can also initiate the questline by killing Grelod the Kind in Honorhall Orphanage in Riften.
13. What happens if a Dark Brotherhood Initiate dies?
Dark Brotherhood Initiates are essential characters and cannot be killed by enemies or the player. This makes them useful and reliable followers.
14. Is it better to kill or join the Dark Brotherhood?
Whether it’s “better” depends on your roleplaying preferences. Joining offers unique quests, rewards, and story elements. Destroying them aligns with a more morally good character.
15. What makes the Dark Brotherhood questline so compelling?
The Dark Brotherhood questline offers a complex story filled with morally ambiguous characters and difficult choices, exploring themes of betrayal, loyalty, and the nature of good and evil. These elements, combined with engaging gameplay and a unique atmosphere, make it a memorable experience for players.
The study of the Dark Brotherhood and the morality within it is what can keep players interested in playing or replaying the questline over and over again. For more on the study of gameplay, feel free to visit the Games Learning Society to learn more about the study of gaming! GamesLearningSociety.org