The Shadowy Figure Behind the Blade: Unraveling Who Hired Daud in Dishonored
Daud, the master assassin, the leader of the Whalers, and a figure cloaked in moral ambiguity, is a central character in the world of Dishonored. But who pulled the strings that set his lethal skills in motion? The answer is Hiram Burrows, the Royal Spymaster of Dunwall. In a desperate and power-hungry move, Burrows hired Daud and his assassins to assassinate Empress Jessamine Kaldwin and kidnap her daughter, Emily, setting the stage for the entire narrative of Dishonored. This act of betrayal and political machination forms the cornerstone of the game’s plot and triggers Corvo Attano’s quest for revenge and redemption.
The Motives and Machinations of Hiram Burrows
Burrows’s decision to employ Daud wasn’t simply a whim; it was a calculated move driven by a confluence of factors:
- Political Ambition: Burrows saw the chaos of the Rat Plague and the perceived weakness of the Empress’s rule as an opportunity to seize power for himself. Eliminating Jessamine was the first step in his plan to destabilize the government and ultimately claim the throne.
- Control of the City: Dunwall was on the brink of collapse due to the plague and the unrest it caused. Burrows, as Spymaster, was in a position to exploit this vulnerability and consolidate his control over the city’s resources and infrastructure.
- Distraction from Corruption: Burrows was deeply involved in illicit activities, including the production and distribution of the elixir, which was meant to combat the plague but was instead used to enrich himself and his allies. Assassinating the Empress served as a major distraction, diverting attention from his corrupt practices.
- The Outsider’s Influence (indirectly): While the Outsider didn’t directly instruct Burrows, the supernatural events and the presence of individuals like Daud, blessed with the Outsider’s mark, added to the instability and moral decay of Dunwall, creating a fertile ground for Burrows’s schemes. You can explore more about game design and its impact at the Games Learning Society by visiting https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Daud’s Role and Moral Conflict
Daud, a complex and nuanced character, isn’t merely a mindless killer. He’s a professional assassin who executes contracts, but he also possesses a sense of honor (albeit a twisted one) and eventually experiences remorse for his actions.
- The Contract: Burrows approached Daud with a lucrative offer, one that Daud, given his profession and the needs of his Whalers, couldn’t easily refuse. The assassination of the Empress and the kidnapping of Emily were presented as just another job.
- The Outsider’s Influence (directly): Daud, like Corvo, is marked by the Outsider, granting him supernatural powers. This connection to the Void and the Outsider’s enigmatic nature adds another layer of complexity to his character and his motivations. The Outsider often acts as a catalyst for events, observing and sometimes subtly influencing the choices of his chosen individuals.
- Regret and Redemption: After carrying out the assassination, Daud begins to grapple with the consequences of his actions. He experiences nightmares and a growing sense of guilt, leading him on a path toward seeking redemption. This internal conflict is explored in detail in the Knife of Dunwall and The Brigmore Witches DLCs.
The Aftermath and Consequences
The assassination of Empress Jessamine and the kidnapping of Emily set off a chain of events that reshape the political landscape of Dunwall:
- Corvo’s Imprisonment: Corvo Attano, the Royal Protector, is framed for the murder and imprisoned, setting the stage for his escape and quest for vengeance.
- The Regency of Hiram Burrows: Burrows seizes power as Lord Regent, further tightening his grip on Dunwall and plunging the city into darkness.
- The Spread of the Plague: With the Empress gone, the city’s resources are diverted to Burrows’s personal ambitions, exacerbating the effects of the Rat Plague and leading to widespread suffering.
- Emily’s Fate: Emily’s kidnapping becomes a central plot point, with various factions vying for her control and using her as a pawn in their political games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to delve deeper into the nuances of Daud, Burrows, and their fateful connection:
1. Was Hiram Burrows the only one who wanted the Empress dead?
While Burrows was the primary instigator who hired Daud, he wasn’t the only one who might have benefited from Jessamine’s demise. Other factions and individuals within Dunwall’s corrupt society likely saw her as an obstacle to their own ambitions, but Burrows was the one who took direct action.
2. Why didn’t Burrows just kill the Empress himself?
Burrows needed to maintain a semblance of legitimacy. Directly assassinating the Empress would have made him an immediate suspect and sparked open rebellion. Hiring Daud allowed him to distance himself from the crime, at least initially.
3. What was Daud’s initial reaction to the assassination order?
While Daud accepted the contract, he likely didn’t fully grasp the far-reaching consequences of his actions. He viewed it as a professional assignment, but the impact of his deed eventually weighed heavily on him, leading to his remorse and desire for redemption.
4. Did Daud know who Emily was when he kidnapped her?
It’s implied that Daud was aware of Emily’s identity as the Empress’s daughter, but his primary focus was on completing the contract. The moral implications of kidnapping a child likely didn’t fully register until after the act was committed.
5. How did Daud infiltrate the Dunwall Tower so easily?
Daud’s supernatural abilities, granted by the Outsider, and the skills of his Whalers allowed him to bypass the security measures of Dunwall Tower. He also likely had inside information provided by Burrows.
6. Was Daud working with anyone else besides Burrows?
While Burrows was Daud’s primary client for the assassination, Daud and the Whalers likely had dealings with other individuals and organizations within Dunwall’s criminal underworld.
7. What are the powers that Daud possesses?
Daud has a variant of Blink, Summon Assassin, and Pull (available in the Brigmore Witches DLC). His powers were granted by the Outsider.
8. What motivates Daud besides money?
Daud is motivated by a desire to protect his Whalers and maintain their independence. He also seeks meaning and purpose in his life, which leads him to question his actions and pursue redemption.
9. Is it possible to avoid killing Daud in Dishonored?
Yes, in the original Dishonored, you can choose to spare Daud’s life during the Flooded District mission by performing a non-lethal takedown.
10. Does sparing Daud have any impact on the story?
Yes, sparing Daud leads to a different ending and allows him to continue his path of redemption.
11. What happens to Daud in the Dishonored DLCs?
The Knife of Dunwall and The Brigmore Witches DLCs focus on Daud’s perspective and his journey to atone for his past sins. He investigates Delilah Copperspoon and her coven.
12. Why does Daud’s Blink differ from Corvo’s?
Daud’s Blink is faster and lacks the time dilation effect of Corvo’s Blink. This difference reflects Daud’s distinct fighting style and his greater experience with supernatural abilities.
13. What is the relationship between Daud and the Outsider?
Daud, like Corvo, is marked by the Outsider and granted supernatural powers. The Outsider observes and occasionally interacts with Daud, but their relationship is complex and often ambiguous.
14. What is Daud’s legacy in the Dishonored universe?
Daud leaves a lasting legacy as a morally ambiguous character who grapples with the consequences of his actions and seeks redemption. His story adds depth and complexity to the world of Dishonored.
15. Is Daud a good guy, a bad guy, or something in between?
Daud is best described as an anti-hero. He’s a professional assassin who has committed terrible acts, but he also possesses a sense of honor and a desire for redemption. His moral complexity makes him one of the most compelling characters in the Dishonored universe.
In conclusion, while Daud was the blade that struck down the Empress, it was Hiram Burrows who wielded it. Burrows’s ambition and machinations set the stage for the events of Dishonored, while Daud’s journey explores the themes of guilt, redemption, and the complex nature of morality.