Can Dark Brotherhood Initiates Join the Blades in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
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No, Dark Brotherhood Initiates cannot be recruited into the Blades in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Their allegiance and essential role within the Dark Brotherhood prevent them from joining any other faction, especially one with such a diametrically opposed moral code.
Understanding the Limitations of Dark Brotherhood Initiates
Dark Brotherhood Initiates, acquired after completing the Dark Brotherhood questline and upgrading the Dawnstar Sanctuary, serve as unique followers. While incredibly useful due to their leveling capabilities and essential status, they are subject to certain limitations that impact their interactions within the game world. Understanding these limitations is crucial for any player looking to maximize the benefits of having an Initiate as a companion.
Why Initiates Can’t Join the Blades
The primary reason Initiates cannot join the Blades stems from their inherent association with the Dark Brotherhood, a notorious guild of assassins. The Blades, on the other hand, are an ancient order dedicated to the service and protection of the Dragonborn. Their values and objectives are fundamentally opposed, making it impossible for an Initiate, bound by oath and loyalty to the Dark Brotherhood, to align with the Blades. Delphine, the acting leader of the Blades in Skyrim, would never accept someone with such a background into the fold.
Maximizing the Use of Dark Brotherhood Initiates
Despite their inability to join the Blades, Dark Brotherhood Initiates offer numerous advantages as followers. They can be valuable assets in combat and exploration.
The Strengths of a Dark Brotherhood Initiate
- Essential Status: Initiates cannot die, making them ideal for challenging encounters.
- Unlimited Leveling: They scale to your character’s level, remaining effective throughout the entire game.
- Dual-Wielding Proficiency: They can dual-wield weapons and use staves effectively.
- Exploitable Follower Glitch: Allows for having an Initiate AND another follower, which can lead to interesting team dynamics.
FAQs: Dark Brotherhood Initiates in Skyrim
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Dark Brotherhood Initiates in Skyrim, offering additional information for those looking to utilize these unique followers.
1. Can you have a Dark Brotherhood initiate and another follower simultaneously?
Yes, through a known exploit. Dismiss your current follower, recruit and then immediately dismiss a Dark Brotherhood Initiate, then re-recruit your original follower. This will allow both to follow you simultaneously.
2. Can Dark Brotherhood initiates dual wield?
Yes, Initiates will dual wield weapons until they engage in melee range combat. They will also use staves, even dual-wielding them alongside weapons.
3. What level are the Dark Brotherhood initiates?
Dark Brotherhood Initiates have no level cap. They will match your character’s level, making them useful at any stage of the game.
4. Why won’t the Dark Brotherhood initiate follow me?
Ensure you have completed the Dark Brotherhood questline and have acquired the Initiate from the Dawnstar Sanctuary. If the glitch mentioned above doesn’t work immediately, try cycling through recruit/dismiss options several times.
5. Can you sacrifice a Dark Brotherhood initiate to Boethiah?
No, Initiates cannot be sacrificed to Boethiah. They will not interact with the Pillar of Sacrifice.
6. Where is the male Dark Brotherhood initiate?
The Dark Brotherhood initiates are available at the Dawnstar Sanctuary after completing all Dark Brotherhood quests. There are both male and female Initiates.
7. Can you marry a Dark Brotherhood initiate?
No, Dark Brotherhood Initiates are not eligible for marriage.
8. Can Dark Brotherhood initiates use bows effectively?
Yes, but it’s best to provide them with ample arrows.
9. What are the requirements to acquire Dark Brotherhood initiates?
You must complete the Dark Brotherhood questline and have all upgrades to the Dawnstar Sanctuary.
10. Do Dark Brotherhood initiates react to player actions or dialogue?
Not significantly. They offer minimal unique dialogue beyond standard follower interactions.
11. Are Dark Brotherhood initiates considered evil?
The Dark Brotherhood is widely considered an evil faction. By extension, joining and using Initiates implies a willingness to engage in morally questionable activities.
12. How do Dark Brotherhood initiates compare to other followers in terms of combat effectiveness?
Their essential status and unlimited leveling make them exceptionally strong, especially in the late game.
13. Can Dark Brotherhood initiates be affected by diseases or other status effects?
While they cannot die, they can still be affected by diseases and other status effects, so providing them with appropriate potions or cures is important.
14. Is it possible to destroy the Dark Brotherhood after recruiting initiates?
No, you cannot destroy the Dark Brotherhood after joining and completing their questline.
15. Can you give custom gear to Dark Brotherhood initiates?
Yes, you can equip them with any weapons, armor, and accessories you choose.
Exploring Moral Ambiguity and Gameplay Choices
The decision to join the Dark Brotherhood and utilize Initiates as followers raises interesting questions about moral choices in gaming. The game presents players with opportunities to engage in morally questionable behavior, forcing them to consider the consequences of their actions within the game world. This exploration of moral ambiguity is something that many gamers are fascinated by. Organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org explore the educational impact of video games and how they provide players with unique learning experiences, like understanding moral choices.
Conclusion
While Dark Brotherhood Initiates cannot join the Blades due to conflicting allegiances, they remain a powerful and valuable asset for players seeking a resilient and ever-improving follower. By understanding their limitations and strengths, you can effectively utilize them to conquer Skyrim’s many challenges. Remember to choose your alliances wisely and consider the moral implications of your actions within the game world.