Can I Wipe Out the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you absolutely can wipe out the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim. Instead of joining their ranks and becoming a master assassin, you can choose to destroy them, playing the role of a righteous hero purging the land of their evil influence. This path offers a unique, albeit shorter, questline with its own rewards and consequences. Let’s delve into the specifics of how you can eradicate the Dark Brotherhood and what to expect along the way.
Choosing Your Path: Assassin or Eliminator
The decision to join or destroy the Dark Brotherhood presents itself early in the game. After completing the quest “Innocence Lost” by assassinating Grelod the Kind at the Honorhall Orphanage in Riften, you will be kidnapped and taken to an abandoned shack by Astrid. This is the pivotal moment. Instead of agreeing to join the Dark Brotherhood, you can attack and kill Astrid. This action triggers the quest “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!”, initiating your mission to dismantle the organization.
The “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” Questline
Once you kill Astrid, you can report to a guard, who will direct you to Commander Maro of the Penitus Oculatus in Dragon Bridge. Commander Maro tasks you with eliminating the entire Dark Brotherhood, beginning with their sanctuary near Falkreath. This questline is considerably shorter than the main Dark Brotherhood questline. You’ll essentially be storming their hideout, killing every assassin you encounter.
Rewards and Consequences of Eradicating the Brotherhood
Choosing to destroy the Dark Brotherhood has both advantages and disadvantages.
Rewards
- The Satisfaction of Moral High Ground: For players who prefer a “good” character playthrough, destroying the Dark Brotherhood aligns with a more heroic narrative.
- Gold: Commander Maro rewards you with gold for completing the quest, though the amount is arguably less than what you’d earn by fulfilling contracts for the Dark Brotherhood.
- The Abandoned Shack as a Player Home: After completing the quest, the Abandoned Shack where you first met Astrid becomes available as a small, albeit basic, player home.
Consequences
- Missed Content: Destroying the Dark Brotherhood means missing out on a significant portion of Skyrim’s content, including a lengthy and well-written questline, unique characters, and compelling stories.
- Lost Rewards: You will not be able to obtain certain unique items and benefits, such as Shadowmere, the spectral steed, the Summon Spectral Assassin power, the Dark Brotherhood Initiate followers, master trainers for Alchemy and Light Armor, and Cicero as a follower.
- Shorter Questline: The “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” questline is relatively short compared to the full Dark Brotherhood experience.
Making the Right Choice For You
Ultimately, the decision to join or destroy the Dark Brotherhood depends on your preferred playstyle and character alignment. If you enjoy playing as an assassin, embracing morally gray choices, and experiencing a dark and twisted storyline, joining the Dark Brotherhood is the way to go. However, if you prefer playing a hero dedicated to justice and want to rid Skyrim of a nefarious organization, destroying the Dark Brotherhood offers a satisfying, albeit less extensive, alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Wiping Out the Dark Brotherhood
1. Can I change my mind after attacking Astrid?
No, once you attack Astrid in the abandoned shack, you commit to the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” questline. There is no turning back to the assassin’s life.
2. Is the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” questline difficult?
The difficulty is moderate. Expect a straightforward dungeon crawl through the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary, fighting several assassins with varying skills. Proper gear and strategic combat are essential, especially at lower levels.
3. Will destroying the Dark Brotherhood affect other quests or factions?
No, destroying the Dark Brotherhood has minimal impact on other factions or questlines in Skyrim. It is a self-contained decision with its own set of consequences.
4. Are there any unique encounters during the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” quest?
While the questline is shorter, you will still encounter notable Dark Brotherhood members, each with their own backstories and combat styles. Expect challenging fights with characters like Gabriella, Festus Krex, and other seasoned assassins.
5. What happens to Babette if I destroy the Dark Brotherhood?
Babette, the young vampire alchemist, is essentially immortal and survives regardless of your choice. You won’t be able to interact with her after destroying the Dark Brotherhood, but she remains alive in the game world.
6. Is it possible to destroy the Dark Brotherhood without killing Grelod?
No, killing Grelod the Kind is the trigger that leads to your abduction by Astrid, giving you the initial choice to join or destroy the Dark Brotherhood.
7. Can I destroy the Dark Brotherhood multiple times in different playthroughs?
Yes, in each new playthrough, you can choose to either join or destroy the Dark Brotherhood, allowing you to experience both questlines and their respective outcomes.
8. How does destroying the Dark Brotherhood affect my roleplaying experience?
Destroying the Dark Brotherhood allows you to embody a heroic archetype, offering a sense of moral satisfaction and a clear distinction between good and evil in your character’s journey.
9. Are there any mods that enhance the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” questline?
Yes, several mods on platforms like Nexus Mods expand upon the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” questline, adding new locations, characters, and quests to provide a more comprehensive experience.
10. Does destroying the Dark Brotherhood prevent me from becoming Thane of Falkreath?
No, destroying the Dark Brotherhood does not affect your ability to become Thane of Falkreath. The Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary is located in Falkreath Hold, but your actions against the assassins don’t impact your standing with the Jarl.
11. Can I still get the Blade of Woe if I destroy the Dark Brotherhood?
No, the Blade of Woe is a reward exclusive to the Dark Brotherhood questline. You cannot obtain it if you choose to destroy the organization.
12. Is it worth destroying the Dark Brotherhood for the roleplaying aspect alone?
For players who prioritize a strong sense of morality and want to play a hero, destroying the Dark Brotherhood can be a worthwhile experience, even if the questline is shorter and offers fewer rewards compared to joining them.
13. Does the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” questline have multiple endings?
No, the questline has a single, straightforward ending: the complete eradication of the Dark Brotherhood sanctuary and its members.
14. Can I destroy the Dark Brotherhood if I accidentally enter the Sanctuary before being kidnapped?
Visiting the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary before being kidnapped by Astrid should not prevent you from initiating the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” questline. The key decision point remains the encounter with Astrid in the abandoned shack.
15. Where can I learn more about the ethics and choices in video games?
Explore resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, which delves into the educational and social aspects of gaming, including discussions on moral choices and player agency. The Games Learning Society offers valuable insights into the impact of video games on society.
By carefully considering these points, you can make an informed decision on whether to join the Dark Brotherhood or choose the path of righteousness and destroy them in Skyrim. Each choice offers a unique and memorable gameplay experience.