Can you save anyone in the Dark Brotherhood?
The answer to this question is yes, but with significant limitations, as only Nazir and Babette can be saved, and Cicero if you choose to spare his life, while other members like Astrid and Arnbjorn are doomed to die as part of the storyline. The fate of the Dark Brotherhood members is largely predetermined, and the player’s choices have limited impact on their survival, making it essential to understand the Skyrim storyline and the Dark Brotherhood questline to make informed decisions.
Understanding the Dark Brotherhood
To delve deeper into the world of the Dark Brotherhood and the possibilities of saving its members, let’s explore some frequently asked questions that provide insight into the intricacies of Skyrim and the Dark Brotherhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can you save from the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim?
Only Nazir and Babette survive if you continue with the questline and see it through, with Cicero being spared if you are merciful.
2. Is there any way to save Arnbjorn?
No, Arnbjorn‘s death is scripted, and he will die even if you try to help him by killing the Penitus Oculatus agents around him.
3. Can you save Astrid?
No, Astrid dies as part of the Dark Brotherhood storyline, and attempting to kill her before her scripted death will result in her getting back up because she is considered an essential character.
4. Is it better to destroy the Dark Brotherhood?
Joining the Dark Brotherhood offers the chance to enjoy the best storyline in Skyrim, while destroying them results in limited outcomes, but allows you to take on the role of the Hero of Justice.
5. Is there any benefit to killing Astrid?
Killing Astrid starts a new quest line to destroy the Dark Brotherhood and allows you to retrieve her unique equipment, but prevents further progression in the Dark Brotherhood questline.
6. What are the disadvantages of joining the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim?
The main drawback is the merciless killing of many characters, including potentially favorite merchants or bards, which may not align with the player’s moral preferences.
7. Why does Astrid betray you in Skyrim?
Astrid betrays you because she is obsessed with being a leader and is scared of having her position questioned, especially with the emergence of a new Listener of the Night Mother.
8. Can you marry Astrid from the Dark Brotherhood?
No, Astrid is already married, and her husband is essential until he dies in specific quests, making it impossible to keep him alive without Astrid dying.
9. What happens if you leave the sanctuary without killing Cicero?
Letting Cicero live honors the Night Mother‘s wishes and the core beliefs of the Brotherhood, and he can become a follower.
10. Does killing Cicero change anything?
Killing Cicero removes a potential backup plan for preserving the next Listener and grants access to his unique outfit but loses him as a unique follower.
11. Where is Cicero if you destroy the Dark Brotherhood?
Cicero disappears along with the Night Mother if the Dark Brotherhood is destroyed.
12. Who is the traitor in the Dark Brotherhood Skyrim?
Mathieu Bellamont is revealed as the mastermind behind the events, with the Night Mother aware of the plan but choosing to let it unfold as a lesson for the Dark Brotherhood.
13. Can I become the leader of the Dark Brotherhood?
Yes, it is possible to become the leader of the Dark Brotherhood as part of the Skyrim storyline, offering a unique role within the game.
14. Can you betray the Dark Brotherhood?
While you can’t betray them once you’re a member in the traditional sense, you can choose to destroy the Dark Brotherhood at a certain point in the questline.
15. Is the Dark Brotherhood evil?
The Dark Brotherhood is considered evil due to its involvement in cold-blooded murder, requiring members to commit such acts to progress, making any character who joins complicit in these evil acts.