Can You Save Cicero in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide to the Keeper of the Night Mother
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Yes, you absolutely can save Cicero in Skyrim! During the Dark Brotherhood questline, you’ll face a crucial decision: kill Cicero or spare him. Choosing to spare him allows him to live, and he’ll even become a follower after the Dark Brotherhood’s main quest is completed, residing in the Dawnstar Sanctuary. Making this choice has several implications that can affect your gameplay experience.
Understanding Cicero: More Than Just a Jester
Cicero is a complex and eccentric character, the Keeper of the Night Mother, and a vital part of the Dark Brotherhood’s traditions. He’s not just a comic relief character; he’s deeply devoted to the tenets of the Brotherhood and the Night Mother. His behavior can be off-putting, but understanding his background provides valuable insight into his motivations. Before making your choice, it’s crucial to understand the pros and cons of each path.
The Choice: To Kill or to Spare?
The decision to kill or spare Cicero occurs during the quest “The Cure for Madness.” Astrid, the leader of the Dark Brotherhood, orders you to kill him, believing he’s become a danger to the Sanctuary. However, you’re given the opportunity to decide his fate for yourself.
Killing Cicero:
- Pros:
- You complete Astrid’s request.
- You can loot Cicero’s armor from his body.
- Cons:
- You lose a potentially strong and unique follower.
- You arguably go against the Night Mother’s wishes.
- You eliminate a compelling character from the game.
Sparing Cicero:
- Pros:
- You can recruit Cicero as a follower after completing the Dark Brotherhood questline.
- You arguably adhere to the traditional values of the Dark Brotherhood and the Night Mother.
- You retain a unique and entertaining character.
- Cons:
- You disobey Astrid’s direct order (although this doesn’t negatively impact the questline beyond her initial displeasure).
- Some players find his personality annoying.
The Consequences of Sparing Cicero
If you choose to spare Cicero, he disappears temporarily. After completing the main Dark Brotherhood questline, specifically after the quest “Hail Sithis!”, you can find him at the Dawnstar Sanctuary. He will then become available as a follower.
Cicero is a skilled assassin, proficient in Archery, Sneak, and One-Handed combat. His unique dialogue and quirky behavior make him a memorable companion, although some players may find his antics tiresome. He also provides the Cicero’s Clothes set.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cicero
Here are some frequently asked questions about Cicero in Skyrim:
1. What happens if I kill Cicero?
If you kill Cicero during “The Cure for Madness,” you can loot his unique Cicero’s Armor from his corpse. He will be permanently dead, and you will not be able to recruit him as a follower. Astrid will be pleased that you followed her orders, although the overall impact on the Dark Brotherhood questline is minimal.
2. Can I get Cicero’s armor without killing him?
Yes, you can. The easiest way to acquire Cicero’s armor without killing him is by using console commands on the PC version. Open the console (~ key) and use the following commands to add each piece to your inventory:
- player.additem 000E1A10 1 (Cicero’s Boots)
- player.additem 000E1A11 1 (Cicero’s Gloves)
- player.additem 000E1A12 1 (Cicero’s Outfit)
- player.additem 000E1A13 1 (Cicero’s Jester Hat)
Alternatively, with a high enough pickpocketing skill, you can attempt to steal his equipped items. This is a much more challenging but more immersive option.
3. Is Cicero a good follower?
Yes, Cicero is a very capable follower. His high skill levels in Archery, Sneak, and One-Handed combat make him an excellent assassin-type companion. He is particularly useful for stealth-oriented players. However, his personality might not appeal to everyone.
4. Can I marry Cicero in Skyrim?
Unfortunately, no. You cannot marry Cicero in Skyrim. His unwavering loyalty to the Night Mother and his unique voice lines prevent him from being a marriage candidate. He is dedicated to her above all else.
5. Where do I find Cicero after I spare him?
After sparing Cicero during “The Cure for Madness,” he will be absent until you complete the main Dark Brotherhood questline. After the “Hail Sithis!” quest, you can find him in the Dawnstar Sanctuary.
6. What happens if I kill Cicero before joining the Dark Brotherhood?
You cannot kill Cicero before joining the Dark Brotherhood because he is flagged as essential. This means he cannot die until the quest “The Cure for Madness” provides you with the explicit opportunity and choice.
7. Does Cicero like the Dragonborn?
Cicero respects the Dragonborn, especially if you choose to spare him. He often makes comments expressing his approval and admiration. This respect is a nice bonus for players who choose to keep him around.
8. Can you turn Cicero into a vampire?
You cannot turn Cicero into a vampire. Since he cannot be married and has unique voice lines, he doesn’t have the necessary dialogue options to become a vampire thrall.
9. Can you save Astrid in Skyrim?
No, you cannot save Astrid in Skyrim. Regardless of your choices, Astrid dies during the quest “Death Incarnate.” Her death is a scripted event and essential to the progression of the Dark Brotherhood questline.
10. Is it worth sparing Cicero?
Whether it’s “worth it” depends on your preferences. If you value having a unique and capable follower, and if you enjoy Cicero’s personality, then it is definitely worth sparing him. If you find him annoying or prioritize following Astrid’s orders, then killing him might be a better choice for you.
11. Do you still get Shadowmere if you spare Cicero?
Yes, you can still get Shadowmere even if you spare Cicero. After sparing Cicero, simply lie to Astrid and tell her you killed him. She will then reward you with Shadowmere as if you had completed her request.
12. What would happen if I spare Cicero?
If you spare Cicero, he will be available as a follower after you complete the Dark Brotherhood questline and return to the Dawnstar Sanctuary. He will also express his gratitude for your decision and offer his services as an assassin.
13. Which person should I kill in the Dark Brotherhood questline?
The choice of who to kill during the quest “Breaching Security” is largely a matter of personal preference. Killing the Khajiit may ease your conscience, but ultimately, the choice does not significantly impact the overall questline.
14. What is in the box that Cicero is transporting?
The box that Cicero is transporting contains the Night Mother’s corpse. He is the Keeper, responsible for safely transporting her remains to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary.
15. Is it better to kill Astrid or not?
Killing Astrid initiates the quest “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” and leads to the destruction of the Dark Brotherhood sanctuary and its members. Choosing not to kill her allows you to complete the Dark Brotherhood questline and maintain the sanctuary.
Conclusion: Choosing Cicero’s Fate
The decision to save or kill Cicero in Skyrim is a significant one, with long-term consequences for your gameplay experience. By understanding his character, his role in the Dark Brotherhood, and the implications of your choice, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your play style and preferences. Whether you embrace his quirky personality as a loyal follower or choose to eliminate him, Cicero remains a memorable and impactful character in the world of Skyrim.
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