Can You Spare Ciara in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla? A Deep Dive
Yes, you absolutely can spare Ciara in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s “Wrath of the Druids” DLC. This pivotal decision occurs after you defeat her in combat. Instead of delivering a fatal blow, you are presented with a choice: kill her or let her live. Choosing to spare Ciara leads to a different resolution, though it’s important to note that both choices ultimately result in the same ending regarding the storyline’s progression. The true difference lies in the immediate consequences and the character’s fate. Sparing Ciara doesn’t dramatically alter the main narrative arc, but it does shape her personal story and influences the relationships within the game. This article will delve deeper into what happens when you choose to spare Ciara and explore related aspects of her character and storyline.
What Happens When You Spare Ciara?
If you choose to spare Ciara, Eivor comes to the conclusion that the source of her destructive power comes from the Lia Fáil stone, rather than Ciara herself. This prompts a more diplomatic, and ultimately less bloody, solution. Instead of killing Ciara, Eivor suggests destroying the stone, thus removing the dangerous power that Druidic cults are trying to exploit. Ciara, understanding the logic and the threat this power poses, takes it upon herself to destroy the Lia Fáil stone.
This act of selflessness and understanding has significant ramifications. It leads to King Flann acknowledging his mistake in persecuting the Druids. He publicly apologizes to Ciara, retracting his previous decisions against the true Druids and assuring them and their lands will now be protected. As for Ciara, she chooses to leave Flann’s court, seeking a more secluded life away from those who might be tempted to manipulate her power. While you won’t see her return to Ravensthorpe, sparing Ciara represents a path of mercy and offers her a chance at a peaceful existence.
The Consequences of Killing Ciara
The alternative choice, to kill Ciara, does not radically alter the overarching plot. The key difference is that, if you choose to kill her, the Lia Fáil stone is not destroyed. King Flann does not get his redemption arc. Instead, the immediate threat associated with the Lia Fáil and its destructive potential remains unresolved, at least directly. While this may seem drastic, the story will find another path to its ending, and the major elements of the narrative will ultimately still unfold.
Why Does it Ultimately Lead to the Same Ending?
While the immediate interactions with Ciara and King Flann differ, both outcomes, whether you kill or spare Ciara, are designed to guide you towards the main storyline’s conclusion. The game’s design ensures that players, regardless of this choice, continue through the narrative arc, focusing on the ultimate objectives. It’s an example of the illusion of choice in RPGs, where players are offered options that make the game feel personalized, even if the destination remains consistent.
FAQ: Sparing Ciara and Related Topics
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Ciara, her storyline, and related elements in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, providing more context and information for players:
1. Does Sparing Ciara Affect the Overall Story?
While sparing Ciara provides a more positive resolution for her personal story and her people, it does not significantly alter the main story of the Wrath of the Druids DLC or the overall game. The broader narrative progresses the same way, irrespective of whether you kill or spare her.
2. Can Eivor Have a Romantic Relationship with Ciara?
Yes, Eivor can have a brief, flirtatious relationship with Ciara. There are dialogue options that allow you to push their connection forward. However, it’s not a permanent romance. Ciara is more like a fling and cannot be brought back to Ravensthorpe.
3. What Happens to Ciara if you Spare Her?
If you spare Ciara, she ultimately decides to leave King Flann’s court, choosing to live a secluded life to prevent others from using her power. She seeks a path away from the power struggles she’s been caught up in.
4. Should You Kill or Spare Ciara?
This decision is a matter of player preference. Both choices lead to the same ending. Sparing Ciara provides a more peaceful and redemptive arc for her, while killing her creates a more somber end. There is no gameplay advantage to choosing one over the other.
5. Does Eivor’s Choice of Dialogue During the Inquisition Affect the Story?
No, Eivor’s responses during the Inquisition have no impact on the overarching story. Regardless of your chosen dialogue (agreeing with the Inquisition, disagreeing, or remaining silent), the events that follow will still proceed the same way, with Ciara reacting angrily. The difference lies only in how King Conchobar reacts to your view.
6. Is Ciara a Good Character?
Whether Ciara is a “good” character is debatable. She is someone driven by desperation to protect her people and can be seen as both victim and antagonist. She is ultimately not villainous, but rather, her story is one of being caught between forces beyond her control.
7. How does Ciara’s Story Tie into the Druids?
Ciara’s story is intricately linked to the conflict between the established order and the Druids. She embodies the struggle of a people caught in the crossfire, often manipulated due to their association with the power of the stone.
8. Can Ciara be Recruited into your Crew or Back at Ravensthorpe?
No, Ciara cannot be brought back to Ravensthorpe or recruited into your crew. She remains a part of the Wrath of the Druids storyline, but does not integrate into the main game’s core mechanics after the quest.
9. How Does the Lia Fáil Stone Influence Ciara?
The Lia Fáil stone is the source of Ciara’s powers and is also the primary reason why she is pursued by both sides. It makes her a target for manipulation, and ultimately leads to the confrontation with Eivor.
10. Who is King Flann in Relation to Ciara?
King Flann is the King of Ireland at the time of the Wrath of the Druids DLC. He initially orders the Druids be persecuted. If you spare Ciara, Flann comes to understand the error of his ways and changes his policies to protect the Druids and restore their lands.
11. Is There a “Best” Romance Option in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
While Eivor can have several romantic encounters, Petra is often considered the best romance option. Her story is considered the most natural and fulfilling compared to others in the game.
12. What is the Significance of Sigurd’s Divorce with Randvi?
By the time of the events in the DLC, Sigurd and Randvi have already divorced. There is no worry about messing up the ending through your interactions with Randvi. She is also another romance option for Eivor.
13. Who is Basim and Why does he Betray Eivor?
Basim is the reincarnation of Loki, a figure from Norse mythology. He betrays Eivor and Sigurd as part of a personal vendetta against the Isu, whom he perceives as having wronged him in his previous life.
14. Does Sleeping with Multiple Characters Impact the Game’s Ending?
No, sleeping with multiple characters does not negatively impact the ending of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. There are only five specific choices that affect the ending and romancing characters is not one of them. The game allows for numerous romantic encounters without consequence.
15. Who Betrayed Eivor?
The traitor in Eivor’s clan is Galinn. He was motivated by his deluded visions and desire to usurp Soma. This led him to orchestrate an attack on Soma’s village.
Conclusion
The decision to spare or kill Ciara in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is ultimately a personal one. While both choices eventually lead to the same ending, the immediate consequences and the tone of the resolution differ. Sparing Ciara allows for a more redemptive arc, not only for Ciara herself but also for King Flann, offering a more positive take on the events in Ireland. Whatever your choice, the complex story and character of Ciara certainly provide an interesting experience within the Wrath of the Druids expansion.