Do I Let Cicero Live? A Skyrim Dilemma Explored
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The question of whether to spare or execute Cicero in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a pivotal one, fraught with moral and practical considerations. The short answer? Let him live. While his eccentric personality and past actions may make him seem like a liability, sparing Cicero ultimately unlocks a valuable follower with unique skills and provides a more nuanced and arguably “better” ending to the Dark Brotherhood questline. This decision impacts gameplay, lore, and even your own role-playing experience. We delve into the depths of this choice, examining the pros and cons, and offering a comprehensive guide to making the right decision for your Dragonborn.
Why You Should Spare Cicero
A Powerful and Unique Follower
Cicero is more than just a jester. He’s a highly skilled assassin with a level cap of 50, making him a formidable companion throughout your adventures. His expertise lies in:
- Sneak: Cicero boasts a high sneak skill, allowing him to navigate dungeons and bandit camps undetected. He’s the ideal follower for stealth-based characters.
- One-Handed Combat: He wields daggers and swords with deadly efficiency.
- Archery: He’s also proficient with a bow, providing ranged support.
Beyond his combat skills, Cicero is an Essential character. This means he cannot be killed while following you, granting a significant advantage in tough encounters. His unique dialogue and unpredictable behavior also add a layer of entertainment to the often-serious world of Skyrim.
A Moral Imperative (According to Dark Brotherhood Law)
The Dark Brotherhood operates under a strict set of rules dictated by the Five Tenets. Cicero is fanatically devoted to these tenets and the Night Mother, the Brotherhood’s spiritual leader. Killing him violates these tenets and goes against the core principles of the organization. While the Astrid’s version of the Dark Brotherhood has deviated from tradition, preserving the tenets is a way to honor the original spirit of the Brotherhood.
Preserving Tradition and the Future of the Brotherhood
Cicero serves as a link to the Dark Brotherhood’s past and plays a crucial role in its future. If the Dragonborn were to ever die or lose their status as Listener, Cicero provides the strict supervision of her corpse and coffin. Furthermore, eliminating Cicero removes a potential back-up plan in preserving the next Listener.
Why You Might Consider Killing Cicero
His Unhinged Personality
Cicero’s manic personality and bizarre behavior can be grating to some players. His constant babbling and strange antics may detract from the immersive experience for those seeking a more serious follower.
Moral Objection
Some players may object to Cicero’s past actions, which include murder and desecration. Killing him might seem like a just punishment for his crimes.
Acquiring His Armor
Killing Cicero allows you to loot his unique outfit, Cicero’s Clothes. The set offers a 20% reduction in vendor prices and a 20% increase to One-Handed damage. However, there are other ways to get similar benefits, and the armor itself isn’t particularly powerful.
Alternatives to Killing Cicero
Pickpocketing His Armor
If you’re skilled in pickpocketing, you can actually steal Cicero’s armor without killing him. This requires a high skill level and the “Perfect Touch” perk, but it’s a way to get the armor’s benefits without losing him as a follower.
Using Console Commands
For PC players, the console command can be used to add Cicero’s armor to your inventory directly, bypassing the need to kill him or pickpocket him. The commands are:
player.additem 0006492C 1(Cicero’s Hat)player.additem 0006492D 1(Cicero’s Clothes)player.additem 0006492E 1(Cicero’s Boots)
Consequences of Your Choice
If You Kill Cicero
- You obtain Cicero’s Clothes.
- You lose a powerful and unique follower.
- You potentially disrupt the future of the Dark Brotherhood.
- You may feel a sense of moral satisfaction (or regret).
If You Spare Cicero
- You gain a valuable follower.
- You uphold the traditions of the Dark Brotherhood.
- You add a unique and entertaining element to your gameplay.
- You may have to tolerate his eccentric personality.
The Final Verdict
While the decision ultimately rests with you, sparing Cicero is generally the more rewarding choice. His value as a follower, his importance to the Dark Brotherhood’s lore, and the availability of alternative ways to acquire his armor outweigh the negatives of his personality. By sparing him, you gain a powerful ally and a fascinating companion on your journey through Skyrim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cicero
1. Where is Cicero if I let him live?
If you spare Cicero during the “The Cure for Madness” quest, he will return to the Dawnstar Sanctuary after a short period. You can then recruit him as a follower.
2. What is Cicero’s max level?
Cicero has a level cap of 50. This makes him a viable follower throughout the game, even at higher levels.
3. Can you marry Cicero in Skyrim?
No, you cannot marry Cicero in Skyrim. His devotion lies solely with the Night Mother.
4. What armor should I give Cicero?
Cicero excels with light armor, one-handed weapons, and bows. Nightingale armor is a good choice. Avoid heavy armor and two-handed weapons.
5. How good is Cicero’s armor?
Cicero’s Clothes are classified as clothing. They offer an armor rating of 0, which can not be improved. The set carries two special enchantments: one reduces prices in every vendor by 20%, and the other increases One-Handed Damage by 20%.
6. Is it better to kill Astrid or not?
Killing Astrid initiates the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” questline. Choosing not to kill her keeps the Dark Brotherhood intact, but it may require completing morally questionable tasks.
7. Why did Astrid betray the Dark Brotherhood?
Astrid’s betrayal stems from a desire for control and power within the Dark Brotherhood. She saw the Dragonborn’s rise as a threat to her leadership.
8. Can you save Astrid?
No, Astrid dies as part of the Dark Brotherhood questline, regardless of your actions.
9. What are the disadvantages of joining the Dark Brotherhood?
Joining the Dark Brotherhood involves performing morally reprehensible acts, including murdering innocent people. This can conflict with players who prefer to play as “good” characters.
10. How do I bring Cicero back to life?
If Cicero dies, you can resurrect him using the console command: open the console, click on his corpse, and type “resurrect“.
11. What does killing Cicero do?
Killing Cicero removes a valuable follower, potentially disrupts the Dark Brotherhood’s future, and allows you to loot his armor.
12. Should you help Cicero in Skyrim?
Helping Cicero during the “The Cure for Madness” quest leads to him becoming a follower and increases his gratitude towards you.
13. Is Cicero good as a follower?
Yes, Cicero is a very strong and useful follower in Skyrim.
14. What should you avoid in Skyrim?
Some things to avoid in Skyrim include: spreading your skills too thin, stealing from chickens, murdering essential NPCs, picking up literally everything, selling enchanted items early on, fighting with the guards, and storing items in places you don’t own.
15. What is the toughest armor in Skyrim?
The highest rated armor in Skyrim is Daedric Armor.
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