Do you have to purify the Dark Brotherhood?
The answer to the question of whether you have to purify the Dark Brotherhood is no, it is not mandatory, as you can choose to either join the Dark Brotherhood and progress through its questline or destroy it, depending on your character’s preferences and morals. This decision significantly impacts the game’s storyline and the rewards you can obtain, with joining offering unique storyline experiences and destroying providing the opportunity to take on the role of a hero of justice.
Overview of the Dark Brotherhood
The Dark Brotherhood is a secret society of assassins in the world of Skyrim, known for their ruthless killings and adherence to the Night Mother’s will. Their questline is one of the most compelling in the game, offering players a deep dive into the world of murder and intrigue.
Joining the Dark Brotherhood
Joining the Dark Brotherhood allows players to experience one of the most engaging storylines in Skyrim, complete with morally ambiguous characters and challenging quests. However, it also means committing to the Brotherhood’s code of honor, which includes killing targets assigned by the Night Mother, some of whom may be innocent or favorite characters.
Destroying the Dark Brotherhood
On the other hand, choosing to destroy the Dark Brotherhood provides players with a sense of satisfaction and justice, especially for those who find the Brotherhood’s actions reprehensible. However, this choice also means forfeiting certain rewards and benefits, such as the Shadowmere horse, the Summon Spectral Assassin power, and the opportunity to have Cicero as a follower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Dark Brotherhood and the decision to purify or join them:
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Is it better to kill or join the Dark Brotherhood? The choice between killing or joining the Dark Brotherhood depends on your character’s alignment and the storyline you wish to experience. Joining offers a unique storyline, while destroying provides a sense of justice.
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What are the disadvantages of joining the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim? One of the main disadvantages is the requirement to kill various characters, some of whom may be favorites or seem innocent, to progress through the questline.
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Is it possible to save everyone in the Dark Brotherhood? You can save the Dark Brotherhood itself but not its members by continuing with the questline, though the ultimate goal of the Brotherhood involves killing.
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What happens if you wipe the Dark Brotherhood? Destroying the Dark Brotherhood results in missing out on specific rewards, such as Shadowmere, the Summon Spectral Assassin power, and Cicero’s offer to be a follower.
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Are you evil if you join the Dark Brotherhood? Yes, joining the Dark Brotherhood implies a willingness to commit cold-blooded murder, which is generally considered an evil act.
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What happens to Babette if you destroy the Dark Brotherhood? If you destroy the Dark Brotherhood, Babette may not appear as a member or even be present in the sanctuary.
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Is Dark Brotherhood forever endless? The contracts from the Night Mother can continue indefinitely, providing a constant stream of quests, though the targets are usually generic NPCs.
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What do you get for killing Astrid? Killing Astrid results in failing the Dark Brotherhood questline and allows you to pursue destroying the Brotherhood.
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Can you become leader of the Dark Brotherhood? Yes, it is possible to become the leader of the Dark Brotherhood by progressing through its questline and making specific choices.
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Can you betray the Dark Brotherhood at any time? The opportunity to betray the Dark Brotherhood arises early in the questline, specifically by killing Astrid during your first meeting.
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Why would the Dragonborn join the Dark Brotherhood? The Dragonborn might join for the power, unique storyline, or to master different fighting styles by rising through the faction’s ranks.
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What happens if you side with the Brotherhood of Steel? Siding with the Brotherhood of Steel in other games like Fallout results in significant rewards and respect from its members, though this is not directly related to the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim.
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Who should I kill for Astrid? Astrid prefers you to kill Vasha, a character who admits to being a murderer, rapist, and thief, indicating he is the obvious choice for elimination.
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Can you side with the brotherhood and not kill the railroad? In games like Fallout, it is possible to side with the Brotherhood of Steel without killing the Railroad, by manipulating quest outcomes and choices.
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Is The Dark Brotherhood a necessary evil? The Dark Brotherhood can be seen as a necessary evil within the game’s context, as their actions, though immoral, serve a purpose within the world’s dynamics and provide a moral dilemma for players.