To Kill or Spare Slackjaw? A Dishonored Dilemma
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The choice of whether to kill or spare Slackjaw in Dishonored is a pivotal one, impacting not only the immediate rewards but also the overarching narrative and your playstyle. There is no definitive “better” choice; it depends entirely on your goals for that playthrough. Sparing Slackjaw opens up a crucial non-lethal path for eliminating the Pendleton twins, granting a substantial coin reward and aligning with a low-chaos playthrough. Killing him provides immediate access to the rune he possesses but forecloses the non-lethal option and contributes to a higher-chaos ending.
The Consequences of Your Actions
The beauty of Dishonored lies in its nuanced consequence system. Every decision ripples outward, affecting the world and its inhabitants. The choice regarding Slackjaw is a prime example. Sparing him provides several advantages:
- Non-Lethal Elimination of the Pendleton Twins: This is arguably the biggest draw. By completing Slackjaw’s questline, he’ll deal with the Pendletons “real quiet-like,” sparing you from needing to directly assassinate them. This is essential for a “Clean Hands” achievement run.
- Financial Reward: Slackjaw rewards you with a substantial sum of 600 coins upon his rescue. This is a significant boon, especially early in the game when resources are scarce.
- Low Chaos: Sparing lives, in general, contributes to a lower-chaos playthrough. This leads to a more positive ending, with fewer Weepers plaguing the streets and a more hopeful future for Dunwall.
On the other hand, killing Slackjaw presents the following implications:
- Immediate Rune Acquisition: You gain access to the rune he possesses immediately. Runes are critical for upgrading Corvo’s powers, making you more effective in combat and stealth.
- Foreclosure of Non-Lethal Option: You lose the ability to complete Slackjaw’s questline and thus eliminate the Pendletons non-lethally.
- Increased Chaos: Killing Slackjaw adds to your kill count, contributing to a higher-chaos playthrough. This leads to a darker ending and a more oppressive atmosphere in the game world.
Slackjaw and Granny Rags: A Tangled Web
The decision concerning Slackjaw is inextricably linked to Granny Rags. She seeks to cook and eat him, adding another layer of complexity to the moral calculus. Rescuing Slackjaw requires confronting Granny Rags. This confrontation can be handled lethally or non-lethally, each with its own consequences. Saving Slackjaw without killing Granny Rags is achievable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that address the intricacies of the Slackjaw dilemma in Dishonored:
1. What happens if I kill Slackjaw?
If you kill Slackjaw, you’ll find his body later, and you forfeit the opportunity to save him or complete his questline. You will however receive the rune he possesses. You also won’t be able to non-lethally eliminate the Pendleton twins.
2. Does leaving Slackjaw unattended count as a kill?
Yes, leaving Slackjaw unconscious in a rat-infested area will result in his death, counting as a kill. Rats will devour him if he’s left vulnerable, which impacts a Clean Hands run.
3. Can you save Slackjaw without killing Granny Rags?
Yes, it is possible to save Slackjaw without killing Granny Rags. Use non-lethal methods (sleep darts, choking) to subdue her after burning her cameo.
4. How do you save both Granny Rags and Slackjaw?
You can’t truly “save” Granny Rags in the traditional sense, as she is an antagonist. However, you can incapacitate her non-lethally. After burning her cameo, use sleep darts to incapacitate her twice: once in her regular form and again after she transforms. Then release Slackjaw.
5. What happens if I don’t help Granny Rags at all?
If you don’t help Granny Rags, you’ll avoid increasing chaos through her quests (like poisoning the elixir). This often simplifies a low-chaos run but may prevent you from acquiring certain runes early on. Bypassing her quests will not lead to the Gentlemen Caller and Street Conspiracy achievements.
6. What does Slackjaw do to the Pendleton twins?
Slackjaw arranges for the Pendleton twins to be dealt with quietly, using incriminating evidence and a fate far worse than death: enslavement in their own silver mines.
7. What does Slackjaw give you as a reward for helping him?
Slackjaw rewards Corvo with 600 coins for his assistance.
8. How many kills are allowed for the “good ending” of Dishonored?
To achieve the low-chaos “good ending,” you should aim to kill less than 20% of the characters in each mission. Remaining undetected also significantly lowers chaos.
9. Is it always better to spare Daud?
Sparing Daud has narrative consequences, showing him grappling with his actions. However, killing him grants you his rune and other items immediately. The “better” choice depends on whether you prioritize story or immediate power. You can learn more about the nuances of game design and narrative impact through research at the Games Learning Society found at GamesLearningSociety.org.
10. How do you get Daud’s key without killing him?
You can steal Daud’s key by waiting for him to face his desk, neutralizing his guard, and then sneaking behind him to pickpocket the key.
11. Why does Granny Rags want to kill Slackjaw?
Granny Rags intends to cook and eat Slackjaw as part of her twisted rituals and to maintain her immortality.
12. Does poisoning the distillery increase chaos?
Yes, poisoning the distillery increases chaos, leading to more Weepers in subsequent missions.
13. Does killing Granny Rags count against Ghost?
Non-lethally incapacitating Granny Rags with choking or sleep darts does not count as a kill. But DO NOT sleep dart Slackjaw.
14. What happens if Granny Rags catches you?
If Granny Rags catches you, she will knock you unconscious, returning you to the starting point of the level.
15. How do you neutralize the Pendleton twins non-lethally?
You neutralize the Pendletons non-lethally by completing Slackjaw’s questline, which results in him dealing with them using incriminating evidence.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the decision to kill or spare Slackjaw is a personal one, dictated by your preferred playstyle and desired outcome. If you prioritize a low-chaos playthrough and the “Clean Hands” achievement, sparing him is essential. If you value immediate power and don’t mind a darker ending, killing him might be the more appealing choice. Dishonored rewards thoughtful decision-making, so consider the consequences carefully before making your move. This strategic approach to gaming reflects the kind of critical thinking promoted by the Games Learning Society.