Does the Dark Brotherhood Give You a Horse in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, the Dark Brotherhood does indeed give you a horse in Skyrim. More specifically, upon embarking on the quest “A Cure For Madness”, Astrid, the leader of the Dark Brotherhood, gifts you Shadowmere, a unique and powerful steed, to aid you in your mission to confront Cicero. This marks your acquisition of one of the most iconic and useful mounts in the game.
Shadowmere: More Than Just a Horse
Shadowmere is not just any horse; he is a dark steed with red eyes, renowned for his exceptional combat abilities and resilience. He boasts impressive stats, including a substantial amount of health and stamina, making him a formidable ally in battles across Skyrim’s harsh landscapes.
Acquiring Shadowmere
The acquisition of Shadowmere is tied directly to the Dark Brotherhood questline. Once you accept the quest “A Cure For Madness” from Astrid, she offers Shadowmere to assist you in your journey to Dawnstar Sanctuary. Upon exiting the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary, you’ll find Shadowmere waiting for you, ready to be mounted and ridden.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Shadowmere and Horses in Skyrim
1. Can I Keep Shadowmere Even if I Spare Cicero?
Yes, it’s possible to keep Shadowmere even if you spare Cicero. By sparing Cicero and then lying to Astrid, convincing her that you eliminated him, she will allow you to retain ownership of Shadowmere. This provides a way to keep both Shadowmere and Cicero alive, albeit through deception.
2. Can I Get Shadowmere Without Joining the Dark Brotherhood?
Unfortunately, no. Shadowmere is exclusively tied to the Dark Brotherhood questline. To obtain him, you must join the Dark Brotherhood and progress far enough into their story to trigger the “A Cure For Madness” quest.
3. Is Shadowmere Immortal?
While Shadowmere is incredibly resilient, he is not entirely immortal like his counterpart in Oblivion. He can die in Skyrim, but he will respawn after 10 in-game days. If he dies in water, he usually respawns near the black pool close to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary.
4. What Makes Shadowmere the Strongest Horse in Skyrim?
Shadowmere’s strength comes from his high health (1,637 HP) and stamina (198 Stamina) stats. These attributes, combined with his ability to aid in combat, make him far more durable and useful than most other horses in the game. He’s essentially a tank on hooves.
5. What is the Rarest Horse in Skyrim?
The rarest horse in Skyrim is arguably Arvak. This skeletal horse is acquired by finding his skull within the Soul Cairn, a location accessible through the Dawnguard DLC. Once you find the skull, a spirit will teach you the “Summon Arvak” spell, allowing you to summon him at will.
6. Will I Lose Shadowmere if I Summon Arvak?
Yes, summoning and riding Arvak will temporarily make him your active horse. The game typically registers the last horse you rode as your primary mount. Shadowmere will essentially be “unassigned” until you ride him again.
7. Is it Better to Destroy or Join the Dark Brotherhood?
This depends on your playstyle. Joining the Dark Brotherhood offers unique quests, items (including Shadowmere), and experiences. Destroying the Dark Brotherhood provides a more morally aligned playthrough and prevents Morag Tong assassinations in Solstheim if you have the Dragonborn DLC. From a completionist perspective, joining is usually preferred for the additional content. For discussions about the impact of games on learning and behavior, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
8. What are the Benefits of Destroying the Dark Brotherhood?
The primary benefit is a more “good” aligned role-playing experience. You also receive a unique questline and rewards from destroying them, though these are generally considered less substantial than the rewards from joining. Also, Morag Tong assassins will not target you if you don’t join the Dark Brotherhood.
9. Is Shadowmere Male or Female?
Interestingly, Shadowmere’s gender seems to fluctuate. In Oblivion, he was referred to as female, while in Skyrim, he is referred to as male. This discrepancy is a minor inconsistency in the lore.
10. Can You Save Astrid in Skyrim?
No, unfortunately, you cannot save Astrid. Regardless of your choices, she will die during the “Death Incarnate” quest. Her death is a fixed event in the Dark Brotherhood questline.
11. Where Can I Find Shadowmere if He Disappears?
Shadowmere typically stays near your last location. If he disappears, check the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary entrance, specifically the pool in front of it. Using spells like Detect Life or Aura Whisper can also help locate him.
12. What is the History of Shadowmere?
Shadowmere has a rich history, originally owned by Lucien Lachance in the Dark Brotherhood. He is known for his dark appearance, red eyes, and exceptional durability. He is one of the fastest and most resilient horses in the Elder Scrolls universe.
13. Will I Lose Shadowmere if I Steal Frost?
Yes, stealing Frost will cause you to lose him if you already have Shadowmere. Returning to Shadowmere will make him your active horse again. Stealing Frost is considered a crime, so if you bring him to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary after obtaining Shadowmere, Frost will automatically return to his original location.
14. What are the Downsides of Joining the Dark Brotherhood?
The main downside is the morally questionable nature of the quests. You will be required to commit murder, sometimes targeting innocent or even likable characters. This can clash with players who prefer a more heroic role-playing experience.
15. How Can I Get a Horse Early in Skyrim Without Joining the Dark Brotherhood?
Early in the game, the easiest way to acquire a horse is to purchase one from the stables located outside major cities like Whiterun, Riften, and Solitude. These horses typically cost 1000 gold. While this can be expensive early on, it’s a straightforward way to obtain a mount without committing to the Dark Brotherhood.
Conclusion
Shadowmere is a valuable asset provided by the Dark Brotherhood, offering a unique and powerful mount that can significantly enhance your gameplay experience in Skyrim. While obtaining him requires joining a morally ambiguous faction, the rewards, including Shadowmere, are often worth the ethical compromises for many players.