How to Show Mercy: Spared Daud’s Life in Dishonored

To spare Daud’s life in Dishonored, you must complete the non-lethal elimination method during The Flooded District mission. This involves pickpocketing the bone charm he carries, leaving him otherwise unharmed. Note that Daud is immune to Bend Time, so using this power to steal the charm will be ineffective. Successfully sparing Daud offers a glimpse into his potential redemption and a different ending scenario.

A Deep Dive into Daud’s Fate

Daud’s character is complex, existing in a morally gray area as the assassin who killed Empress Jessamine Kaldwin. Therefore, the choice to spare or kill him offers a critical moment of player agency and moral consideration. Saving Daud leads to a bittersweet conclusion where he acknowledges his wrongdoings. Conversely, ending his life results in a more definitive, albeit arguably less nuanced, closure.

The Non-Lethal Path: Stealth and Subterfuge

Achieving the non-lethal takedown requires careful planning and execution. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Approach: The key is stealth. The Flooded District is heavily guarded by Daud’s assassins. Utilize rooftops, pipes, and shadows to navigate the area undetected. Observation is paramount, study patrol patterns and identify opportunities to bypass or neutralize guards non-lethally.

2. Infiltration: Make your way toward Daud’s base of operations. You can either take a more direct, combat-heavy route (not recommended for non-lethal runs) or seek out alternate entrances using Blink (Corvo) or Far Reach (Emily). Keep an eye out for valuable resources and lore items as you progress.

3. Confrontation: You do have to engage with Daud. It’s possible to completely stealth the mission, taking the key from the desk and picking Daud’s pocket without being noticed. Do not initiate combat. Carefully time your movements to avoid being spotted. Utilizing distraction techniques, such as tossing a bottle to lure guards away, can create necessary openings.

4. Pickpocketing: Once near Daud, be prepared to pickpocket him. Remember, Bend Time will not work. Rely on quick reflexes and precise movements to snatch the bone charm without being noticed. This will trigger a non-lethal takedown sequence.

5. Escape: After pickpocketing Daud and triggering the non-lethal takedown, focus on escaping the area without harming anyone. This might involve backtracking through the same stealth routes you used earlier, or discovering new pathways.

Outcomes of Spared Daud

• Redemption Arc: Sparing Daud allows him a path to redemption. He expresses regret for his actions and ultimately seeks to atone for his sins.

• Ending Scene: If you spare Daud, he can be seen placing his sword at the tomb of the Empress after the end of the credits. This poignant moment illustrates his remorse and respect for the woman he assassinated.

• Billie Lurk’s Involvement: If you spared Billie Lurk at the end of The Knife of Dunwall DLC, she will not be present at Daud’s cremation. Billie Lurk’s character development is deeply intertwined with Daud’s fate.

Consequences of Killing Daud

• Definitive End: Killing Daud provides a conclusive end to his story, removing a morally ambiguous figure from the narrative.

• Cremation Scene: If Daud is killed, his body is cremated on a boat in the flooded yard of the Greaves Refinery.

• Billie Lurk’s Presence: If Daud spared Billie at the end of The Knife of Dunwall, she will be there, looking on from a distance. Her presence emphasizes the complex relationship they shared.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Daud

1. Is Daud good or bad in Dishonored?

Daud is best described as an anti-hero. He’s responsible for a horrific act, the assassination of the Empress, but his DLC chapters explore his regret and potential for redemption. This makes him a compelling and morally ambiguous character.

2. What happens if you let Daud live?

As mentioned, sparing Daud leads to an ending scene where he places his sword at the Empress’s tomb, signifying remorse. It also impacts the narrative in later installments, particularly regarding Billie Lurk’s story.

3. Can you avoid fighting Daud altogether?

While it is possible to stealth through the mission and pickpocket Daud, it is also possible to have to fight him.

4. Can you choke Daud out?

Yes, you can choke Daud out, but be aware that doing so after possessing him will initiate combat. Otherwise, standard non-lethal takedowns are possible.

5. Does Daud have the same powers as Corvo?

Daud shares some powers with Corvo, such as Blink and the ability to summon beings. However, there are subtle differences in their execution. Daud’s Blink, for example, is faster and lacks the blue smoke effect.

6. Why do Daud’s assassins have powers?

Daud’s assassins gain their powers through his Arcane Bond, which allows them to share his abilities and access to Vitality, Shadow Kill, and the ability to move through his Bend Time.

7. Did Daud regret killing the Empress?

Yes, a significant part of Daud’s character arc revolves around his regret for killing the Empress. This regret fuels his actions in the DLC and influences his potential for redemption.

8. Does Daud have a last name?

Daud’s last name is never explicitly stated in the game.

9. Is Daud immune to sleep darts?

Yes, Daud is immune to sleep darts. This is a crucial detail to remember when planning your non-lethal approach.

10. Can you spare Granny Rags?

Yes, you can spare Granny Rags, although it requires destroying her cameo.

11. Can Daud be knocked out?

You can knock Daud out using choking.

12. Who is stronger, Corvo or Emily?

Both Corvo and Emily have their strengths. Corvo leans towards aggressive combat and evasion, while Emily specializes in stealth and manipulation. The better choice depends on the player’s gaming style.

13. Is Corvo more powerful than Emily?

Corvo’s powers are often better suited for stealth and evasion, thanks to his Blink ability. Ultimately, their power levels are balanced to suit different playstyles.

14. How tall is Corvo?

Corvo is quite tall, standing at 6’4″ (1.93 meters).

15. Why does Corvo wear a mask?

Corvo wears a mask to conceal his identity while taking necessary actions to rescue his daughter, the Empress Emily.

Whether you choose to spare or kill Daud, the decision carries significant weight. It speaks to your interpretation of justice, redemption, and the complex moral landscape of Dishonored. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make, shaping the narrative and influencing the fates of those involved. If you’re interested in learning more about the educational aspects of gaming, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. They offer valuable insights into how games can be used for learning and development.