The Masque of Clavicus Vile: Is It Worth the Daedric Deal?
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The Masque of Clavicus Vile is a unique Daedric artifact in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, obtainable during the quest “A Daedra’s Best Friend.” In short, the mask is situationally good. It provides 20% better prices with vendors, +10 to Speechcraft, and regenerates magicka 5% faster. Its value hinges on your character build, playstyle, and whether you’re aiming for the Oblivion Walker achievement. If you need an early-game boost to bartering or want a slight bump in magicka regen, the Masque can be beneficial. However, for characters with high Speech skills or those focusing on combat, other headgear might offer superior advantages. Now, let’s delve deeper and answer your burning questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Masque of Clavicus Vile
Is the Masque of Clavicus Vile better than the Rueful Axe?
The answer depends entirely on your priorities. Statistically, the Masque is generally considered better for most players due to its unique bonuses and contribution toward the Oblivion Walker achievement. The Rueful Axe, while potentially useful in early-game combat, is a two-handed weapon with mediocre damage and speed. As the information here suggests “the Rueful Axe is as slow as a cow but doesn’t pack that much of a punch.” If you care about the achievement, the Masque is the clear winner.
Why do some players want to kill Barbas?
The only reason to kill Barbas during “A Daedra’s Best Friend” is to keep the Rueful Axe. Some players might prioritize this option if they want to avoid the achievement implications or, in rare cases, prefer the aesthetic or imagined usefulness of the Axe. However, lore enthusiasts might want to avoid killing Barbas, believing he’s a vital part of Clavicus Vile and helps to balance his destructive tendencies.
Should I side with Clavicus Vile or Barbas?
This is more of a moral and pragmatic choice. Siding with Clavicus Vile means killing Barbas and keeping the Rueful Axe. Siding with Barbas involves returning him to Clavicus Vile in exchange for the Masque. Considering the Oblivion Walker achievement and the arguably more useful perks of the Masque, helping Barbas and getting the Masque is often the recommended option.
What level do I need to be to get the Masque of Clavicus Vile?
You must be level 10 or higher to trigger the quest “A Daedra’s Best Friend” and subsequently acquire the Masque.
Should I betray Barbas?
From a practical standpoint, betraying Barbas to keep the Rueful Axe is often viewed as a less desirable outcome. Sparing Barbas allows you to obtain the Masque, contributing toward the Oblivion Walker achievement and providing useful buffs. The Masque is generally considered a more useful, unique item than the axe. Betraying Barbas goes against the spirit of role-playing as a moral character for many players.
Can you keep Barbas in Skyrim permanently?
Yes, but only through an exploit. After initiating “A Daedra’s Best Friend” but before completing it, you can have Barbas as a permanent companion. However, he functions as an animal follower, meaning he cannot carry items or follow precise commands. He can be helpful in combat, though he doesn’t always prioritize stealth.
What happens if you let Barbas live?
If you let Barbas live and return him to Clavicus Vile, you will receive the Masque of Clavicus Vile as a reward. This is the only way to obtain the Masque and progress towards the Oblivion Walker achievement in this quest.
Does Barbas count as a pet?
Barbas is a quest-related follower, meaning he only accompanies you during “A Daedra’s Best Friend” (or indefinitely, if you exploit the quest as mentioned above). He’s considered a temporary companion and doesn’t fall into the category of adoptable pets added with the Hearthfire DLC.
What deal should I make with Clavicus Vile?
The optimal “deal” is to return Barbas to Clavicus Vile in exchange for the Masque. This grants you a unique artifact with beneficial enchantments and unlocks the Oblivion Walker achievement.
What armor goes best with the Masque of Clavicus Vile?
Aesthetically, armor with black tones tends to complement the Masque the best. Examples include:
- Ebony Mail: A Daedric artifact itself, the Ebony Mail provides a dark and menacing appearance.
- Ebony Armor: A solid choice for its dark color and high armor rating.
- Daedric Armor: Another option for a full Daedric look, although the red accents might clash slightly.
- Orcish Armor: A good base armour for the Masque
- Crusader Armor: A solid look for the Masque of Clavicus Vile
- Madness Armour: From the Shivering Isles
- Fighter’s Stronghold Armor: Works with the Masque of Clavicus Vile
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your character’s build and preferences.
Can you get both the Rueful Axe and the Masque of Clavicus Vile?
No, you cannot obtain both the Rueful Axe and the Masque of Clavicus Vile in a single playthrough. You must choose between killing Barbas (keeping the Axe) or sparing him (receiving the Masque). Obtaining both requires using console commands or mods, which may disable achievements.
How do you start “A Daedra’s Best Friend”?
To start the quest, reach level 10 or higher and travel to Falkreath. An NPC will likely approach you, mentioning a dog owned by Lod, the blacksmith. Speaking to Lod will initiate the questline.
Can you sneak with Barbas?
No, Barbas is not suitable for stealth-based characters. He will not follow your lead when you crouch and attempt to sneak, making stealth gameplay challenging. This is largely due to his AI being designed for quest-related interactions rather than typical follower behavior.
Is Clavicus Vile evil?
Yes, Clavicus Vile is generally considered evil within the Elder Scrolls lore. He’s a Daedric Prince of wishes and trickery, known for making deals with mortals that often backfire in cruel and ironic ways.
Can you get the axe without killing Barbas?
No, the narrative structure of “A Daedra’s Best Friend” necessitates making a choice. You either kill Barbas with the Rueful Axe to appease Clavicus Vile, or you refuse and return Barbas, receiving the Masque instead.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Dragonborn
The Masque of Clavicus Vile is a worthwhile item for players seeking to enhance their bartering skills early on or aiming to complete the Oblivion Walker achievement. While the Rueful Axe may hold some appeal for certain builds, its practical value is generally outweighed by the benefits of the Masque. Ultimately, the decision rests on your personal preferences and goals within the game. This is a good case study to show how games can offer complex narratives where players are forced to make difficult choices and confront moral dilemmas. For further exploration of how games can teach critical thinking and problem-solving skills, check out the GamesLearningSociety.org.
Remember, the most important aspect of playing Skyrim is to have fun and tailor your experience to your liking. Whether you choose to sport the Masque or wield the Rueful Axe, embrace the freedom to shape your Dragonborn’s destiny.