How Much Should You Tell Nazir You Got Paid? Navigating the Dark Brotherhood’s Finances in Skyrim
The short answer is: it doesn’t matter. You can tell Nazir you received the full 20,000 gold, or you can lie and say you only got 10,000 or 5,000 gold. Regardless of your choice, you keep the entire reward. The dialogue option is purely for roleplaying and has no impact on the quest’s outcome or your relationship with Nazir. You’ll still be directed to Delvin Mallory in Riften to discuss upgrading the Dawnstar Sanctuary.
Understanding the Reward and Its Purpose
The 20,000 gold you receive after assassinating the Emperor isn’t just a lump sum; it’s a key to revitalizing the Dark Brotherhood. After speaking with Nazir, you’ll head to Riften and meet with Delvin Mallory of the Thieves Guild. Delvin can use a letter of credit related to your reward to fund upgrades for the Sanctuary.
The interesting aspect here isn’t whether you’re honest with Nazir, but how you choose to invest the money. It’s a chance to rebuild a fallen organization and contribute to its resurgence. The game gives you the freedom to shape the Dark Brotherhood’s future in Skyrim. Whether you’re roleplaying as a greedy assassin or a dedicated leader, this decision is yours to make.
Sanctuary Upgrades: The Real Cost
While the initial reward is 20,000 gold, fully upgrading the Dawnstar Sanctuary through Delvin will cost you 19,000 gold. This leaves you with only 1,000 gold from your initial reward. Therefore, It is important to save your money and think carefully about what to invest your money on.
Here is a list of sanctuary upgrades:
- Banner: 500 gold
- Alchemy Lab: 3000 gold
- Storage Room: 5000 gold
- Training Area: 5000 gold
- Torture Chamber: 5500 gold
The investment in these upgrades not only enhances the Sanctuary’s appearance but also provides practical benefits such as new crafting stations, training dummies, and storage options. It’s an investment in the long-term prosperity of the Dark Brotherhood.
The Illusion of Choice and the Power of Roleplaying
Ultimately, your decision to lie or tell the truth to Nazir is about roleplaying. Skyrim thrives on allowing players to immerse themselves in their characters. If your character is inherently dishonest and opportunistic, lying to Nazir aligns with that persona. If your character values honesty and loyalty, telling the truth reinforces those values.
The lack of tangible consequences for lying might seem disappointing to some players, but it underscores the game’s focus on personal narrative. The Dark Brotherhood storyline is full of moral ambiguities, and the developers encourage players to navigate those complexities in their own way.
The Games Learning Society and Player Agency
This scenario highlights a core element of game design that is often studied by organizations like the Games Learning Society: player agency. Even in a scripted storyline, players appreciate the feeling of making meaningful choices. While the outcome of this specific interaction is predetermined, the act of choosing shapes the player’s personal experience and connection to the game world.
You can learn more about the research conducted by the Games Learning Society regarding the impact of choices in video games on player experience and behavior on their website GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nazir and the Dark Brotherhood
Why is Nazir making me pay a fine?
This quest is triggered by attacking a member of the Dark Brotherhood, intentionally or accidentally. Paying the fine to Nazir restores your standing within the organization and allows you to continue the questline. It’s essentially an apology fee to get back in the Dark Brotherhood’s good graces.
Why won’t Nazir give me more contracts?
This can sometimes be a bug. If Nazir doesn’t offer new contracts after the coffin scene, try using the console command “SetStage DBSideContract04 0”. This completes the previous contract and should allow you to receive new assignments from him. If using mods, there is a chance that a mod could cause a conflict.
Should I tell Nazir the truth?
It’s entirely up to you! As mentioned, your choice has no impact on the game’s progression or your rewards. Choose the option that best fits your character’s personality and your desired roleplaying experience.
Can you get kicked out of the Dark Brotherhood?
Yes, repeatedly assaulting other members of the Dark Brotherhood can lead to expulsion. However, you typically need to be kicked out multiple times before being permanently barred from the guild.
How do you save Nazir?
During the “The Cure for Madness” quest, you need to protect the Dawnstar Sanctuary from the Penitus Oculatus. Continue through the sanctuary, fighting off the attackers, until you find Nazir dueling with an agent named Arcturus. Kill Arcturus to save Nazir.
What race is Nazir in Skyrim?
Nazir is a Redguard assassin and a valued member of the Dark Brotherhood residing in the Dawnstar Sanctuary in 4E 201. He is also one of only two remaining assassins from the Cheydinhal Sanctuary.
Does the Dark Brotherhood forever end?
No, the Dark Brotherhood questline doesn’t truly end. After completing the main questline, you can accept endless radiant quests from Nazir and Babette, titled “The Dark Brotherhood Forever.”
Where is Cicero after you spare him?
If you spare Cicero during “The Cure for Madness,” he can be found outside the Dawnstar Sanctuary after the quest’s completion. He then becomes a potential follower. He is also flagged as essential, making him unable to die.
Are you evil if you join the Dark Brotherhood?
The Dark Brotherhood is undeniably an evil organization. By joining, you are participating in morally reprehensible acts, including assassination for profit. Whether your character is considered “evil” depends on your personal interpretation and roleplaying choices. However, the Dark Brotherhood has been involved in many conflicts that have helped to define the landscape of Tamriel.
Is it better to destroy the Dark Brotherhood?
This depends on your character’s alignment and your goals. Destroying the Dark Brotherhood provides a small amount of gold and a moral victory for a “good” character. Joining them offers a richer storyline, more lucrative rewards, unique items, and the opportunity to rebuild the Sanctuary.
What gift do I give Bilgemuck?
Bilgemuck is a boar found in the Dragonborn DLC. To befriend him, simply give him any type of meat. He will then become a follower.
What is the max Dark Brotherhood rank?
In The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), the maximum rank for the Dark Brotherhood guild is Reputation Rank level 12. This is achieved through completing contracts and quests for the organization.
Can you not help Molag Bal?
During the “House of Horrors” quest, you are tasked with helping Molag Bal. If you don’t want to serve him, you can lie to him to escape the cage and then simply never return to the house. This allows you to avoid completing the quest and aligning with the Daedric Prince.
Should I help Cicero or report him?
Helping Cicero during the “The Innocent Lost” quest has benefits later on, such as his gratitude and a small amount of gold. Reporting him leads to his eventual return and the death of Vantus and his wife at Loreius Farm. The best option depends on your character’s morals and long-term goals.
What does “Hail Sithis” mean?
“Hail Sithis” is a greeting or expression of loyalty used within the Dark Brotherhood. Sithis is their deity, the embodiment of chaos and the Void. The phrase signifies recognition and allegiance to the Dark Brotherhood and its beliefs.