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Is Cicero in the Dark Brotherhood? Unraveling the Jester’s Secrets in Skyrim

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Yes, Cicero is undeniably a member of the Dark Brotherhood in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Not only is he a member, but he also plays a vital role within the organization, acting as the Keeper of the Night Mother’s crypt and holding a deep, almost obsessive, reverence for her and the ancient ways of the Brotherhood. His eccentric personality and unwavering dedication make him a fascinating and often unpredictable figure throughout the game’s Dark Brotherhood questline. Let’s delve deeper into Cicero’s history, role, and the mysteries surrounding this peculiar jester.

Cicero’s Backstory and Early Involvement

Cicero’s past is shrouded in mystery, but his journals, if discovered during the game, provide valuable insights into his history. These journals reveal that he has been a member of the Dark Brotherhood for at least fifteen years, having completed his first contract, the assassination of a baroness in Cyrodiil, just one year into his service to Sithis. His commitment to the tenets of the Dark Brotherhood is unwavering, sometimes to the point of fanaticism. His belief in the Night Mother is central to his existence, guiding his actions and shaping his identity within the Brotherhood. His adherence to the “old ways” puts him at odds with Astrid, the leader of the Skyrim sanctuary, who favors a more pragmatic and less ritualistic approach.

The Keeper’s Duty: Maintaining Tradition

Cicero’s primary role within the Dark Brotherhood is that of Keeper. This involves protecting and maintaining the Night Mother’s coffin, ensuring its safety and sanctity. He is deeply devoted to this task, believing it to be crucial for the survival and prosperity of the Brotherhood. His journals detail his struggles and frustrations with the declining reverence for the Night Mother among the other members, further fueling his eccentric behavior and his insistence on upholding the old traditions. This dedication to tradition is a key source of conflict between Cicero and the more modernized Skyrim branch of the Dark Brotherhood.

Cicero’s Journey to Skyrim

Before becoming fully integrated into the Dark Brotherhood sanctuary in Skyrim, you first encounter Cicero near Loreius Farm north of Whiterun. He is standing beside his broken-down wagon, lamenting the situation and seeking assistance. This encounter triggers the quest “Delayed Burial,” where you can choose to help him by convincing Vantus Loreius to repair his wagon. Your decision in this quest will have minor repercussions later in the Dark Brotherhood questline.

The “Delayed Burial” Quest: A First Impression

The “Delayed Burial” quest offers the first glimpse into Cicero’s peculiar personality. His theatrical lamentations and exaggerated gestures immediately set him apart. Whether you choose to help him or not, this encounter establishes Cicero as an eccentric and somewhat unsettling figure. If you help him, he expresses gratitude, which may manifest later in the Dark Brotherhood questline. If you report him, he will kill Vantus and his wife. This early quest serves as an introduction to the character and hints at his involvement with darker forces.

Cicero in the Dark Brotherhood Questline

Upon joining the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim, Cicero becomes a prominent character in the questline. His unwavering devotion to the Night Mother and his adherence to the old ways often clash with Astrid’s leadership and the more pragmatic approach of the other members. This conflict becomes a central theme throughout the questline, ultimately leading to betrayal and chaos within the Brotherhood.

The Cure for Madness

The quest “The Cure for Madness” is pivotal for Cicero’s character arc. This quest forces you to confront Cicero after he snaps and attacks members of the sanctuary. You are given the choice to either kill him or spare him. This decision has significant consequences, influencing whether Cicero remains alive and available as a follower later in the game.

Sparing Cicero: A Valuable Ally

If you choose to spare Cicero, you are following the wishes of the Night Mother, as revealed through the Listener. He will eventually become available as a follower after the Dark Brotherhood questline is completed. Cicero is a powerful ally, with excellent skills in Archery, Sneak, and One-Handed combat. His eccentric personality also provides unique and often humorous commentary during your adventures. Importantly, if spared, Cicero is an essential character, meaning he cannot be killed by enemies, making him a reliable companion.

Killing Cicero: A Quick End

If you choose to kill Cicero, you can loot his body for his unique Jester’s Clothes. This armor set is light armor and provides bonuses to prices at vendors and One-Handed damage. However, by killing him, you lose the opportunity to have him as a follower and forgo his unique dialogue and quirky personality.

Destroying the Dark Brotherhood

If you choose to destroy the Dark Brotherhood, Cicero becomes an enemy that you must kill during the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” quest. In this scenario, he, along with Babette, are among the Dark Brotherhood members you’ll encounter and eliminate within the sanctuary. This choice effectively removes him from the game, preventing you from ever having him as a follower or experiencing his unique interactions.

FAQs About Cicero and the Dark Brotherhood

Can I marry Cicero in Skyrim? No, you cannot marry Cicero in Skyrim. His unwavering loyalty to the Night Mother is paramount, and he believes she is the only “woman” he will ever serve.
Is Cicero in Oblivion? The name Cicero appears in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, but not as the same character. In Oblivion, Cicero is an imperial who regularly traveled to Cheydinhal for ‘business’.
What happens if you spare Cicero in Skyrim? If you spare Cicero, he will eventually become available as a follower. He’s a skilled assassin with high sneak and one-handed skills, and he is essential, meaning he cannot be killed by enemies.
What is the max level of Cicero in Skyrim? Cicero, if spared, can be recruited as a follower and has a level cap of 50.
Who is the best companion in Skyrim? While subjective, Serana is often considered the best follower in Skyrim due to her powerful necromancy abilities and versatile combat skills. However, Cicero is an excellent choice for players focusing on stealth.
Where is the Black Brotherhood located? The Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary in Skyrim is located just west of Falkreath.
Can you save the Dark Brotherhood? You can “save” the Dark Brotherhood in the sense that the questline can be completed, allowing the organization to continue. However, not all members survive.
Who betrayed Cicero? In historical context, Philologus, who had been educated by Cicero and was a freedman of Quintus, Cicero’s brother, betrayed his benefactor, revealing his location to the pursuing Romans. However, this is a real-world historical event, not a Skyrim event.
Where do you find Cicero if you destroy the Dark Brotherhood? If you choose to destroy the Dark Brotherhood, Cicero and Babette will be found within the sanctuary as enemies you must eliminate during the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” quest.
Should I help Cicero or report him at Loreius Farm? Helping Cicero will result in a small reward later in the Dark Brotherhood questline. Reporting him leads to the deaths of Vantus Loreius and his wife.
Why did Astrid betray the Dark Brotherhood? Astrid’s betrayal stems from a desire for power and control over the Brotherhood. She seeks to eliminate competition and secure her own position as the dominant leader.
What are the benefits of not killing Cicero? By not killing Cicero, you gain him as a valuable and essential follower.
How good is Cicero’s armor? Cicero’s Clothes, or the Jester’s Clothes, have an Armor Rating of 0 but provide a 20% reduction in prices at vendors and a 20% increase in One-Handed damage.
Can Cicero dual wield in Skyrim? Yes, Cicero has the highest possible one-handed skill in the game, making him an extremely powerful dual wielder.
Can I keep Shadowmere after sparing Cicero? Yes, it’s possible to have Shadowmere even after sparing Cicero. You just spare him, lie to Astrid, and she lets you keep Shadowmere as if you actually killed Cicero because, as far as she knows, you did. However, it is not possible to do all of this while also destroying the Dark Brotherhood.

The Enigmatic Jester: A Lasting Impression

Cicero’s character is a fascinating study in fanaticism, loyalty, and madness. His presence adds depth and complexity to the Dark Brotherhood questline, making it one of the most memorable experiences in Skyrim. Whether you choose to embrace him as an ally or silence him as an enemy, Cicero leaves a lasting impression on the Dragonborn and the fate of the Dark Brotherhood. His peculiar dialogue, unwavering devotion to the Night Mother, and combat prowess make him a unique and unforgettable character in the world of Tamriel.

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