Destroy or Join? A Skyrim Dilemma: The Dark Brotherhood Decision
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The question of whether to join or destroy the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim is a classic moral quandary at the heart of player agency. Ultimately, joining the Dark Brotherhood offers a far richer and more engaging experience, filled with compelling characters, unique quests, and valuable rewards. Destroying them provides a quick reward and a sense of righteous victory, but lacks the depth and long-term content provided by the assassin’s guild.
The Allure of the Shadows: Joining the Dark Brotherhood
Joining the Dark Brotherhood throws you into a world of intrigue, murder, and dark humor. You’ll become embroiled in the lives of its quirky members, each with their own twisted personalities and motivations. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits:
-
A Compelling Storyline: The Dark Brotherhood questline is widely considered one of the best in Skyrim. It offers a dark and twisted narrative filled with memorable missions and unexpected twists. You’ll assassinate targets ranging from corrupt nobles to innocent bystanders, forcing you to confront the moral implications of your actions.
-
Unique Characters: From the sardonic Astrid to the unstable Cicero and the enigmatic Babette, the Dark Brotherhood is filled with memorable characters that you’ll grow to love (or hate). Their interactions and backstories add depth to the experience.
-
Powerful Rewards: Joining the Dark Brotherhood grants access to powerful weapons, armor, and enchantments. Shadowmere, the immortal horse, is a significant boon for any player. You also gain access to the Blade of Woe, a unique and powerful dagger.
-
Endless Content: Once you complete the main Dark Brotherhood questline, you unlock the “Dark Brotherhood Forever” missions. These repeatable contracts provide endless opportunities to hone your skills, earn gold, and remain immersed in the assassin’s life.
-
Roleplaying Opportunities: The Dark Brotherhood provides ample opportunity for roleplaying a morally ambiguous or outright evil character. It allows you to explore the darker side of the Dragonborn and challenge your own moral compass.
A Hero’s Stand: Destroying the Dark Brotherhood
Choosing to destroy the Dark Brotherhood is the path of the righteous hero. It’s a swift and decisive act that eliminates a source of evil from Skyrim. However, it comes at a cost:
-
A Quick Reward: You receive 3,000 gold from Commander Maro, a generous sum, particularly early in the game. He also promises to inform the Emperor of your heroic deed.
-
Valuable Loot: You can loot the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary, acquiring a decent amount of gold, weapons, and armor.
-
A Clear Conscience: If you struggle with the moral implications of assassinating innocent people, destroying the Dark Brotherhood offers a clear path to redemption.
-
Shorter Questline: The quest to destroy the Dark Brotherhood is far shorter and less involved than joining them, making it a faster experience.
However, destroying the Dark Brotherhood also means missing out on a wealth of content. The questline is relatively short and lacks the depth and complexity of joining them. You also forfeit the unique rewards, characters, and endless contracts offered by the assassin’s guild.
Weighing the Options
The decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and playstyle. If you prioritize a rich narrative, memorable characters, and valuable rewards, joining the Dark Brotherhood is the clear choice. However, if you prefer a quick reward, a clear conscience, and a shorter questline, destroying them might be more appealing.
Consider the long-term implications of your choice. Destroying the Dark Brotherhood is a one-time event, while joining them offers endless opportunities for gameplay and roleplaying. While it might seem morally questionable, the sheer amount of content offered by the Dark Brotherhood makes it a worthwhile experience for most players.
It’s important to remember that Skyrim is a game about choice. There is no right or wrong answer, and both paths offer unique rewards and experiences.
You can even learn a thing or two about moral decision-making from games like Skyrim, as discussed on GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Dark Brotherhood
1. Is there a downside to joining the Dark Brotherhood?
The main downside is the moral implication of assassinating targets, some of whom may be innocent. It can be difficult for players who prefer to play as a “good” character to reconcile their actions with their moral code.
2. Who should I kill for the Dark Brotherhood?
The choice of who to kill is largely up to the player. Some targets are clearly evil, while others are more ambiguous. You can choose to kill the Khajiit or other targets that you find morally acceptable.
3. Do you get anything for destroying the Dark Brotherhood?
You receive 3,000 gold from Commander Maro and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve eliminated a dangerous threat. You can also loot the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary for valuable items.
4. Can you still get Shadowmere if you destroy the Dark Brotherhood?
No, you cannot get Shadowmere if you destroy the Dark Brotherhood. Shadowmere is only available by joining the Dark Brotherhood questline.
5. Why should you NOT join the Dark Brotherhood?
If you are roleplaying a good and noble character, joining the Dark Brotherhood might be antithetical to your character’s values.
6. Will I lose Shadowmere if I summon Arvak?
Yes, the last horse you ride is considered your main horse. If you summon and ride Arvak after riding Shadowmere, Shadowmere will no longer be considered your main horse.
7. Can you save any Dark Brotherhood members?
If you choose to destroy the Dark Brotherhood, Babette will not be present in the Sanctuary. Otherwise, no, you cannot save them.
8. Can you become leader of the Dark Brotherhood?
Yes, you can become the leader of the Dark Brotherhood upon completing the main questline. You inherit Astrid’s position.
9. Is there any benefit to killing Astrid?
Killing Astrid allows you to begin the questline to destroy the Dark Brotherhood, and you can retrieve her unique equipment.
10. Can you marry Astrid from the Dark Brotherhood?
Without mods, no. Astrid is not a marriageable NPC in the base game.
11. Is The Dark Brotherhood a necessary evil?
The Dark Brotherhood is more of a selfish evil, focused on killing for profit rather than serving any greater purpose.
12. How long does it take to get kidnapped by the Dark Brotherhood?
After completing “Innocence Lost,” wait 24 hours and sleep in a bed. You will then be kidnapped by the Dark Brotherhood.
13. Can you adopt Babette?
With mods, yes. There are mods that allow you to adopt Babette after completing the Dark Brotherhood questline.
14. Is Dark Brotherhood forever endless?
Yes, the “Dark Brotherhood Forever” missions are endless. They provide a continuous stream of contracts and opportunities to engage with the faction.
15. Do the Dark Brotherhood forever missions ever end?
No, the “Dark Brotherhood Forever” quest will never be completed and will remain as an ongoing quest.