To Kill or Not to Kill: The Cicero Dilemma in Skyrim

The question of whether to let Cicero live in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a classic moral conundrum within the game’s compelling Dark Brotherhood questline. The simple answer? It depends on your playstyle and character alignment. Letting Cicero live offers tangible benefits: a unique and powerful follower, access to his quirky personality, and continued roleplaying within the established lore. Killing him, on the other hand, might appeal to players seeking a sense of justice for his actions and a more traditionally “good” playthrough. Ultimately, there is no objectively “better” choice; it hinges entirely on the Dragonborn’s individual values and desired gameplay experience.

Cicero: A Jester, a Killer, a Follower?

Cicero is undeniably one of Skyrim’s most memorable characters. As the Keeper of the Night Mother and a zealous follower of Sithis, his eccentric behavior and disturbing devotion make him both captivating and unsettling. His role in the Dark Brotherhood story arc is pivotal, culminating in a quest where the Dragonborn must decide his fate. This decision carries weight, influencing not only the immediate narrative but also the long-term gameplay experience.

The Case for Sparing Cicero

• A Formidable Follower: Cicero is a highly skilled assassin, boasting high one-handed, sneak, and archery skills. His dual-wielding prowess and proficiency with daggers make him a devastating combatant, capable of handling most enemies with ease. He’s also a light armor specialist, making him difficult to hit. This translates to significant advantages in combat, especially for players who prefer stealthy or support-oriented builds.

• Unique Personality and Dialogue: Cicero’s unpredictable personality and constant stream of manic dialogue add a layer of depth and humor to the game. He is one of the most well-acted characters, and his presence provides constant entertainment for those who appreciate eccentric companions. This is a valuable contribution to the roleplaying experience.

• Preserving Dark Brotherhood Tradition: According to Dark Brotherhood law, killing a fellow member is a grave offense, especially one as dedicated as Cicero (despite his madness). Sparing Cicero is arguably the more “moral” option within the context of the Dark Brotherhood’s twisted code.

• Continued Roleplaying Opportunities: Cicero’s presence in the Dawnstar Sanctuary allows for further interaction and roleplaying within the Dark Brotherhood. His continued involvement reinforces the sense of belonging to this secretive and morally ambiguous guild.

The Case Against Sparing Cicero

• His Past Actions: Cicero is undeniably guilty of murder and disturbing behavior. He murdered the previous Keeper when she spoke badly of the Night Mother, and is generally unhinged. For players aiming for a morally righteous playthrough, Cicero’s past deeds are difficult to ignore.

• A Matter of Principle: Some players find Cicero’s insanity and lack of remorse inherently repugnant. Choosing to eliminate him is a way to assert a sense of justice and rid the world of a dangerous individual, regardless of the consequences within the Dark Brotherhood.

• Opportunity Cost (Minimal): While killing Cicero nets you his jester armor and some gold, the armor’s enchantments can be obtained elsewhere, and the gold is a negligible amount in the late game. The tangible benefits of killing him are significantly outweighed by the benefits of keeping him alive.

• A Dislike of the Character: Some people just do not like Cicero. His voice, actions and general persona are found to be annoying rather than entertaining.

Making the Decision: Roleplaying Considerations

Ultimately, the decision of whether to spare or kill Cicero should be driven by your character’s personality and your desired gameplay experience. Consider these questions:

• What are your character’s moral values? Are they willing to overlook Cicero’s crimes in the name of loyalty to the Dark Brotherhood, or do they prioritize justice above all else?

• What is your desired playstyle? Do you value having a strong and unique follower, or do you prefer to play solo or with a different companion?

• How important is immersion to you? Does Cicero’s personality enhance or detract from your enjoyment of the game?

By carefully considering these factors, you can make a decision that aligns with your personal preferences and creates a more meaningful and engaging playthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cicero

Here are some frequently asked questions about Cicero in Skyrim, to help you make an informed decision:

1. What happens if I kill Cicero? You get his jester armor, 500 gold, and remove him from the game. He will no longer be available as a follower.

2. Where is Cicero if I spare him? He will be found in the Dawnstar Sanctuary after the “The Cure for Madness” quest. He will then be available as a follower.

3. Can I get Cicero’s armor without killing him? Yes, with a high enough pickpocket skill. Alternatively, console commands can be used on PC.

4. Is Cicero a good follower? Yes. He is very skilled at sneak, one-handed, and archery. This makes him a potent damage dealer, and he can be very useful in combat.

5. Does Astrid approve of killing Cicero? The article does not make it clear if she approves of you killing Cicero.

6. Can I marry Cicero? No. Cicero’s extreme devotion to the Night Mother makes him unavailable for marriage.

7. Can I resurrect Cicero if I kill him? Yes. If you want him back after you kill him, you can use the console command “resurrect” on his corpse.

8. Is Cicero essential? Cicero is flagged as essential before “The Cure for Madness.” After that, he can die.

9. What is Cicero good at? Cicero is an adept assassin with high one-handed, sneak, and archery skills. He is particularly effective with daggers.

10. Can I sacrifice Cicero to Boethiah? No. Neither the Dark Brotherhood Initiates nor Cicero can be sacrificed.

11. Does sparing Cicero affect Shadowmere? It is possible to have Shadowmere even after sparing Cicero. Lie to Astrid about killing Cicero to keep the horse.

12. What are the disadvantages of joining the Dark Brotherhood? Joining the Dark Brotherhood requires committing morally reprehensible acts, including killing innocent people. This clashes with any role-playing goals.

13. Is it better to join or destroy the Dark Brotherhood? Joining the Dark Brotherhood is advantageous for completionists and those seeking unique items. Destroying it is the more moral choice.

14. Is it possible to betray the Dark Brotherhood? Yes. You can attack them. Then, you will start the quest where you kill them all.

15. What is Cicero’s armor rating? Cicero’s Clothes are classified as Clothing. They can’t be tempered, and have an Armor Rating of 0.

Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each choice is the key to making the best decision for your Dragonborn. Whether you choose to embrace the chaotic energy of Cicero or bring him to “justice” is a matter of personal preference. Understanding your own values, and your character, will always make the better decision. The nuanced choice of Cicero’s fate within the Dark Brotherhood saga encapsulates the compelling player agency that defines the Games Learning Society and the immersive world of Skyrim. GamesLearningSociety.org promotes research on the educational value of games like this.