Slackjaw vs. Granny Rags: A Dishonored Dilemma
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In the morally grey world of Dishonored, players frequently face choices that have significant ramifications for both the narrative and the gameplay. One of the most memorable and impactful decisions occurs during Mission 2, “High Overseer Campbell,” in the Flooded District: siding with Slackjaw, the leader of the Bottle Street Gang, or Granny Rags, the eccentric and powerful witch. While there’s no objectively “better” choice, saving Slackjaw generally offers more immediate rewards and aligns with a low-chaos playthrough, but helping Granny Rags can be strategically advantageous for players aiming for specific achievements and playstyles. The “better” choice truly depends on your desired outcome and preferred approach to the game.
The Weighing of Two Choices: Slackjaw and Granny Rags
The core of the dilemma lies in Granny Rags’ capture of Slackjaw, intending to turn him into stew. Corvo, the player character, can either help Slackjaw escape or assist Granny Rags in her twisted culinary endeavor.
Saving Slackjaw: A Path to Mutual Benefit
Choosing to save Slackjaw involves a combination of stealth, combat, and strategic thinking.
- The Reward: Upon freeing Slackjaw, he offers a reward of 600 coins. This is a substantial sum early in the game, allowing for upgrades and supplies. More importantly, saving Slackjaw solidifies a future alliance, which can be beneficial in later missions.
- Moral Implications: Rescuing a captive aligns with a more heroic and less chaotic playthrough. It contributes positively to the game’s chaos system, resulting in a more forgiving world state later on.
- Gameplay Advantages: A low-chaos playthrough means fewer swarms of rats, fewer Weepers (the plague-stricken citizens), and generally a less hostile environment. This can make stealth easier and combat less frequent.
Helping Granny Rags: An Alternative Route with its own rewards
Assisting Granny Rags involves a more morally questionable path, but it comes with its own set of benefits.
- Immediate Access: Eliminating or incapacitating Slackjaw and throwing him into the stew pot allows you to immediately take his belongings, including the key to the next area.
- Darker Advantages: While morally reprehensible, siding with Granny Rags can be a quicker way to progress. It bypasses the need for stealth or combat in rescuing Slackjaw, potentially saving time and resources.
- Achievement Hunting: Specific achievements might subtly encourage a darker playstyle, which could involve embracing Granny Rags’ offer.
- Rune Collection: Both options can still allow access to runes in the immediate area, the route taken dictates the actions required to get them.
The Chaos System and its Importance
Dishonored’s chaos system tracks the player’s actions, categorizing them as either violent or merciful. This system has a direct impact on the game’s ending, the number of enemies encountered, and the overall tone of the world.
Low Chaos: The Path of the Assassin with a Conscience
- Saving Slackjaw and avoiding unnecessary bloodshed contribute to a low-chaos playthrough. This leads to a more optimistic ending, a less hostile environment, and more friendly NPCs.
High Chaos: Embracing the Darkness
- Killing Slackjaw, or leaving him to the rats, and siding with Granny Rags increase chaos. While this may seem negative, it can be appealing to players who enjoy a more action-oriented, less stealthy approach.
Achieving “Ghost” and “Clean Hands”
For players pursuing the “Ghost” (undetected) and “Clean Hands” (no kills) achievements, the choice between Slackjaw and Granny Rags becomes even more nuanced.
Saving Slackjaw Non-Lethally: The Stealth Master’s Approach
- The optimal strategy is to burn Granny Rags’ cameo in the furnace (which might or might not count as a kill depending on in-game mechanics), then incapacitate her non-lethally (sleep darts or choking). This allows you to retrieve the key and free Slackjaw without any kills.
- Remember to dispose of unconscious bodies carefully; leaving them in rat-infested areas counts as a kill.
Avoiding Granny Rags Altogether: A Risky but Rewarding Path
- It is possible to bypass Granny Rags entirely, avoiding the dilemma altogether. However, this may require advanced stealth skills and knowledge of the map.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you save Slackjaw without killing Granny Rags?
Yes, it’s entirely possible, and often preferable for those seeking a low-chaos playthrough. The most common method involves burning her cameo in the furnace to temporarily weaken her, then using sleep darts or a choke hold to incapacitate her. You can then loot the key and free Slackjaw. Ensure you dispose of Granny’s body safely, away from rats, to avoid a kill count.
2. Does killing Granny Rags’ cameo count as a kill?
The exact mechanics around whether destroying Granny Rags’ cameo counts as a kill are debated and might be influenced by patch versions of the game. To be safe for a “Clean Hands” run, it’s often best to incapacitate her after burning the cameo but before the cameo explodes.
3. What happens if you kill Slackjaw?
If you kill Slackjaw, Granny Rags allows you to take his belongings, including the key you need to proceed. However, it drastically increases your chaos level and prevents you from forming an alliance with him later.
4. Does leaving Slackjaw or Granny Rags for the rats count as a kill?
Yes! Leaving unconscious characters in areas where they can be eaten by rats will register as a kill. Always move unconscious bodies to safe locations, such as rooftops or higher areas.
5. How do you get Granny Rags’ runes without killing her?
After initiating the confrontation with Granny Rags, burn her cameo in the furnace. Then, use sleep darts or a choke hold to subdue her non-lethally. This allows you to loot her possessions, including runes, without adding to your kill count.
6. What does Slackjaw give you if you save him?
Slackjaw rewards Corvo with 600 coins for his freedom. He also hints at future alliances and opportunities, making him a valuable contact later in the game.
7. What happens if you don’t help Granny Rags or Slackjaw?
If you bypass the entire encounter, you simply miss out on the rewards and consequences associated with either choice. The story progresses regardless, but you lose the opportunity to gain coins, runes, and potential allies.
8. Do sleep darts work on Granny Rags?
Yes, sleep darts are effective against Granny Rags, especially after burning her cameo. This is a key strategy for achieving a non-lethal solution.
9. Who wants Slackjaw dead?
Besides Granny Rags, who intends to cook him, the Overseers would likely want Slackjaw dealt with due to his criminal activities. However, within the context of this specific mission, Granny Rags is the primary antagonist targeting him.
10. How can you achieve a low-chaos ending in Dishonored?
To achieve a low-chaos ending, focus on non-lethal takedowns, minimizing kills, and completing side quests that help people. This includes saving Slackjaw, avoiding collateral damage, and making merciful choices throughout the game.
11. Is it worth not killing in Dishonored?
Whether it’s “worth it” is subjective and depends on your playstyle. A non-lethal approach leads to a low-chaos world, which can be easier to navigate. Ultimately, how you choose to play is your decision, and both approaches are valid.
12. Does choking count as killing in Dishonored?
Choking out enemies does not count as a kill, provided they don’t fall from a height or are left in a location where rats can devour them.
13. What is Granny Rags’ true identity?
Granny Rags’ real name is Vera Moray. She was once a wealthy socialite who became a powerful witch after being touched by the Outsider.
14. Can I get the runes in Granny Rags’ area even if I kill Slackjaw?
Yes, even if you choose to kill Slackjaw and side with Granny Rags, you can still access the runes in her area. They are usually located in hidden or out-of-the-way spots that require exploration.
15. Where can I learn more about the lore and mechanics of Dishonored?
You can delve deeper into the lore and intricacies of Dishonored through various online resources, including wikis dedicated to the game, forums discussing gameplay strategies, and analyses of the game’s themes and narrative choices. Additionally, engaging with communities focused on game studies and learning can offer valuable perspectives on the educational aspects of game design. Websites such as the Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org contribute to the academic study of game-based learning.
Conclusion
The choice between saving Slackjaw and helping Granny Rags is a crucial decision that will have an effect on the world state. There is no right or wrong answer, and both options present unique challenges and rewards. By understanding the implications of each path, you can make a decision that aligns with your preferred playstyle and ultimately shapes your experience in the world of Dishonored.