Can You Truly Save the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim? A Definitive Guide
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The Dark Brotherhood, a shadowy organization steeped in mystery and murder, is a cornerstone of Skyrim’s rich lore. Many players grapple with the moral implications of joining their ranks, and a common question arises: Is it truly possible to save the Dark Brotherhood? The simple answer is yes, you can ‘save’ the Dark Brotherhood as an organization, but not necessarily all of its members. You can choose to destroy them from the beginning but if you decide to continue with the questline you can save it from destruction by the end. However, you must participate in assassinations and unsavory deeds along the way.
The Illusion of Choice: Moral Ambiguity in Tamriel
Skyrim masterfully presents players with choices that aren’t always black and white. The Dark Brotherhood questline is a prime example. While you can eliminate them at the start, choosing to infiltrate and eventually lead the Brotherhood offers a complex narrative arc filled with moral compromises. So, the essence of “saving” them rests on whether you want the organization to exist at all, accepting the consequences that come with that choice. You might find yourself in a world where the concept of good versus evil becomes blurred, and the ends can justify the means. If you’re interested in the mechanics of gaming and how it helps with learning then you might want to check out the Games Learning Society.
Delving Deeper: What Does “Saving” the Dark Brotherhood Really Mean?
- Survival of the Organization: By completing the Dark Brotherhood questline, you ensure the survival of the organization. You rebuild the sanctuary, recruit new members, and usher in a new era for the assassins of Tamriel. This is the most literal interpretation of “saving” them.
- Moral Cost: This “saving” comes at a price. You are complicit in numerous murders, betrayals, and morally questionable acts. This is where the “illusion of choice” comes into play. While you make decisions within the questline, the overall narrative steers you down a path of darkness.
- Character Fatalities: Certain characters, such as Astrid and Arnbjorn, are destined to meet their end regardless of your choices. This highlights the limited agency the player has in altering the overarching story, despite influencing specific events.
- Roleplaying Perspective: From a roleplaying perspective, “saving” the Dark Brotherhood could mean restoring its former glory and adhering to the Tenets. This emphasizes loyalty, discretion, and professionalism, aiming to legitimize the organization despite its inherently violent nature.
- The ‘Dark Brotherhood Forever’ Quests: By “saving” the Dark Brotherhood, you unlock the repeatable “Dark Brotherhood Forever” quests. These radiant quests ensure the Brotherhood’s continued presence and your ongoing involvement in their activities, for good or ill.
The “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” Alternative
There is an alternate route. Initiating the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” questline provides a contrasting narrative. By eliminating the members, you effectively prevent them from committing further atrocities. This path is favored by players seeking a more morally aligned playthrough. However, this choice comes with its own consequences:
- Loss of Unique Content: Destroying the Dark Brotherhood means missing out on unique quests, characters, rewards, and the overall immersive experience of the assassin’s guild.
- Limited Narrative Depth: While morally justifiable, this path provides less narrative depth compared to the full Dark Brotherhood questline. The story is shorter and less intricate.
- Character Development Missed: Interacting with the colorful and often eccentric members of the Dark Brotherhood allows for significant character development and memorable moments. Destroying them removes this opportunity.
Making the Choice: Which Path is Right for You?
The decision of whether to “save” or destroy the Dark Brotherhood hinges on your personal preferences, roleplaying intentions, and tolerance for moral ambiguity. Completionists may opt to experience the full questline, while those seeking a heroic playthrough might choose to eradicate the organization.
Ultimately, Skyrim empowers you to forge your own path, even if that path is paved with good intentions and stained with blood. The choice, as always, is yours. You can always explore the GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more on how to turn the experience of playing the game into something of educational use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Dark Brotherhood
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further clarification on the Dark Brotherhood:
1. Can you save Astrid Dark Brotherhood?
No. Astrid’s death is scripted and unavoidable. Regardless of your actions, she dies during the “Death Incarnate” quest. Her betrayal and subsequent sacrifice are central to the plot.
2. Can you stop the Dark Brotherhood from being destroyed?
Yes, if you are kidnapped by Astrid, you can kill her instead of the hostages, which will initiate the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” quest. If you don’t kill Astrid then, the members will become unkillable.
3. Should I destroy the Dark Brotherhood or not?
If you are aiming for achievements, unique weapons, and armor, joining them is the better option. If you prioritize a moral playthrough, destroy them. Completionists may choose to experience both paths on separate playthroughs.
4. Is The Dark Brotherhood Forever Infinite?
Yes, the “Dark Brotherhood Forever” missions are radiant quests that continue indefinitely after completing the main questline.
5. Does the Night Mother ever stop giving you quests?
No, the Night Mother’s quests never end. They are repeatable radiant quests that continue as long as you remain a member of the Dark Brotherhood.
6. What race is Astrid Skyrim?
Astrid is a Nord, despite her unique accent and demeanor that deviate from typical Nord characteristics.
7. Can you join the Dark Brotherhood after killing Astrid?
No, killing Astrid initiates the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” questline, preventing you from joining the Dark Brotherhood.
8. Can you marry Astrid in Skyrim?
No, Astrid cannot be married in Skyrim. She is already married to Arnbjorn, and both characters are essential (unkillable) until certain quest stages.
9. Why you should not join the Dark Brotherhood?
The primary reason to avoid joining the Dark Brotherhood is the moral implications of assassinating innocent or sympathetic characters. The questline often requires killing individuals with no clear justification.
10. What happens to Babette if you destroy the Dark Brotherhood?
Babette always survives, regardless of whether you join or destroy the Dark Brotherhood. She is an immortal character.
11. Can you save Arnbjorn alive?
No, Arnbjorn’s death is scripted and cannot be prevented, even if you attempt to protect him during the attack on the sanctuary.
12. Who ratted out the Dark Brotherhood?
Astrid betrayed the Dark Brotherhood to the Penitus Oculatus, hoping to maintain control and receive payment for the contract on the Dragonborn.
13. Does Vittoria Vici get married if you destroy the Dark Brotherhood?
Yes, Vittoria Vici will still get married even if you destroy the Dark Brotherhood. You may even receive an invitation to the wedding after completing the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” questline.
14. Can you become the leader of the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim?
Yes, you can become the leader (Listener) of the Dark Brotherhood by completing the main questline.
15. What is the most evil thing you can do in Skyrim?
One of the most evil acts is empowering the Ebony Blade by killing trusting followers, highlighting the game’s capacity for morally compromising decisions.