Cicero’s Choice: To Report or To Aid? A Skyrim Dilemma
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 report or help Cicero in Skyrim is a pivotal one, impacting not only the early game but also the entirety of your Dark Brotherhood questline experience. The short answer? Helping Cicero yields more long-term benefits. While reporting him offers a quick dose of moral satisfaction, aiding him unlocks unique gameplay elements, a compelling follower, and a more nuanced Dark Brotherhood narrative. Now, let’s dive deeper into the factors you need to consider before making this crucial decision.
The Fork in the Road: Weighing the Options
Before joining the Dark Brotherhood, you encounter Cicero near Loreius Farm, just north of Whiterun. He’s in a bind, his wagon wheel broken, and he needs assistance transporting a peculiar “cargo.” This is your chance to influence the path of one of Skyrim’s most…eccentric characters.
The Case for Reporting Cicero
- Immediate Moral High Ground: Cicero’s strange behavior and the implied contents of his wagon (hinted at being a corpse) might unsettle more morally upright players. Reporting him aligns with a character focused on justice and upholding the law.
- A Small Boon: If you report Cicero, Vantus Loreius will reward you with a small amount of gold (a measly 400 Septims). A temporary reward for your honesty.
- Brief Relief: In the short-term, you prevent Cicero from imposing his presence on Loreius Farm.
The Case for Helping Cicero
- Long-Term Rewards: Assisting Cicero sets the stage for a uniquely rewarding Dark Brotherhood experience. He remembers your kindness, which influences his interactions with you later in the questline.
- The Cicero Follower: Sparing Cicero ultimately allows him to become a follower after completing the Dark Brotherhood questline. He’s a highly skilled assassin with unique dialogue and combat style, and he is flagged as essential, which makes him unkillable. This is invaluable for players seeking a reliable and entertaining companion.
- Unique Dialogue and Character Development: Cicero is arguably one of the most interesting and well-developed characters in the Dark Brotherhood. Helping him allows you to witness his full story arc and appreciate his complex personality.
- Dark Brotherhood Loyalty: Siding with Cicero aligns with the traditional tenets of the Dark Brotherhood, which prioritizes loyalty and adherence to the Night Mother.
- Gold Bonus: If you convince Loreius to help Cicero, you and Loreius each receive 400 gold after Cicero leaves. This can be an easier approach than reporting Cicero yourself.
Consequences: Ripple Effects of Your Choice
Your decision regarding Cicero has significant repercussions:
- Reporting Cicero: If you report Cicero, he will later return to Loreius Farm and brutally murder Vantus Loreius and his wife. This act underscores the ruthless nature of the Dark Brotherhood and provides a grim reminder of the consequences of interfering with their affairs.
- Helping Cicero: If you help or convince Loreius to help him, Cicero remembers your aid and is grateful when you meet again. This act strengthens your position in the Dark Brotherhood and enhances your relationship with the character.
Ultimately, helping Cicero provides more rewarding gameplay and a more compelling narrative experience. While some players might struggle with the moral implications of aiding a potentially dangerous individual, the long-term benefits and the richness Cicero brings to the Dark Brotherhood questline make him an asset worth sparing. This illustrates how game design and narrative choices can be crafted to explore complex themes and offer players meaningful choices, which is often the subject of academic research at institutions like the Games Learning Society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cicero
1. What happens if I report Cicero to the guards instead of Loreius?
Reporting Cicero to the guards doesn’t significantly change the outcome. He will eventually escape and still potentially kill Vantus Loreius later. The primary difference is that you won’t receive any reward from Loreius Farm immediately.
2. Is Cicero a good follower?
Yes, Cicero is considered an excellent follower. He is skilled in stealth, one-handed weapons, and archery. His unique dialogue and quirky personality make him an entertaining companion, and he’s also essential, meaning he cannot die.
3. Can I marry Cicero in Skyrim?
No, you cannot marry Cicero in Skyrim. His devotion to the Night Mother prevents him from forming romantic attachments with anyone else.
4. What is the best way to deal with Cicero’s wagon wheel problem?
The easiest way is to persuade Vantus Loreius to assist Cicero. This ensures that Cicero is grateful to you and avoids the negative consequences of reporting him.
5. What are Cicero’s skills and abilities?
Cicero excels in stealth, one-handed combat, and archery. He also has a high sneak skill, making him an effective assassin-type follower.
6. Does killing Cicero affect the Dark Brotherhood questline?
Killing Cicero will prevent him from becoming a follower and impact certain events later in the Dark Brotherhood questline. While it doesn’t completely break the questline, it diminishes the overall experience.
7. Can I resurrect Cicero if I accidentally kill him?
Yes, you can resurrect Cicero using the console command “resurrect” if you are playing on PC.
8. What is so special about Cicero’s armor?
Cicero’s armor is a unique set with enchantments that enhance sneak, archery, and one-handed combat. It’s a valuable asset for any stealth-based character.
9. Is there a way to avoid the moral consequences of helping Cicero?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to completely avoid the moral implications. However, framing it as a necessary step in the Dark Brotherhood’s machinations can provide a justification for roleplaying purposes.
10. What happens if I choose to destroy the Dark Brotherhood instead of joining them?
If you choose to “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!”, you’ll initiate a questline to eliminate the Dark Brotherhood, and Cicero will become one of your targets.
11. Why does Cicero act so strangely?
Cicero’s erratic behavior stems from his intense devotion to the Night Mother and his long-term role as a Keeper. He’s essentially a zealot, driven by his unwavering faith and commitment to the Dark Brotherhood’s traditions.
12. Is it better to kill Astrid or spare her?
Killing Astrid initiates the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” questline, while sparing her allows you to continue with the Dark Brotherhood questline. The “better” choice depends on your desired gameplay experience and moral alignment.
13. Can I sacrifice Cicero to Boethiah?
No, you cannot sacrifice Cicero to Boethiah. He is not an eligible follower for that quest. You must use another follower to complete the quest.
14. Where is Cicero located before joining the Dark Brotherhood?
Before joining the Dark Brotherhood, you can find Cicero at Loreius Farm north of Whiterun, struggling with his broken wagon wheel.
15. What are some of the things I should avoid doing in Skyrim?
Some things to avoid in Skyrim include stealing from chickens, murdering essential NPCs, spreading your skills too thin, and fighting with the guards.
Remember, choices matter in Skyrim, shaping your character’s journey and influencing the world around you. Choose wisely, and may your adventures be filled with excitement, intrigue, and perhaps, a little bit of madness. Explore more about the impact of game choices and consequences on player experience at GamesLearningSociety.org.