Should You Side With the Blades or Greybeards? A Dragonborn’s Dilemma Decoded
The question of whether to side with the Blades or the Greybeards in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a weighty one, steeped in lore, tradition, and personal conviction. There’s no simple right or wrong answer, as the best choice depends entirely on your Dragonborn’s values and playstyle. However, looking at the advantages and disadvantages of each faction provides valuable insight.
The short answer is: it depends. If your Dragonborn values pragmatic protection and continuing the legacy of the Dragonborn bloodline, siding with the Blades might be preferable, despite the moral compromises involved. If your Dragonborn seeks wisdom, inner peace, and respect for the natural order, siding with the Greybeards is a more suitable path, even if it means neglecting the immediate threat posed by Alduin. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your interpretation of the Dragonborn’s destiny.
Understanding the Factions
Before committing to either side, it’s crucial to understand their ideologies and historical context. Both groups have a deep connection to the Dragonborn, but their approaches and priorities are drastically different.
The Blades: Dragonborn Protectors and Akaviri Legacy
The Blades, once the personal guard of the Emperor and dragon hunters of Akaviri origin, see the Dragonborn as an instrument to be wielded against threats to the Empire. They prioritize the protection of Tamriel and view slaying dragons as their primary duty. Under Delphine’s leadership, they insist on killing Paarthurnax, believing that his past as Alduin’s lieutenant makes him a danger.
Their strength lies in their pragmatism and unwavering dedication to duty. They offer practical assistance in dragon slaying, providing equipment and support. However, their rigid adherence to tradition and willingness to sacrifice personal morality for the greater good can be off-putting. Their ruthless pragmatism can be difficult to reconcile with a Dragonborn who values mercy and forgiveness.
The Greybeards: Guardians of the Voice and Spiritual Guidance
The Greybeards, monastic hermits residing at High Hrothgar, are masters of the Thu’um, the Voice. They dedicate their lives to meditation and understanding the Way of the Voice, seeking inner peace and wisdom. They see the Dragonborn as someone chosen by Akatosh (the Dragon God of Time) to fulfill a specific purpose, but they believe that purpose should be guided by spiritual understanding and respect for the natural order.
Their strength lies in their wisdom, knowledge of the Thu’um, and dedication to spiritual enlightenment. They teach the Dragonborn powerful shouts and provide guidance on their path. However, their detachment from worldly affairs and reluctance to actively engage in conflict can be frustrating. Their refusal to condone the killing of Paarthurnax, emphasizing his redemption, clashes directly with the Blades’ agenda.
The Moral Implications
The decision to side with either faction is fraught with moral implications. The central conflict revolves around Paarthurnax, the ancient dragon who betrayed Alduin and taught humans the Thu’um.
The Case Against Paarthurnax
The Blades argue that Paarthurnax, despite his repentance, remains inherently evil due to his past actions. They believe that allowing him to live sets a dangerous precedent and risks him reverting to his former ways. This argument highlights the classic debate between nature and nurture, questioning whether redemption is truly possible for someone with such a dark history.
The Case for Paarthurnax
The Greybeards argue that Paarthurnax has earned his redemption through centuries of meditation and self-imposed exile. They believe that judging him solely on his past ignores his present efforts to atone for his sins. This argument emphasizes the power of forgiveness and the potential for even the most heinous individuals to change.
Ultimately, the Dragonborn must decide whether to prioritize justice and adhere to the Blades’ unwavering code or embrace mercy and trust in Paarthurnax’s redemption, siding with the Greybeards. This choice will impact the Dragonborn’s future interactions with both factions.
The Consequences of Your Choice
Choosing to side with the Blades or the Greybeards has tangible consequences in the game.
Consequences of Siding with the Blades
- Continued Blades Quests: You can continue to recruit new members for the Blades and send them to Dragon hunting missions. This provides access to unique equipment and opportunities for experience.
- Disapproval from the Greybeards: The Greybeards will express their disappointment in your decision regarding Paarthurnax, affecting your relationship with them.
- Loss of Paarthurnax’s Buffs: You lose the permanent bonus Paarthurnax provides to the meditation of words of power.
- Moral Implications: As discussed above, siding with the Blades presents significant moral issues regarding Paarthurnax.
Consequences of Siding with the Greybeards
- No Further Blades Quests: You will be unable to continue recruiting Blades or send them on dragon hunting missions. Delphine will become hostile, and you can’t continue any quests from her.
- Approval from the Greybeards: You maintain a positive relationship with the Greybeards and uphold their values of mercy and forgiveness.
- Continued Access to Paarthurnax’s Buffs: You retain the ability to meditate with Paarthurnax and gain his unique bonuses.
- Moral Implications: Choosing the Greybeards demonstrates that you are willing to forgive even the worst sins when the person shows actual redemption.
The Best Choice: A Matter of Roleplay
The “best” choice ultimately depends on your roleplaying preferences. Consider the following questions:
- What are your Dragonborn’s values? Do they prioritize duty, justice, mercy, or wisdom?
- How do they feel about the Empire and its traditions?
- What is their relationship with the dragons? Do they see them as inherently evil, or are they capable of redemption?
- Are you interested in Dragon slaying, or in the spiritual pursuits of the Greybeards?
By reflecting on these questions, you can make a decision that aligns with your Dragonborn’s personality and creates a more immersive and meaningful gameplay experience. Remember, the choices you make shape the narrative and determine the Dragonborn’s place in Skyrim’s history. The Games Learning Society explores how these types of games can create immersive learning experiences – more information can be found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide additional information and address common concerns regarding the Blades and the Greybeards.
1. Can I avoid choosing between the Blades and the Greybeards altogether?
No, the game forces you to make a decision regarding Paarthurnax, effectively siding with one faction or the other. Avoiding the issue isn’t a viable option.
2. What if I kill Paarthurnax and then regret it?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to undo your decision if you kill Paarthurnax. Once he’s dead, he’s gone for good. Make sure you are certain before making your decision!
3. Does siding with one faction affect the main questline?
No, your choice does not block you from progressing with the main questline. It only affects your interactions with the Blades and the Greybeards.
4. Are there any mods that change the outcome of this quest?
Yes, several mods exist that alter the consequences of the quest or allow you to avoid killing Paarthurnax without alienating either faction. Search for mods on sites like Nexus Mods.
5. What are the benefits of recruiting new Blades?
Recruiting new Blades allows you to send them on dragon hunting missions, granting you dragon bones and scales without having to actively seek out dragons yourself.
6. What is the significance of Akavir in the Blades’ history?
The Blades originated in Akavir and brought their dragon-hunting traditions to Tamriel. Their Akaviri roots influence their methods and their unwavering devotion to protecting the Empire.
7. What is the Way of the Voice?
The Way of the Voice is the philosophy practiced by the Greybeards, emphasizing inner peace, meditation, and understanding the power of the Thu’um.
8. How does meditation with Paarthurnax benefit the Dragonborn?
Meditating with Paarthurnax grants you a permanent buff that enhances the power of specific Shouts.
9. Why are the Greybeards so isolated at High Hrothgar?
The Greybeards live in seclusion to focus on their spiritual pursuits and avoid using the Thu’um for worldly matters.
10. What is the relationship between the Dragonborn and Akatosh?
The Dragonborn is believed to be blessed by Akatosh, the Dragon God of Time, with the soul and power of a dragon in human form.
11. Can I complete all the Blades quests before making a decision about Paarthurnax?
Yes, you can complete all other Blades quests before being faced with a final decision of killing Paarthurnax.
12. Does choosing the Greybeards lock me out of any unique items?
Yes, it prevents you from getting Blades armor from them as you progress through the quests that require Dragon hunting.
13. Can I still learn new Shouts if I side with the Blades?
Yes, you can still learn new Shouts throughout the game, as Shout locations aren’t impacted by your choice.
14. Is Delphine always so insistent about killing Paarthurnax?
Yes, Delphine’s unwavering commitment to killing Paarthurnax is a core element of her character and the Blades’ ideology.
15. How does my choice affect the overall narrative of the game?
Your choice regarding Paarthurnax primarily affects your personal narrative and roleplaying experience, rather than altering the main plot. It reflects your Dragonborn’s values and shapes their relationship with the world of Skyrim.