What Happens if You Don’t Add the Jarrin Root to the Emperor’s Stew in Skyrim?
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If you choose not to poison Emperor Titus Mede II with the Jarrin Root during the “To Kill an Empire” quest in Skyrim, the outcome is surprisingly straightforward: you still have to kill him. The Emperor will continue to enjoy his meal, oblivious to the danger, until you take action. The game essentially forces a confrontation. He’s scripted to have only 1 health point, making him extremely vulnerable to any attack, even a sneeze from a Giant. Whether you use the poison or not, the Emperor’s fate is sealed by your hand. This choice primarily affects the method of assassination, not the ultimate result.
The Emperor’s Last Meal: A Fork in the Road
During the quest, you’re tasked with infiltrating the Emperor’s ship, the Katariah, and eliminating him. The Dark Brotherhood provides you with a potent poison, the Jarrin Root, to slip into his stew, prepared by the chef Gianna. This offers a seemingly clean and subtle way to complete the contract.
However, Skyrim, ever the champion of player agency (or the illusion of it, sometimes), allows you to deviate from the prescribed plan. You can choose to keep the Jarrin Root, perhaps intending to use it for your own alchemic concoctions later on. You simply have to defeat the Emperor in combat instead.
The Consequences of Non-Poisoning: A Closer Look
So, what exactly happens if you decide against poisoning the Emperor?
- The Stew Must Go On: The Emperor and his guests will continue to eat their soup, completely unaware of the impending doom. They will remain in the dining area, providing you with ample opportunity to strike.
- Combat is Inevitable: Without the poison, the Emperor won’t conveniently keel over after a few spoonfuls. You’ll have to initiate combat directly.
- A Swift End: As mentioned, the Emperor possesses only 1 health point. This means any attack, from a simple dagger stab to a powerful spell, will instantly kill him.
- No Reprimands from the Dark Brotherhood: The Dark Brotherhood does not penalize you for your method of killing the Emperor. The only thing that matters is that the contract is fulfilled.
- Preserving the Jarrin Root: The main benefit is that you get to keep the Jarrin Root. This rare ingredient can be used to create extremely potent poisons, which can be a valuable asset for any assassin or alchemist.
To Poison or Not to Poison: A Matter of Preference
The decision of whether or not to use the Jarrin Root is ultimately a matter of personal preference. There are no significant story consequences tied to either choice.
- Poisoning: This allows for a swift and silent assassination. It’s the more subtle and “professional” approach, aligning with the traditional Dark Brotherhood MO.
- Combat: This allows you to retain a powerful alchemy ingredient, useful for crafting deadly poisons. It also provides a slightly more direct and potentially more satisfying kill, especially if you enjoy combat.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Jarrin Root, the Emperor’s assassination, and their related consequences in Skyrim:
Q1: Can I still join the Imperial Legion after killing the Emperor?
Yes, absolutely. The game’s faction storylines are largely independent of each other. Your actions in the Dark Brotherhood questline have no bearing on your ability to join or progress within the Imperial Legion.
Q2: What’s so special about the Jarrin Root anyway?
The Jarrin Root is a unique ingredient, with only one sample obtainable per playthrough without exploits. Its effects are devastating, including Damage Health, Damage Magicka, Damage Magicka Regen, Damage Stamina, and Frenzy. When used with a high Alchemy skill, it can create poisons that deal over 1000 damage, capable of killing nearly any enemy.
Q3: What’s the best poison I can make with Jarrin Root?
A highly effective poison combination is Jarrin Root + Blisterwort + Human Heart. This mixture creates an extremely potent and debilitating concoction.
Q4: Does killing the Emperor have any long-term effects on the game world?
The impact is minimal. Guards will have some new dialogue referencing the Emperor’s death, and some might mention the resurgence of the Dark Brotherhood. However, there are no major political or gameplay changes stemming from his assassination.
Q5: What happens if I fail to kill the Emperor?
It is practically impossible to “fail” the quest once you reach the Emperor. Since he only has 1 health point, any attack will kill him. The game is designed to ensure the assassination is successful.
Q6: Is there any moral consequence to killing the Emperor?
Skyrim doesn’t offer a clear-cut moral judgment. You can role-play your character as someone who regrets the act or someone who relishes it. But mechanically, there is no “good” or “bad” ending associated with his death. Your moral alignment is a personal choice.
Q7: Can I grow Jarrin Root in my Hearthfire home?
Unfortunately, no. The Jarrin Root cannot be planted in player-owned houses or gardens. It remains a uniquely rare and unrenewable resource.
Q8: Is it better to kill Astrid or not?
Killing Astrid triggers the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” questline, leading to the destruction of the Dark Brotherhood sanctuary. Choosing to spare her allows you to continue the Dark Brotherhood questline. It’s a significant choice that determines the fate of the entire faction.
Q9: What if I accidentally eat the Jarrin Root?
Eating the Jarrin Root will inflict significant poison damage to yourself. Be sure to have some potent healing potions or poison resistance effects ready if you accidentally consume it.
Q10: How do I cure myself if I get poisoned in Skyrim?
You can cure poison by consuming ingredients with poison curing effects, such as Charred Skeever Hide, Hawk Feathers, or Garlic Bread. Alternatively, you can visit a Shrine of any Divine.
Q11: Can I sneak past the guards after killing the Emperor?
Sneaking past the guards is possible if your Sneak skill is high enough. However, it’s generally easier to fight your way out or use a potion of invisibility.
Q12: How much gold do I get for killing the Emperor?
You initially receive 20,000 gold for the contract. However, you have the option to lie to Nazir about the amount, claiming you were paid less. This doesn’t affect the gameplay, it only provides roleplaying opportunities.
Q13: What happens if I don’t give Gianna the Jarrin Root?
If you don’t give Gianna the Jarrin Root, she will prepare the stew without it. You will then need to find another way to kill the Emperor, which, as previously established, is a very easy task since he only has 1 health point.
Q14: Is there any way to duplicate or obtain more Jarrin Root?
Without exploits or mods, there is only one Jarrin Root available in the game. Players sometimes use glitches or console commands to duplicate it, but this is considered cheating.
Q15: Are there any Easter eggs or hidden secrets related to the Emperor’s assassination?
While there aren’t explicit Easter eggs directly tied to the assassination, the quest itself is full of subtle references and nods to classic assassination stories. Exploring the Katariah and listening to the conversations can reveal interesting details about the Emperor’s life and the political climate.
The Final Verdict
Ultimately, the choice of whether to use the Jarrin Root on the Emperor is a small, but engaging, example of player agency within Skyrim. It doesn’t dramatically alter the storyline, but it does offer a unique opportunity to make a personal decision that reflects your character’s playstyle and preferences. Whether you choose the subtle approach or the more direct route, the Emperor’s fate is in your hands. This emphasizes how interactive games are and can be used for learning as shown by the work of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.