What Happens If You Don’t Poison the Emperor in Skyrim? A Deep Dive
So, you’ve reached that pivotal moment in the Dark Brotherhood questline in Skyrim: the assassination of Emperor Titus Mede II. You’ve been given the Jarrin Root, a potent and unique poison, with the instruction to slip it into his food. But what happens if you decide to buck the trend and not use the poison?
The simple answer is: nothing changes, narratively. If you choose not to poison the Emperor, he and his guests will continue eating soup. He won’t suspect a thing, and you will still be forced to kill him. Instead of keeling over from the poison, he’ll have a meager 1 health point, making him exceptionally vulnerable to any attack. The quest proceeds precisely as it would if you had used the Jarrin Root. You’ll still collect your reward and move forward in the Dark Brotherhood storyline. The choice is essentially cosmetic.
The Emperor’s Last Meal: Poison or Blade?
The entire quest is crafted to ensure the Emperor’s death. Whether he succumbs to the insidious effects of the Jarrin Root or falls by your blade after innocently slurping soup, the outcome remains the same. This design reflects a broader trend in Elder Scrolls faction quests: the player’s actions often have limited impact on the grand narrative. The quest must continue.
The Illusion of Choice
While the game presents you with a seemingly significant decision, it’s more of an illusion of choice. The Dark Brotherhood’s contract must be fulfilled, and the Emperor must die. The method, however, is left to your discretion. This allows players to indulge in role-playing, deciding whether their assassin is a subtle poisoner or a more direct combatant. But it doesn’t change the overarching plot.
Minimal Consequences
The consequences of killing the Emperor in general, not specifically the method, are surprisingly minimal. You might hear a few guards expressing sorrow or discussing the rise of the Dark Brotherhood, but that’s about it. The game world doesn’t fundamentally alter based on this significant event.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Emperor’s Demise
Let’s tackle some frequently asked questions to further explore the nuances of this impactful, yet narratively contained, event.
1. Is it worth it to kill the Emperor in Skyrim?
From a gameplay perspective, killing Emperor Titus Mede II yields limited tangible rewards beyond the quest rewards. The main benefit is the satisfaction of completing the Dark Brotherhood questline and experiencing its narrative. Role-playing enthusiasts may find the experience more rewarding, depending on their character’s motivations. The only other benefit would be the acquisition of the extremely potent Jarrin Root ingredient should you choose not to poison the Emperor.
2. Should I save the Jarrin Root in Skyrim?
The Jarrin Root is a unique ingredient, with only one sample obtainable (without exploits) in the entire game. It’s capable of creating incredibly potent poisons, dealing upwards of 1000 damage in the hands of a skilled alchemist. If you’re an avid alchemist, saving it is a wise choice. It offers a significant advantage in combat through powerful poisons. If you care more about completing the quest in the way it was designed, then consider using the Jarrin Root.
3. Can you kill the Emperor without getting a bounty?
Yes, it is possible to eliminate the Emperor without incurring a bounty. Careful planning and execution are key. You’ll need to silently dispatch any guards in your way and avoid being seen by witnesses. Successfully navigating the assassination without being detected will allow you to escape without a bounty.
4. How much gold do you get for killing the Emperor in Skyrim?
Upon completing the contract, you can lie to Nazir about how much you were paid for the contract, and you can tell him that you were only paid 5,000 or 10,000 gold. However, telling him that you were paid the full 20,000 gold will allow you to get a larger share of the reward (with some speech skill).
5. What are the consequences of killing the Emperor in Skyrim?
As mentioned earlier, the consequences are minimal. Guards may have some new dialogue lines expressing sorrow, and some might mention the resurgence of the Dark Brotherhood. However, there are no significant changes to the game world or the overall storyline.
6. What is the strongest poison in Skyrim?
The strongest poison is typically crafted using the Jarrin Root, especially when combined with other potent ingredients and created by a high-level alchemist. The exact effects depend on the alchemist’s skills and perks.
7. What happens if you don’t put the Jarrin Root in the Emperor’s food?
If you don’t use the Jarrin Root, the Emperor will simply continue eating soup until you assassinate him manually. He’ll have extremely low health, making him an easy target. The quest proceeds without deviation.
8. Can I still join the Imperials if I kill the Emperor?
Yes, your actions in the Dark Brotherhood questline do not preclude you from joining the Imperial Legion. The game does not prevent you from engaging in the civil war, regardless of your involvement in the Emperor’s assassination.
9. What happens if you join the Legion after killing the Emperor?
Joining the Imperial Legion after assassinating the Emperor results in a minor dialogue change. General Tullius will omit the Emperor’s name from the oath of induction. However, you still must say “Long live the Emperor” even after killing him.
10. Is it better to help the Empire or Stormcloaks?
The choice between the Empire and the Stormcloaks is a personal one. It depends on your character’s values, motivations, and role-playing preferences. Both sides have valid arguments, and the “best” choice is subjective.
11. What happens if the Imperials win Skyrim?
If the Imperials win, the Stormcloak rebellion is suppressed. The Empire retains control of Skyrim, and Ulfric Stormcloak is defeated. However, the underlying tensions may remain, potentially leading to future conflicts.
12. Who had the most gold in Skyrim?
The Riverwood Trader is the only person in the game that has more than 4,000 gold.
13. What is the deadliest ingredient in Skyrim?
Deathbell + Chokeberry + Scathecraw is an extremely potent combination, capable of creating devastating poisons.
14. What is the weakest creature in Skyrim?
The weakest creature in Skyrim is the Mudcrab.
15. Can you become the emperor Skyrim?
No. Skyrim has a High King, not an Emperor, as it is not an Empire.
The Legacy of the Dark Brotherhood
The Dark Brotherhood questline, with its central decision regarding the Emperor’s assassination, offers a fascinating glimpse into the design philosophy of Elder Scrolls games. While player choices can influence some aspects of the game, major narrative events are often pre-determined, providing a consistent experience for all players. The focus is on the journey, not necessarily the ultimate destination. Whether you choose to poison the Emperor’s soup or deliver the killing blow directly, the Dark Brotherhood will ensure his demise.
As we explore the intricate mechanics and narratives of games like Skyrim, it’s important to consider the broader implications of game-based learning and the ways in which games can influence our understanding of complex systems. Organizations like the Games Learning Society are at the forefront of this exploration, investigating the potential of games as tools for education and social change. Check them out at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.