The Jester Lives: Unveiling the Consequences of Sparing Cicero in Skyrim
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So, you’re standing over the wounded form of Cicero, the Keeper of the Night Mother, faced with a pivotal decision: to end his life or to let him live. In Skyrim, choices have consequences, and this one is no different. If you choose to spare Cicero, he will eventually become a unique and powerful follower after the completion of the Dark Brotherhood questline. He’ll take up residence in the Dawnstar Sanctuary, ready to aid you in your murderous endeavors. But is it worth it? Let’s delve into the details.
Why Spare Cicero? The Pros Outweigh the Cons
Sparing Cicero isn’t just about roleplaying; it’s about gaining a valuable asset. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits:
Cicero: A Unique Follower
This isn’t just any run-of-the-mill hireling. Cicero boasts:
- High Skill Levels: He has exceptionally high skill levels in One-Handed, Sneak, Light Armor, and Archery. This makes him an ideal assassin or stealthy companion.
- Essential Status (Post-Quest): Once he becomes your follower, Cicero is flagged as essential. This means he cannot die, rendering him an incredibly resilient ally in combat. He will only kneel when reaching zero health and recover after the battle.
- Unique Dialogue: Cicero’s eccentric personality shines through in his dialogue. Prepare for quirky commentary, morbid jokes, and unhinged ramblings that will keep you entertained.
- Stealth Proficiency: He is a master of stealth. Cicero will often sneak along with you on missions without being told to, making him a great help to those who like to play stealthily.
- No Moral Compunctions: Cicero is all about the Dark Brotherhood and the Night Mother. He won’t judge you for your criminal activities, making him a good fit for morally questionable characters.
Loot is Not Exclusive to Killing Him
Many players mistakenly believe that killing Cicero is the only way to obtain his unique Jester’s Outfit or his gold. However:
- Jester’s Outfit in Dawnstar Sanctuary: There’s a complete set of Jester’s Armor within the Dawnstar Sanctuary. So, eliminating Cicero for his clothes becomes unnecessary.
- Pickpocketing: You can actually pickpocket the 500 gold he carries before deciding his fate. Max out your pickpocket skill to make this almost foolproof.
Moral Considerations
While the Dark Brotherhood isn’t exactly a paragon of virtue, there’s an argument to be made that sparing Cicero aligns with their twisted code:
- He Serves the Night Mother: Cicero’s dedication to the Night Mother is unwavering. Killing him could be seen as disrespecting the very figure the Dark Brotherhood reveres.
- He is Insane: Cicero has serious mental health issues. Sparing him can be seen as a mercy.
The Downside (A Minimal One)
The only real downside to sparing Cicero is that you temporarily lose access to him as a follower during the middle part of the Dark Brotherhood questline. However, this is a minor inconvenience compared to the long-term benefits he provides. He becomes available after you complete the Dark Brotherhood questline.
Games Learning Society: Exploring Morality in Games
The decision of whether to kill or spare Cicero is a classic example of the moral dilemmas that video games often present. It forces players to grapple with questions of justice, mercy, and the consequences of their actions. Organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explore the educational and social impacts of gaming, highlighting how games can be used to teach critical thinking and ethical decision-making. GamesLearningSociety.org examines how video games teach us and how we can use them in educational settings.
FAQs: Answering Your Burning Cicero Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Cicero’s fate in Skyrim:
1. Can I kill Cicero after he becomes my follower?
Yes, if you regret sparing him, you can kill Cicero at any time after he becomes your follower. He’s no longer an essential character at that point. Just be prepared to face the consequences (mostly guilt!).
2. Where does Cicero go if I spare him?
If spared, Cicero takes up residence in the Dawnstar Sanctuary after the completion of the Dark Brotherhood questline. He can be found wandering around or tending to the Night Mother’s coffin.
3. Is Cicero a good follower compared to others?
Absolutely! Cicero’s high skill levels and essential status make him a powerful and reliable follower, especially for stealth-oriented players. His personality is also very distinct and makes him a fun companion.
4. How do I get Cicero as a follower?
Complete the Dark Brotherhood questline after choosing to spare Cicero during “The Cure for Madness” quest. He will automatically become available as a follower upon exiting the Dawnstar Sanctuary following the questline.
5. Can I marry Cicero?
Unfortunately, no. You cannot marry Cicero. His unwavering devotion to the Night Mother is cited as the reason.
6. What happens if I kill Cicero?
If you kill Cicero, you can loot his Jester’s Outfit and the gold he carries. However, you’ll miss out on having him as a follower.
7. Is Astrid important to kill?
Astrid dies as part of the Dark Brotherhood. You can’t save her from dying, so you will not be able to marry her.
8. Where can I find Cicero’s armor?
Whether you kill him or not, you can find it in the Dawnstar Sanctuary!
9. Will Astrid betray me?
Yes, Astrid will betray you as a part of the Dark Brotherhood story.
10. What skills do I need to take his armor and gold?
You will need high pickpocketing.
11. What is Cicero good at?
Cicero is adept at assassinations. He also has an incredibly high one-handed skill.
12. Can you join the Dark Brotherhood if you kill Astrid?
No, you are not able to join the Dark Brotherhood.
13. Can you become the leader of the Dark Brotherhood?
Yes! There are a total of five factions that let you lead the entire faction in Skyrim. The Dark Brotherhood is one of them.
14. What happens to Cicero if I destroy the Dark Brotherhood?
Unfortunately, he disappears and cannot be found if you destroy the Dark Brotherhood.
15. Can I keep Shadowmere if I spare Cicero?
Yes, you can still keep Shadowmere if you spare Cicero.
The Verdict: Spare the Jester!
In conclusion, the benefits of sparing Cicero far outweigh the drawbacks. You gain a powerful, unique, and essential follower who adds a touch of madness to your adventures. You can still acquire his armor and gold through other means. So, the next time you find yourself facing that pivotal choice, remember: let the Jester live! He’s one of the most entertaining and valuable assets you can acquire in Skyrim.