Cicero’s Fate: What Happens After You Destroy the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim?
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.
Cicero, the quirky, devoted Keeper of the Night Mother, presents a moral quandary for many players in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. While his eccentric behavior and unwavering loyalty to the Dark Brotherhood can be endearing, his undeniable madness and penchant for violence are equally unsettling. Choosing to destroy the Dark Brotherhood, therefore, carries significant consequences, particularly concerning Cicero’s ultimate fate.
The direct answer is stark: if you choose to destroy the Dark Brotherhood, Cicero disappears from the game. Unlike siding with the assassins, where you can spare him and gain a unique follower, destroying the Brotherhood seals his doom. He is not merely removed from the Dawnstar Sanctuary; he is effectively removed from the world of Skyrim entirely. He vanishes, and there is no canonical way to find him again within the game after completing the quest.
This disappearance is absolute, even if you encountered him prior to initiating the quest “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” near Whiterun, during the “Delayed Burial” quest. Once the destruction of the Dark Brotherhood begins, Cicero is marked for deletion by the game engine.
The Mechanics of Cicero’s Removal
The reason for Cicero’s complete removal lies in the quest scripting and the game’s design. When you begin “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!,” the game flags all Dark Brotherhood members within the Sanctuary as hostile and essential to be killed. While some essential characters can be temporarily downed, Cicero, along with Babette and the rest of the Brotherhood, are simply meant to be eliminated. In effect, they’re removed completely.
If you were to attempt to find him using console commands on PC (a common workaround for many Skyrim issues), you might theoretically locate his base ID, but he will not exist within the game world. The quest scripting is designed to permanently remove him. This mechanic avoids potential conflicts with future quest stages and ensures the narrative consistency of a Brotherhood-less Skyrim (at least, as far as the player character is concerned).
Morality and Gameplay: A Conflicting Choice
The decision to destroy the Dark Brotherhood, and consequently eliminate Cicero, is often a tough one for players. On one hand, the Dark Brotherhood represents a morally reprehensible organization built upon assassination and treachery. On the other hand, their questline is widely considered one of the most engaging and well-written in Skyrim.
Eliminating the Dark Brotherhood is perceived as a more “moral” choice, as it effectively rids Skyrim of a group dedicated to murder for profit. It’s a heroic act in a bleak world, but it comes at the cost of unique characters like Cicero and Babette, and valuable gameplay elements like the Brotherhood’s contracts and Shadowmere.
The Alternative: Sparing Cicero
Contrast this with the outcome of sparing Cicero. If you choose to side with the Dark Brotherhood, you are given the option to kill or spare Cicero during the “The Cure for Madness” quest. Sparing him leads to a much different outcome.
Cicero as a Follower
If you spare Cicero, he will join you once again after the Dark Brotherhood main quest is completed. You can then recruit him as a follower. He is found in the newly established Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary at Dawnstar. He becomes a unique and surprisingly effective companion.
Cicero is known for his high sneak skill, making him an excellent choice for stealth-based characters. He’s also proficient in using both daggers and bows, offering versatile combat support. Many players enjoy his quirky dialogue and unpredictable behavior, adding a comedic element to their Skyrim adventures.
Cicero’s Role in the Future of the Brotherhood
Furthermore, sparing Cicero has long-term narrative implications. As the Keeper of the Night Mother, he is essential for maintaining contact with her and relaying contracts to the Dark Brotherhood. Killing him removes a vital link in the Brotherhood’s chain of command and potentially jeopardizes its future. The choice, then, becomes one between immediate moral satisfaction and the long-term health of an arguably evil organization.
Console Commands: A Last Resort?
While the game is designed to permanently remove Cicero, some PC players may attempt to use console commands to bring him back. While theoretically possible, this can lead to unintended consequences and potentially corrupt save files.
If you are determined to use console commands, proceed with extreme caution and back up your save files before making any changes. It is generally recommended to avoid tampering with the game’s scripting, as it can create instability and affect your overall gaming experience.
It’s important to remember that using console commands to circumvent game mechanics effectively alters the intended gameplay experience and may introduce bugs or glitches. Consider the ramifications carefully before attempting to resurrect or relocate Cicero.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to destroy the Dark Brotherhood and lose Cicero forever is a deeply personal one. It depends on your character’s moral compass, your preferred playstyle, and your willingness to accept the consequences of your actions. There is no objectively “right” or “wrong” decision. Each choice offers a unique experience and shapes your Skyrim journey in distinct ways.
The complexities of moral decision-making in gaming can be further explored through research and discussions at institutions like the Games Learning Society. Understanding how games encourage players to grapple with ethical dilemmas can enrich the gaming experience and foster critical thinking skills. Find more about the society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further clarity on Cicero’s fate and related aspects of the Dark Brotherhood storyline:
1. Where is Cicero after Dark Brotherhood quest if I spare him?
He is found in the Dawnstar Sanctuary after the main Dark Brotherhood questline is completed. He becomes available as a follower at this point.
2. Where to find Cicero and Babette if you destroy Dark Brotherhood?
You cannot find Cicero or Babette if you destroy the Dark Brotherhood. They are eliminated from the game as part of the quest.
3. What happens if I start Cicero’s quest and destroy the Dark Brotherhood?
If you start the “Delayed Burial” quest involving Cicero near Whiterun and then initiate “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!”, Cicero will disappear, even if he’s still waiting near Whiterun.
4. Is it worth killing Cicero?
This depends on your moral stance and gameplay preferences. Killing him grants you his unique armor and some gold, but you lose out on a valuable follower.
5. What does killing Cicero do?
You obtain his unique Jester’s armor and some gold. However, you lose the opportunity to have him as a follower, and you eliminate a key figure within the Dark Brotherhood.
6. What’s the difference between killing Cicero and letting him live?
Killing Cicero allows you to loot his corpse for armor and gold, while letting him live allows you to recruit him as a follower after completing the Dark Brotherhood questline.
7. What is the max level in Cicero Skyrim?
If spared, Cicero’s level can reach up to level 50.
8. Can you adopt Babette?
No, you cannot adopt Babette in Skyrim.
9. Is there any benefit to destroying the Dark Brotherhood?
The primary benefit is the role-playing satisfaction of eliminating a morally corrupt organization. There are no significant gameplay advantages.
10. Is it better to destroy the Dark Brotherhood?
There is no objective “better” choice. Joining the Dark Brotherhood offers a compelling storyline and unique rewards, while destroying them aligns with a more morally righteous path.
11. What to do after finishing Dark Brotherhood?
After completing the Dark Brotherhood questline, you can accept radiant contracts from the Night Mother for endless repeatable quests and rewards.
12. Is there any downside to letting Cicero live?
The main downside is his annoying personality, which some players find off-putting. However, his combat prowess and sneak skills make him a useful follower.
13. Can you get Cicero’s armor without killing him?
Yes, if you have a high pickpocket skill, you can pickpocket his armor. Alternatively, you can find a set of Jester’s armor inside the Dawnstar Sanctuary if you side with the Dark Brotherhood.
14. Can you save Astrid in Skyrim?
No, Astrid’s death is a scripted event in the Dark Brotherhood questline and cannot be avoided if you join the Dark Brotherhood.
15. Can you join the Dark Brotherhood after killing Astrid?
No, if you kill Astrid, you initiate the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” questline and cannot join them.