Unraveling Cayde-6’s Vanguard Dare: A Hunter’s Gamble
Cayde-6’s Vanguard Dare was a wager he made stipulating that should he be killed by another Hunter, that Hunter would not only inherit Cayde’s personal fortune but also be forced to assume the mantle of the new Hunter Vanguard. This unorthodox proposition reflected Cayde’s personality: a mix of risk-taking, a distaste for bureaucracy, and a surprisingly deep-seated sense of responsibility. It’s a defining element of his character and has lasting consequences within the Destiny universe.
The Genesis of the Dare
Cayde’s Dare stemmed from the tradition within the Hunter Vanguard leadership. Each Hunter Vanguard is chosen, but the specifics of that selection were informal and often left to chance, or more accurately, to dares. Before Cayde-6, Andal Brask held the position, and it was Brask who ensnared Cayde into the Vanguard Dare in the first place. The dare served both as a means of succession and a reflection of the Hunter mindset, favoring skill and daring over traditional qualifications.
Brask’s Fate and Cayde’s Acceptance
Andal Brask’s death at the hands of Taniks, the Scarred, automatically fulfilled the terms of the dare, thrusting Cayde-6 into the unwanted role of Hunter Vanguard. Despite the initial reluctance and the burden of administrative duties (something Cayde famously loathed), he embraced the role and even acknowledged it as the “best bet he ever lost.” This highlights the inherent conflict in Cayde’s character; his rebellious spirit often clashed with his commitment to the safety of the City.
The Consequences of Cayde’s Demise
When Uldren Sov, manipulated by Riven of a Thousand Voices, murdered Cayde-6, the Dare was once again activated. The problem arose because the conditions of the dare required a Hunter to kill Cayde. The complexities surrounding Uldren’s transformation into a Guardian created a loophole. Since he was not a guardian before the assassination, the terms of the dare where not met and was therefore not in effect. As a result, the position of Hunter Vanguard remains vacant in the game after the death of Cayde-6.
Cayde’s Legacy
Cayde-6’s legacy extends far beyond his Vanguard Dare. His humor, courage, and loyalty endeared him to Guardians across the system. Even in his final moments, he displayed no remorse and urged the Guardian not to blame themselves for his death. He represented the spirit of adventure and the willingness to face insurmountable odds, qualities that continue to inspire players within the Destiny 2 universe.
The Impact on the Hunter Community
The absence of a Hunter Vanguard has significant ramifications for the Hunter class. Without a leader to provide guidance and direction, the Hunter community has, to a certain extent, fractured. While the other classes have clear leadership structures, Hunters remain independent and often solitary, furthering the divide between Guardians. For more insight into the intricate world of gaming and its educational implications, visit the Games Learning Society website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was the Hunter Vanguard before Cayde-6?
Andal Brask served as the Hunter Vanguard before Cayde-6. He was ultimately killed by Taniks, the Scarred.
2. What exactly is a Vanguard in Destiny 2?
The Vanguard are the leaders of the three Guardian classes (Hunters, Titans, and Warlocks) and are responsible for coordinating the defense of The Last City. They provide guidance, assign missions, and represent their respective classes to the City’s leadership.
3. Who killed Cayde-6?
Uldren Sov, who was manipulated by Riven of a Thousand Voices, killed Cayde-6. This event served as a catalyst for the Forsaken expansion.
4. What were Cayde-6’s riches that the winner of the Dare would inherit?
The exact nature of Cayde’s riches is never explicitly stated. However, it’s implied to include a substantial amount of glimmer (the game’s currency), valuable gear, and perhaps even personal possessions of sentimental value. It’s more a symbolic gesture than a literal treasure trove.
5. Why did Cayde-6 dislike being the Hunter Vanguard?
Cayde-6 disliked the bureaucratic aspects of the position. He found the paperwork and administrative duties tedious and preferred being out in the field, engaging in combat and exploration.
6. Did Cayde-6 have any family?
Yes, Cayde-6 had a son named Ace. He also mentioned a wife in journal entries. However, due to his Exo memory wipes, his memories of them were fragmented.
7. What is the significance of Cayde-6’s number?
The number “6” in Cayde-6’s name indicates that he had been rebooted or reset six times as an Exo. Each reboot can result in memory loss and personality changes.
8. Will Cayde-6 ever come back in Destiny 2?
While Cayde-6 has returned in “The Final Shape” expansion, the story details are not yet confirmed. His original death, as shown in Forsaken, should be permanent, and ghosts can not revive their guardian if they themselves have been killed.
9. What happens if the Hunter who kills the Vanguard doesn’t want the position?
This is a valid question. In the event that the Hunter is unwilling to take on the position, the Hunter Vanguard is either be left vacant, or there is a convoluted debate on who will be the new Hunter Vanguard.
10. How did Cayde-6 become an Exo?
Cayde-6 became an Exo after losing his money. To pay his debts, Cayde-6 sold himself to the Exo program.
11. What is the deal with Cayde-6 and chickens?
Cayde-6 had a fondness for chickens, particularly his favorite, Colonel. He was a vital member of his team and an important character to Cayde.
12. What does it mean to be the Hunter Vanguard?
Being the Hunter Vanguard means leading the Hunter class within the Last City, offering guidance, coordinating efforts, and representing their interests to the Vanguard leadership. It also involves scouting, gathering intelligence, and protecting the City from threats.
13. What is Cayde-6’s weapon, Ace of Spades?
Ace of Spades is Cayde-6’s signature hand cannon. It’s a powerful and iconic weapon in Destiny lore. It’s later inherited by the player Guardian as a symbolic act.
14. Was Cayde-6’s death unfair?
Whether Cayde-6’s death was “fair” is subjective and a point of debate within the community. However, it was shocking and impactful to the Destiny 2 storyline.
15. Where can I learn more about the lore and story behind the Destiny universe?
You can explore Destiny 2 in-game lore tabs, search online community resources like Destiny Lore Vault, or find resources at sites like GamesLearningSociety.org.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of Cayde-6’s Vanguard Dare and addresses common questions about his character and his impact on the Destiny 2 universe.