Skyrim’s Eccentric Assassin: A Comprehensive Guide to Recruiting Cicero as a Follower
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So, you’re looking to recruit the flamboyant, unsettling, yet surprisingly effective Cicero as a follower in Skyrim? The good news is, it’s entirely possible! But it hinges on a crucial decision you make during the Dark Brotherhood questline: sparing his life. If you choose to let him live during the quest “The Cure for Madness” and complete the Dark Brotherhood questline, you can find Cicero hanging out in the Dawnstar Sanctuary. Look for him either near the Night Mother’s coffin or wandering around the main area after you complete the main Dark Brotherhood questline. Simply speak to him, and he will offer his services as a follower. If you want an incredibly skilled assassin with some hilarious, albeit disturbing, quirks in your party, then don’t miss the opportunity to recruit him!
Cicero: More Than Just a Jester
Cicero is far more than just comic relief. He’s a formidable assassin with a unique personality and backstory. Securing him as a follower means gaining a powerful ally with exceptional skills in stealth and combat. He’s a valuable asset in any playthrough, especially for those embracing a more underhanded or stealthy approach to gameplay.
Prerequisites: The Dark Brotherhood Questline
Before you can even consider recruiting Cicero, you must first engage with the Dark Brotherhood questline. This involves joining the assassins’ guild, completing a series of contracts, and navigating the often-treacherous politics within the organization.
Joining the Dark Brotherhood
The quest “Innocence Lost” begins the journey. You initiate this quest after hearing rumors of a boy in Windhelm attempting to contact the Dark Brotherhood. Travel to Windhelm and speak to Aventus Aretino, who tasks you with assassinating Grelod the Kind in the Riften Orphanage. Completing this task and sleeping in a bed will trigger your abduction and subsequent introduction to the Dark Brotherhood.
“The Cure for Madness”: The Crucial Decision
This quest is the lynchpin in determining whether Cicero becomes available as a follower. During “The Cure for Madness”, you are tasked with tracking down Cicero, who has gone rogue. You will eventually encounter him, wounded, near a ruined farmhouse. Here, Astrid will order you to kill him. However, you must disobey her order and spare Cicero’s life. This sets the stage for his potential recruitment later.
Completing the Dark Brotherhood Questline
Continue completing the remaining quests for the Dark Brotherhood. This involves various assassinations and missions for Nazir, Babette, and eventually, becoming the Listener and leading the revived Dark Brotherhood from the Dawnstar Sanctuary. This also involves tasks like “Locate the Dawnstar Sanctuary” where you head there to find the Dark Brotherhood.
Recruiting Cicero: The Final Step
Once you’ve spared Cicero and completed the Dark Brotherhood questline, he will relocate to the Dawnstar Sanctuary. He will be found either near the Night Mother’s coffin, tending to her, or wandering around the sanctuary itself.
Finding Cicero in Dawnstar Sanctuary
After leaving the sanctuary, through the main entrance and not the secret one, Cicero will find you and initiate a dialog. If he doesn’t trigger the dialog outside of the sanctuary, he will stay inside, where you can recruit him as a follower if you didn’t kill him previously. Simply talk to him, and he will express his gratitude for your mercy and offer to serve you as a follower. Accept his offer, and he will join you on your adventures.
Cicero as a Follower: What to Expect
Cicero is a highly skilled follower, particularly adept at stealth and one-handed combat.
Skills and Abilities
- High Sneak Skill: Cicero excels at stealth, making him ideal for players who prefer a sneaky playstyle.
- One-Handed Combat: He is proficient with daggers and swords, dealing significant damage in close-quarters combat.
- Essential Character: As an essential character, Cicero cannot be killed, making him a durable and reliable companion.
- Maximum Level 50: Cicero can level up to 50, becoming a powerful ally as you progress.
Personality and Dialogue
Cicero’s personality is… unique. He’s eccentric, theatrical, and often unsettling. His dialogue is filled with bizarre pronouncements, jester-like rhymes, and unsettling musings about death and the Night Mother. However, his humor, though dark, is undeniably entertaining and adds a unique flavor to your gameplay experience.
FAQs: All You Need to Know About Cicero
1. Where can I find Cicero before the Dark Brotherhood questline?
Cicero won’t be available as a follower before you begin the Dark Brotherhood questline. You’ll first encounter him on the road, but he will only become a follower after you’ve progressed through the questline and spared his life during “The Cure for Madness.”
2. What happens if I kill Cicero during “The Cure for Madness”?
If you kill Cicero during “The Cure for Madness,” he will not be available as a follower. You will, however, be able to loot his unique armor and obtain a small reward from Astrid. You will also get one of the new initiates in the sanctuary after you complete the brotherhood questline.
3. Can Cicero die as a follower?
No, Cicero is an essential character, so he cannot die. He will simply fall to his knees and recover after a battle.
4. What is Cicero’s maximum level?
Cicero’s maximum level is 50. He’ll level up alongside you, becoming increasingly powerful as you progress.
5. Can I marry Cicero?
Unfortunately, no, you cannot marry Cicero. His devotion to the Night Mother and his overall eccentric personality make him ineligible for marriage in Skyrim.
6. Can Cicero dual wield?
Yes! With a one-handed skill rating of 100, Cicero is perfect for dual wielding builds in Skyrim. He’s incredibly deadly with two swords or daggers.
7. What armor does Cicero wear?
Cicero wears a unique set of Jester’s armor. This armor is lightweight and provides bonuses to sneak and archery.
8. Can I give Cicero different armor?
Yes, you can equip Cicero with different armor. This allows you to customize his abilities and appearance to suit your playstyle.
9. Is Cicero a good follower for stealth characters?
Absolutely! Cicero’s high sneak skill makes him an excellent choice for stealth-based characters. He can sneak effectively alongside you, making him a valuable asset for completing stealthy objectives.
10. What happens to Cicero if I dismiss him as a follower?
If you dismiss Cicero, he will return to the Dawnstar Sanctuary, where you can re-recruit him at any time.
11. Does Cicero’s dialogue ever change?
While his core personality remains consistent, Cicero’s dialogue will evolve slightly as you progress through the game and complete various quests. He may comment on your actions and the events unfolding around you.
12. Can Cicero join the Blades?
No, Cicero cannot join the Blades. This faction is reserved for more traditional follower types.
13. What are some alternatives to Cicero as a follower?
If Cicero’s personality isn’t to your liking, consider other followers like Serana (from the Dawnguard DLC), Aela the Huntress (from the Companions), or a customizable follower like Jenassa.
14. Does killing Astrid affect my ability to recruit Cicero?
Killing Astrid after sparing Cicero and completing the necessary Dark Brotherhood quests will not affect your ability to recruit him.
15. How do I improve Cicero’s combat abilities?
Equip Cicero with better weapons, armor, and enchantments to improve his combat abilities. You can also provide him with potions and poisons to further enhance his effectiveness in battle. Consider investing in skills that support his one-handed combat style, such as increasing your own one-handed skill.
Conclusion: Embrace the Madness
Recruiting Cicero as a follower in Skyrim is a rewarding experience. He brings a unique blend of skill, humor, and unsettling charm to your adventures. Just remember the golden rule: spare his life! His unique personality and combat prowess make him a valuable addition to any Dragonborn’s party. Now, go forth and embrace the madness that is Cicero!
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