Delving into Dunwall’s Destiny: Unraveling the Canon Endings of Dishonored
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Determining the “canon” ending for a game like Dishonored, renowned for its branching narratives and player agency, is a complex endeavor. While players can drastically alter the world based on their choices, there’s generally an accepted canon story that forms the bedrock for sequels and expanded universe materials. For Dishonored 1, the canon leans towards a Low Chaos ending, with certain key elements of High Chaos sprinkled in. For Dishonored 2, Emily Kaldwin’s playthrough, resulting in a Low Chaos ending, is largely considered canon.
Dissecting the Dishonored Canon: A Fickle Affair
The concept of a single, definitive canon in games like Dishonored is often a simplification. Arkane Studios, the developers, have cleverly woven a tapestry where player choices, while impactful, don’t completely invalidate the established world. Instead, they create a spectrum of possibilities from which they select elements that best serve the overarching narrative.
Dishonored 1: A Tapestry of Low Chaos
For the first game, the canon favors a Low Chaos approach. This means Corvo Attano primarily uses stealth and non-lethal methods to achieve his objectives. However, it’s not a purely pacifistic run. Certain crucial figures meet their end, while others are spared. Here’s a breakdown:
- Key Figures Survived: The High Overseer Campbell, Lady Boyle, and Slackjaw are generally considered to have survived, often dealt with through non-lethal alternatives.
- Confirmed Deaths: Granny Rags, Havelock, and the Lord Regent Hiram Burrows definitively perish in the canon storyline. Havelock committing suicide after his defeat or being killed by Corvo are both viable options.
- Daud’s Fate: Crucially, Corvo spares Daud’s life, a decision that resonates throughout the expanded universe, as evidenced by mentions in Dishonored: The Corroded Man and Dishonored 2.
This creates a narrative where Corvo, while enacting vengeance, also demonstrates restraint and seeks justice rather than outright annihilation. He successfully saves Emily and restores her to the throne as Empress.
Dishonored 2: Emily’s Reign and Low Chaos
In Dishonored 2, the canon leans heavily towards Emily Kaldwin being the protagonist. This is supported by promotional material, developer statements, and the narrative itself, which seems tailored to her perspective.
- Emily as Protagonist: Playing as Emily Kaldwin offers a unique lens through which to view the events of the game, providing insights into her growth as an Empress and her relationship with Corvo.
- Low Chaos Emphasis: Like the first game, the Low Chaos ending is favored. This signifies a more measured approach to reclaiming her throne, focusing on dismantling the conspiracy without unnecessary bloodshed.
The implications of Emily’s choices in Dishonored 2 resonate throughout the story, shaping her character and influencing the future of the Empire.
Why Low Chaos? Exploring the Narrative Implications
There are several reasons why the Low Chaos approach is often favored as the canon ending in the Dishonored universe:
- Narrative Cohesion: A Low Chaos playthrough often provides a more satisfying and nuanced narrative. It explores themes of redemption, justice, and the consequences of violence.
- Character Development: The Low Chaos path allows for greater character development, particularly for Corvo and Emily, showcasing their ability to make difficult choices and exercise restraint.
- World-Building Consistency: A Low Chaos world generally aligns better with the established lore and tone of the Dishonored universe, creating a more believable and immersive experience.
- Sequel Potential: From a practical standpoint, Low Chaos endings offer more fertile ground for sequels. They leave characters alive and relationships intact, providing a richer foundation for future stories.
While High Chaos runs can be incredibly fun and cathartic, they often lead to bleak and destructive outcomes that limit the possibilities for future narratives. The Games Learning Society has many resources related to world building and branching narrative game design. Check out the GamesLearningSociety.org for more information!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dishonored Canon
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the canon surrounding the Dishonored universe:
1. Is playing as Corvo or Emily canon in Dishonored 2?
While both are valid choices, the developers have indicated that Emily Kaldwin is the more “canon” protagonist for Dishonored 2. Her story and interactions with other characters feel more integrated into the game’s overall narrative.
2. What is the canon ending of Dishonored 2 if I play as Emily?
The canon ending for Emily Kaldwin in Dishonored 2 is generally considered to be a Low Chaos ending, where she reclaims her throne and restores order to the Empire without resorting to excessive violence.
3. Why doesn’t Emily call Corvo “dad” in the game?
Corvo’s relationship with Jessamine was a closely guarded secret. He was the Royal Protector, not publicly known as her father, but they shared a loving bond. This explains the more formal dynamic.
4. Is Daud asexual in Dishonored?
While not explicitly stated in the games themselves, supplemental material and developer commentary suggest that Daud is asexual.
5. What did Daud canonically do before the events of Dishonored?
Daud was the leader of the Whalers, a group of assassins operating in Dunwall. He is responsible for the assassination of Empress Jessamine Kaldwin and the kidnapping of Emily Kaldwin.
6. Is Corvo canonically high chaos in Dishonored 1?
No, the canon of Dishonored 1 is more of a mix between low and high chaos. Corvo likely killed some individuals but mostly used non-lethal tactics.
7. Was Corvo framed for the Empress’s assassination?
Yes, Corvo was framed for the murder of Empress Jessamine Kaldwin by the Lord Regent Hiram Burrows.
8. Does killing affect the ending of Dishonored?
Yes, the amount of killing directly influences the chaos level, which affects the game’s ending, the environment, and NPC behavior.
9. Why isn’t Corvo the Emperor instead of Emily?
Corvo was the Royal Protector, not of royal blood. Emily is the legitimate heir to the throne.
10. Is Corvo Attano mute in Dishonored 1?
Corvo is a silent protagonist in the first Dishonored. He speaks in Dishonored 2, voiced by Stephen Russell.
11. Is Corvo more powerful than Emily?
In terms of raw power, it’s debatable. Corvo’s Blink ability excels in stealth, while Emily’s Far Reach offers more versatile movement options. It often comes down to playstyle preference.
12. Who killed Corvo Attano?
Corvo isn’t killed in the established canon. He appears in Dishonored 2 as a playable character and a mentor to Emily.
13. Was Corvo in love with the Empress?
Yes, Corvo and Empress Jessamine Kaldwin were lovers.
14. Did Daud regret killing the Empress?
Yes, Daud felt immense guilt and regret for his role in Jessamine’s death. This remorse motivated his actions in the Dishonored DLCs and subsequent appearances.
15. Is Corvo Attano Emily’s Father?
Yes, Corvo Attano is Emily Kaldwin’s biological father.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Ambiguity
Ultimately, the beauty of the Dishonored series lies in its player agency. While a canon may exist for the sake of continuity, players are encouraged to forge their own paths and experience the world of Dunwall in their own way. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different choices and endings, and remember that even the most devastating decisions can lead to compelling and memorable narratives.