Who is the Clown Guy in Skyrim?

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The “clown guy” in Skyrim is undoubtedly Cicero, the Keeper of the Night Mother and a member of the Dark Brotherhood. He’s characterized by his jester attire, eccentric personality, and unsettling devotion to the Night Mother, making him one of the most memorable and divisive characters in the game. He’s a skilled assassin, but his sanity is often questioned, and his actions can range from amusing to deeply disturbing. Whether you love him or hate him, Cicero leaves a lasting impression on every player who encounters him.

Unpacking Cicero’s Character

Cicero isn’t just some random court jester who found his way into the snowy landscapes of Skyrim. He’s a vital cog in the lore surrounding the Dark Brotherhood, a guild of assassins who worship the Night Mother, a mysterious deity associated with death. Cicero’s journey to Skyrim is fraught with madness and violence, stemming from his unwavering dedication to his duty.

From Ordinary Assassin to Keeper

Before becoming the Keeper of the Night Mother, Cicero was a highly effective, if somewhat unstable, assassin. His journals, found throughout the game, detail his descent into madness, fueled by the belief that the Brotherhood was losing its way, straying from the traditions of old. This obsession with the past eventually led him to commit acts of violence against those he deemed disrespectful to the Night Mother, ultimately leading to his exile.

His Role in the Dark Brotherhood Questline

Cicero plays a pivotal role in the Dark Brotherhood questline. He arrives in Skyrim seeking a new sanctuary after the Cheydinhal sanctuary in Cyrodiil is destroyed. His presence immediately disrupts the established order, clashing with the leadership of Astrid, the leader of the Skyrim sanctuary. Astrid, pragmatic and focused on profit, views Cicero’s adherence to tradition as a threat.

The tension between Astrid and Cicero culminates in a pivotal choice for the Dragonborn: whether to kill or spare Cicero. This decision profoundly impacts the remainder of the questline and shapes the Dragonborn’s relationship with the Dark Brotherhood. Sparing Cicero allows him to become a follower, while killing him grants access to his unique armor. The choice often comes down to personal preference, and moral alignment, but the impact on the questline is minimal.

Why is Cicero So Popular?

Despite his questionable sanity, Cicero is a fan favorite. His quirky dialogue, unpredictable behavior, and exceptional skill in combat endear him to many players. He provides comedic relief in a dark and often grim storyline. Furthermore, his unwavering devotion to his beliefs, however twisted, is strangely admirable. He’s a character that players love to hate, or hate to love, ensuring he remains a talking point long after the game is over.

Cicero and Moral Ambiguity

Cicero’s character forces players to confront the moral ambiguity inherent in the Dark Brotherhood. He embodies the old ways of the Brotherhood, a time when reverence for the Night Mother and the Five Tenets was paramount. In contrast, Astrid represents a more modern, pragmatic approach, focused on contracts and profit. Choosing to side with or against Cicero is essentially choosing between these two philosophies.

The decision isn’t straightforward. Cicero’s actions are often violent and disturbing, making it difficult to fully condone his behavior. However, his dedication to the Night Mother and his belief in the traditions of the Brotherhood can be seen as a form of loyalty, even if misguided. This moral complexity is one of the reasons why Cicero is such a compelling and memorable character.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cicero

Here are some frequently asked questions related to Cicero, providing deeper insights into his character, role, and impact within the world of Skyrim:

1. Is Cicero a good or bad guy?

   • Cicero is a complex character with a moral compass skewed by his devotion to the Night Mother. His actions are often violent and disturbing, making him difficult to label as purely “good.” However, he is loyal to his beliefs and dedicated to the Dark Brotherhood’s traditions.

2. What happens if I kill Cicero?

   • If you kill Cicero, you can loot his body for his unique jester armor. The rest of the Dark Brotherhood questline continues, but without Cicero’s presence.

3. What happens if I spare Cicero?

   • If you spare Cicero, he will eventually become available as a follower after completing the Dark Brotherhood questline.

4. Can Cicero die?

   • As a follower, Cicero is flagged as “essential,” meaning he cannot die from enemy attacks. However, if he is actively hit by the player then it is possible that his essential tag will be removed.

5. What skills is Cicero good at?

   • Cicero is skilled in Sneak, One-Handed, Archery, and Light Armor, making him an effective stealth assassin follower.

6. Where can I find Cicero?

   • You first encounter Cicero on the road near Loreius Farm. Later, he can be found in the Dark Brotherhood sanctuary.

7. What is Cicero’s relationship with the Night Mother?

   • Cicero is the Keeper of the Night Mother, responsible for protecting and transporting her coffin. He holds her in deep reverence and views her as a maternal figure.

8. Why is Cicero crazy?

   • Cicero’s madness is implied to be a result of his intense devotion to the Night Mother and his obsession with preserving the Dark Brotherhood’s traditions. His journals detail his gradual descent into insanity.

9. Does Cicero have any unique dialogue?

   • Yes, Cicero has a plethora of unique and quirky dialogue lines, often delivered in a high-pitched, theatrical voice. His conversations can range from amusing to disturbing.

10. Why did Astrid betray the Dark Brotherhood?

    • Astrid betrayed the Dark Brotherhood out of a desire to remain in control of the organization. She feared the Dragonborn’s rising power and the Night Mother’s influence would usurp her authority.

11. Is Cicero’s armor any good?

    • Cicero’s armor is fairly decent. It boosts sneak, archery, and poison resistance. It is very lightweight making it ideal for stealthy characters.

12. What are the Five Tenets of the Dark Brotherhood?

    • The Five Tenets are a set of rules that all members of the Dark Brotherhood must follow: 1. Never dishonor the Night Mother. 2. Never betray the Dark Brotherhood or its secrets. 3. Never disobey or refuse an order from a superior. 4. Never steal the possessions of a Dark Brotherhood member. 5. Never kill another Dark Brotherhood member.

13. Can Cicero become a vampire?

    • No, Cicero cannot become a vampire in the base game due to his unique character scripting and voice acting.

14. Who is the Night Mother?

    • The Night Mother is a mysterious and powerful deity worshiped by the Dark Brotherhood. She is believed to be the wife of Sithis, the God of Chaos.

15. What is the Games Learning Society?

    • The Games Learning Society is an organization dedicated to exploring the educational and social impacts of games. They conduct research, host conferences, and provide resources for educators and researchers interested in game-based learning. For more information, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

Cicero: A Lasting Legacy

Cicero’s impact on Skyrim extends beyond his role in the Dark Brotherhood questline. He represents a clash between tradition and modernity, sanity and madness, and loyalty and betrayal. His character, though often disturbing, is undeniably captivating. He is a reminder that even in the darkest corners of Tamriel, there is room for humor, however twisted, and that sometimes, the most unsettling characters are the most memorable. Whether you choose to embrace his madness or silence him forever, Cicero is a character that will stay with you long after you hang up your Dragonborn’s helmet.