Can I Join Dark Brotherhood After Killing Astrid?
The Dark Brotherhood is one of the most intriguing factions in the world of Skyrim, offering a unique experience for players who join its ranks. However, there’s a crucial question that many players ask: what happens if you kill Astrid, the leader of the Dark Brotherhood, and then try to join the organization? Can you still join the Dark Brotherhood after killing Astrid?
The Answer: Yes, You Can Still Join the Dark Brotherhood
Contrary to what many players assume, killing Astrid does not prevent you from joining the Dark Brotherhood. According to the game’s developers, the questline for joining the Dark Brotherhood begins with the quest "Innocence Lost," which is triggered by speaking with Aventus Aretino, a young boy who is being mistreated by his caretaker. This quest is not tied to Astrid’s existence, so even if you kill her, you can still complete the quest and join the Dark Brotherhood.
What Happens if You Kill Astrid?
Killing Astrid will initiate a new questline, "Destroy the Dark Brotherhood," which requires you to eliminate all members of the Dark Brotherhood and destroy their sanctuary. This questline is a major departure from the original storyline, and it’s essential to understand the consequences of killing Astrid before proceeding.
Benefits of Joining the Dark Brotherhood
Joining the Dark Brotherhood offers several benefits, including:
- Unique Quests: The Dark Brotherhood offers a unique set of quests that are not available in the main storyline. These quests are often more challenging and offer better rewards.
- Access to New Locations: As a member of the Dark Brotherhood, you’ll gain access to new locations, including the sanctuary of the Dark Brotherhood and the homes of its members.
- Better Rewards: The Dark Brotherhood offers better rewards than the main storyline, including more gold, unique items, and powerful followers.
- Improved Reputation: Joining the Dark Brotherhood can improve your reputation in the game, allowing you to interact with other factions and characters in a more positive way.
Disadvantages of Joining the Dark Brotherhood
While joining the Dark Brotherhood offers many benefits, it also has some significant disadvantages:
- Killing Innocent People: As a member of the Dark Brotherhood, you’ll be required to kill innocent people, including merchants, travelers, and even members of other factions.
- Loss of Moral Compass: Joining the Dark Brotherhood can lead to a loss of moral compass, making it difficult to distinguish right from wrong.
- Consequences for Other Characters: Your actions as a member of the Dark Brotherhood can have significant consequences for other characters in the game, including the potential for them to turn against you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, killing Astrid does not prevent you from joining the Dark Brotherhood. The questline for joining the Dark Brotherhood is not tied to Astrid’s existence, and you can still complete the quest and join the organization even if you kill her. However, it’s essential to understand the consequences of joining the Dark Brotherhood, including the potential for killing innocent people and losing your moral compass.