Can you not poison the emperor Skyrim?

Can You Not Poison the Emperor in Skyrim?

In the vast world of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, players are often faced with difficult decisions that can shape the fate of the empire. One such decision is whether or not to poison the emperor, a critical event in the Dark Brotherhood questline. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of this topic and answer the question: Can you not poison the emperor in Skyrim?

No, You Can’t: The Emperor’s Fate

Before we dive into the details, it’s important to note that the outcome of the "To Kill an Empire" quest, which involves poisoning the emperor, is ultimately predetermined. The emperor will always be killed, whether you use the poison or not. This is due to the game’s storyline and quest design, which is beyond the player’s control.

Why Use the Poison?

You may be wondering why using the poison is even an option in the first place. According to the Dark Brotherhood, the poison is a necessary evil to bring about the desired outcome: the death of the emperor. The Brotherhood believes that the emperor is a tyrant who is holding the Empire back and that his death is the only way to restore peace and balance to the land.

Consequences of Not Poisoning the Emperor

While you can’t actually "not poison" the emperor, you can still choose not to complete the "To Kill an Empire" quest. If you do so, the game will consider the quest abandoned and the Brotherhood will eventually turn against you. You’ll also lose your Dark Brotherhood membership and reputation.

What Happens if You Eat the Jarrin Root?

In another twist, eating the Jarrin Root, an ingredient used in the poison, will deal 200-600 points of poison damage to your character. This adds an element of risk and consequence to the player’s actions, making the choice to use the poison more significant.

Can You Save Any of the Dark Brotherhood?

If you choose to abandon the Dark Brotherhood and not complete the "To Kill an Empire" quest, you technically save the Brotherhood itself, but not the individual members. The questline remains incomplete, and the fate of the members is determined by the game’s storyline.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while you can’t actually "not poison" the emperor in Skyrim, the game presents a moral dilemma that forces players to confront the consequences of their actions. Using the poison or abandoning the quest have significant implications for the player’s character and the fate of the Dark Brotherhood. As players navigate this complex decision, they must consider the long-term effects of their choices and weigh the pros and cons of each option.