Do I keep the Rueful Axe?

Do I Keep the Rueful Axe? – A Guide to Making the Difficult Decision

In the world of Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, making choices can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to deciding what to do with the Rueful Axe. This mysterious artifact has the power to fulfill your deepest desires, but at what cost? In this article, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of keeping the Rueful Axe and explore the consequences of your choice.

What is the Rueful Axe?

The Rueful Axe is a Daedric artifact acquired by completing the quest "A Blade in the Dark" for Clavicus Vile, the Daedric Prince of Wishes and Trickery. This powerful axe has the ability to grant your deepest desires, but also comes with a terrible cost. You will be forced to kill a loyal servant, Barbas, who has stood by your side throughout your adventure. The axe also has no magical properties, making it a disappointing reward for many players.

Benefits of Keeping the Rueful Axe

Here are some benefits of keeping the Rueful Axe:

• Unique Storyline: Keeping the axe allows you to experience a unique and captivating storyline that explores the complexities of human nature and the consequences of one’s actions.
• Improved Character Roleplaying: The axe’s design and backstory offer opportunities for players to engage in deep character roleplaying, exploring the motivations and desires of their in-game character.
• A Twist on the Typical Hero’s Quest: The Rueful Axe forces players to confront the moral implications of granting their deepest desires, adding a layer of depth to the traditional hero’s quest narrative.

Drawbacks of Keeping the Rueful Axe

On the other hand, here are some drawbacks to consider:

• Killing Barbas: The most significant consequence of keeping the Rueful Axe is the need to kill Barbas, a loyal servant and ally who has stood by your side throughout the journey. This can be a difficult and emotional choice for many players.
• No Magical Properties: The axe has no magical properties, making it a disappointing reward for those who were expecting a powerful artifact.

Alternatives to Keeping the Rueful Axe

If you’re struggling to make a decision, here are some alternatives to consider:

• Return the Axe: Refusing to keep the axe and instead returning it to Clavicus Vile allows you to maintain your friendship with Barbas and avoid the moral complexities of granting your deepest desires.
• Lose the Axe: Giving the axe to another character or losing it in a battle can also be an option, but this may result in the loss of the unique storyline and character development opportunities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, deciding whether to keep the Rueful Axe is a difficult and complex decision that weighs heavily on the moral implications of the player’s choices. While there are benefits to keeping the axe, there are also significant drawbacks to consider. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully and make a choice that aligns with your in-game character’s values and motivations.

Tables and Charts

Footnotes

[1] Depending on the player’s character build and skills, the axe may not be as valuable as other artifacts.

[2] The moral implications of keeping the Rueful Axe can be explored through deep character roleplaying and storytelling.

Remember, the choice is yours. Which path will you choose?