Is it Better to Kill Astrid in Skyrim?
In the world of Skyrim, players are faced with a plethora of choices that can significantly impact the game’s story and outcome. One of the most crucial decisions is whether to kill Astrid, the leader of the Dark Brotherhood. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of killing Astrid and examine the consequences of this action.
The Dark Brotherhood and Astrid
For those who may not know, the Dark Brotherhood is a secret society of assassins that operate in the shadows of Skyrim. Astrid is the leader of the Dark Brotherhood, and she is responsible for managing the organization’s contracts and operations. The Brotherhood is known for its ruthless methods and willingness to take on any job, no matter how morally questionable.
Killing Astrid: The Consequences
Killing Astrid has significant consequences in the game. When you kill her, you will trigger a quest to destroy the Dark Brotherhood, which will lead to the death of all its members. This means that you will no longer be able to join the Brotherhood or complete contracts for them.
Pros of Killing Astrid
Here are some of the benefits of killing Astrid:
- End the Dark Brotherhood: By killing Astrid, you will effectively destroy the Dark Brotherhood, which can be seen as a positive outcome for those who believe in justice and morality.
- No More Contracts: You will no longer have to deal with the moral implications of completing contracts for the Brotherhood, which can be a relief for players who are concerned about the morality of their actions.
- New Questlines: Killing Astrid will open up new questlines and storylines, allowing you to explore new areas and characters.
Cons of Killing Astrid
However, there are also some drawbacks to killing Astrid:
- Loss of Opportunities: By killing Astrid, you will miss out on the opportunities to complete contracts and earn rewards that come with being a member of the Dark Brotherhood.
- Negative Reputation: Killing Astrid will likely result in a negative reputation among the people of Skyrim, which can make it harder to complete certain quests and interact with NPCs.
- Impact on the Story: Killing Astrid will have a significant impact on the game’s story, potentially altering the fate of certain characters and plotlines.
Alternatives to Killing Astrid
If you’re not convinced that killing Astrid is the right choice, here are some alternatives:
- Join the Dark Brotherhood: Instead of killing Astrid, you can join the Dark Brotherhood and complete contracts for them. This will allow you to experience the organization’s inner workings and earn rewards.
- Negotiate with Astrid: You can try to negotiate with Astrid and convince her to change her ways or work with you to achieve a common goal.
- Avoid the Dark Brotherhood: If you’re not interested in getting involved with the Dark Brotherhood, you can simply avoid them and focus on other aspects of the game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, killing Astrid in Skyrim is a significant decision that can have far-reaching consequences. While there are some benefits to killing her, such as ending the Dark Brotherhood, there are also some drawbacks, such as losing opportunities and earning a negative reputation. Ultimately, the decision to kill Astrid is up to you and will depend on your playstyle and the kind of character you want to play.
Table: Pros and Cons of Killing Astrid
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| End the Dark Brotherhood | Loss of Opportunities |
| No More Contracts | Negative Reputation |
| New Questlines | Impact on the Story |
Final Thoughts
Killing Astrid is a complex decision that requires careful consideration of the consequences. Whether you choose to kill her or not, the game will continue to unfold in its own unique way. Remember to always think about the impact of your actions and make choices that align with your character’s personality and values.