Is it better to kill or leave Cicero?

Is it better to kill or leave Cicero?

TheDark Brotherhood quest in Skyrim is notorious for its complex moral themes and challenging decisions. When it comes to Cicero, the charismatic leader of the Dark Brotherhood, many players are torn between justice and mercy. In this article, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of killing or sparing Cicero, and provide a straightforward answer to this age-old question.

What to Expect

Before we delve into the consequences of our choices, it’s essential to understand the context surrounding Cicero. He has committed heinous crimes against the people of Skyrim, and the Brotherhood’s methods are far from noble. However, the question of whether to kill or spare him is more nuanced. Let’s examine the motives behind each decision.

Killing Cicero: The Pros

Crimes against humanity: By killing Cicero, we’re essentially ending the Dark Brotherhood’s reign of terror and putting an end to their senseless murders and kidnappings. This serves as a form of vengeance for the countless lives destroyed by their actions.

• Pursuing Justice: Some may argue that justice is best served through Cicero’s death. By killing him, we’re ensuring that the wheels of justice are set in motion, and those accountable for the Dark Brotherhood’s crimes will be held accountable.

Sparing Cicero: The Cons

Treason and Lawlessness: On the flip side, sparing Cicero would allow him to potentially continue his crimes, compromising the rule of law in Skyrim. His continued freedom would enable the Dark Brotherhood to maintain their influence over the land, further spreading chaos and anarchy.

• Perverting the Law: By forgiving Cicero’s crimes without punishment, we’re basically condoning the notion of "justice" as applied by the Dark Brotherhood – a notion that is abhorrent to the spirit of law and order. This could set a dreadful precedent, as it can be interpreted as an explicit endorsement of his actions.

Consequences of Choices

To illustrate the results of each choice, below is a simple table displaying the potential outcomes:

Reconciling Morality with Consequences

When the stakes are this high, it’s natural to have conflicting moral feelings. What’s the moral justification behind killing or sparing Cicero? If you believe strongly in justice, you’ll likely lean towards killing Cicero, believing it as the only way to redeem the innocent and bring relief to those suffering. Some may argue that Cicero’s life has no further value, considering his transgressions against humanity, and that taking him from the world will restore justice.

In Conclusion