Is There Any Benefit to Killing Astrid?
In the world of Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Astrid is a mysterious and intriguing character who plays a pivotal role in the Dark Brotherhood questline. As the leader of the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim, Astrid is a highly skilled assassin and a master of deception. However, killing her may bring about more benefits than you initially anticipate. In this article, we will explore the implications of killing Astrid and whether there are any advantages to doing so.
Benefit 1: Retrieving Her Unique Equipment
When you kill Astrid, you will be able to retrieve her unique equipment, including her Blade of Woe. This cursed blade is said to have been the instrument of Astrid’s own mortality, and it is rumored to have absorbed the souls of her victims. With this sword, you will be able to deal with enemies more effectively and add it to your arsenal.
Benefit 2: Destroying the Dark Brotherhood
Killing Astrid may also lead to the destruction of the Dark Brotherhood, at least in the sense that they will no longer be able to operate with impunity. Without their leader, the Brotherhood will be in shambles, and their members will become unable to carry out their nefarious tasks. This can be seen as a win for the people of Skyrim, as they will no longer be threatened by the Brotherhood’s constant assassinations.
Benefit 3: Ending the Cycle of Violence
Some players may argue that killing Astrid is a way to end the cycle of violence that has been perpetuated by the Dark Brotherhood. By eliminating her and the Brotherhood, you will be severing the root of the problem and giving the people of Skyrim a chance to rebuild and move forward. This can be seen as a moral victory for your character, as you will have gone against the grain and chosen the difficult path.
Benefit 4: Improving Your Reputation
Killing Astrid can also have possession implications for your character’s reputation. Depending on how your character is perceived by the people of Skyrim, killing Astrid may result in a boost to their fame or infamy. This could lead to new opportunities, quests, and even romantic relationships.
Benefit 5: A New Quest
Finally, killing Astrid may lead to a new questline and a fresh set of challenges and opportunities. The Dark Brotherhood has many secrets and mysteries, and when Astrid is gone, you will have the chance to uncover them and chart a new course for yourself.
However, There Are Also Drawbacks
While killing Astrid may offer several benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Loss of income: As a member of the Dark Brotherhood, you may have been earning money by completing contracts and assassinations for the Brotherhood. Without Astrid, this income stream may dry up.
- Loss of allies: By killing Astrid, you will be severing ties with the Dark Brotherhood, which may lead to the loss of other allies and contacts.
- Increased hostilities: Some factions may become hostile towards you after killing Astrid, such as the Thieves Guild or certain factions that have ties to the Brotherhood.
Conclusion
In conclusion, killing Astrid may offer several benefits for your character, including the retrieval of unique equipment, the destruction of the Dark Brotherhood, the ending of the cycle of violence, and potential improvements to your reputation. However, it also comes with some drawbacks, including the loss of income and allies, and increased hostilities from certain factions. Ultimately, the decision to kill Astrid should be based on your character’s goals, morality, and playstyle.
Here is a summary of the benefits and drawbacks in a table:
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Retrieve unique equipment: Blade of Woe | Loss of income |
| Destroy the Dark Brotherhood | Loss of allies |
| End the cycle of violence | Increased hostilities |
| Improve reputation | |
| New questline opportunities |
Final Thoughts
Remember that killing Astrid should be a deliberate choice, weighed against the potential consequences. If your character is committed to the Dark Brotherhood’s values and goals, then killing Astrid may be a betrayal and a betrayal of trust. However, if your character is looking to distance themselves from the Brotherhood and forge their own path, then killing Astrid may be the right choice.