Should I Let Astrid Live?
Astrid is a crucial character in the Dark Brotherhood questline in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. As you progress through the story, you are faced with the decision of whether to let Astrid live or not. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of each option and help you make an informed decision.
Direct Answer: Should I Let Astrid Live?
No, Astrid’s death is required to progress the storyline. Killing her will initiate the "Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!" quest, while sparing her life will result in all members of the Brotherhood becoming un-killable.
Why Kill Astrid?
• Progress the Storyline: Astrid’s death is a necessary step to progress the Dark Brotherhood questline. Killing her will allow you to continue the story and complete the "Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!" quest.
• Prevent Un-killable Targets: If you spare Astrid’s life, all members of the Brotherhood will become un-killable, making it impossible to complete the questline.
Why Spare Astrid’s Life?
• Retain Moral Ground: Some players may choose to spare Astrid’s life due to their moral compass. Astrid is a complex character with her own motivations and backstory, and killing her may not align with your character’s values.
• Retain the Option to Join the Dark Brotherhood: If you spare Astrid’s life, you will still have the option to join the Dark Brotherhood and complete the questline.
What Happens if I Spare Astrid’s Life?
• All Brotherhood Members Become Un-killable: If you spare Astrid’s life, all members of the Brotherhood will become un-killable, making it impossible to complete the questline.
• You Will Always Have the Option to Join the Dark Brotherhood: Despite sparing Astrid’s life, you will still have the option to join the Dark Brotherhood and complete the questline.
What Happens if I Kill Astrid?
• Initiate the "Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!" Quest: Killing Astrid will initiate the "Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!" quest, allowing you to progress the storyline and complete the questline.
• Retain the Option to Join Other Factions: Killing Astrid will not prevent you from joining other factions in the game, such as the Companions or the Thieves Guild.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Astrid’s death is a necessary step to progress the Dark Brotherhood questline. While sparing her life may have moral implications, it will not allow you to complete the questline. Weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully and make an informed decision based on your character’s values and goals.
Table: Pros and Cons of Killing Astrid
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Kill Astrid | Progress the storyline, prevent un-killable targets | Retain moral ground, retain option to join Dark Brotherhood |
| Spare Astrid’s Life | Retain moral ground, retain option to join Dark Brotherhood | All Brotherhood members become un-killable, unable to complete questline |
Note: This article is based on the vanilla game and may not apply to mods or other custom content.