When playing the popular video game “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim”, players are faced with many moral choices throughout their journey. One of the most challenging decisions involves a peculiar dog named Barbas and an ancient artifact known as the Rueful Axe. The question arises: should you kill Barbas and keep the powerful axe for yourself, or should you return the axe and spare Barbas’ life?
Barbas, a talking dog with a rather annoying demeanor, accompanies the player for a significant portion of the game. He is the loyal companion of Clavicus Vile, the Daedric Prince of Wishes, and his presence is part of a larger questline. Throughout your travels together, Barbas will engage you in conversations and often offers both helpful and not so helpful advice.
On the other hand, the Rueful Axe is a unique weapon with impressive enchantments. It deals substantial damage and has the ability to petrify enemies, making it a valuable asset for any adventurer. However, returning the axe to its rightful owner may result in different rewards and even a potential follower.
So, should you prioritize your own gain and kill Barbas, or should you demonstrate compassion and return the axe? The answer ultimately depends on your moral compass and the kind of character you wish to portray in the game. Choose wisely, as the path you select can significantly impact your gaming experience and the outcome of the questline.
Should I Make the Controversial Choice to Kill Barbas or Give the Axe Back?
When playing the game Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, players are faced with a difficult decision regarding Barbas and the Rueful Axe. Barbas is a talking dog and a companion to Clavicus Vile, the Daedric Prince of wishes and trickery. The Rueful Axe, on the other hand, is a powerful weapon that can be wielded by the Dragonborn.
Barbas accompanies players on a quest to retrieve the Rueful Axe. However, at the end of the quest, players are given the option to either kill Barbas and keep the axe or return the axe to Clavicus Vile. This decision has sparked much debate among players, as both options have their own advantages and disadvantages.
If players choose to kill Barbas, they will be able to keep the powerful Rueful Axe. The axe has a base damage of 24, making it one of the most powerful weapons in the game. It also has a unique enchantment called “No Mercy,” which increases the damage dealt to enemies who are fleeing. This makes it particularly useful against enemies who are low on health and trying to escape.
On the other hand, killing Barbas has its drawbacks. Barbas is a friendly and helpful companion throughout the quest, providing players with valuable information and assistance in combat. He is also able to carry items, making him a convenient storage option. By killing Barbas, players lose out on the benefits of having a companion and miss out on future interactions with him.
Alternatively, players can choose to give the axe back to Clavicus Vile. By doing so, they will receive the Daedric artifact called the Masque of Clavicus Vile as a reward. The Masque of Clavicus Vile is a unique helmet with a base armor rating of 23 and an enchantment that increases the player’s speechcraft by 20 points. This can be especially useful for players who want to improve their persuasion skills in the game.
However, giving the axe back means that players will not have access to the powerful Rueful Axe. This may be disappointing for players who are seeking a high-damage weapon to add to their arsenal. It is also worth noting that the Rueful Axe itself does not count towards any Daedric artifact collection quests, so keeping or returning it does not affect the completion of those quests.
| Choice | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Kill Barbas | – Get to keep the powerful Rueful Axe – Unique enchantment increases damage to fleeing enemies |
– Lose a friendly and helpful companion – Miss out on future interactions with Barbas |
| Give Axe Back | – Receive the Masque of Clavicus Vile as a reward – Enchantment increases speechcraft |
– Lose access to the powerful Rueful Axe – Disappointing for players seeking a high-damage weapon |
In conclusion, the choice to kill Barbas and keep the Rueful Axe or give the axe back to Clavicus Vile is a divisive one among players of Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Both choices have their own advantages and disadvantages, and ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and playstyle. Whether you value the power of the Rueful Axe or the benefits of the Masque of Clavicus Vile, the decision is yours to make.
Understanding the Dilemma
In the popular video game Skyrim, one of the many quests players encounter is the “A Daedra’s Best Friend” quest. This quest presents players with a peculiar dilemma involving a talking dog named Barbas and the powerful artifact, the Rueful Axe.
Barbas, a cheerful and loyal dog, belongs to the Daedric Prince Clavicus Vile. He asks for your assistance in finding the Rueful Axe, a weapon that holds great power and is associated with the Daedric Prince. However, there is a catch: Barbas cannot touch the axe himself due to a curse placed upon him by Clavicus Vile, and he wants the player to retrieve it for him.
The dilemma arises when the player has to make a choice: should they kill Barbas and keep the Rueful Axe for themselves, or should they return the axe to Clavicus Vile and reunite Barbas with his master?
Both options have their pros and cons. Killing Barbas allows the player to keep the powerful Rueful Axe, granting them a significant advantage in combat. On the other hand, returning the axe to Clavicus Vile and reuniting Barbas might result in receiving a different artifact, the Masque of Clavicus Vile, which provides its wearer with useful bonuses.
The Consequences of Killing Barbas
Choosing to kill Barbas and keep the Rueful Axe leads to several consequences. Firstly, Clavicus Vile becomes displeased with the player, causing him to lose favor and potentially miss out on future rewards or quests from the Daedric Prince. Furthermore, certain NPCs in the game, such as those in Falkreath, might react negatively to the player’s actions.
Additionally, while the Rueful Axe is a powerful weapon, it is not as effective as it initially seems. It lacks enchantments and has lower base damage compared to other unique weapons in the game. This means that the player might find themselves regretting their decision to kill Barbas after realizing the axe’s limitations.
The Benefits of Returning the Axe
If the player chooses to return the Rueful Axe to Clavicus Vile and reunite Barbas with his master, they receive the Masque of Clavicus Vile as a reward. This artifact provides valuable bonuses to the player, including higher prices for items sold and a boost to Speech, making it easier to persuade NPCs in the game. The Masque is also more aesthetically pleasing than the Rueful Axe, which might be a factor for players who prioritize appearance over raw power.
Furthermore, by returning the Rueful Axe and fulfilling Barbas’ request, players uphold the values of loyalty and compassion. This choice aligns with the hero archetype often portrayed in games, where saving innocent beings and helping others are seen as noble deeds.
Final Considerations
Ultimately, the decision of whether to kill Barbas or return the axe depends on the player’s personal preference and playing style. Some players might prioritize power and choose to kill Barbas for the Rueful Axe, while others might value morality and selflessness more and opt to reunite Barbas with his master.
It is worth noting that Skyrim is a game that allows players to make choices and experience the consequences of those choices. This dilemma serves as yet another example of the game’s ability to present morally ambiguous situations and challenge players to consider the impact of their decisions.
| Killing Barbas and keeping the Rueful Axe | Returning the Axe to Clavicus Vile |
|---|---|
| Pros: | Pros: |
| – Gain a powerful weapon | – Receive the Masque of Clavicus Vile |
| – Potential advantage in combat | – Bonuses to prices and Speech |
| – Choice aligned with personal power and self-interest | – Uphold values of loyalty and compassion |
| Cons: | Cons: |
| – Lose favor with Clavicus Vile | – Smaller base damage than other unique weapons |
| – Negative reactions from certain NPCs | – Miss out on potential future rewards or quests |
Weighing the Consequences
When it comes to the decision of whether to kill Barbas or give the axe back, it is important to carefully weigh the consequences. Both options have their own set of outcomes, which can greatly impact future events and interactions within the game.
If you choose to kill Barbas, you will be permanently removing a companion from your side. While this may grant you the satisfaction of completing the given quest or gaining certain rewards, it could also result in missed opportunities for fun and interesting interactions that Barbas could have provided later in the game.
On the other hand, if you decide to give the axe back to Barbas and let him live, he will continue to serve as a companion. This could potentially enhance your gaming experience by having a loyal companion by your side, helping you in battles and offering valuable insights along your journey.
However, this choice also comes with its own set of consequences. By returning the axe, you may potentially miss out on certain rewards or outcomes that killing Barbas could have provided. Additionally, keeping Barbas as a companion might limit your freedom to switch companions or explore other storylines that require a different companion by your side.
Ultimately, the decision to kill Barbas or give the axe back is up to you. Consider your own preferences, playstyle, and goals within the game. Evaluating the potential consequences of each choice can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your gaming experience and desires.
The Morality of the Decision
Deciding whether to kill Barbas or give the axe back is not a simple choice to make. It raises ethical considerations and challenges our sense of right and wrong. While the decision ultimately lies with the player, it is essential to consider the consequences and the implications of our actions.
Killing Barbas:
If the player decides to kill Barbas, they are choosing to take a life. This raises questions about the value of sentient beings and the morality of ending a life for personal gain. Killing Barbas may provide immediate benefits, but it comes at a cost – the loss of a unique and intelligent creature. This decision echoes themes of betrayal and selfishness.
Returning the Axe:
On the other hand, giving the axe back demonstrates compassion and loyalty. It signifies a willingness to put others’ needs above personal gain. Returning the axe may have its disadvantages, such as losing the potential rewards that come with keeping it. However, this decision aligns with values of altruism and fosters a sense of empathy towards other beings.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to kill Barbas or give the axe back is a reflection of the player’s own morality. It challenges us to consider the consequences of our actions and the values we hold dear. Regardless of the choice made, it is essential to approach it with thoughtfulness and introspection.
Considering the In-Game Benefits
If you are trying to decide whether to kill Barbas or give the axe back, it is important to consider the in-game benefits of each choice. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, so weighing them carefully can help you make an informed decision.
Here are some factors to consider:
- Quest Rewards: Killing Barbas will allow you to complete the “A Daedra’s Best Friend” quest and receive the masque of Clavicus Vile, a unique Daedric artifact. On the other hand, giving the axe back to Barbas will reward you with the Rueful Axe, which has a powerful enchantment. Consider the rewards that align with your character build and playstyle.
- Moral implications: Killing a character, even in a video game, can have moral implications. Consider your personal ethics and the potential impact on your character’s moral compass before making a decision. Remember, the choices you make in-game may have consequences later on.
- Interest in Daedric quests: If you enjoy completing all the Daedric quests in Skyrim, giving the axe back to Barbas may be worth considering. The completionist in you might appreciate the opportunity to finish another questline.
- Role-playing opportunities: Depending on your character’s backstory and motivations, different choices may align better with their personality. Consider the role-playing opportunities each option presents and choose the one that is more in line with your character’s story.
- Combat preferences: The Rueful Axe has a powerful enchantment that can be particularly useful in combat situations. If you rely heavily on melee combat or have a character build that benefits from enchanted weapons, giving the axe back to Barbas could be a strategic choice.
Ultimately, the decision to kill Barbas or give the axe back is a personal one that depends on your own preferences and playstyle. Consider the in-game benefits, your character’s story, and your own moral compass to make the choice that feels right for you.
