Cicero: Skyrim’s Jester Assassin Follower – Is He Worth the Trouble?
Cicero is a jester. He is the Keeper of the Night Mother. You might find him annoying. Or he might add spice to your Dragonborn’s life. Picking the right follower in Skyrim is important. You need someone loyal in a dragon fight. But also, someone who won’t make you mute your game. So, is Cicero a good follower? Buckle up, as we explore the chaotic world of this jester assassin.
Is Cicero a Good Follower? The Stats Speak Volumes
Cicero is a top-tier follower. He is not some random guard. He is a trained assassin with skills that can enhance your gameplay. He is the stealthy friend you always wanted. He has manic laughter and questionable hygiene.
Another player said, “Cicero is one of the best companions you can get—an assassin with high stats and a well-developed personality.” Notice the theme? Stats and personality are key. He is not just a meat shield; he provides an experience.
How to Recruit Cicero: Earning the Jester’s Loyalty
You want Cicero as a follower? Here’s how to get him. It’s not as easy as asking him to carry your burdens. You can’t just approach him in Riften and say, “Wanna join my party?” Recruiting Cicero ties to the Dark Brotherhood questline.
The key point is: “You can recruit him once you’ve completed The Dark Brotherhood Quests.” You need to reach a decision point in “The Cure for Madness.” This quest gives you a choice: spare Cicero or kill him. Remember this rule: “You must spare Cicero to recruit him.” No mercy killing if you want him to join you.
After choosing to spare Cicero and finishing the Dark Brotherhood questline with “Hail Sithis!”, he becomes available. “After exiting Dawnstar Sanctuary post-‘Hail Sithis!’, Cicero can be found as a follower.” He usually waits around the Sanctuary. Chat with him, and he will follow your Dragonborn whims.
Cicero’s Combat Prowess: What Does He Bring to a Fight?
You now have Cicero. But what does he do in combat? Turns out, he’s effective as an assassin. “He uses Stealth, Archery, and One-Handed weapons.” He’s sneaky, good with a bow, and can stab enemies with a dagger expertly. He is a stealth archer in follower form, which is popular in Skyrim.
If you play a sneaky character, Cicero is the ideal partner. He complements your stealth approach, taking down enemies quietly. If you prefer direct combat, he holds his own in melee or helps at range with his bow. Just don’t expect him to tank dragon fire. He’s an assassin, not a knight.
The Question of Mortality: Can Cicero Be Killed?
In battle, follower mortality is a concern. Can Cicero die? “Yes, the Dragonborn can kill Cicero in Skyrim…” Technically, anyone can be killed if you try hard enough, even essential characters due to certain choices. But for followers, it’s different.
Importantly, “…but sparing him makes him a follower.” This highlights your choice in “The Cure for Madness.” If you spare him, he becomes essential for parts of the game, making him invulnerable to enemies. He can fall but won’t die permanently in combat as long as he retains essential status. Once recruited, he loses that status but remains durable due to his high level cap.
The Perks of Mercy: Benefits of Sparing Cicero
Besides getting a unique follower, are there other benefits to sparing Cicero? Yes. “If you help Cicero, he thanks you when you join the Dark Brotherhood and gives you some gold.” A little gold is always welcome, even if his gratitude is unsettling.
The main advantage of sparing Cicero is unlocking him as a follower. His skills and personality outweigh any downsides of having this jester with you. Plus, think of the tales! “Yeah, I travel with a jester assassin. No big deal.”
The Dark Side of Indecision: Consequences of Not Sparing Cicero
What if you decide Cicero’s theatrics are too much? If you report him, “He will go back to Loreius Farm and kill Vantus and his wife.” That’s grim. Reporting leads to innocent deaths. Killing Cicero means missing out on a follower and causing harm in the game world.
Killing him during “The Cure for Madness” closes off his follower option and harms Loreius Farm residents. Sparing him opens up potential, gives gold, and saves innocent lives. Morally and strategically, sparing Cicero is generally better unless your Dragonborn enjoys killing jesters.
Cicero’s Arsenal: Skills and Abilities Breakdown
Let’s examine what makes Cicero an effective fighter. He’s an assassin, but what does that mean for gameplay? “Cicero is one of the best companions – an assassin with high stats and a well-developed personality.” The emphasis on ‘best’ and ‘stats’ remains.
Crucially, “He has a max level of 50 and is considered essential.” The level cap matters. It means he scales with you; he remains strong throughout your journey. Being “essential” adds to his survivability during quests. Even after losing essential status, his high level makes him formidable.
Marriage Material? The Cicero Romance Question
For those charmed by Cicero’s uniqueness, a question arises: can you marry him? “No, you cannot marry Cicero in vanilla Skyrim…” Sadly, no jester weddings in unmodded Skyrim. Bethesda did not include him as an eligible bachelor. His talks about the Night Mother likely deterred potential suitors.
However, where there’s
A will exists. There is a mod. “…but mods let you marry him.” The Skyrim modding scene is creative. “One popular mod, ‘[PC] Marry Me Cicero’, lets you marry Cicero after the ‘Hail Sithis!’ quest.” If you want to marry the Keeper of the Night Mother on PC, modding is the way. Console players have no options. Bethesda may not embrace jester romance in future updates. Don’t count on it.
Understanding Essentiality: Cicero’s Invulnerability Periods
Cicero’s essential status deserves clarity. “Cicero is essential before and after ‘The Cure for Madness’ if spared. He cannot be killed during these times.” This means during the initial encounter and after sparing him while finishing the Dark Brotherhood questline, Cicero has plot armor. He is immune to death, at least from enemies. You, the Dragonborn, can still betray him, but enemies can’t kill him in these periods.
This essentiality shows his role in the Dark Brotherhood and narrative importance. Bethesda wanted Cicero to survive the key moments, ensuring players could deal with him in “The Cure for Madness” or use him as a follower later. It’s a narrative safety net to prevent key characters from dying too soon.
Dressing the Part: Cicero’s Unique Armor
Cicero’s outfit is distinct. His jester clothes stand out. Players may wonder: can you obtain his clothes? “Cicero’s Clothes can only be found in one place in Skyrim: worn by Cicero.” It’s a rare set.
“To get this set, you must kill the Night Mother’s Keeper during ‘The Cure For Madness’.” There’s irony in getting Cicero’s clothes by killing him. To wear his outfit means giving up having him as a follower. It’s a heavy choice. Alternatively, console commands or mods on PC may provide easier methods to claim his attire, but in the base game, it’s kill or go without.
Height Speculation: How Tall is the Jester?
Now to really important questions. What is Cicero’s height? “Cicero in Skyrim is likely around 5’4.80″ tall.” This is merely an estimate. Character heights aren’t always clear-cut. Based on in-game comparisons and estimates, around 5’5″ seems right for our jester assassin.
Does his height change gameplay? No, not really. But it gives depth for character analysis and lore fans. It adds to Cicero’s unique look, setting him apart from Nordic and Orcish characters. He is a bundle of chaotic energy.
Cicero Compared: How Does He Stack Up Against Other Followers?
Skyrim has many companions. From stoic housecarls to powerful mages, the choices are vast. How does Cicero measure against notable followers? Is he really “one of the best,” or just a jester exaggeration?
Top-Tier Companions: The Skyrim Follower Hall of Fame
In talks of best companions, several names arise. “Frea, a Skaal shaman from Solstheim, is often seen as powerful and versatile…” Frea comes from the Dragonborn DLC known for dual-wielding and shamanistic skills. She’s a strong follower.
“…while J’zargo, a Khajiit mage from Winterhold, and Serana, a vampire from Dawnguard, are also popular.” J’zargo is known for powerful magic attacks. Serana, a vampire lord from Dawnguard, has unique skills and a deep backstory. These three are grouped with Cicero among top Skyrim followers.
Other Notable Mentions: Solid Follower Alternatives
Outside top tier, many good followers exist. “Lydia is a strong melee follower available from the start.” Your housecarl in Whiterun often is the first follower encountered. She’s reliable early in the game.
“Teldryn Sero is a capable mage who shines early and mid-game.” Found in Raven Rock, Teldryn Sero excels as a mercenary mage. He’s a solid spellcaster and good for magical support.
“Mjoll the Lioness is a strong warrior located in Riften.” A Nord warrior, Mjoll is noted for her heavy armor and two-handed weapon skills, making her a hard-hitting companion.
Cicero vs. The Field: Standing Out
Where does Cicero stand in this hierarchy? He is in the upper ranks with Frea, J’zargo, and Serana. But what distinguishes him? It may be his unique talents and quirky personality. He isn’t merely a warrior like Lydia or Mjoll, nor just a magic user like J’zargo or Teldryn. He is a stealth assassin, offering different tactics.
“Notably, all humanoid followers can join the Blades, except Serana, Cicero, and the Dark Brotherhood initiates.” This marks a key difference. Most followers can join the Blades after main quests, while Cicero and his kind keep their exclusive role, highlighting their narrative value.
“Aela the Huntress reaches a level cap of 50 with a Sneak skill of 97, making her the best follower for stealthy players.” While Aela is arguably most skilled in stealth, Cicero’s assassin build with flair makes him appealing to stealth players. It boils down to preference: pure stealth or stealth with character.
The Unkillables: Essential Followers and Their Worth
Essential followers provide an advantage: they cannot die. This immortality helps in battles. Which followers are essential? “Serana, Frea, Mjoll, Cicero, and nameless Dark Brotherhood initiates are all classified as essential.” This list features strong characters, emphasizing that top followers often are essential.
“Certain followers are marked essential: Mjoll, Derkeethus, Serana, Cicero, Farkas, and Dark Brotherhood Initiates.” Derkeethus is an Argonian miner, an essential follower but less often mentioned. Farkas, a Companion member, is also essential at certain quest stages.
“Essential followers cannot die, making them valuable for challenging battles. Characters like Aela, Barbas (the talking dog), and Cicero have unique abilities and invulnerability, serving as strong assets on any journey.” Aela and Barbas are mentioned alongside Cicero as uniquely skilled followers. Their combination of essential status, skills, and personalities set these followers apart in Skyrim’s crowded companion scene.
Cicero and the Dark Brotherhood: A Twisted Family Affair
Cicero’s tale is closely linked to the Dark Brotherhood. He isn’t just a random jester turned assassin. He is an eccentric, dedicated member of this shadowy group. To understand Cicero is to grasp his role within the Dark Brotherhood.
Keeper of the Night Mother: Cicero’s Dark Brotherhood Role
What is Cicero’s job in the Dark Brotherhood? “Cicero is an assassin and Keeper of the Dark Brotherhood.” Being Keeper of the Night Mother is prestigious in the Dark Brotherhood. He transports and cares for the Night Mother’s coffin—essential for connecting to Sithis and obtaining Dark Brotherhood contracts.
“Cicero adheres to Dark Brotherhood’s old laws. His devotion, despite instability, makes him a loyal member.” His commitment to tradition conflicts with Astrid’s modern approach. Despite or perhaps due to his quirks, Cicero holds strong to traditional Dark Brotherhood values.
Brotherhood.
Astrid’s Betrayal: A Brotherhood Divided
The Dark Brotherhood questline shows intrigue and betrayal. Astrid leads the Skyrim Sanctuary. “She recruits the Dragonborn and betrays them for power within the Brotherhood.” Astrid’s ambition pushes her onto a treacherous path.
“Astrid fears her leadership jeopardized by the Dragonborn becoming the new Listener for the Night Mother. She betrays them, reporting the assassination attempt to Penitus Oculatus and Maro for amnesty and protection.” Astrid’s betrayal marks a pivotal moment in the Dark Brotherhood. She views the Dragonborn’s rise as a threat and takes desperate, flawed actions to secure her status.
The Nuclear Option: Destroying the Dark Brotherhood
Players who find the Dark Brotherhood morally wrong can choose to destroy them. What happens to Cicero here? “Cicero and Babette are absent in the Sanctuary, so they aren’t killed. Cicero is never seen again, while Babette’s fate remains unknown.” If you destroy the Dark Brotherhood, both Cicero and Babette survive.
This leaves their fates ambiguous. Cicero’s absence reflects his character arc. He is deeply connected to the Brotherhood, and its downfall likely shatters his purpose. Babette, as a child vampire, is presumably more resourceful, but her fate remains unclear afterward.
To Report or Not to Report: The Cicero Dilemma Revisited
Returning to the meeting with Cicero in “The Cure for Madness.” Should you report him or help him? “Helping Cicero is better. Reporting leads to the farmer and wife’s murder, while helping gives gold and Cicero’s gratitude when you join the Dark Brotherhood.” Helping Cicero is superior both morally and practically.
Reporting causes deaths and ends follower options. Helping him spares lives, grants a small reward, and unlocks Cicero as a follower. This choice has significant consequences for gameplay. Unless your Dragonborn seeks to be unpleasant, sparing Cicero is generally wise.
Moral Quandaries: Cicero and the Ethics of Skyrim
Despite its fantasy setting, Skyrim poses moral dilemmas. The Cicero dilemma prompts players to think about their actions’ ethical implications, particularly with the Dark Brotherhood.
Mercy vs. Justice: Sparing or Killing Cicero – The Moral Scale
Sparing Cicero may be the morally ‘right’ choice? “Sparing him seems more ethical than killing him because of Astrid’s betrayal.” Astrid complicates the moral landscape of the Dark Brotherhood. Ultimately, she is self-serving and willing to sacrifice the Brotherhood.
In this context, Cicero’s loyalty could seem principled, despite his eccentricity. Sparing him, a loyal servant of the Night Mother, may be more justifiable than killing him, especially considering Astrid’s actions.
The Morality of Murder: The Dark Brotherhood’s Alignment
Yet, let’s not forget the Dark Brotherhood’s nature. “The Dark Brotherhood kills for profit, clearly aligning with evil.” They are assassins, engaging in morally questionable tasks. Joining them means embracing an immoral path.
Even in a morally grey world like Skyrim, the Dark Brotherhood operates in shadows, fulfilling dubious contracts. While sparing Cicero might seem less evil than killing him, it does not change the organization’s fundamentally amoral nature. It involves choosing degrees of darkness.
Miscellaneous Cicero Facts: Intriguing Tidbits and Trivia
Beyond follower status and moral questions, many intriguing facts relate to Cicero, adding depth to his character.
Boethiah’s Sacrifice: A Grim Follower Fate
For those engaging with Daedric quests, Boethiah’s quest requires grim sacrifices. “Any non-essential follower can be sacrificed.” Cicero is essential at times but loses that status when he becomes a follower. This implies he could be sacrificed.
However, due to his popularity, sacrificing Cicero might feel particularly wrong. Numerous less-characterful followers exist for offering to the Daedric Prince of deceit. But the option exists, no matter how unpleasant.
Historical Betrayal: Cicero’s Roman Counterpart
The name ‘Cicero’ has historical roots. “Later, Octavian betrays Cicero; Antony prescribes him, and his hands end up nailed to a senate wall.” This refers to the famous Roman statesman Marcus Tullius Cicero. His fate involved tragic betrayal and a gruesome end.
While Skyrim’s Cicero is a jester assassin, the historical one was a gifted orator and politician. “Cicero was an excellent orator and lawyer, shrewd in politics.” He was prominent in Roman politics, known for eloquence and intelligence. “He was elected to essential Roman offices on his first try at the earliest age permitted.” His rapid ascent showcases his talents.
Pronunciation Ponderings: Cicero or Kikero?
Finally, a linguistic curiosity: how pronounce Cicero’s name? “The classical pronunciation was ‘kikero’.” Classical Latin pronunciation uses a ‘K’ sound for ‘C.’
Modern English often substitutes an ‘S’ sound for ‘Ci’ and ‘Ce.’ Thus, ‘Cicero’ as ‘Sis-er-oh’ is common in modern contexts. In Skyrim, pronunciation leans towards modern English forms. However, knowing classical pronunciation adds depth to this character’s name.
