Complete Guide to Skyrim's Bound Until Death Quest

Introduction

In Bethesda's epic role-playing game, Skyrim, players have the chance to immerse themselves in a rich narrative filled with quests. One such quest is "Bound Until Death," which is part of the Dark Brotherhood storyline. In this quest, players must navigate betrayal, assassination, and intrigue to fulfill their duties as an assassin. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough to help you complete the quest efficiently, ensuring you can unravel the plot and deal with the characters involved effectively.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

• Starting the Quest

  • • To initiate the "Bound Until Death" quest, you must first become a member of the Dark Brotherhood.
    • Accept the quest "Innocence Lost" from Astrid when you reach the Sanctuary.
    • After the questline progresses, you will eventually receive the "Bound Until Death" quest from Astrid.
    • Once activated, head to the next objective, which is the location of your target.

• Objectives Overview

  • • Your goal is to eliminate a person named Cicero, who is involved in the plot against Astrid.
    • You will track him down at a location known as the "Pinewatch."
    • The quest will engage you in a commentary about the nature of duty, trust, and betrayal within the Dark Brotherhood.

• Travel to Pinewatch

  • • From the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary, head outside and look for the nearest landmark on your map marked as Pinewatch.
    • Be mindful of potential enemies along the way, as this area can be populated by various factions.
    • Once you arrive at Pinewatch, look for the entrance; it is a hidden bandit hideout often frequented by enemies.

• Inside Pinewatch

  • • Upon entering Pinewatch, you’ll need to navigate through the bandits that occupy the space.
    • Utilize stealth or combat tactics to clear the area, thus ensuring a safer environment as you carry out your mission.
    • Keep an eye out for traps; they are set up to guard against intruders, and could prove deadly.

• Find Cicero

  • • As you traverse through the hideout, your primary aim is to locate Cicero.
    • Use your map and quest markers to guide you towards his position in the basement level of Pinewatch.
    • Upon finding him, you’ll witness a scripted scene that reveals more about the plot against the Brotherhood.

• Completing the Assassination

  • • After the conversation with Cicero, you have the choice to assassinate him or let him go—however, only one option is viable for quest completion.
    • If you choose to kill him, execute the assassination under the cover of darkness to maintain your stealth.
    • Should you fail to maintain stealth, be prepared for a fight; Cicero will defend himself vigorously.

• Return to Astrid

  • • After completing the assassination, make your way back to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary.
    • Speak with Astrid to conclude the quest. She will reward you and inform you about the potential implications your actions could have on the Brotherhood.

• Quest Rewards

  • • Upon successful completion, you will receive a reward, which typically includes increased standing within the Dark Brotherhood, as well as access to new quests and items.
    • Be sure to explore your new opportunities within the Dark Brotherhood storyline for maximum benefit.

Conclusion

Completing the "Bound Until Death" quest in Skyrim is both thrilling and essential to exploring the darker narratives the game offers. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will successfully track down Cicero, make impactful decisions, and solidify your place within the Dark Brotherhood. Engage with every twist in the quest, and you’ll uncover even more depth to the storyline. Happy hunting!