Skyrim:Astrid

The UESPWiki – Your source for The Elder Scrolls since 1995
Jump to: navigation, search
Astrid
(RefID: 0001BDE8)
(lore page)
Location Abandoned Shack
Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary
Race Nord Gender Female
Level PC×1 (min=5) Class Assassin
RefID 0001BDE8 BaseID 0001BDB4
Other Information
Health 250+(PC-1)×8.3
Magicka 50+(PC-1)×1.7
Stamina 250+(PC-1)×5
Primary Skills One-handed, Sneak, Archery, Light Armor
Class Details CombatAssassin
Morality No Crime Aggression Aggressive
Essential Yes, from Sanctuary to Death Incarnate
Voice Type Unique
Faction(s) The Dark Brotherhood; FavorExcludedFaction
Astrid

Astrid is a Nord assassin, the leader of the last remaining Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary in Tamriel, and the wife of former Companion Arnbjorn. She also initiates many of the quests in the Dark Brotherhood questline.

When you first meet her in the Abandoned Shack, Astrid wears the typical Dark Brotherhood garb consisting of Shrouded Armor, Shrouded Gloves, Shrouded Boots, and a Shrouded Cowl. However throughout the rest of the Dark Brotherhood questline, she is seen without her cowl. She also carries around the Blade of Woe.

After joining the Brotherhood, if you ask Astrid about herself, she will explain how she joined the Brotherhood: "This Sanctuary has been my entire life since I was a young woman. That's when I first discovered my, shall we call it "aptitude," for elimination. I had an uncle, you see. He made certain... unwanted advances. So I killed him. And liked it. Then I killed again. And liked it even more. And so on. I was recruited by the Dark Brotherhood, and have been here ever since. I met my husband Arnbjorn, rose to leadership. And now here we are."

When Cicero and the Night Mother arrive to the Sanctuary, Astrid becomes weary of the Keeper's presence which is seen when you ask her about whether things will change on the matter: "Very little. You have my word on that. The Night Mother represents a chapter in the Dark Brotherhood's history that has long since been closed. Today we live by our own rules. We're the last Sanctuary in all of Tamriel, and only by forgoing the old ways have we survived for so long. My only worry is her "Keeper." I'm not sure what Cicero expects to gain by bringing the Night Mother here, but he'll soon learn this is my Sanctuary." Her growing paranoia of Cicero eventually leads to his attempt to murder her during the quest The Cure for Madness, for openly speaking badly of the Night Mother, to which she openly admits: "If I'm being honest, I haven't exactly been discreet lately in expressing my frustration with this whole situation. Obeying the Night Mother. You being the Listener. It's ridiculous. No offense. Cicero may have overheard me talking to one of the others about the Night Mother. It's possible I was... not entirely respectful."

Related Quests[edit]

Quest-Related Events[edit]

With Friends Like These...[edit]

"Sleep well?"

When you awaken from your slumber after receiving a mysterious note, you will be introduced to Astrid, a member of the Dark Brotherhood. She will initiate conversation:

"Sleep well?"
What? Where am I? Who are you?
"Does it matter? You're warm, dry... and still very much alive. That's more than can be said for old Grelod. Hmm?"
You know about that?
"Half of Skyrim knows. Old hag gets butchered in her own orphanage? Things like that tend to get around. Oh, but don't misunderstand. I'm not criticizing. It was a good kill. Old crone had it coming. And you saved a group of urchins, to boot. Ah, but there is a slight... problem."
A problem?
I don't think I like where this is going...
(Remain silent)

All three will lead to the response:

"You see, that little Aretino boy was looking for the Dark Brotherhood. For me, and my associates. Grelod the Kind was, by all rights, a Dark Brotherhood contract. A kill... that you stole. A kill you must repay."
You want me to murder someone else? Who?
"Well now. Funny you should ask. If you turn around, you'll notice my guests. I've "collected" them from... well, that's not really important. The here and now. That's what matters. You see, there's a contract out on one of them, and that person can't leave this room alive. But... which one? Go on, see if you can figure it out. Make your choice. Make your kill. I just want to observe... and admire."
I'll have no part of this insanity.
"Now that is a shame. But what you fail to realise is that you involved yourself in this "insanity" when you took Grelod's life. You made your choice. Now it's time to face the consequences of your actions. You don't leave this shack until someone dies."
All right, I'll do it. I'll kill one of them.
"See, I knew we could resolve this civilly. A debt owed must be repaid. You understand that. Well, get to it then. Pick your guest, and send the poor fool to the Void. I'll give you the key to this shack, and you'll be on your way."
(Remain silent)
"Am I to take your silence as acceptance? Then you know where we stand. Make your kill, and we're square. Repayment of your debt is but a discreet knife thrust away."

Alternatively, if you choose to walk away from her, she will continue: "I'll cut right to it. You murdered the old woman in the orphanage. You owe the Dark Brotherhood a kill. I've come to collect. One of these poor sods has a contract out on their life. Which one is it? Any idea? Make your choice. Make your kill. And you get to walk away."

At this point, you can decide whether to kill one of the three hostages or kill Astrid and initiate the quest, Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!

If you chose not to kill Astrid, she will now tell you: "I would like to officially extend to you an invitation to join my Family. The Dark Brotherhood. In the southwest reaches of Skyrim, in the Pine Forest, you'll find the entrance to our Sanctuary. It's just beneath the road, hidden from view. When questioned by the Black Door, answer with the correct passphrase: "Silence, my brother." Then you're in. And your new life begins. I'll see you at home."

Sanctuary[edit]

Once you locate and enter the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary, Astrid will greet you:

"Ah, at last! I hope you found the place all right."
So what happens now?
"Well, what happens now is you start your new life in the Dark Brotherhood. You're part of the Family, after all. This, as you can see, is our Sanctuary. You won't find a safer place in all of Skyrim. So get comfortable."

She will also be planning a contract for you to fulfill, but will direct you to see Nazir in the meantime. However, before you go and speak to Nazir, she will present you with the Dark Brotherhood armor and tell you: "Soon, the Night Mother will arrive. And things around here are sure to get even more interesting."

Once you have completed the three contracts given to you by Nazir, you may return to Astrid who is now in the central room along with the rest of the family, talking to the new arrival within the Sanctuary:

"My word is law. Are we clear on that point?"

Cicero: "But the Night Mother is mother to all! It is her voice we follow! Her will! Would you dare risk disobedience? And surely... punishment?"
Arnbjorn: "Keep talking, little man, and we'll see who gets "punished.""
Festus: "Oh, be quiet you great lumbering lapdog. The man has had a long journey. You can at least be civil. Mister Cicero, I for one am delighted you and the Night Mother have arrived. Your presence here signals a welcome return to tradition."
Cicero: "Oh, what a kind and wise wizard you are. Sure to earn our Lady's favor."
Astrid: "You and the Night Mother are of course welcome here, Cicero. And you will be afforded the respect deserving of your position as Keeper. Understood... husband?"
Arnbjorn: "Hmph."
Cicero: "Oh, yes yes yes! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Astrid: "But make no mistake. I am the leader of this Sanctuary. My word is law. Are we clear on that point?"
Cicero: "Oh yes, mistress. Perfectly! You're the boss."

After everyone has finished talking, you may approach Astrid, who will now have a contract for you. She will initiate the conversation by saying:

"Ah, there you are. Good, I was done speaking with that muttering fool anyway. We've got some business to discuss."
Do you have a contract for me?
"I do indeed. You must go to the city of Markarth, and speak with the apothecary's assistant. You'll probably find her in the shop, The Hag's Cure. The girl's been running her mouth, wants an ex-lover killed. She's apparently performed the Black Sacrament. Her name is Muiri. I need you to talk to her, set up the contract, and carry it out."
Anything else?
"Just do whatever the contact wishes. Be professional, represent us well, and get the job done. Since it's your first contract, I'll let you keep whatever Muiri pays. She'll be generous, I'm sure. They always are."

Whispers in the Dark[edit]

"What are they planning?"

After you have completed the quest Mourning Never Comes, and you return to the Sanctuary, Astrid will greet you:

"Ah, you're back. So, how went your first real contract? A bit more exciting than what Nazir's been offering, I'd wager."
I did what had to be done. Nothing more.
"Of course dear, of course. And from what my little ravens tell me, you handled yourself quite well. Now, I need your assistance with a matter of a more... personal nature."
I live only to serve. Hail Sithis!
Oh, very good. Very good indeed. You, my dear, are going to fit in here quite nicely... Now, I need your assistance with a matter of a more... personal nature."
(Remain silent)
"Very well. I respect your discretion. Now, I need your assistance with a matter of a more... personal nature."
Is something wrong?
"It's Cicero. Ever since he arrived, his behavior's been... Well, erratic would be an understatement. I do believe he is truly mad. But it's worse than that. He's taken to locking himself in the Night Mother's chamber, and talking. To someone. In hushed, but frantic tones. Who is he speaking with? What are they planning? I fear treachery."
Astrid, you're being a bit... paranoid.
"Maybe so, but healthy paranoia has saved this Sanctuary before, and my gut's telling me that demented little fool is up to something."
By Sithis, we must stop them!
"As the Night Mother's Keeper, he believes he's entitled to the rule of this Sanctuary. Cicero will cite our independence as the need to revert to the Old Ways. He'll claim we're undisciplined, unruly. Heretical, even. Ironically, the Night Mother could prove to be just as much a victim. The queen in a fool's twisted game of chess."
(Remain silent)
"You must understand. If Cicero was turning the others against me, against us, our Family would not survive such division."

She will then ask you to spy on Cicero:

What do you want me to do?
"Dear brother/sister, I need you to steal into that chamber, and eavesdrop on their meeting. It'll be no use clinging to the shadows. They'll see you for sure. No, you need a hiding place. Somewhere they'd never think to look. Like inside the Night Mother's coffin."
But that seems so... disrespectful.
"Be that as it may, we have no other choice. You need to remain unseen. Now go, before they meet, and report back to me with whatever you learn."
Yes, the coffin. It's perfect.
(Remain silent)
"No objections, then? Good. Go now. Before they meet. And report back to me with whatever you learn."

You will be directed to hide in the Night Mother's coffin, but it is possible to talk to Astrid again before you do so:

What do you think Cicero is planning?
"Isn't it obvious? As the Night Mother's Keeper, he believes he's entitled to the rule of this Sanctuary. Cicero will cite our independence as the need to revert to the Old Ways. He'll claim we're undisciplined, unruly. Heretical, even. Ironically, the Night Mother could prove to be just as much a victim. The queen in a fool's twisted game of chess."
Is there anything else I should know?
I don't believe so. But I'll be able to instruct you further after you've returned from the chamber. It depends on what you learn. And make haste! You must be in place before Cicero and his... ally arrive! They could be planning another meeting at any time!"
Any idea who would conspire with Cicero?
"That's the real question, isn't it? The jester enters, seals the door, and the conversation begins. So someone must be waiting for him inside. Any one of us could enter that chamber silently. Unnoticed. But who amongst us would dare conspire against the Sanctuary? The very thought breaks my heart."

Later on, when you hide in the Night Mother's coffin, Cicero soon finds out that you've been spying on him. Astrid will inevitably run into the room, fearing the worst:

"By Sithis, this ends now!"

Astrid: "By Sithis, this ends now! Back away, fool! Whatever you've been planning is over! Are you all right? I heard the commotion. Who was Cicero talking to? Where's the accomplice? Reveal yourself, traitor!"
Cicero: "I spoke only to the Night Mother! I spoke to the Night Mother, but she didn't speak to me. Oh no. She spoke only to him/her! To the Listener!"
Astrid: "What? The Listener? What are you going on about? What is this lunacy?"
Cicero: "It's true, it's true! The Night Mother has spoken! The silence has been broken! The Listener has been chosen!"

She will now approach you:

"When I heard Cicero screaming, I knew you'd been discovered. I feared the worst. Are you all right?"
Yes, I'm fine.
"Then what in Sithis' name is going on? Cicero spoke to the Night Mother, but she spoke to you? Is this just more of the fool's rambling?"
I... I don't know. It happened so fast.
"Okay, let's all take a deep breath. Cicero said he spoke to the Night Mother, but she spoke to you? Please tell me this is some kind of sick joke."
(Remain silent)
"You look like you've just seen a ghost. Please tell me you haven't. Cicero said he spoke to the Night Mother... but she spoke to you?"
It's true. The Night Mother spoke to me. She said I was "the one."
"What? So Cicero wasn't talking to anyone else. Just... the Night Mother's body? And the Night Mother, who, according to everything we know, will only speak to the person chosen as Listener... just spoke. Right now... to you?"
Yes.
"By Sithis. And... what did she say?"
I must speak to someone named Amaund Motierre, in Volunruud.
"Amaund Motierre? I have no idea who that is. But Volunruud... that I have heard of. And I know where it is."
So I should go to Volunruud? I should talk to this man?
"Hmm? No. No! Listen, I don't know what's going on here, but you take your orders from me. Are we clear on that? The Night Mother may have spoken to you, but I am still the leader of this Family. I will not have my authority so easily dismissed. I... I need time to think about all this. Go see Nazir - do some work for him. I'll find you when I'm ready to discuss the matter further."

The Silence Has Been Broken[edit]

"We need to talk."

Once you have completed the contracts issued by Nazir and have returned to the Sanctuary, you will be interrupted by Astrid who says:

"We need to talk."
Of course, Astrid. What is it?
Has the time come? Will I now serve the Night Mother?
(Remain silent)

All three dialogue options lead to Astrid saying:

"Look. Something is happening here. I'm not sure entirely what that something is, but... Well, we need to find out. If the Night Mother really did give you an order to talk to a contact, we'd be mad to ignore it. And I think we'd both agree, Cicero's brought quite enough madness to this Sanctuary. So go. Go to Volunruud. It's a crypt, pretty far to the northeast. Talk to this Amaund Motierre. And let's see where all this leads. Hmm?"

You are now directed to go to Volunruud and speak to Amaund Motierre. Once you've spoken to Amaund and he has given you his sealed letter along with a jeweled amulet, you are to return to the Sanctuary and report back to Astrid. Upon your arrival back, Astrid will begin to question you:

"You're back. Good. All right, so? Did you meet this Motierre? What did he want?"
Motierre wants us... to kill the Emperor.
"You're joking."
(Show Astrid the amulet and sealed letter)
"What's this?"
The letter explains it all. The amulet is for expenses.
"By Sithis, you're not joking. To kill the Emperor of Tamriel... The Dark Brotherhood hasn't done such a thing since the assassination of Pelagius. As a matter of fact, no one has dared assassinate an Emperor of Tamriel since the murder of Uriel Septim, and that was two hundred years ago..."
Surely the Night Mother wouldn't misdirect us...
"No, she certainly wouldn't. And... for whatever reason, she chose to relay Motierre's information to you. I don't know exactly what's going on here, if you're the Listener, or this is some fluke, or what. But what we now have before us..."
So we'll accept the contract?
"You're damn right we'll accept it. If we pull this off, the Dark Brotherhood will know a fear and respect we haven't seen in centuries. You think I'd abandon an opportunity to lead my Family to glory? But this is all so much to take in. I need time to read the letter, and figure out where we go from here. And this amulet. Hmmm..."
What are you thinking?
"I'm thinking we need that amulet appraised. I want to know where it came from, how much it's worth, and if we can actually get away with selling it. And, there's only one man who can give us what we need - Delvin Mallory. He's a fence, a private operator. Works out of the Ratway, in Riften. Give me the letter. Bring Mallory the amulet. Find out everything you can, and sell it if he's willing. He'll offer a letter of credit - that's fine. Delvin Mallory and the Dark Brotherhood have... history. He can be trusted."

When you return with the letter of credit from Delvin, Astrid will approach you:

"Good, you're back. Well, what did Mallory have to say? Is the amulet authentic?"
Yes, and specially made for members of the Elder Council.
"The Elder Council... Oh, now that explains quite a bit. Motierre, you naughty, naughty boy. Hiring the Dark Brotherhood to help you rise beyond your station. Delicious. Was Mallory willing to buy the amulet?"
He was. Here's a letter of credit.
"Splendid. Then we're ready to begin. Or, more specifically, you're ready to begin. After all, you're the one the Night Mother spoke to."

If you read Motierre's letter before delivering it to her, she will add:

"But by Sithis, I hope I'm making the right choice here. You may be an effective killer, but your command of guile leaves much to be desired. The sealed letter you delivered to me was mysteriously unsealed upon its arrival. I can only assume you've read its contents. Sloppy... But moving on to business. As you probably already know from reading the letter... you're going to a wedding."

If not, she will continue:

"Now then. I hope you have something nice to wear. Because you're going to a wedding."
A wedding?
"Well, more like the public reception. It should be a lovely affair. You'll mingle with the guests, eat some cake... stab the bride. Oh yes. You've got to kill the bride. At her wedding. And they say romance is dead."

You can then choose between three responses, all of which will lead her to elaborate on the macabre task:

Who's the target?
"Her name is Vittoria Vici. She oversees the East Empire Company's business holdings in Solitude. The wedding is being held in that city, at the Temple of the Divines. Her death will cause an uproar, which is exactly what we want. Vici is likely to address her guests frequently, as is the wedding custom. Kill her when she does that, and I promise you a significant bonus. Now go. And give my best to the bride."
Enough talk. Just tell me who to kill.
"Very well. The target's name is Vittoria Vici. She oversees the East Empire Company's business holdings in Solitude. The wedding is being held in that city, at the Temple of the Divines. Her death will cause an uproar, which is exactly what we want. Remember, we want people to notice. Kill Vici while she's addressing her guests, as is the custom, and I can promise a bonus. Now go. And give the bride a special kiss, from me."
(Remain silent)
"Your target's name is Vittoria Vici. She oversees the East Empire Company's business holdings in Solitude. The wedding is being held in that city, at the Temple of the Divines. Her death will cause an uproar, which is exactly what we want. Vici is likely to address her guests frequently, as is the wedding custom. Kill her when she does that, and I promise you a significant bonus. Now go. And give the city of Solitude a celebration they're not likely to forget."

You can then ask Astrid a slew of additional questions:

Can you provide any more details on the contract?
"This is a public kill. How you do it is entirely up to you. Arrow to the throat? Knife in the belly? Your choice, so long as it's loud and messy. Because of the current political climate, people are going to assume the murder is related to the bad blood between the Legion and Stormcloaks. In any event, when Vici dies, it's going to be complete pandemonium. Best have your escape route planned out in advance."
(?)
"Soon. I'm not exactly sure when. But not to worry - the ceremony itself is being followed up by a public banquet that will last for several days. Both Vittoria and her husband will be there for the duration, and everyone in Solitude is invited to attend. You'll have plenty of opportunity."
What's Vici's connection to the Emperor?
"An excellent question. Vittoria Vici is the first cousin to our dear Emperor, Titus Mede II. Vici has obvious Imperial connections. Her husband has ties to the Stormcloaks. Their union is a step toward reconciliation. So if there's a murder at the wedding... Not only will it stall the peace process - it will send shockwaves throughout the entire Empire. The Emperor's hand will be forced. He'll have to travel to Skyrim to deal with the aftermath... and he'll find the Dark Brotherhood waiting."
(?)
"He had a trip to Skyrim planned for months, and canceled at the last minute. Much to his cousin's dismay. Seems the Emperor realized his presence would necessitate a more direct role in the ongoing hostilities. A role he was, obviously, unwilling to take. All that will change with his cousin's murder. Everyone will think it was motivated by the conflict between the Imperial Legion and Stormcloaks. And the Emperor will be forced to come clean up the mess."

Bound Until Death[edit]

Upon your arrival back to the Sanctuary, Astrid will rejoice in the deed: "Haha! The news is everywhere! Vittoria Vici, the Emperor's cousin, butchered at her own wedding! Let's see his eminence try to ignore this." When spoken to again, she will then congratulate you on your success: "With Vici's murder, you've started us down a path the Dark Brotherhood hasn't traveled in centuries. The assassination of an Emperor. And now, your reward. A unique spell to summon a legend of the Dark Brotherhood. His soul serves us now in death, as his body once did in life". This spell will allow you to summon the spectral assassin, a powerful spirit to fight by your side. Depending on whether you fulfilled the bonus requirements, she will also give you a leveled amount of gold. Astrid will then carry on: "Now then. Time to proceed to the next stage of the plan. Go and speak with Gabriella. She's been helping me arrange your next contract." Approaching her again, she will tell you: "As I said, go speak with Gabriella. She's been assisting me with your next contract. This Emperor business, well... it does involve everyone."

The Cure for Madness[edit]

"We've got bigger problems right now!"

When you return to the Sanctuary after completing Breaching Security, Gabriella will inform you upon your arrival that an incident occurred involving Cicero and directs you to speak to Astrid, who can be found in the main chamber. When you enter, you will find that Veezara has been injured, and Astrid will begin to speak to you when you approach:

"Maro is dead, I know. But we've got bigger problems right now!"
Gabriella mentioned something about Cicero...
"The fool went absolutely berserk! He wounded Veezara, tried to kill me, and then he fled. I knew that lunatic couldn't be trusted."

The other members of the Family will briefly recount what happened, before Astrid talks to you again:

"Look, we've got to deal with this situation. You've got to deal with this situation."
What do you want me to do?
"I want you to find that miserable little fool and end his life! But first... find my husband. Make sure he's all right. After the attack, Arnbjorn flew into a rage. When Cicero left... Arnbjorn went after him. They disappeared into the wild. Search Cicero's room. Maybe there's something in there that sheds some light on where he might have gone. Let me know the minute you find something. I've got to see to Veezara, and calm everyone down."

If you ask her if something set Cicero off, Astrid will explain:

"No, nothing. At least nothing I'm aware of. Well... If I'm being honest, I haven't exactly been discreet lately in expressing my frustration with this whole situation. Obeying the Night Mother. You being the Listener. It's ridiculous. No offense. Cicero may have overheard me talking to one of the others about the Night Mother. It's possible I was... not entirely respectful. But to go this far. To attempt to murder the leader of a Sanctuary. Cicero must pay with his life. There is no other option."
(?)
"Look, the Dark Brotherhood is a family. This Sanctuary is a family. And, we've always welcomed those... shunned by society. Werewolves, wizards, eternal ten year-old vampires... what does it matter? In truth, I've rarely met a lunatic I haven't liked. Cicero's problem isn't his madness. It's an adherence to an ancient, outmoded way of life. The Night Mother's ways... simply are not our ways. He just couldn't accept that. And now he'll have to pay the price."

Once you have found Cicero's journal and have reported back to Astrid on his whereabouts, she will remark: "The Dawnstar Sanctuary? Whatever for? Never mind, it doesn't matter. You need to leave. Now. Every moment counts, so I want you to take my horse. His name is Shadowmere. You'll find him outside, by the pool. Let's just say he's... one of us. Take my horse, Shadowmere. You'll find him outside, by the pool. He'll speed your passage to Dawnstar. Find Arnbjorn. Make sure my husband's all right. And then, send that jester's twisted little soul to the Void, in as many pieces as possible."

She now dismisses you to go and find Arnbjorn and Cicero at the Dawnstar Sanctuary.

If you approach her anytime afterwards, she will only say: "What are you waiting for? My husband is out there somewhere with that lunatic. Find them! Do what you've been tasked to do!"

Whether you chose to let Cicero live or not during the quest The Cure for Madness, you are to return to the Sanctuary. Astrid will begin speaking to you upon your return. If you have killed Cicero:

"Arnbjorn is safe, and for that you have my thanks. But what of the fool? Is Cicero dead?"
Yes, Cicero is dead.

If you have chosen to spare Cicero, you will instead get the dialogue option:

Yes, Cicero is dead. (Lie)
"Excellent. Once again, you've proven yourself a born assassin. Tell you what. Why don't you hold onto Shadowmere a while longer? He's a fine steed, and hasn't been ridden nearly as much as he should lately. And now that this Cicero mess has been mopped up, we can get back to the matter at hand, hmm?"
Right. So what's my next task?
"There's just one more target before we strike out at the Emperor. Have you by chance heard of the "Gourmet"? Read his cookbook? It's become quite a phenomenon. The Gourmet is scheduled to cook for the Emperor at a special dinner. You'll kill him, steal his Writ of Passage, and assume the roll [sic] of master chef. Festus has been spearheading this part of the assassination plan. He's close to uncovering the identity of the Gourmet. You should report to him."

To Kill an Empire[edit]

Once you've completed the quest Recipe for Disaster, Astrid will commend you on your success:

"So it's done. You've killed the Gourmet. And now Titus Mede II is as good as dead." Asking if the Brotherhood is ready to assassinate the Emperor, she will say:
So it's time? We're ready to assassinate the Emperor?
"Oh yes. And I've decided you will have the honor."
I won't disappoint you, Astrid. Or the Dark Brotherhood.
"Oh, I have the utmost faith in your success, believe me. So let's begin."
The Emperor will die! For Sithis and the Night Mother!
"Yes. For Sithis... and the Night Mother. You are the Listener after all, hmm? So let's not waste any more time."
(Remain silent)
"Hmph. Look at you. So calm. So confident. I do believe you were born for this task. So let's begin."

Either choice will have her following up with:

"Go now to Castle Dour in Solitude. Present the Gourmet's Writ of Passage to the officer in charge, Commander Maro. I'm sure you remember him. You'll gain unrestricted access to the kitchens, and then the Emperor. You're posing as a chef, so you'll be able to poison his meal rather easily."
Which poison I should use?
"Here, take this - it's called jarrin root. All it takes is one taste, and the effects are quite immediate. The Emperor will be serving Sithis before he even knows he's dead. Once Mede has been killed, escape through the upper door, and across the bridge. I've "arranged" for it to be unguarded once the alarm is sounded. Now go, my friend. Go, and fulfill your destiny as Listener."

Talking to her again yields the following dialogue:

What else can you tell me about jarrin root?
"It's a rare plant, found only on the island of Stros M'Kai. It can be served like any vegetable - cut up, put in a salad, perhaps boiled in a stew. One taste will lead to nearly instant death, so don't even think about it."
Anything else before I set off?
"It took all the favors, bribes, and blackmails I could muster, but I've secured your exit out of the keep. Just follow my instructions, and the Dark Brotherhood will be back on top. All thanks to you... Listener."

If you have sided with the Stormcloaks and begun the Battle for Solitude, Astrid will refuse to talk to you, and the Dark Brotherhood questline will effectively be put on hold until you have completed the Liberation of Skyrim:

"You! You're responsible for the siege of Solitude! By Sithis, this undermines all our plans! Fool! Finish that mess, and only then will we speak!"

Death Incarnate[edit]

"You must kill... me."

Upon your arrival back to the Sanctuary after To Kill an Empire, you will find several Penitus Oculatus agents attacking the Sanctuary and the remaining members of the Brotherhood. Once you've cleared out the Sanctuary and emerge from the Night Mother's coffin, the Night Mother will tell you that you must speak to Astrid within the Sanctuary. Once you find Astrid, burnt and immobilized on the floor, she will remark:

"Alive.... You're alive... Thank Sithis..."
Astrid...
"Ssshhh.... Please. There is much... I have to say. And... not much time... I'm sorry. So very sorry. The Penitus Oculatus... Maro... He said that by giving you to them, he would leave the Dark Brotherhood alone. Forever. By Sithis, I was such a fool. All of this... it's all my fault. You are the best of us, and I nearly killed you... as I've killed everyone else..."
You... sent me to die? Traitor!
"Yes. I set you up. I wanted you dead. I betrayed you, the Night Mother, and everything I hold dear. And now Maro has betrayed me. I just wanted things... to stay the way they were. Before Cicero, before the Night Mother. Before... you. I thought I could save us. I was wrong. But you're alive! So there's still a chance. A chance to start over, rebuild. That's why I did... this. Don't you see? I prayed to the Night Mother! I am the Black Sacrament."
You will be judged by Sithis in the Void. I pity you.
"No! Don't pity me. I deserve whatever fate the Dread Lord has in store. I betrayed you... and now Maro has betrayed me. Fitting... I just wanted things... to stay the way they were. Before Cicero, before the Night Mother. Before... you. I thought I could save us. I was wrong. But you're alive! So there's still a chance. A chance to start over, rebuild. That's why I did... this. Don't you see? I prayed to the Night Mother! I am the Black Sacrament."
(Remain silent)
"Don't you see? It was me. I set you up, wanted you dead. I betrayed you, the Night Mother... everything I hold dear. And now Maro has betrayed me. I just wanted things... to stay the way they were. Before Cicero, before the Night Mother. Before... you. I thought I could save us. I was wrong. But you're alive! So there's still a chance. A chance to start over, rebuild. That's why I did... this. Don't you see? I prayed to the Night Mother! I am the Black Sacrament."

All dialogue options will lead to:

What are you saying?
"I'm saying you were right. The Night Mother was right. The old ways... they guided the Dark Brotherhood for centuries. I was a fool to oppose them, And to prove my... sincerity, I have prayed for a contract. You lead this Family now. I give you the Blade of Woe, so that you can see it through. You must kill... me."

After you kill Astrid, her last words are:

"Uhh.. thank you..."

Unused Dialogue[edit]

Originally, Astrid was supposed to brief you herself during Breaching Security, she instead sends you over to Gabriella in the final game.

Give me the details.
"With the Emperor's arrival in Skyrim now a certainty, the Imperial Legion will need to begin its preparations immediately. Security is being handled by a man named Voltus Agallon. His job is to travel throughout Skyrim, and ensure each city is prepared for Mede's visit. You must find and kill Voltus Agallon. Doing so will disrupt security sufficiently that we will be able to, eventually, get to to the Emperor."
What else do I need to know?
"Agallon is an efficient man, and will certainly already have begun his tour of Skyrim. Unfortunately, we don't have his schedule. So, you've got two options. Try to find Agallon yourself, somewhere on his route between the major cities. Or... find and steal his schedule. You'll find that in his office, in the Legion stronghold of Dragon Bridge. It's your choice. Now go, and may Sithis speed you."

Notes[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.uesp.net/w/index.php?title=Skyrim:Astrid&oldid=3164876"