Why, Bethesda?

[Hyder]

Earlier today, I finished the Dark Brotherhood questline. I would have thought it perfect were it not for the utterly enraging turnout of 'To Kill An Empire'.

Spoiler:

I mean seriously, why must all the Family members, save two, (or three, if counting Astrid), have to die!? One of my favourite things about the Brotherhood are the characters and their personalities. Oblivion did well in that respect, but I feel Skyrim truly accompished it. So why? Why the hell must Bethesda go and kill them all off, leaving some boring little vampire girl, and Three-Dog the Redguard? A bloodthirsty Werewolf? Dead. Alledgedly the last Shadowscale? Dead too. That's just to name my favourites, but the others - Festus, Gabriella and Astrid - they were also awesome characters. Cicero, although he doesn't die then, is also an exciting and unique addition to the family, who in the end you have to kill yourself- although I was glad to do so, after he wounded the Shadowscale. Then we're left with the most boring, dull and allround pathetic 'Dark Brotherhood Initiates'. WHY? WHY!? I must have been cursing for hours. The Sanctuary is completely lifeless. The Dark Brotherhood is ruined yet again. I just cannot see why Bethesda would make the same damned mistake again... For me, extra contracts and assignments don't cut it. If I had to chose between more assassinations, or the Family members to survive, I would choose the latter in an instant.

Perhaps you guys think I'm overreacting, but this just annoyed me so... so much... The very fact I took the time to share my irritation here at least says something. But for those who have also completed the Brotherhood, what are your thoughts?

[Sloady]

Earlier today, I finished the Dark Brotherhood questline. I would have thought it perfect were it not for the utterly enraging turnout of 'To Kill An Empire'.

Spoiler:

I mean seriously, why must all the Family members, save two, (or three, if counting Astrid), have to die!? One of my favourite things about the Brotherhood are the characters and their personalities. Oblivion did well in that respect, but I feel Skyrim truly accompished it. So why? Why the hell must Bethesda go and kill them all off, leaving some boring little vampire girl, and Three-Dog the Redguard? A bloodthirsty Werewolf? Dead. Alledgedly the last Shadowscale? Dead too. That's just to name my favourites, but the others - Festus, Gabriella and Astrid - they were also awesome characters. Cicero, although he doesn't die then, is also an exciting and unique addition to the family, who in the end you have to kill yourself- although I was glad to do so, after he wounded the Shadowscale. Then we're left with the most boring, dull and allround pathetic 'Dark Brotherhood Initiates'. WHY? WHY!? I must have been cursing for hours. The Sanctuary is completely lifeless. The Dark Brotherhood is ruined yet again. I just cannot see why Bethesda would make the same damned mistake again... For me, extra contracts and assignments don't cut it. If I had to chose between more assassinations, or the Family members to survive, I would choose the latter in an instant.

Perhaps you guys think I'm overreacting, but this just annoyed me so... so much... The very fact I took the time to share my irritation here at least says something. But for those who have also completed the Brotherhood, what are your thoughts?

Spoiler:

I stood over Astrid's soon to be corpse for what seemed like forever, trying to convince myself to kill her. I loved them all dearly - they truly were my family. It was gut wrenching seeing them die - but it brought home a single message. Serve the Night Mother. And while I HATE not having my family... as a plot device... it was a good one.

[Warwolf Dash]

i completely agree with this. i felt true kinship with aforementioned shadowscale. i was Angry to no extent, and i wanted to smack whoever thought that up in the face. i actually stopped continuing for a while because i couldnt come to terms with it!

[OblivionDuruza]

Nah, I agree with NightFather, it is always a good plot device to

Spoiler:

kill off characters

I think it really highlights the desperation of the Brotherhood. What with the Skyrim chapter being the last in Tamriel, and the PC basically

Spoiler:

having to rebuild the entire Brotherhood from the ground up.

[Modryn]

Spoiler:

You don't have to kill Cicero, you have a choice to kill him or spare him. If you do spare him he'll return at the end and join you.

Other then that I actually like Nazir, so glad he survived at least. Babette... meh, amusing at times. Astrid, tbh, the fact she betrayed me made it easy for me to kill her, she was rather selfish. As for the others, I honestly did not get to know them that well, so I easily dismissed them. Guess I accept things a bit easier then most people. :\

[adamly]

I 'm sad that i rushed through the brotherhood because it was first questline i did. Because i went so fast, i did not bond with any of the characters so i was not sad when they died.

[dubq]

I kinda saw it coming.. But it was still great.

[CriminalScum]

I saw it coming as well. You could kinda feel it.

Spoiler:

I'm just upset the Shadowscale had to die, he was awesome. Same as the one from Oblivion they are both bros

[OblivionDuruza]

Of course it was expected, maybe even only subconsciously.

Spoiler:

The exact same thing ahppened in Oblivion you have to remember. Only the PC, Arquen and some initiates remain.

[ThE cHoSeN oNe LDB3]

I miss the family members but its a good plot twist.

[ArgonianDunmer]

I loved it this time, it's like Bethesda actually listened to me.

Spoiler:

I was able to finally destroy the Dark Brotherhood once and for all!