How Does Cicero Compare to Other Followers in Skyrim?
Cicero is among the best companions in Skyrim. As an assassin, he boasts incredibly high stats and possesses one of the most well-developed personalities in the game. While he does technically betray the Dark Brotherhood, if you’re willing to let bygones be bygones, having him as a follower is worthwhile. He’s known for being a great fighter, but he’s an even better character. His humor can brighten your darkest dungeon adventures.
In contrast, J’Zargo is a Khajiit mage d with the College of Winterhold. He has one of the highest magic skills in the game and a maxed-out Destruction stat. Despite having the highest HP stat among all companions, it’s peculiar, especially when you compare him to tanks like Farkas and Frea. He tends to use only Apprentice level spells, which can be a drawback, but he remains powerful and a great character.
Aela the Huntress is another noteworthy archer located in Jorrvaskr, the Companions’ stronghold. Aela is excellent at ranged combat, working best with players who engage in close-range brawls. If you’re a ranged player, you might find the synergy lacking as she’ll bombard from a distance while you take the hits.
Vilkas and Farkas, also from Jorrvaskr, share similar fighting styles as strong Nord warriors. They excel in close-quarters combat, making them fantastic partners if you prefer to attack head-on. When combined with ranged players like Aela, or even with sneaky characters, both can effectively take down numerous enemies together.
Followers in Skyrim, including Cicero, serve as companions to the Dragonborn — they fight, carry items, and provide unique interactions. Notably, Cicero is essential if spared during “The Cure for Madness”— meaning he cannot be killed except by poison, granting significant strategic advantage in tough battles.
Combat morale varies greatly among followers; while most, such as Housecarls and Dark Brotherhood , will fight to the death, others like Cicero may flee when heavily injured. However, essential followers like Cicero remain invaluable since they cannot die, making them prime choices for difficult encounters.
Moreover, Cicero’s unique character and backstory differ from typical followers. His quirks can lead to unexpected behaviors, such as singing or conversing with himself, adding a unique dimension to his companionship compared to more straightforward followers.
With excellent skills in Archery, Sneak, and One-Handed combat, Cicero excels as a follower for stealth-oriented builds. He is especially fitting for players envisioning a “mad” character, standing out with superior stats compared to other followers. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that not everyone appreciates his eccentricities.
What Makes Cicero a Unique Companion?
Cicero’s philosophy offers profound insights into the nature of friendship, particularly highlighting the qualities that make Cicero a unique companion. Central to his understanding is loyalty, which he identifies as the foundation of stability and constancy in relationships. He states:
- “Nothing can be stable that is disloyal.”
- Therefore, it is essential to choose friends who possess honesty, sociability, and sympathy, as these attributes contribute to loyalty between individuals.
Moreover, Cicero emphasizes the characteristics that define a true friend:
- Virtue: It is important for friends to embody moral goodness, as only good people can form true friendships.
- Trust: Friendship requires a solid foundation of trust, which is undermined by any disloyalty.
- Mutual respect: Friends should have a deep respect for one another, fostering an environment where each person can be candid.
- Shared commitment to ethical principles: True friends are united by a commitment to virtuous living.
In additional reflections, Cicero notes:
- A friend should neither take pleasure in bringing accusations against you nor believe them when made by others, reinforcing the need for steadfastness.
- He further asserts that true friendship cannot exist except among good men. This includes a rejection of feigning or hypocrisy.
- Friends will always tell you what you need to hear rather than merely what you want to hear. Thus, being a good person yourself requires you to listen to your friends and welcome their insights.
Cicero captures the essence of friendship with the notion that:
- “The reward of friendship is friendship itself.”
- This reflects the idea that while practical advantages exist—such as advice, companionship, and in difficulty—the core of true friendship transcends transactional relations.
Overall, Cicero’s exploration of friendship serves as a philosophical guide, encouraging individuals to reflect on their relationships and the qualities that define true companionship. Through his insights, he reinforces the crucial role of loyalty in maintaining trust and harmony among friends.
Is Cicero the Ideal Follower for Stealth Playstyles?
Cicero provides an exceptional mix of concealment and amusement as your companion in the dim recesses of Skyrim. This lethal member of the Dark Brotherhood possesses nimble abilities that render him almost invisible. His bizarre banter might be entertaining or annoying, depending on your taste. However, his prowess in battle and stealth is undeniable. Accept his lunacy, and you’ll have an ally whose blades are as keen as his humor.
In of stealth effectiveness, Cicero’s attributes include:
- Expert-level concealment, allowing him to remain unseen and attack quietly.
- The ability to wield two weapons at once.
- Nimbleness and skillful application of toxins, making him an effective ally in stealth playstyles.
Specifically, Cicero possesses excellent skills in:
- Archery
- Sneak
- One-Handed
These proficiencies make him a valuable companion for stealthy gameplay. He can effectively engage in ranged combat, navigate through stealth encounters, and excel in close-quarters combat with one-handed weapons. Notably, he is highly skilled at sneaking, which is among the game’s most overpowered mechanics. In fact, he can achieve maximum sneak and can be ordered to assassinate almost any humanoid target.
However, it is worth mentioning that Cicero is chatty. Although he won’t alert enemies with his chatter, he can rush in and potentially disrupt stealth. Thus, while he is a good follower, he may not be ideal for all stealth playstyles.
